# Chifeng travel guide (赤峰) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region · North China, China · 7 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/inner-mongolia/chifeng ## Quick itinerary - **Day 1:** Chifeng → Jiangjun Paozi (General's Lake) → Ulan Butong Grassland → Chifeng - **Day 2:** Chifeng → Gongger Grassland → Dalinor Lake (Dali Lake) → Chifeng - **Day 3:** Chifeng → Bulongke Desert → Yulong Sand Lake → Chifeng ## The feel of the place Chifeng takes its name from a red mountain peak northeast of the urban area. It was once the birthplace of the Liao state, and today visitors can still see the ruins of the Liao Upper Capital, the Liao Central Capital and the Liao Ancestral Mausoleum. Beyond its rich historical sites, Chifeng's natural scenery is equally outstanding. Gongger Grassland in Hexigten Banner is the grassland closest to Beijing. Next to the grassland, Dalinor Lake is a well-known inland lake in Inner Mongolia. The Bulongke Desert scenic area combines grassland, lakes and desert landscapes. There are also rare geological wonders such as the Ice Stone Forest and Ice Stone Mortars. ### What to Bring to the Grassland In November, temperatures on the grassland can reach around 0°C, so be sure to dress warmly if you visit at that time. Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the birdwatching platforms by the lake also offer free use of telescopes with admission tickets. Carry some food and drinking water in case you cannot get a meal on the way. ### Preparation and Information ### Climate and Travel Seasons This area lies in a transitional zone between the warm temperate and cold zones. Winters are cold and dry, and summers are warm and rainy. Sunlight is strong, so be sure to bring sun protection. ## Getting there & around ### By Air Chifeng Airport is 14 km from the city centre. It has flights to Beijing, Hohhot and other cities. ### By Train The Jingtong Railway runs east to west across the region, and the Ji(ning)–Tong(liao) Railway links eastern and western Inner Mongolia. Chifeng Railway Station is in the southern part of the city, at the southern end of Zhaowuda Road. Direct trains run from Chifeng to Beijing, Hohhot, Shenyang, Dalian, Jinzhou, Chengde and other cities. ### By Road The road from Xilinhot to Beijing passes through Chifeng. Many roads within the city lead to the banners and counties in the region, and National Highways 111 and 303 connect most of them. Direct buses run from Chifeng to Beijing, Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang, Shenyang, Tangshan, Jinzhou and Chaoyang. - **Chifeng Long-Distance Bus Station** — (Near the railway bridge in Songshan District, 0476-8427555) ## Eat & drink Chifeng's food still focuses on Inner Mongolian grassland flavours. Street stalls sell many local snacks, mostly baked wheat dishes that are crisp and sweet, such as Hada huoshao and duijia (a type of meat patty sandwich). Also widely found across Inner Mongolia are hand-held mutton, roast whole lamb and a variety of dairy products. - **Chifeng Local Specialties** — Dali fish, Ningcheng Laojiao liquor, Balin chicken-blood stone, Linxi crystal, Great Wall tapestries, bronze ware and more. - **Guangli Duijia** — Both the pork duijia and the pork-belly duijia are delicious and reasonably priced. Chifeng duijia is famous across Inner Mongolia: crisp on the outside, tender inside, with smoky meat that is fragrant without being greasy. One bite and you won't forget it. (Opposite the southern entrance of the Changbodian Hutong, Sandao Street) ## Shopping Scenic areas offer a range of ethnic daily-use souvenirs, treasured stones, celebrity calligraphy and paintings, antique-style porcelain and Chifeng local specialties. ## Where to stay Chifeng has many hotels and guesthouses across the city, so accommodation is convenient. ### Accommodation in Scenic Areas Scenic areas offer rooms and yurts at various price levels. ## Things to see - **Gongger Grassland** (★★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours Open all day; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/gongger-grassland - **Dalinor Lake (Dali Lake)** (★★★★): Admission South shore ¥120; north shore ¥90. Horseback riding by the lake about ¥40/hour; Opening hours 08:00-17:30; Time needed 4–5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/dalinor-lake-dali-lake - **Ulan Butong Grassland** (★★★★): Admission ¥120; Opening hours Open all day; Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/ulan-butong-grassland - **Yulong Sand Lake Resort** (★★★★): Admission ¥80; individual attractions charged separately; Opening hours 8：30—17：30; Time needed 0.5–1 day(s) — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/yulong-sand-lake-resort - **Jiangjun Paozi (General's Lake)** (★★★): Admission ¥60; Opening hours Open all day; Time needed 4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jiangjun-paozi-general-s-lake - **Arshihaty Stone Forest (Asihatu)** (★★★★): Admission ¥160; Opening hours 8:00–17:30 (July–October); 8:00–17:00 (November–June); Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/arshihaty-stone-forest-asihatu ## Day trips & beyond - **Daqinggou Nature Reserve** (★★★★): Admission Admission ¥50; rafting ¥20 per 2 hours; boat rental ¥10 per hour; horseback riding ¥45 per person per hour; Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/daqinggou-nature-reserve --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 1888–1895. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.