2025 Taibus Banner Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

🍃In late April, Xilingol League's grasslands turn green again, apricot blossoms bloom, and the poetic spring landscape of the prairie gradually unfolds. 🌼Xilingol will become increasingly beautiful in the coming months, with flowers blooming in succession across the grasslands until midsummer, offering flower seas to admire every month. 👇This spring and summer, let's follow the grassland flower season through Xilingol. The flower viewing guide is now available—save it for your trip! - 📸Apricot Blossoms 🕛️Best viewing period: Late April to mid-May Best location: Xingfu Township, Taipusi Banner Every year in late April, thousands of acres of apricot groves burst into bloom in Xingfu Township of Taipusi Banner. Pink and white apricot blossoms cover the hillsides in an endless display. The annual Taipusi Banner Apricot Blossom Festival accompanies this natural spectacle, where visitors can hike or cycle through the flowering groves, enjoy beautiful scenery, take stunning photos, experience folk culture, and taste delicious local food. 🔹Other recommended attractions in Taipusi Banner Taipusi Imperial Horse Farm Tourism Area, Taipusi Border Wall Village, Shitiao Mountain, etc. - 📸Iris Flowers 🕛️Best viewing period: Late May to early June Best location: Ujumqin Grassland, West Ujumqin Banner When iris flowers bloom, it signals the arrival of early summer on the great grasslands. Also called "malan," these blue-purple flowers are vibrant and dreamlike, blooming freely across the Ujumqin Grassland, known as the "Heavenly Grassland." The sight is breathtakingly beautiful! 🔹Other recommended attractions in West Ujumqin Banner Wulan Wutai Scenic Area, Mongol Khan City, Genghis Khan Lookout Mountain, etc. - 📸Peony Flowers 🕛️Best viewing period: Mid-June to early July Best location: Peony Valley Scenic Area Peony Valley Scenic Area is located 20 kilometers north of Hesige Wula Pasture in Urad Management District, covering approximately 2,600 acres. Around mid-June each year, fields of wild peonies bloom across the grasslands. Pink and white flowers sway in the gentle breeze, bright and charming, attracting bees and butterflies in a vibrant, intoxicating scene! 🔹Other recommended attractions in Urad Management District Urad Nine Bends, Wolf Valley, Urad Lake, Bulin Spring, etc. - 📸Lilium Flowers 🕛️Best viewing period: Late June to early August Best location: Gongbao Lage Grassland, Taipusi Banner The flower sung about in the well-known song "Mountain Lilies Blooming Red" is the lilium flower, also called "shandan" or "shandandan." These flowers are known for their fiery appearance with bright red blossoms that catch the eye. From late June, you can admire them on the Gongbao Lage Grassland. Looking out across the landscape, these red flowers dot the emerald grasslands, creating a striking color contrast that's particularly eye-catching. 🔹Other recommended attractions in Taipusi Banner Taipusi Imperial Horse Farm, Wolf Tribe, Herdsman's Home, etc. - 📸Fireweed 🕛️Best viewing period: June to August Best location: Willow Orchid Valley, Xilinhot City In the height of summer in Xilinhot, fireweed blooms in dreamy purple seas that dazzle the eye. In the Huitengxile Natural Plant Garden of Xilinhot, you can admire vast fields of fireweed. The windmills surrounding the flower fields create a fairy-tale-like scene. Wandering through the purple flower sea bathed in the evening sunset glow feels like stepping into an animated world—every photo looks amazing! 🔹Other recommended attractions in Xilinhot City Xilingol Great Grassland, Beizi Temple, Pingding Mountain Volcano Group, Xilin Nine Bends, etc. - 📸Golden Lotus 🕛️Best viewing period: Mid-July to early August Best location: Golden Lotus River Grassland, Zhenglan Banner In July, golden lotus flowers take center stage on the Golden Lotus River Grassland. The golden blossoms open under the bright summer sun, and from a distance, they appear like a golden ocean stretching endlessly. Together with the rich vegetation of the grasslands, the meandering Lightning River, and scattered cattle and sheep, they form a splendid, colorful panorama. 🔹Other recommended attractions in Zhenglan Banner Xanadu Ruins, Little Zagastai Lake, Hunshandake Tourism Area. - 📝Tips 🚘Transportation recommendation: Self-driving 😋Food recommendations: Whole roasted lamb, hand-held meat, hot pot lamb, air-dried meat, stone-grilled meat, butter rolls, oat noodles, Xilingol morning tea, milk skin, cheese, mare's milk wine, etc. - 🌺With April half gone, while southern regions are trending toward summer, Xilingol is just entering spring with its pure spring colors. This spring and summer, find a few sunny days, gather some friends, and embark on a grassland flower-viewing journey! Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia

