Inner Mongolia Signature Tour: Grassland and Desert

Itinerary

• Day 1: Hulunbuir, Arrival

  Upon landing at Hulunbuir Hailar Airport, be warmly greeted by your local guide and swiftly transferred via private vehicle to your hotel. Check-in, relax, and freshen up for the adventure ahead.

  • Hulunbuir

• Day 2: Hulunbuir - Erguna, Hulunbuir Grassland

  Hulunbuir Grassland presents a vast picture scroll of emerald-green grass, crisscrossing rivers and lakes, dotted with grazing horses and white yurts under the blue sky. A scenic, one-hour drive will take you out of the city and into the Morigele River Scenic Area. From a vantage point, overlooking the river meandering gracefully through such a picturesque landscape.

  Continue driving for about 2 hours to a resort camp in Erguna (also called Ergun or E'erguna), where you'll dress up in folk costume and learn how to brew traditional Mongolian-style milk tea. Top off the day with a delightful visit to a local family of the Russian minority, sampling distinctive afternoon tea, enjoying an accordion musical performance, and gaining insights into their life.

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  • Erguna

• Day 3:  Erguna - Genhe, Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe

  After breakfast, set off on a captivating journey to Aoluguya Reindeer Village amidst the pristine forest area of Genhe in the Greater Khingan Mountains. The mysterious Ewenki people, known as China's only reindeer-herding tribe, have raised reindeer for centuries. Alongside your guide, learn about their half-nomadic life, feed adorable reindeer with fresh moss, and take a jungle walk to enjoy scenic surroundings.

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  • Genhe

• Day 4: Genhe - Shiwei, Moerdaoga National Forest Park

  This morning, travel onward to explore the mystical Moerdaoga National Forest Park. From the comfort of a sightseeing train, traverse through virgin coniferous forest, across pastures, and alongside folk villages to experience the pristine beauty.

  About a 1.5-hour drive away, Shiwei Town on the border of China and Russia awaits you with the expansive Russian-themed Aoluoqi Manor. Major scenic spots include the world's largest Taichi Crop Landscape, boundary stone, and seasonal flower sea.

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  • Shiwei

• Day 5: Shiwei - Heishantou, Wulan Mountain Scenic Area

  After breakfast, depart on a scenic drive (about 2 hours) along the China-Russian boundary river - Ergun River, coming to the Wulan Mountain Scenic Area. From the viewing platforms, overlook a large "Taichi Diagram" formed by the curved river and meadows, and the Russian village on the opposite riverbank, the hometown of Katyusha. If you fancy getting more active, have fun in grass sliding, ziplining, and swing.

  Spice up your onward journey with varied activities. Taste fresh-brewed milk tea and Mongolian snacks in a local herdsman's home, learn to write your name in Mongolian script, feed the lambs, play pitch-pot games, etc. Finally, spend the night in Heishantou town.

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  • Heishantou

• Day 6: Heishantou - Manzhouli, Russian Matryoshka Square

  After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to the impressive Mammoth Park, recognized by Guinness World Records as the "largest mammoth sculpture group." The 93 intricately crafted, life-sized paleontological sculptures, alongside Zhalai Nuoer Museum, offer an in-depth look at the world of mammoths.

  A top sight you cannot miss in Manzhouli is the Matryoshka Scenic Area (locally known as Russian Taowa Square). There are eight functional areas to celebrate Russian culture, including Doll World, Russian Circus, and Folklore Hall. Marvel the world's largest matryoshka doll towering 30 meters, enjoy lively cultural performances and explore shops with Russian souvenirs.

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  • Manzhouli

• Day 7: Manzhouli - Hulunbuir - Hohhot

  Leave Manzhouli behind as you visit the majestic Hulun Lake en route to Hulunbuir. The vast expanse of shimmering waters, fringed by lush grasslands, makes for a tranquil escape into nature's beauty. You'll be transferred back to Hulunbuir for a leisurely walk around the iconic Genghis Khan Square and charming Hulunbuir Old Town before flying to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia.

  After you touch down, meet your local guide for a private transfer to your comfortable hotel for a well-earned rest.

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  • Hohhot

• Day 8: Hohhot, Mongolian Medicinal Incense Making

  Your city tour in Hohhot starts with a morning visit to the revered over-440-year-old Dazhao Temple, dedicated to the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism. Admire the Silver Buddha statue, dragon carvings, and murals, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance. Nearby, the 380-meter-long Saishang Old Street features brick and wooden buildings in the styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional shops, sampling local snacks and browsing unique handicrafts.

  This afternoon is set aside for an immersive tour into the world of Mongolian medicinal incense making. Know many kinds of all-natural ingredients, watch the intricate process of blending aromatic herbs and traditional remedies, and make your natural incense under the guidance of skilled artisans.

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  • Hohhot

• Day 9: Hohhot - Xiangshawan, Resonant Sand Bay

  About 3.5 hours away, Xiangshawan, literally "Resonant Sand Bay," beckons you with the majestic desert landscape and various activities in the Dalad Banner of Ordos. Backed by the expansive Kubuqi Desert, China's first desert-themed resort consists of a holiday village, a visitor's center, and four sand islands. Towering golden sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see and give out a whistling or drumming sound.

  Pack your day with sand explorations and entertainment events, from aerial cableway, camel ride, and sandboarding to the unique Ordos wedding performance. As the night falls, bonfire parties, Mongolian songs, and dances are staged under a starry sky.

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  • Xiangshawan

• Day 10: Xiangshawan - Ordos

  As you like, rise early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and check-out, get ready for a snapshot tour around Kangbashi, the newest district of Ordos City. The once-dubbed "China's biggest ghost town," stuck with vacant new buildings, has now transformed into a vibrant modern hub with a charming urban landscape.

  Then, journey to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, a revered cenotaph honoring the legendary Mongolian leader. Nestled in serene surroundings, grand halls house statues and relics detailing the Khan's achievements. You'll have the chance to witness the memorial ritual practiced by the Dalhut tribe for nearly 800 years. The remainder of today is free to explore or relax at your leisure.

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  • Ordos

• Day 11: Ordos, Departure

  At the appointed time, you are transferred to Ordos airport for the next leg of your journey, either home or to your next destination.

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