Inner Mongolia Hidden Gems｜3-Day Xilinhot Itinerary, Turning the Grassland into Poetry

Inner Mongolia Hidden Gems｜3-Day Xilinhot Itinerary, Turning the Grassland into Poetry Who says the grassland is only for horseback riding? Xilinhot hides so many surprises—the herders' secret wildflower slopes, a lake where you can chase the Milky Way, roast lamb legs bigger than your face… This guide helps you avoid the crowds and unlock the true romance of the grassland～ 🚗 Transportation Guide - Plane: Direct flights from Beijing/Hohhot to Xilinhot Airport (1.5h), taxi from airport to city center costs 20 RMB - Self-drive: From Beijing take Jingzang Expressway → Xizhang Expressway, 6.5h direct, passing the Grassland Sky Road where every snapshot looks like a Windows desktop - City transport: Taxi starting fare 7 RMB, for the grassland it’s recommended to rent a car with driver (200 RMB/day, driver also acts as a reliable guide) 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - 🌟 Muyun Homestay: Mongolian yurt homestay on the city outskirts, lie on the kang bed at night and watch the stars, the owner grills milk tofu as a late-night snack - 🌟 Xilingol Hotel: Established hotel, with a morning market downstairs where you can buy freshly squeezed pure milk (5 RMB/bag, irresistibly fragrant) - Avoid: Don’t stay in Mongolian yurts inside scenic areas, severe price surges in peak season and average hygiene 🌿 3-Day Highlight Route Day 1: Frolic on the Grassland → Chase the Sunset at the Lake - Morning: Beizi Temple Square (free) First visit the temple to see Tibetan-style architecture, the old lama by the prayer wheel will greet you in Mongolian. Remember to walk clockwise around the ovoo three times and stack a stone to make a wish - Noon: Traditional Erdun hotpot, fresh hand-cut lamb cooked in 8 seconds, dipped in sesame sauce with sand scallion side dish, so delicious you’ll lick the bowl - Afternoon: Baiyin Xile Grassland (20 RMB entrance fee) Rent an ATV (150 RMB/hour) to rush up the slopes, when the wind messes your hair, your view is only endless green and flowing clouds. Find a wildflower slope to lie down, dandelion parachutes will fall on your face - Evening: Duolun Lake for sunset, the lake surface looks like a road paved with broken gold, the afterglow dyes the distant windmills orange, your phone’s camera will capture stunning shots straight out of the box Day 2: Experience Herders’ Life → Star Photography - Morning: Follow herders to Huanghuagou to herd cattle and sheep, learn to milk cows (wear long sleeves, cow hair can itch), and pick mushrooms (the owner says yellow mushrooms stir-fried with meat are the best) - Noon: Eat hand-pulled meat at herders’ home, cut with a small knife, paired with sand scallion sauce to cut the grease, finish with a bowl of brick tea, warming to the heart - Afternoon: Visit Xilin Nine Bends to see the river bend, flying a drone reveals the river like a silver ribbon winding through the grassland, on cloudy days the water turns blue like a huge sapphire - Evening: Camp on the grassland (tents can be rented from homestays), after 10 PM the Milky Way spreads across the sky, stars so dense it looks like salt sprinkled, long exposure on your phone can capture star trails 🍢 Must-Try List - Roast Lamb Leg: Freshly roasted lamb leg from “Grassland Wolf BBQ,” crispy outside and tender inside, paired with cold beer, every bite is pure satisfaction - Milk Cheese Snack: Herders’ homemade yogurt cheese mixed with fried rice, tangy and chewy, like grassland-style yogurt cereal - Sand Scallion Buns: Thin skin and full filling, the fresh aroma of sand scallion mixed with lamb flavor, 3 for 10 RMB, perfect for breakfast - Mare’s Milk Wine: Low alcohol content, slightly sour and strong, a sip tastes like drinking the wind of the grassland ⚠️ Notes 1. UV rays are very strong on the grassland from June to August! Full set of sunscreen + hat + sunglasses is a must, or you’ll get sunburned and peel 2. The grassland has a 15℃+ temperature difference between day and night, wear short sleeves at noon but put on a jacket in the evening, don’t wear sandals (there are small stones in the grass) 3. Respect customs: don’t step on ovoos casually, don’t touch herders’ horses’ heads, always ask before taking photos 4. Always take your trash with you! There are no trash bins on the grassland, protecting this green land is the best way to travel In Xilinhot, time slows down—watch clouds drift one after another, listen to the sound of wind brushing the grass tips, the most healing scenery is really far away～