🌧️ As the saying goes, "Rain gives birth to a hundred grains." Rain nourishes the earth, and as crops begin to grow, the thousands of acres of apricot blossoms in Taipusi Banner, Xilingol League, are also in full bloom. 🌼 Although "Grain Rain arrives, and spring is about to pass," spring has arrived late in Taipusi Banner, located in the north. Right now, spring is at its peak, and migratory birds are returning north. It's the perfect time for a [Encounter Migratory Birds and Blooming Spring Journey]. 👇 Here's a spring itinerary for you, where you can enjoy flowers, watch birds, experience folk customs, and savor delicious food! - 📌 [Encounter Migratory Birds and Blooming Spring Journey] Guide Location: Taipusi Banner 🗓️ Best time to travel: April and May 🚗 Recommended transportation: Self-driving 🔎 Recommended itinerary Day 1️⃣ 🕛️ Morning: Visit the 10,000-mu apricot blossom forest in Xingfu Township, Taipusi Banner At the end of April, the 10,000-mu apricot forest in Xingfu Township comes into bloom. Apricot blossoms, white as snow and pink as clouds, cover the mountains and plains, marking the arrival of the Taipusi Banner Apricot Blossom Season, and various cultural and tourism activities will follow. Visitors can hike or cycle through the apricot blossom forest, enjoy the flowers, take photos, and more. 🕛️ Noon: Taste farmhouse cuisine Enjoy lunch at Liu Family Courtyard or Zhang Family Courtyard and savor local farmhouse specialties. 🕛️ Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Horse Ranch Tourist Area in Taipusi Banner This tourist area is the perfect place to experience Mongolian horse culture. The scenic area features a horse culture club, a viewing platform, a bonfire square, chariot-style yurts, the Imperial Horse Hotel, and more. Dozens of world-famous horse breeds are raised here. Visitors can experience horseback riding, watch horse racing, learn about horse culture, and more. 🌙 Evening: Check in to a hotel in the Imperial Horse Ranch Tourist Area or a hotel in Baochang Town. - Day 2️⃣ 🕛️ Morning: Experience nomadic life Visit the herder communities of Qianwayao, Haxiatu, and Bao'enben Gacha in Gongbaolage Sumu for an in-depth experience of the grassland folk culture of Taipusi Banner. Enjoy the sea of grassland flowers and take photos. Have lunch at a nomadic settlement, taste authentic Mongolian cuisine, and experience the life of herders. 🕛️ Afternoon: Visit Bianqiang Village Bianqiang Village is a "National Key Rural Tourism Village." The village features a wetland park, a Bashang agricultural customs cultural courtyard, the Xishan water system park, a sea of peonies, a four-season greenhouse picking shed, a folk museum, characteristic homestays, and more. You can experience Bashang farming culture, participate in folk activities, pick spring fruits, and go camping. 🕛️ Evening: Enjoy a farmhouse meal Savor farmhouse dishes at a farmhouse restaurant in Bianqiang Village or Yongjiu Village. 🌙 Night: Check in to a characteristic homestay in the village and experience the tranquility and peace of the grassland countryside at night. - 📝Tips 🥢 Food recommendations ✔️ Authentic Mongolian cuisine: Roasted whole lamb, roasted lamb leg, roasted lamb chops, grilled fresh meat skewers, hand-pulled meat, lamb offal, air-dried meat, sauced beef ribs, sauced beef bones, fried liver with oil, various dairy products, milk tea, etc. ✔️ Farmhouse specialties: Handmade oat noodles, cold mixed potato noodles, farmhouse mixed vegetables, beef stew with potatoes, stewed free-range chicken, stir-fried shredded potatoes, stir-fried potato strips with bok choy, fried eggs, hotchpotch, stir-fried shredded meat with celery, stir-fried tomatoes and eggs, boiled eggs, homemade pancakes, fried cakes, fried dough twists, etc. 🛍️ Souvenir recommendations Grassland series liquor, winner of the "Panama International Gold Award"; Hongjingyuan flaxseed oil, winner of the "China Oil Expo" gold award; Oat noodles and eggs, included in the "National Famous, Special, and Excellent New Agricultural Products" list; Quinoa, awarded the "National Geographical Indication," etc. ⛺️ Homestay recommendations Taipusi Banner Bizhou Shengquan Resort, Taipusi Banner Taishengyuan Shepherd's Home, Taipusi Banner Xiquan Pastoral Homestay, Taipusi Banner Zhamuqin Pioneer Tribe, etc. - 🌿 Taipusi Banner boasts the vast and boundless Gongbaolage Grassland. The grassland not only has scenic spots and herders' homes but also clear lakes, which are ideal habitats for migratory birds. 📸 In addition to enjoying the flowers and homestays, visitors can stroll through the vast grassland, admire the spring scenery, and watch the migratory birds soar. Xilingol League Grassland

