Ordos Inner Mongolia, China Travel Guide
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter mainland China. The "L" (Tourist) Visa is the most common type for visitors. How to apply generally includes completing an online form, scheduling an appointment at of Chinese origin Embassy, Consulate General, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), submitting documents, and looking forward to processing.
Processing times vary, typically 4 to 10 business days. Expedited services are commonly available for an additional fee. Start your visa application well in advance of your travel dates to avoid last-minute stress. For visa service for consumerss, visit IVisa or VisaHQ.
Fees for a visa vary by nationality and entries. For example, a single-entry L visa for U.S. Citizens often costs around $185. Check your local Chinese embassy website for current fees. Upon arrival, foreigners pass through immigration, presenting a passport and valid visa. Chinese immigration authorities typically collect biological data, and a health declaration form may be required.
Generally, foreign tourists do not need special permits for Ordos attractions. However, remote or border areas within Inner Mongolia may need additional permits; confirm with a local travel agency for very remote regions. No specific vaccinations are required for entry to China, but ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date. A health declaration form upon entry may be needed.
Prior to your trip
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in China.
At least two blank visa pages are needed for stamps upon entering and leaving.
Plan ahead
Typically 4-10 business days. Begin early to avoid delays.
Expedited services are available for a fee, but early application is always better.
Upon arrival
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before your trip.
A health declaration form may be requested by immigration authorities.
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). The symbol for Yuan is ¥. Exchange rates fluctuate; anticipate approximately 1 USD ≈ 7.2 CNY. Check current rates before your trip. Large banks like Bank of China offer currency exchange. ATMs are widely available in urban areas for withdrawing CNY. Mobile payment via WeChat Pay and Alipay dominates for daily transactions.
Tipping is not customary in mainland China. It is generally not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi services. In some high-end tourist services or for private tour guides, a gratuity might be accepted as appreciation, but it is never mandatory. Attempting to give a tip in many local establishments might even cause confusion.
¥170-500 (~$24-$70 USD) for hostel/basic hotel, local food, public transport, few free/low-cost attractions.
¥500-1300 (~$70-$180 USD) for 3-4 star hotel, mid-range restaurants, taxis/ride-sharing, several paid attractions.
¥1300+ (~$180+ USD) for 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private car services, luxury experiences.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry to China for mainstream travel beyond standard health declarations. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip for recommended vaccinations.
Ordos may encounter periods of poor air quality, especially dust storms in spring. Sensitive individuals may consider wearing an N95 mask. Winter months call for heavy winter clothing. Desert areas in summer can be intensely hot.
Keep important emergency numbers and copies of your passport, visa, and insurance details on your phone and in a separate physical location. For flight compensation, AirHelp can help with delayed or canceled flights.
