Hohhot Inner Mongolia, China Travel Guide
Temperatures increase quickly in spring (April-May), averaging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F). This season frequently brings wind and dust. Summer (June-August) has ranging from warm to hot days, averaging 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), with most rainfall during July and August, leading to higher humidity.
Autumn (September-October) brings mild, clear, and dry weather, with temperatures gradually decreasing from 15°C to 5°C (59°F to 41°F). Winter (November-March) has very cold and lack of rain, averaging -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F), often dropping much lower. Precipitation is minimal, mainly snow.
Hohhot does not experience monsoons or hurricanes. Extreme cold stays as a concern in winter. Dust storms can occur in spring, affecting air quality.
Ideal timing for grassland visits and equestrian activities ranges from From june To august. City sightseeing and cultural exploration are best in May, September, and early October. Winter landscapes and ice/snow activities (check what's available locally) are possible from December to February.
Crowds and higher prices.
The weather suits grassland visits and outdoor activities.
Accommodation and flight prices are higher. Attractions become more crowded.
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather.
Temperatures are pleasant, and you encounter fewer crowds than in summer. You might find lower prices. This time is good for hiking and city exploration.
May can still bring strong winds. The temperature drops quickly in October.
Lowest prices, fewer tourists.
You find the lowest prices and the fewest tourists. Opportunities for winter sports exist, if offered.
The weather is extremely cold. Many outdoor attractions, especially the grasslands, become less accessible or enjoyable.
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter China, including for Hohhot. Plan your visa application well in advance.
You typically submit an application form, your passport, photos, an invitation letter (if you have one), and other documents that support your claim to a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Alternatively, you can use a designated visa application service center like IVisa or VisaHQ. Some regions offer web-based applications, followed by an in-person visit for document submission and fingerprint collection.
For those journeying to China for tourism.
For commercial and trade pursuits.
For exchanges, visits, study tours, and similar purposes.
Valid for at least six months beyond your stay, with two blank visa pages.
Complete before arrival via WeChat mini-program or web portal.
Renminbi (RMB), also known as Chinese Yuan (CNY), is the currency. The symbol is ¥. Banknotes are available in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100. Coins come in ¥0.1, ¥0.5, ¥1. Exchange major foreign currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY) at banks, major airports, and some large hotels.
ATMs are widely available, accepting international cards (Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Cirrus). Mobile payment, mainly WeChat Pay and Alipay, is dominant and favored for most transactions.
Tipping is not customary in China, including Hohhot, and some may view it as insulting. High-end establishments might add a service charge to your bill. Tour guides and drivers on custom tours may accept a small gratuity as a sign of appreciation, though it isn't expected.
Hostels/Guesthouses: ¥80-200 per night. Mid-range Hotels (3-4 star): ¥300-600 per night. Luxury Hotels (5-star): ¥800-2000+ per night. Street food/local snack: ¥10-30 per item/dish. Casual restaurant meal: ¥30-80 per person. Mid-range restaurant meal: ¥80-200 per person. Fine dining: ¥200+ per person.
Be aware of potential risks and prepare accordingly.
Required vaccinations for entry into China are generally not necessary from most countries, except if you arrive from a yellow fever risk area.
Recommended vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, chickenpox, polio, flu) are current. Hepatitis A and B are suggested for most people traveling. Typhoid is recommended, especially for eating outside major restaurants. Japanese Encephalitis is an option for prolonged rural stays during transmission season (summer/fall). Rabies is suggested for high-risk animal exposure.
Air pollution can be an issue, specifically in winter. Consider wearing N95 masks on high pollution days.
Masks can mitigate impact.
Winter pollution can be high.
Drink Bottled or purified water. Avoid raw or undercooked food, unpeeled fruits, and street food that does not appear freshly cooked. Wash your hands frequently.
Tap water not safe for direct drinking.
Beware of unhygienic street food.
Stay away from stray animals to prevent rabies exposure. Seek immediate medical attention if an animal bites you. Sunburn protection is important; use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
Avoid stray animals.
Sun protection is always advised.
| Category | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University. | Offer various services; quality can vary. |
| Pharmacies | Commonly found (药店 - yàodiàn). | Pharmacists may not speak English; bring generic medication names. |
| Emergency Services | Ambulance: 120, Police: 110, Fire: 119. | Dial directly for immediate assistance. |
It is strongly advised to get travel insurance for all travelers. Policies cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and baggage loss.
Hospital visits, doctor consultations, and treatment.
Transport to suitable medical facilities if needed.
Reimbursement for unexpected changes to your travel plans.
Unforeseen circumstances could influence travel plans.
Medical emergencies, lost luggage, or unexpected trip cancellations can lead to significant financial burdens without proper coverage.
Travel insurance offers a safety net, enabling you to focus on enjoying your journey without worry.
Check policies from World Nomads and SafetyWing.
Ensure coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and medication.
Essential for transport to appropriate medical facilities.
Reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage.
Carefully review policy specifics before purchasing. Some policies exclude specific activities or pre-existing conditions.
Many policies also offer roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and 24/7 emergency support.
Coverage for vehicle breakdowns.
Protection against damage or theft of hire cars.
Access to assistance anytime, anywhere.