New Year Travel: 8-Day Tour of Chengde, Shijiazhuang, and Xilingol League. Experience the unique charm of the Lunar New Year in Northern China. Start your New Year journey now! -- 🚩Route Overview: Day 1: Departure—Home Embark on an exciting journey and start a wonderful exploration. Day 2: Historical Imprint—Zhengding Ancient City Stroll through the ancient streets and alleys and feel the vicissitudes and charm of a thousand years of history. Day 3: Tibetan Buddhist Holy Land—Putuo Zongcheng Temple Admire the magnificence of religious architecture and experience the tranquility and cleansing of the soul. Day 4: Royal Hunting Ground—Mulan Paddock Gallop across the vast grassland and feel the wildness and passion of nature. Day 5: Grassland Feast—Nadam Fair Celebrate the grassland festival, watch traditional sports competitions, and experience ethnic customs. Day 6: Cultural Treasure—Chengde Museum Explore the history and culture of Chengde and appreciate the splendor and heritage of art. Day 7: Seaside Leisure—Pigeon Nest Park Enjoy the sea breeze, admire the magnificent sea view, and feel the leisure of life. Day 8: Warm Return—Train Back Home Return home with beautiful memories and look forward to the next trip. -- Must-Visit Attractions: 🕊️Pigeon Nest Park: This is a famous sunrise viewing spot in China. Want to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and charming coastal scenery? This is the place to be! 🏰Zhengding Ancient City: Travel through a thousand years of history and feel the cultural charm of ancient relics. Stroll through the city and feel the call of the ancients. 🏯Putuo Zongcheng Temple: Known as the Little Potala Palace, this mountain-shaped castle perfectly combines magnificence and mystery. It's a must-see attraction! -- Travel Essentials: 👕 **Clothing**: Long-sleeved clothes and a lightweight down jacket to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening. 👟 **Shoes**: A pair of comfortable sneakers for long walks. 🎩 **Sun and Rain Protection**: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a lightweight umbrella for sun and rain protection. 📄 **Documents**: ID card, student ID, etc., for discounts and identity verification. 🔋 **Electronic Devices**: Mobile phone, power bank, and data cable to stay connected and take photos. 🎒 **Personal Items**: A lightweight backpack for your water bottle, common medicines, and snacks. -- 🎉We hope you have a joyful and unforgettable journey in Chengde, Shijiazhuang, and Xilingol League!

