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Top 10 attractions in Inner Mongolia

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Aershan National Forest Park
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Northeastern China

Aershan National Forest Park

7.9
4.3/5
6.8k reviews
Aershan National Forest Park is hidden deep in the forested mountains of the southwestern Greater Khingan Range, known for its volcanic landforms, lakes, and forests. Ancient volcanic eruptions left behind a series of geological views here: craters filled with water to form lakes, lava-blocked river channels creating dammed lakes, vast stone beaches paved with black basalt, and deep canyons carved by fractured lava belts. The Halaha River meanders through the park, with over 80% of its area covered by forests dominated by Daurian larch and birch trees. Shitanglin is a highly recognizable stop: on the black lava beach with almost no soil, larch trees root into rock crevices, and moss and lichens cover the stone surface, like walking into a natural volcanic geological museum. Tuofengling Heavenly Lake requires climbing a flight of stairs along a boardwalk; reaching the summit allows you to overlook this crater lake with a water surface elevation of nearly 1300 m, its overall outline resembling a crouching camel. Arxan Heavenly Lake, on the other hand, has no visible rivers flowing in or out, and its water level shows no obvious fluctuations throughout the year. The Halaha River rushes through the chaotic rocks of Santan Gorge, connecting three deep pools: Woniu Pool, Hushi Pool, and Yuexin Pool. Azalea Lake is named for the Xing'an azaleas that bloom along its shores in mid-to-late May each year; if you catch it while the lingering snow has not yet melted, the red flowers against the white snow offer a unique scene. The Chai River originates in the Grand Canyon area within the park, where black volcanic rocks are scattered across the valley floor; the stream winds through them, and you can walk down the wooden boardwalk in the forest to take a closer look. Seasonally, from mid to late September, birch trees and larches gradually turn golden, creating the most vibrant colors in the attraction. In winter, the unfrozen section of the Halaha River remains ice-free, with frost-covered trees lining its banks and herds of cattle often drinking from the river at dawn. The attractions are distributed along a single road with driving distances between them, making self-drive or private charter tours more convenient. Both Tianchi Lake and Tuofengling Tianchi require climbing steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The forest area experiences significant temperature variations between morning and evening, so bringing a jacket is advisable even during summer and fall visits.China · Arxan
Wulanhada Volcano Geopark

Wulanhada Volcano Geopark

7.9
4.3/5
1.6k reviews
Wulanhada Volcano Geopark is hidden deep in the grasslands of Ulanqab. It is an exceptionally young volcanic chain, with geological surveys indicating eruption records within the last approx. 10,000 years. The park features a complete array of landscapes, including volcanic cones, lava flows, and barrier lakes, and is hailed as a natural "volcano museum," having even graced the cover of Chinese National Geography magazine. The volcanic cones are spread across the grassland like beads on a string, and local herdsmen have named them based on their shapes and colors: Red Mountain, Fire-Burning Mountain, North Alchemy Furnace, Black Brain Bag, Middle Alchemy Furnace, South Alchemy Furnace, North Sharp Mountain, and South Sharp Mountain. Half the fun of exploring this place lies in "finding the mountains by number." Popularity is concentrated on several "alchemy furnaces": Volcano no. 3 (North alchemy furnace) has a wooden boardwalk, allowing easy access to the summit for panoramic views of the entire volcanic chain and grasslands, with particularly photogenic light at sunset; Volcano no. 5 (Central alchemy furnace) features a well-preserved, rounded cone without boardwalks—hiking up the scree slope is more strenuous but rewards visitors with rare tranquility; Volcano no. 6 (South alchemy furnace), whose body was split open by early quarrying, exposes layers of reddish-brown and gray-black volcanic rocks, earning it the nickname "naked volcano." Combined with scattered volcanic debris, its desolate landscape resembles the surface of Mars. Renting a spacesuit to take "Mars landing" photos here is the park's highly popular signature activity. Further south, Volcano no. 7 and no. 8 are also called North and South pointy mountains. The base of Volcano no. 8 was once famous for its abundant agate deposits. The grassland is open and unobstructed, with strong winds, intense sunlight, and significant temperature differences between day and night. Windproof jackets and sun protection items are worth packing. On clear nights, there is little light pollution, and you can often see the Milky Way when looking up. The park and its surroundings have stargazing cabins and RV campsites, making it suitable to leave the itinerary for the night. The entire volcanic cluster is a protected geological heritage. Agates and volcanic rocks should only be admired, as digging them would damage the grassland. Vehicles should also stick to existing roads and avoid driving into the pastures.China · Qahar Right Rear Banner
Manzhouli Guomen Scenic Area
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Hulunbuir

