We set off from our hotel in Datong just after 8.00 for over 4 hours’ drive to Xilamuren Grassland. We had lunch just outside Baotou before we were taken to Darhan Muminggan Theme Park on the on the Xilamuren Prairie. We saw a live performance demonstrating horsemanship through a story though I couldn’t understand a word!
Our accommodation for the night was a traditional quirky yurt with modern facilities.
Xilamuren Grassland Guleyan ParkXilamuren Grassland Guleyan Park – restaurant
Mongolian yurt at Xilamuren Grassland Guleyan ParkInside the Mongolian yurtXilamuren Grassland Guleyan Park
Xiangshawan Tourist Area(響沙灣)
We had a long drive, nearly 4 hours, to Dalad Xiangshawan Tourist Area in Kubuqi Desert. I had a fun filled afternoon, and my favourite activity was the camel ride!
XiangshawanXiangshawanXiangshawanXiangshawan
Genghis Khan Mausoleum
The mausoleum covers an area of about 5.5 hectares and looked particularly spectacular under the bright blue sky. It’s dedicated to Genghis Khan, where he is worshipped as ancestor, dynastic founder, and deity, though it has never contained Khan’s body.
It was ridiculed a “ghost city” in 2000 as nobody lived there. Nowadays it’s referred to as a “garden-style” boutique city, with seven iconic buildings such as the Grand Theatre, Museum, and Library all with unique designs framed by beautiful gardens.
Dazhao Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Hohhot. It’s the oldest and largest temple in the city
Dazhao Wuliang Temple
Dazhao Wuliang TempleDazhao Wuliang Temple
Dazhao Wuliang Temple
Saishang Old Street
For our last shopping opportunity in Inner Mongolia, we were taken to Saishang Old Street. It’s the most popular and busy commercial street in the city of Hohhot, set in the heart of the city. Built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this 380-metre-long street is one of the oldest roads in the city featuring architectural styles spanning several dynasties. It has been considered a landmark for old memories for over 400 years.
Saishang Old Street Saishang Old Street Saishang Old Street
Saishang Old Street
Inner Mongolia Museum
We were lucky to be able to visit the new relocated Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot that was only opened on 20 June 2025. It’s a vast imposing modern building showcasing over 3,000 artefacts and regional culture.
Our final destination in Inner Mongolia was Wulanhada Volcano Geopark. It’s a stunning landscape of over 30 extinct grassland volcanoes, offering unique Martian-like scenery. It’s popular spot for hiking, photography, and camping. Some people actually rented astronaut suits for memorable photos!
Inner Mongolia is an incredible place and it’s one of my more memorable trips with lots of pleasant memories!
Wulanhada Volcano Genghis Khan Mausoleum
Notes: I first posted my blog on Inner Mongolia at the beginning of October 2025 and I even sent the link to my friends. However, it mysteriously disappeared, so I’m reposting the blog, hoping that it won’t vanish again!
