Major Cities:
Hohhot, Baotou, Wuhai, Hailar, Manzhouli, Tongliao, Chifeng, Jining, Erenhot, Ulanhot
The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, bordering to the north with both the Republic of
Mongolia and Russia, is the widest province in China (by its latitude). It is the third largest Chinese province (over 1.1 million square kilometers or 424,736 square miles) but not
very populated. The province has about 24 million inhabitants. Many ethnic groups are living in this area including Mongolian, Daur, Oroqen, Ewenki, Hui, Han, Korea and Manchu. Hohhot
is the capital of Inner Mongolia.
When to go
Climate in Inner Mongolia is very different during the year. Winter is cold and can be very long, with frequent
blizzards. Usually summer is short and warm. The climate changes from arid to semi-humid from west to east, and to humid in the northeast. The annual rainfall is 80 - 450 millimeters,
also increasing from west to east. The main feature of the climate here is that the different in temperature between days and nights is very big, so tourists should wear layer of
clothes when traveling here.
What to see
Inner Mongolia has a peculiar natural scenery, long history and brilliant culture. There are many historic sites in this area. Some of the key historic sites are:
Inner
Mongolia is the hometown of Genghis Khan (1162-1227), the great leader of Mongolians. His Mausoleum, located 185 kilometers (about 71 miles) south of Baotou, holds his clothing buried
in his memory.
Dazhao Temple is one of the biggest and best-preserved temples in Hohhot. Xilituzhao Palace is the largest surviving Lama temple in Hohhot.
Zhaojun Tomb, six
miles to the south of Hohhot, is located on one of the most beautiful scenes of ancient times. A legend says that each year, when it turned cold and grass became yellow, only this
tomb remained green and so it got the name Green Tomb (Qing Zhong).
But what is most attractive about Inner Mongolia is its natural beauty. Vast grasslands, including the
Xilamuren Grassland, Gegentala Grassland and Huitengxile Grassland are all good places for a grassland experience. The mushroom-like yurts, bright sky, fresh air, rolling grass and
the flocks and herds moving like white clouds on the remote grassland, all contribute to make the scenery a very relaxing one. While visiting Inner Mongolia you may try different
activities such as Mongolian wrestling, horse & camel riding, rodeo competitions, archery, visiting traditional families and enjoying the graceful Mongolian singing and dancing.
The best time to visit the grassland is definitely during the traditional Mongolian Nadam Festival period when there is a better chance to both participate and feel the lively
atmosphere of the grassland life.
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