Chahar Volcano Group The Chahar Volcano Group was discovered in 2012 and last erupted 10,000 years ago. It consists of the Wulanhada Volcano Group and the Huanghuagou Volcano Group, located in Chahar Right Rear Banner and Chahar Right Middle Banner in Ulanqab, respectively. The former consists of more than 30 cone-shaped "Icelandic" volcanoes, with three volcano cones known as "Alchemy Furnaces" as the main attractions. The latter consists of a series of "ground pool" Hawaiian volcanoes, scattered across the Huitengxile Grassland along with windmills. The Wulanhada Volcano Group is located on both sides of National Highway 208. The northern Alchemy Furnace of Volcano No. 3 has a trail leading to the 30-meter-diameter crater. The middle Alchemy Furnace of Volcano No. 5 on the south side of the highway is the best-preserved, while the southern Alchemy Furnace of Volcano No. 6 has been severely damaged by mining, but this also allows for a rare view of the cone profile. The Huanghuagou Volcano Group is located at the western end of the Huitengxile Grassland. In addition to windmills, the vast grassland is also home to volcano ground pools below the surface and volcanic pumice stones scattered everywhere. If you're not a die-hard volcano fan, you can visit these ground pools and pumice stones while touring the Huanghuagou Scenic Area. Xilingol Volcano Group Xilingol is home to the most beautiful grasslands in Inner Mongolia, as well as the most unique volcanic landforms. The most accessible is Pingtou Mountain, located 30 km south of Xilinhot, the capital of the league. This mountain range, with its "flat-headed" peaks, was formed by Quaternary volcanic eruptions. The basalt mountain is covered with lush vegetation, and one of the peaks has a trail leading to the top platform. Shitiaoshan in Taibus Banner looks like a bundle of columns, but it is actually a columnar jointed volcanic rock formed by volcanic magma solidified over 200 million years ago. Abaga Banner, where the Abaga Volcano Group is located, has more than 200 basalt volcanoes, most of which are low and gentle. Chengjisibogedu Mountain is famous for its northern slope, which resembles the face of Genghis Khan. However, to see this view, it is best to move to the northeast side of the mountain. Chengjisibogedu Mountain has two other attractions: dozens of rock paintings on the western cliff and two obos on the mountain. If you happen to visit here in May of the lunar calendar, you can join the local obo worship activities. Arxan is relatively isolated, far from the main attractions of Hulunbuir. Apart from some attractions in Xing'an League, it is difficult to form a tourist route. You can take an overnight train from Shenyang to save at least one day. The Chahar Volcano Group is not far from Beijing and can be reached by car in half a day. The volcanic landscapes of Xilingol are relatively scattered and can be combined with local grassland scenic spots to form a tourist route.

🌟Highlights: Shitiao Mountain, one of the seven volcanic rock pillar groups in China, is located in Shuguang Village, Taipusi Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia. It is a basalt rock pillar formed by the magma erupted from the submarine volcano about 200 million years ago. It is about 4 hours' drive from Beijing. Shitiao Mountain has also been on the cover of National Geographic magazine in China. The ingenious workmanship of nature and the fantasy of volcanic rock pillars have made it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 📷Photo Spots: ✅Rock Pillar Group: The core landscape of Shitiao Mountain. Here you can take photos of the spectacular and peculiar rock pillar landscape. Especially at sunrise or sunset, the sun shines on the rock pillars, which is even more unique. ✅Mountain Top: Overlooking from the top of the mountain, you can see the magnificent scenery of the entire Shitiao Mountain, as well as the vast grassland and mountains in the distance. Here, you can take panoramic photos, perfectly integrating the majesty of Shitiao Mountain and the vastness of the grassland. ✅Foot of the Mountain: Near the foot of the mountain, you can find some interesting foreground elements, such as scattered boulders and lush vegetation. These elements can form an interesting contrast with the rock pillar group in the distance, adding more layers to the photos. ✅Camping⛺️: Camping in Shitiao Mountain, you can take photos of Shitiao Mountain under the starry sky, or the beautiful scenery of the first ray of morning sun shining on the rock pillars. You can bring a tripod and use a wide-angle lens to capture more details and changes in light. 🕙Opening Hours: All day 🎫Admission: Free 📍Address: Shuguang Village, Taipusi Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Shitiaoshan is located 4 kilometers northwest of Taipusiqi in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is a geological wonder formed after a volcanic eruption and is one of the seven major volcanic rock column groups in China. The vertical stone columns of Shitiaoshan stand layer upon layer, steep and towering, forming a steep cliff that is spectacular and majestic. Looking up from the foot of the mountain, the vertical stone columns stand layer upon layer, almost forming a straight line, steep and towering, which is a typical basalt column formed after a volcanic eruption. Ticket price: Free Opening hours: 0:00-24:00 Transportation information: No public transportation is available. Navigate to Taipusiqi Shitiaoshan to reach the foot of the mountain. There is about 500 meters of unpaved road in front of Shitiaoshan, but it does not affect vehicle travel.

