Erenhot

Site of Xanadu (Yuan Shangdu)

This ancient city ruin, famous throughout the region, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the end of June 2012. It lies about 20 km east of Dunda Hot Town (敦达浩特镇) in Zhenglan Banner. Today, the remains of the outer and inner city walls and the palace ruins within the city can still be seen, and the large blue bricks and horse-tethering posts from that era are still in place. From June to August, the grassland is at its most beautiful, and it is also the best season for Naadam festivities held by herders. The Sacred Ovoo (Aobao) Ceremony, held at 6:00 a.m., takes place near the Yuan Shangdu ruins.

2 hours

Ujimqin Grassland and Mongol Khan City

A typical representative of the Xilingol Grassland, it preserves its landscape intact and is the only area that brings together all nine grassland types of Inner Mongolia. It is considered one of the most magnificent stretches of northern China's grasslands and is often called the "Paradise Grassland." The area is also one of the Inner Mongolian regions where Mongol cultural customs are best preserved, and it has long been a prosperous home of northern nomadic peoples. It is famous as the "cradle of wrestling champions, home of Mongol long song, capital of ethnic costumes and source of nomadic culture." Mongol Khan City sits in the heart of the West Ujimqin grassland. Its layout is modelled on the Khan City where Genghis Khan was enthroned. Strolling through it, under blue skies and white clouds and a green breeze, visitors can enjoy the tranquil and beautiful grassland scenery and take part in horse riding, camel riding, ox-cart rides, archery, grassland golf and other activities, while experiencing the simple local customs.

2–3 hours

Xilingol Grassland

This is the true great grassland, stretching endlessly into the distance, with a wide variety of grassland types including meadow steppe, desert steppe and sandy pasture. It is one of China's most representative and typical temperate grasslands. It is also one of the best places to ride horses across the plains and experience nomadic culture, and the first choice for off-road trips by bicycle, motorbike or four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Pingdingshan Volcano Cluster

Located more than 20 km along the Xizhang Highway (锡张公路), this is a unique landscape formed by volcanic eruptions. Driving along the road, you will notice that nearly every summit is flat-topped, like a tabletop. Up close, the hilltops are covered with tuff blocks left behind by ancient eruptions. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the flat-topped hills is spectacular. At sunset in particular, the mountains take on shades of deep and pale red in the glow of the setting sun, like a dream.

Free · 2 hours

Ulagai Grassland

One of the best-preserved natural grasslands in the world, this is the filming location of the movie *Wolf Totem*. Beyond the rolling, unspoiled hills, be sure to follow the "Blue Wolf Road" (苍狼之路) up Khan Mountain to see the sculpture group of Mongol emperors. The statues on the summit depict two of the most iconic figures in Mongol history, Genghis Khan (Emperor Taizu of the Yuan) and Kublai Khan (Emperor Shizu of the Yuan). They are vividly rendered and well worth seeing.

1 day

Duolun Lake

Duolun Lake sits like a piece of jade set between mountains and grassland. The mountains, lake and grassland complement one another, and the natural scenery is rich and varied. Temperatures shift clearly across the four seasons, and the lake has earned the nickname "Little Jiangnan of the North." Sand, water and grass blend together, giving the feeling of having arrived at a beach.

¥40 · 3–4 hours