How can I describe the long summer dream that belongs to Inner Mongolia?
When the first wind of spring blows, the land of Inner Mongolia awakens from its slumber, revealing a unique vitality and charm. If you are tired of the usual spring trips, why not take a spring self-driving tour in Inner Mongolia to explore the unique spring scenery of this vast land?
Self-Driving Route Planning
- First Stop: Hohhot - Chilechuan Grassland: After arriving in Hohhot from your starting point, head to the Chilechuan Grassland Ecological Tourism Zone. The grassland here is vast, and in spring, the pasture begins to turn green, with tender green grass shoots popping up here and there, swaying gently in the breeze. The Yinshan Mountains in the distance look particularly majestic against the blue sky. You can stroll here, feel the breath of spring, and see the hardworking herdsmen begin to graze their flocks, with sheep scattered like pearls on the grassland.
- Second Stop: Baotou - Xilamuren Grassland: Drive from Hohhot to the Xilamuren Grassland in Baotou. Although the Xilamuren Grassland in spring has not yet reached the lush greenery of midsummer, you can see the process of the grassland gradually turning green from withered yellow, which has a unique flavor. Here, you can visit cultural relics such as the Northern Wei Great Wall and the Dashengkui Ruins, and feel the weight of history. If you're lucky, you might even encounter a small Nadaam event on the grassland and experience the charm of traditional Mongolian culture.
- Third Stop: Ordos - Kubuqi Desert (Xiangshawan): Leave Baotou and head to the Kubuqi Desert (Xiangshawan) in Ordos. The desert temperature in spring is moderate, without the intense heat of summer. When you walk into the desert, you can see the unique textures of the sand dunes under the spring breeze. Ride a camel through the desert, listening to the camel bells, and feel the tranquility and mystery of the desert. You can also challenge exciting projects such as the desert roller coaster and enjoy the speed and passion.
Expenses
- Fuel costs: This varies depending on the distance between your starting point and Inner Mongolia, as well as your vehicle's fuel consumption. Taking an ordinary family car with a fuel consumption of 8L/100km as an example, if the total round trip is 3,000 kilometers, and the fuel cost is 7 yuan per liter, the fuel cost will be about 1,680 yuan.
- Tolls: Similarly, depending on the specific route, the tolls are about 1,000 - 1,500 yuan.
- Scenic spot tickets: Some areas of the Chilechuan Grassland Ecological Tourism Zone are free, and some play items are charged separately, about 100 - 200 yuan per person; some folk experience activities in Xilamuren Grassland are charged, about 100 - 300 yuan per person; Xiangshawan tickets plus play items package, 500 - 800 yuan per person.
- Food and beverage: Inner Mongolia has a rich cuisine, with an average of 50 - 100 yuan per person for a regular meal. Enjoy Mongolian milk tea, hand-grabbed meat, roasted leg of lamb and other special delicacies to your heart's content. If you want to taste local dairy products, a serving of yogurt, milk skin, and other snacks costs about 20 - 50 yuan.
- Accommodation: Hohhot city hotels, ordinary budget hotels cost 200 - 300 yuan per night, and better quality star hotels cost 500 - 800 yuan; accommodation prices in Baotou and Ordos are similar. Staying in a yurt on the grassland is relatively cheaper, ranging from 100 - 300 yuan per night, but the conditions may be relatively simple.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Hohhot: You can choose a hotel located in the city center, which is convenient for travel and has many surrounding restaurants and shopping places. For example, the Holiday Inn Hohhot, the hotel is well-equipped, with attentive service, and is close to major shopping malls and attractions.
- Baotou: Shangri-La Hotel, Baotou is recommended. The hotel has an elegant environment and spacious and comfortable rooms, providing you with a warm resting environment after a tiring self-drive. At the same time, the hotel is conveniently located for transportation to the Xilamuren Grassland.
- Ordos: Howard Johnson Plaza Ordos is a good choice. The hotel is close to the Kangbashi New Area, so you can not only enjoy a comfortable stay, but also easily visit the surrounding Kangzhen Scenic Area and other attractions. If you want to experience desert-style accommodation, you can choose the Lotus Resort Xiangshawan, which is located in the desert with a unique design and attentive service, allowing you to spend an unforgettable night in the desert.
Travel Tips
The temperature difference between morning and evening in Inner Mongolia in spring is large, so be sure to bring warm clothes, such as down jackets and thick coats.
Pay attention to rest during the self-drive to avoid fatigue driving. Inner Mongolia is sparsely populated, and some sections of the road have long distances between gas stations, so pay attention to the fuel level at all times.
When playing on the grassland and in the desert, protect the environment, do not litter, and maintain the beauty of nature.
Respect local customs and habits. Mongolians are hospitable people, but pay attention to etiquette when interacting with them. For example, enter the yurt from the left and sit on the left.
This spring, drive to Inner Mongolia, feel the freedom and unrestrainedness between the vast grasslands and deserts, and encounter a unique spring feast.