Shitiao Mountain, also known as Dashiya, is located 4 kilometers northwest of Taibus Banner in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is a basalt column formed by the solidification of magma from underwater volcanic eruptions approximately 230 million to 67 million years ago. It is one of the seven major volcanic rock column groups in China. The August 2009 issue of 'Chinese National Geography' magazine featured Shitiao Mountain on its cover with a detailed report. Shitiao Mountain is steep and towering, majestic and spectacular. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery, giving one a sense of overlooking all other mountains and a feeling of exhilaration. Its magnificent landscape not only attracts a large number of tourists but also draws many rock climbing enthusiasts. It has abundant tourism resources and immense scientific research value, serving as a valuable carrier for researchers studying Earth's history and geological evolution. Ticket Price: Free Opening Hours: 0:00-24:00 Transportation Information: No public transportation is available. Navigate to Taibus Banner Shitiao Mountain to reach the foot of the mountain. There is about 500 meters of unpaved road before reaching Shitiao Mountain, but it does not affect vehicle travel.

Taipusiqi Cultural Square is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Yingbin Road and Baochang Road in Taipusiqi, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in front of the Taipusiqi Museum. Covering an area of about 150,000 square meters, with a total investment of 56 million yuan, it consists of three main parts: the Cultural Building Surrounding Landscape Area, the Royal Horse Culture Square Landscape Area, and the Youth Palace Surrounding Landscape Area. The square utilizes its unique geographical location at the border of Inner Mongolia and Hebei to highlight the characteristics of Mongolian nomadic culture, folk customs, Taipusiqi farming culture, and its status as a major agricultural county. The central square is designed with Mongolian cultural symbols as the paving form; the Royal Horse Culture Square is designed with elements such as royal horse reliefs, paving, and horse head decorations as symbols of royal horse culture; the Youth Palace Surrounding Landscape Area is designed with agricultural planting as the main theme, showcasing the twenty-four solar terms. It comprehensively displays the regional culture and historical connotations of Taipusiqi, harmoniously unified with the natural environment. It is a comprehensive square integrating functions such as large-scale event gathering, leisure and health, cultural display, and popular science education. The project started construction in 2010 and was put into use in 2011. The completion of the cultural square provides the public with a fully functional, beautiful, and culturally rich leisure activity venue, effectively changing the appearance of Taipusiqi towns and improving the level of urban construction. Taipusiqi Cultural Square is open to the public free of charge all year round.

Maragai Temple, also named 'Xian'an Temple,' is located in Heishatu Gacha, Gongbaolage Sumu, Taipusi Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is a Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa monastery. The temple was first built in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1695) and was completed in the 2nd year of the Yongzheng reign (1724). It was granted the name 'Xian'an Temple' by the Qing court, and the local Mongolians call it 'Maragai Temple' (which means 'Hat Temple' in Chinese). Maragai Temple has 428 registered lamas. It was the most splendid temple of the former Taipusi Left Wing Pasture. To the east of the Taipusi Left Wing Pasture is the Luotuoshanzi Temple, and to the west are the Dunda Temple and Xiaomiaozi Temple. Maragai Temple is currently under renovation and is temporarily closed to the public. Transportation Information: It is recommended to drive there.

