1. Why Choose Inner Mongolia?

Imagine standing on a Martian-like volcano at sunrise, riding horses across endless grasslands, then exploring vibrant Tibetan temples—all within 48 hours. Ulanqab and Hohhot offer this surreal blend, just 2 hours from Beijing by train! Here's your actionable, stress-free itinerary.

2. How to Get Here & Around

2.1 Arrival

From Beijing: Take the G-series high-speed train (2 hours) to Ulanqab Station. Book tickets via Trip.com or at Beijing North Station. Pro tip: Morning trains (e.g., 7 AM) maximize daylight.
Air Option: Fly into Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET), then take a 1.5-hour taxi to Ulanqab (cost: ~¥300/$45).

2.2 Local Transport

Ulanqab: Rent a car with driver (~¥600/$85/day). Essential for remote volcanoes and grasslands.
Hohhot: Use DiDi (ride-hailing app) or metered taxis. Downtown attractions are walkable.

3. Day 1: Ulanqab's Volcanic Mars & Emerald Grasslands

3.1 Morning: Volcano Hopping (8 AM–1 PM)

Start at Ulanhad Volcano Geopark (free entry, 1.5-hour drive from Ulanqab Station). Follow this route:

No. 3 Volcano (North Danlianlu): Climb via wooden stairs to see a red telephone booth—perfect for Instagram.
No. 6 Volcano (Nanjianlianlu): Rent an astronaut suit (¥50/$7) for photos on the black lunar surface. Unmissable!

3.2 Lunch (1:30 PM)

Eat in Chayouhouqi Town. Try "Baiyin Laoshanjie" for local lamb hotpot. Note: Restaurants close by 2:30 PM—arrive early!

3.3 Afternoon: Huihen Tule Grassland (3–6 PM)

Drive 1 hour to Huihen Tule Grassland (entry: ¥120/$17). Activities:

Horse riding (¥100–200/$14–28) across flower-dotted steppes.
Ride the grassland sightseeing train and cable cars for panoramic views.

3.4 Evening: Stargazing & Ger Camp (7 PM–)

Stay at "Xingyu Mars Camp" (¥500–800/$70–115 per tent). Includes:

BBQ dinner, bonfire party, and fireworks under the Milky Way.
Tip: Pack warm layers—nights drop to 10°C (50°F).

4. Day 2: Hohhot's Culture & Desert Lakes

4.1 Morning: Sunrise to Hohhot (5 AM–10 AM)

5 AM: Watch sunrise over the volcanoes at camp.
7 AM: Take a train to Hohhot (1.5 hours) or pre-booked car (2 hours).

4.2 Hohhot Highlights (10 AM–4 PM)

Dazhao Temple: See Mongolia's largest silver Buddha statue (entry: ¥35/$5). Join monks' morning chanting at 7 AM if possible.
Sai Shang Old Street: Next to Dazhao. Try "Deshunyuan" for lamb shumai (dumplings) and milk tea.
Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si): Free entry! Admire intricate Buddhist carvings.

4.3 Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure

Option A (Nature): Chilechuan Grassland (40-min drive). Ride horses and visit a nomad family to make dairy products.
Option B (History): Inner Mongolia Museum (free, book online 1 day ahead). Focus on Genghis Khan exhibits.

4.4 Evening: Sunset at Hasuhai Lake (5–7 PM)

Drive 1 hour to "Hasi Lake". Summer highlights:

Boat rides through lotus flowers (¥60/$9).
Feast on "whole fish banquet" at lakeside restaurants.

5. Food & Safety Essentials

5.1 Must-Eat Dishes

Lamb hotpot (Ulanqab).
Hand-grabbed mutton with wild leek sauce (Hohhot's "Grill Ama").
Mongolian milk tea and yogurt.

5.2 Weather Alert

July temperatures can hit 40°C+. Carry sunscreen, hats, and 2L water daily.

5.3 Booking Tips

Reserve trains/guides via Trip.com or China Highlights. For Naadam Festival (mid-July), book 3 months ahead!

6. Why This Itinerary Works

Efficiency: Direct links between highlights minimize backtracking.
Authenticity: Combines natural wonders (volcanoes/grasslands) with cultural deep dives (temples/nomad life).
Budget-Friendly: Total cost ~¥1,500/$215 (excl. flights) for transport, food, and tickets.

Do You Want To See Endless Grasslands? Two Days In Inner Mongolia (2025)

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