Manzhouli Guomen Scenic Area

7.6
4.5/5
6.2k reviews
Manzhouli Guomen Scenic Area is located on the Chinese side of the Sino-Russian border, serving as a key component of the Sino-Russian border tourism zone and a landmark of Manzhouli. Centered around the national gate, the attraction integrates border scenery with revolutionary history, featuring landmarks such as Boundary Marker No. 41, the Exhibition Hall of the Sixth National Congress of the CPC, the Red Tourism Exhibition Hall, the former site of the Red Secret Transportation Line, and three themed squares: Gate of Peace, Locomotive Square, and Fighter Jet Square. The current national gate is the fifth generation, built in 2008. The cream-colored gate body, over 100 m long, spans the railway line leading to Russia, facing the Russian national gate across the border. Its overall design reflects a post-industrial era style—simple yet solemn. Below the gate, two broad-gauge tracks and one standard-gauge track pass through, connecting with the Russian railway. Freight trains traveling between China and Russia frequently pass beneath it, creating a iconic scene. Inside the gate, the first floor of the tower features reliefs depicting the origins of the five generations of national gates and the treaties and agreements related to border changes in the Manzhouli area. The second floor houses an observation deck, offering a panoramic view of the streets of the Russian town Zabaikalsk on the opposite bank and the Russian national gate. Passing through the national gate and emerging from the other side, the first four generations of national gates are lined up in scaled-down replicas: from the wooden boundary markers of the late Qing Dynasty, to the wooden arch inscribed with "Sino-Soviet gate," then to the gate-shaped trestle spanning the railway with the slogan "Workers of the world, unite!" embedded on it, and finally to the fourth-generation national gate completed in 1989. From simplicity to grandeur, it resembles a condensed century-long history of the port's evolution and is also a popular photo spot for travelers. The red exhibitions are equally worth a closer look: the Exhibition Hall of the Sixth National Congress of the CPC features a full-scale replica of the "Silver Villa" meeting site near Moscow on the border, with recreated conference scenes displaying documents, photos, and figurines. The Red Tourism Exhibition Hall, expanded from the original Sino-Soviet meeting room, recounts stories of the secret transportation line that used a grocery store as cover to escort revolutionaries between Manzhouli and the Soviet Union. Outside the halls, the Gate of Peace Square boasts a striking sculpture resembling the Chinese character for "gate," while the Locomotive Square displays a vintage steam engine that served for over half a century. The Fighter Jet Square exhibits a warplane donated by the people of Manzhouli to support the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. Before leaving, don't forget to find Boundary Marker No. 41—the actual Sino-Russian border—and avoid crossing the line when taking photos beside it.China · Manzhouli
Hulunbuir Grasslands
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Inner Mongolia

Hulunbuir Grasslands

7.6
4.7/5
2.1k reviews
Hulun Buir Prairie is located in the west of Hulun Buir City, named after Hulun Lake and Bell Lake on the prairie. Every year from June to September is the tourist season of Hulunbuir Prairie, and self-driving is very suitable for holidays. Especially in July and August, the prairie is lush, suitable for horse riding, fishing, or boating on Hulun Lake in the west. There are performances such as wrestling, archery, horse set-up and singing and dancing bonfire parties in scenic spots such as Huhe Nuoer Grassland and Bayan Hushuo Grassland. You can also stay in yurts and experience grassland life. On the first few days of the fourth day of the sixth lunar month, you can also catch up with the grand Naadam Conference and experience the rich traditions on the grassland. When you come to Manzhouli in the northwest corner of the prairie, you can visit the Matryoshka Square. You can walk on Zhongsujin Street at night. The Russian neon lights on both sides make you feel like you are on the streets of Moscow. The weather in Hulunbuir was cold earlier, and the grass and leaves were turning yellow at the end of August. In the middle and late September, it is a good time to go to the forest area in the east of the prairie to see the red and yellow leaves. You can not only see the magnificent river valley in the Asian wetland - Genhe Wetland, but also go to the southern part of the prairie to enjoy the red and yellow leaves. The colorful forest colors of Huaerji Forest Park. The mutton produced in the Hulunbuir prairie is delicious and has no mutton taste, so you must try it. In Manzhouli, Labu Dalin, and Hailar, there are restaurants where you can eat mutton and barbecue, including authentic hand-baked meat, mutton, and fried mutton tails. If there are few people, you might as well ask for a roast leg of lamb. If there are many people, you can also taste the "whole sheep feast".China · Old Barag Banner
Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Resort

Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Resort

7.5
4.3/5
3.1k reviews
Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Resort is located in Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,Located at the junction between the northern range of the Yin Mountains and the eastern section of the Greater Khingan MountainsWith a total area of approx. 600 km and an average elevation of 2100 m, Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Resort is one of the world's three major alpine meadow flower grasslands. Renowned for its unique volcanic lava landforms, alpine wetlands, and grassland views, it boasts a vegetation coverage rate of 80%-95% and an average summer temperature of 18°C, earning it the titles "Cool paradise beyond the Great Wall" and "Core experience zone of China's grassland summer retreat." The resort features Quaternary glacial relics and volcanic rock formations shaped by crustal movements hundreds of millions of years ago, creating a landscape of crisscrossing ravines and towering peaks. Visitors can enjoy yurt stays, obo worship ceremonies, and the cultural performance "Meeting at the Obo." As the primary filming location for the documentary "Magnificent Inner Mongolia," celebrating the region's 70th anniversary, the resort blends natural and cultural grandeur. Centered on geological wonders, alpine meadows, and Mongolian-Yuan culture, Huitengxile Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Resort offers both outdoor adventure and cultural immersion. It is the closest Inner Mongolian grassland to Beijing, ideal for family trips, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers seeking deep cultural experiences.China · Qahar Right Middle Banner

Traveller favourites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Inner Mongolia

Featured Day tours in Inner Mongolia

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Hohhot Departure: Kubuqi Desert Day Tour (Diverse Desert Activities, Optional Camel Riding Experience)
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4.8/5
· 12 reviews· 139 booked
Duration: 8.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromUS$50.07
Mini Group (2–8 Guests) or private tour optional | Kubuqi desert+Hasuhai Lake 1-day tour/door-to-door pick-up/Entrance tickets included
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FromUS$53.47
Mini Group (2–8 Guests) Optional | Hohhot Xilamuren Grassland all-inclusive day trip | Multiple tour options with guaranteed departures
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews· 33 booked
Duration: 11 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$24.17
[Departing from Hohhot] One-Day Tour to Hongshiya + Chilechuan Grassland + Tianci Grassland
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4.3/5
· 3 reviews· 28 booked
Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromUS$58.70
[Departing from Hohhot] Whistling Dune Bay Day Tour (Golden Sand Sea, Listen to the Voice of the Earth)
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4.0/5
· 2 reviews· 56 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromUS$44.89
[Hohhot Departure] Xilamuren Prairie Day Tour (Including Horseback Riding Experience) with Complimentary Dismounting Wine
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FromUS$58.01
One-Day Tour from Hohhot to Xilamuren Prairie (Gallop Across the Endless Green Sea, Encounter the Nomadic Heart)
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3.4/5
· 9 reviews· 69 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromUS$32.81

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What travellers say about Inner Mongolia

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white2026 October 2026
5.0
It's worth visiting. I went there when I was younger, but I lacked knowledge then. Now, the more I see, the more I appreciate it. The silver Buddha, dragon carvings, and murals are known as the "Three Wonders." The architecture blends Han and Tibetan styles, and the incense and ancient charm coexist. It's worth a thorough visit.

Dazhao Temple

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杰瑞游中国17 October 2026
5.0
There are so many activities in the desert: sandboarding, desert train rides, Bigfoot rides, camel riding, and it's best to travel off-peak. It's freezing cold! Remember to wear warm clothes. Emerging in the desert to escape the rain in late autumn—fewer people, great for taking photos, so refreshing!