Located 320 kilometers north of Beijing, there is a small town called Taipusi Banner. It is situated at the southernmost part of the Xilingol Grassland, one of the four greatest grasslands in the world, and serves as the starting point for the scenic drive across the thousand-mile Xilingol Grassland. With a long history, it is the hometown of the royal imperial horse culture and also one of China's top 100 'deep breath' small cities. Within the banner, Shitiaoshan is one of the seven major grassland volcanic rock pillars in China, formed by the solidification of magma from an underwater volcanic eruption approximately 230 million to 67 million years ago. There is also the only temple named after a hat and the Grassland Wolf Nature Reserve, among other attractions.

Go take a photo with the landscape that was formed 200 million years ago, it will be absolutely stunning! This stone bar looks like it's about to fall, but that's it (strong visual effect) Location: Taipusi Banner Navigate to Shitiao Mountain Shitiao Mountain (You can drive to the foot of the mountain, there are many parking spaces, but there are no clear parking lines, so you can drive closer and pay attention to potholes and stones) Tickets: Free of charge Tour time: Recommended about two hours (it takes about 30 minutes to walk along the road [it will take longer if you want to take photos!] Landscape: There is a stone mountain, and the photos and check-ins along the way are really good. There are many rocks along the way, which are also suitable for checking in and taking photos. There are gravels on the way up the mountain, so be careful! There are many, many great photo positions, and you can take great photos whether standing, sitting, or back-facing. Every shot you take will be a masterpiece. Hiking here is also a very good choice. You can bring trekking poles with you! A brief historical introduction: Shitiao Mountain is a basalt column formed by the magma condensed from the eruption of an underwater volcano about 230 million to 67 million years ago. It is one of the seven major volcanic rock column groups in China. Famous volcanic rock columns in China: Taipusi Banner, Inner Mongolia, Jimo, Shandong, Shiwudaogou, Changbai Mountain, Jilin, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, Zhalantun, Inner Mongolia, Kuandian, Liaoning, Siping, Jilin, Chicheng, Hebei, Zhangbei, Nanjing, Jiangsu] Small extension: There are large rapeseed fields at the foot of the mountain, where you can check in and take photos. Climb up high and see far. Although the road is difficult to walk along, the higher you go, the more beautiful the scenery will be! You should go up and take a look, there are vast grasslands in the distance, it’s so beautiful! There are also large fields of rapeseed flowers, and perhaps you can even meet cattle herders. Herds of cattle passing through the meadows are quite spectacular. Feeling: It turns out that beautiful scenery can only be seen by walking. You can’t get there by driving or taking a taxi. The road you walk on will definitely be more beautiful than you expected! Notice Please wear comfortable shoes when you go there, as the road is not easy to walk on. You can bring a selfie stick or a stand, which is very convenient for taking photos or group photos. The ultraviolet rays here are very strong, remember to wear sun-protective clothing or apply sunscreen, otherwise you will be severely sunburned. It really hurts (wear a hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing)

#wintergetaway

The Shitiao Mountain in Inner Mongolia Taipusi Banner is one of the seven volcanic rock pillars in China. The stone pillar is a basaltic rock pillar formed by the volcanic eruption of magma. The formation of Shitiao Mountain was about 230 million years ago. At the bottom of the ocean, because the latitude is high and the sea is cold, the lava erupted by the volcano is rapidly cooled by the seawater, forming a columnar joint (the shape of the stone). In addition to the Shizhuang Mountain itself, this hillside is also scattered with many large stones. It looks wild and mysterious. With today's rainy days, there is a feeling in Iceland. Sunset, the herdsmen rushed down the mountain from the cattle and sheep, and after a thousand years of time, there was a feeling of crossing. The other side of the Stone Mountain is a layer of farmland. The feeling of standing on the top of the mountain is also superb.