Tongliao Travel Guide

Your Tongliao travel guide is here! This treasure city on the Horqin Grassland is waiting for you to explore. Transportation: - Airplane: Tongliao has an airport, but flight options are limited. Consider a connecting flight if you have ample time. Driving here is also a great option, allowing you to experience the vastness of the grassland as you cruise along the highway. - Train: Taking the train is a popular way to reach Tongliao. From Beijing, the journey takes about 6–8 hours. Watch the scenery transform from skyscrapers to sprawling grasslands as you travel—it's like stepping back in time. Accommodation: - City Hotels: If convenience is your priority, choose a hotel in the city center. There are plenty of options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. My hotel overlooked a bustling street, and I could even hear the distant melodies of the Morin Khuur at night, adding a unique touch to my stay. - Grassland Yurts: For a closer connection with nature, try staying in a traditional yurt. Wake up to breathtaking grassland sunrises and watch cattle and sheep graze nearby. This is an experience you have to try to truly appreciate. Food: - Hand-Grabbed Mutton: This is a must-try in Tongliao! Fresh mutton, simply cooked, is tender and juicy. Pair it with a bowl of millet porridge for the perfect meal. - Dairy Products: Tongliao offers a wide variety of dairy products, including dried milk curd, milk skin, and yogurt. Each bite is bursting with rich, milky flavor. - Roasted Whole Lamb: If you're traveling with friends, roasted whole lamb is a true feast. Gather around the fire as the lamb sizzles and the aroma fills the air—an experience unique to the grasslands. Attractions: - Horqin Grassland: This is Tongliao's most famous attraction and my personal favorite. Here, you can ride horses, practice archery, and immerse yourself in grassland culture. Standing on the vast expanse of green, you'll feel your worries melt away. - Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's Former Residence: History buffs will love this place. The residence's architecture is simple yet elegant, with every brick and tile holding historical significance. It's as if you can hear Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's stories echoing through the halls. - Zhurihe Ranch: This is a photographer's paradise. Capture stunning images of the vast grasslands, herds of livestock, and distant mountains. The fresh air here is invigorating. Tips: - Best Time to Visit: June to September is the ideal time to visit Tongliao, with the most beautiful grassland scenery and comfortable weather. - Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent: The grassland has strong UV rays and mosquitoes, so pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent. - Respect Local Customs: The grasslands have unique customs, such as entering a yurt from the left side and avoiding stepping on the threshold. Learn about these customs beforehand to avoid misunderstandings. Tongliao, a city full of charm, awaits your exploration. Here, you can slow down and appreciate the tranquility and beauty of nature. Make Tongliao your next travel destination and create unforgettable memories!