Whistling Dune Bay

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Anonymous user13 October 2026
5.0
The scenic area boasts beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a fantastic visitor experience! The trails are clean and easy to walk on, the signs are clear, and the staff are warm and courteous. The natural landscape is pristine, perfect for taking photos, and the facilities are complete. The entire trip is comfortable and offers great value for money, making it well worth a special trip. Highly recommended!

Aershan National Forest Park

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蓝蓝姐姐16 October 2026
4.0
The volcanoes were spectacular, especially number six. I didn't get a direct view of the others, only from a distance, so they weren't that impressive. The sunset was truly beautiful, definitely worth seeing. However, the signage inside was somewhat inadequate; there weren't enough, and sometimes it was easy to get lost. Also, the gravel road for parking wasn't ideal for low-chassis minivans, and the section from the ticket gate to the park was riddled with potholes.

Wulanhada Volcano Geopark

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M43***8711 October 2026
5.0
This grassland is highly recommended. We visited in autumn, and although it wasn't as golden, it's still worth a second visit. The grassland in spring is much greener, stretching as far as the eye can see like an oasis. While the birch forests are beautiful from afar, up close they're covered in horse manure—black and polluting, making the grassland smell and the experience unpleasant for tourists, completely masking the earthy aroma. We suggest that the horse owners pick up the manure to give tourists a better impression. Overall, it's a very beautiful environment and worth visiting. Be prepared for the cold; it gets just as cold, or even colder, at night.

Wulan Butong Granssland Scenic Area

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xjdkwjj23 October 2026
5.0
Populus euphratica forests across China each have their own unique characteristics. I've visited Tarim River, Lop Nur Village, Zepu, and Naomohu Lake in Xinjiang. Ejin Banner has a relatively large area and beautiful colors.

Ejina Populus Euphratica Tourist Area

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M47***468 October 2026
5.0
Standing beneath the national gate and gazing at the border line, witnessing the solemn gate architecture firsthand, one truly feels the sacredness of the motherland's territory, and a sense of pride arises spontaneously in the heart. This moment is unforgettable and a very educational travel experience.

Manzhouli Guomen Scenic Area

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天怡晴晴27 August 2026
5.0
Several months have passed, and now I'm in Xinjiang. I've visited some more scenic spots, but when I think back to the Morigele Grassland in Hulunbuir, the winding, meandering river, the different viewpoints, the smooth scenic roads, and the scenery along the way are all unforgettable!

Hulunbuir Grasslands

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M55***964 October 2026
5.0
I visited the Manzhouli National Gate during the National Day holiday. The gate looks incredibly grand, and standing there filled me with a sense of pride. You can see Russia across the border; it's definitely worth a visit! The scenic area provides complimentary ginger tea. Thumbs up! It was quite delicious.

Sino-Russian Border Tourist Area Of Manzhouli

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Anonymous user26 October 2026
5.0
Before going, I wondered if it was worth it, but once inside the scenic area, I was truly awestruck; the scenery was indeed beautiful. We entered in the afternoon, bought a combined ticket, and used different modes of transportation, which was both an experience and helped reduce the children's fatigue. The volunteer service within the scenic area was excellent, and the sunset in the evening was beautiful. If time allows, it should definitely be a full day.

Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Resort

Trip Moments in Inner Mongolia

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Inner Mongolia?

Don't miss these attractions in Inner Mongolia: Dazhao Temple, Whistling Dune Bay, and Aershan National Forest Park. If you like Culture & history, try One-Day Tour from Hohhot: Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon and Zhaojun Museum. If you enjoy Day tours, try Hohhot Departure: Kubuqi Desert Day Tour (Diverse Desert Activities, Optional Camel Riding Experience).

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Hohhot Departure: Kubuqi Desert Day Tour (Diverse Desert Activities, Optional Camel Riding Experience), Mini Group (2–8 Guests) or private tour optional | Kubuqi desert+Hasuhai Lake 1-day tour/door-to-door pick-up/Entrance tickets included, and Mini Group (2–8 Guests) Optional | Hohhot Xilamuren Grassland all-inclusive day trip | Multiple tour options with guaranteed departures. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 2 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Inner Mongolia is around USD 24.17 – USD 58.7. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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