6-Day, 5-Night Chongqing Road Trip | From the Mountain City to the Grasslands, This Western Route Is Legendary
Complete Guide to the 6-Day, 5-Night Western Road Trip from Chongqing to Hohhot
This 6-day, 5-night western road trip loop takes you north from Chongqing, crossing the Qinling Mountains and the Loess Plateau in northern Shaanxi, all the way to Inner Mongolia. It connects the Yellow River, volcanoes, deserts, grasslands, and the historic old town of Hohhot. It is perfect for friends or family trips, offering high flexibility so you can stop anytime to take photos of the scenery along the way. The pace is balanced, allowing you to experience the grandeur of a long-distance road trip without the intensity of constant driving. The detailed guide below will help you easily complete this journey to the northern frontier.
Estimated cost: CNY 4,200–6,000 per person (based on 4 people sharing a car, splitting fuel and toll costs; includes mid-range accommodation and standard dining; excludes shopping and optional entertainment activities)
Day 1: Chongqing to Yan'an, through the clouds of the Qinling Mountains, heading north
Depart early from Chongqing and take the Baomao Expressway through the long series of tunnels in the Qinling Mountains. The mountains are shrouded in mist, and if you catch the Tyndall effect, you can pull over briefly to take photos. The drive is long, so we recommend taking turns driving. Stop at a service area at noon for a quick rest and meal, then arrive in Yan'an in the evening to check into your hotel. In the evening, you can explore the Yan'an Old Town night market, try local Shaanbei minjie (wheat noodles) and lamb noodles, and get some rest to recharge for the next day's journey north.
Tip: The Qinling Expressway has many curves and tunnels, so strictly control your speed and fill up your gas tank in advance.
Day 2: Yan'an to Ordos, the Yellow River enters Inner Mongolia, first glimpse of the plateau scenery
Depart from Yan'an in the morning and head north. The Loess Plateau landscape gradually unfolds along the way, and you can catch a distant view of the Yellow River and stop at the Yellow River Bridge. In the afternoon, you will enter Inner Mongolia, where the landscape transitions from loess to a gentle plateau. Arrive in Ordos in the evening. For dinner, we recommend local stewed lamb and dairy products. Take a walk to relax after dinner; no high-intensity activities are planned. Stay in downtown Ordos, which has well-developed urban amenities and plenty of accommodation options.
Day 3: Ordos to Ulan Hada Volcano, exploring alien landscapes
Spend the day heading to Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark. This black basalt volcanic landscape is known as "Inner Mongolia's Little Mars," with volcanoes No. 3, 5, and 6 being the most worth visiting. After arriving in the afternoon, start by exploring Volcano No. 6; the black volcanic rock is very photogenic, and you can rent a spacesuit for photos. Volcano No. 5 has a complete structure, perfect for long-distance shots. Volcano No. 3 has a gentle slope, making it easy to climb to the top. Wait for the sunset in the evening; if the weather is clear after dark, you can see the Milky Way. Stay at a hotel in the town of Chahar Right Rear Banner, which has plenty of dining and accommodation options.
Tip: The volcanic area is windy with a large temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring a thick jacket. The volcanoes are free to enter, and renting a spacesuit for photos is optional.
Day 4: Ulan Hada to Xiangshawan, desert solitude, desert sunset
Wake up early and head to Kubuqi Xiangshawan (Resonant Sand Bay) for a one-day desert experience. Enter the park in the morning to hike the dunes and see the rolling sand ridges. If you enjoy activities, you can pay to experience sand sliding or desert off-road vehicles. If you prefer not to do these, you can simply walk around and wait for the sunset. The golden dunes at sunset create an incredible atmosphere and are the best time of day for photography. Leave the scenic area in the evening and head toward Hohhot, either stopping along the way or arriving directly in Hohhot to check in. Meals are primarily Mongolian cuisine; try the hand-grabbed mutton and scrambled eggs with wild chives for a unique flavor.
Day 5: Around Hohhot to Huitengxile Grassland, a healing trip in the grassland twilight
Today is all about relaxation. Drive from the city to Huitengxile Grassland, where vast meadows meet fields of wind turbines, offering wide-open views. There is no need to rush between attractions; just drive along the grassland roads, stopping whenever you like to watch the cattle and sheep, enjoy the breeze, and take photos. If you have time, you can go for a short horseback ride and wait for the sunset and fiery clouds in the evening. For an immersive experience, you can stay overnight in a yurt; if you prefer comfortable accommodation, return to downtown Hohhot. Temperatures on the grassland are very low at night, so be sure to have a windbreaker ready, even in summer.
Day 6: In-depth tour of Hohhot, the "Green City" culture, preparing for the return trip
On the last day, slow down and explore downtown Hohhot. In the morning, visit the Inner Mongolia Museum (free, but requires advance reservation) to learn about the history of grassland nomads. In the afternoon, visit Dazhao Temple and Saishang Old Street. The old street is lined with ancient buildings, and the stone-paved roads after the rain create a wonderful atmosphere. You can also buy some local dairy specialties. Rest in the evening to conclude the trip. For the drive back, plan your journey based on your energy levels; driving long distances overnight is not recommended.
Travel Tips
1. Attractions in Inner Mongolia are far apart, and daily driving distances are long. Plan your gas stops in advance and try to refuel whenever your tank is half full. If traveling with others, take turns driving to avoid fatigue.
2. Climate: The plateau has strong UV rays and a huge temperature difference between day and night. A sun hat, sunglasses, and a windbreaker are essential. The weather on the grasslands and at the volcanoes is changeable, so bring rain gear.
3. Diet: There is a lot of local beef, lamb, and dairy products. If you have a sensitive stomach, try them gradually and drink plenty of water.
4. Road conditions: Expressway conditions are good, but some roads near the volcanoes and grasslands are unpaved, so an SUV is preferred. Always obey speed limits while driving.