Day Trips from Ordos. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Baotou (包头): A major industrial city in Inner Mongolia, situated approximately 1.5-2 hours from Ordos by high-speed train or bus. Baotou offers a unique urban landscape and noteworthy attractions like the Wudangzhao Monastery, a significant Tibetan Buddhist site.

Hohhot (呼和浩特): Inner Mongolia's capital, roughly 2-3 hours from Ordos via high-speed train or bus. Hohhot contains a richer array of Mongolian cultural sites, including Dazhao Temple, Five Pagoda Temple, and the Inner Mongolia Museum.

Travel Insights

Transportation: High-speed train or long-distance bus connect to Baotou and Hohhot.
Independent Travel: A good choice for flexibility.
Organized Tours: Local travel agencies arrange these, good if you prefer structure.
Time: Baotou (full day), Hohhot (full day, overnight for more depth).

Natural Escapes

Discover the vast, open spaces surrounding Ordos.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Beyond Xiangshawan and Engebei, other less-developed grassland or desert areas offer a more rugged and untouched natural setting. Getting to these locations typically calls for a local guide and specialized transport.

Scenic Landscapes

Delve into the expansive Ordos Grasslands for wider vistas and an immersion into nomadic life.
These areas hold breathtaking open landscapes, especially during summer.
Rural areas near Ordos display pastoral scenery, offering a peaceful city escape.

Important Notes

Ordos is a landlocked region, so natural beaches or significant mountain ranges are absent.

Safety Considerations

Always consider safety precautions when exploring remote natural areas.
A local guide for excursions ensures safer travel.
Plan routes diligently for any independent exploring nature.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

Wudangzhao Monastery: Near Baotou, a large Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia.
Dazhao Temple & Five Pagoda Temple: In Hohhot, these sites share insights into Mongolian Buddhist art.
Rural Villages: Visits to nomadic settlements or specific villages are possible via local tours.
These trips impart cultural insights into traditional Mongolian ways and farming methods.

Pilgrimage Sites

Genghis Khan Mausoleum: A main pilgrimage site for many Mongols.
Wudangzhao Monastery: Near Baotou, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
These sacred sites inspire introspection and cultural connection.
Journey to experience deep spiritual traditions and historical veneration.

Multi-Day Extensions

Hohhot:Add 1-2 days for exploration of cultural and historical sites.
Baotou:Factor IN 1 day, concentrating on Wudangzhao Monastery.
Grassland Overnight:A full Mongolian experience with campfire and stargazing.
Next Destinations:Beijing or Xi'a for onward travel.

Transportation:Flights and high-speed rail services link to major Chinese cities.
Longer Regional Travel:Combine Ordos with Hohhot and Baotou.
Further Adventures:Proceed to Beijing, or west to Ningxia or Gansu for desert landscapes.
Bookable Experiences:Explore and book more activities on GetYourGuide Day Trips.

Traveler Tip

When planning multi-day trips, consider booking your tours and activities ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, for smooth travel.

Ordos Highlights

Experience the best of Ordos with these top attractions and activities.

Genghis Khan Mausoleum

A religious and historical center honoring the great unifier. Discover Mongolian heritage.

Kangbashi New Area

Explore modern architecture and spacious boulevards in this unique urban landscape.

Xiangshawan Desert

Engage in thrilling desert activities such as sandboarding and camel riding at the "singing sands."

Museums & Culture

Dive into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Ordos region.

Institutions

Ordos Museum: A hub for the history of the region, art, and artifacts.
Ordos Bronze Ware Museum: showing ancient bronze crafts.
Learn about the Huns and Ordos Bronze Culture.

Grasslands & Ecology

Connect with nature and see successful ecological restoration efforts.

Natural Experiences

Ejin Horo Grassland: Vast plains perfect for horseback riding.
Engebei Ecological Tourist Zone: Witness desertification control.
Relax in unique blends of desert and green oases.

Local Cuisine

Hand-Grabbed Mutton:A staple Mongolian dish, boiled and eaten by hand.

Roasted Whole Lamb:A celebratory feast, often with cultural performances.

Dairy Products:Yogurt, cheese, and milk tea unique to the region.

Hao Mai Bu:A fermented oat dish, traditional and savory.

Mongolian Hot Pot:Flavorful broths and fresh ingredients.

Kumiss:Fermented mare's milk, a traditional alcoholic beverage.

Local Insight

Explore Dongsheng District for a genuine taste of local life and street food.
Many restaurants display photos of dishes, making ordering easier even with language barriers.
Mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are dominant; cash use is less common.
Do not shy from trying local dairy; it is a fundamental aspect of Mongolian culinary heritage.

Accommodation & Services

Find comfort and convenience during your stay in Ordos.

Hotels & Guesthouses

Ordos offers a selection from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels, mainly concentrated in the Dongsheng and Kangbashi districts.

Options for Every Traveler

Dongsheng: More local immersion, diverse dining.
Kangbashi: Modern amenities, new infrastructure, spacious.
Grasslands: Yurt stays offer an authentic Mongolian experience.

Dining & Entertainment

From traditional Mongolian dishes to international cuisine, Ordos has diverse dining opportunities.

Culinary Exploration

Local restaurants serve Hand-Grabbed Mutton and Roasted Whole Lamb.
Tea houses and cafes are widespread in urban areas.
Cultural performances accompany dining at certain establishments.

Transportation

Getting around Ordos is easy with various options for travelers.

Getting Around

Taxis & Didi: Readily available for city travel.
Public Buses: An economical way to explore urban areas.
Private Drivers: Arrange for side trips to remote sites.

Connectivity

Remain connected with accessible communication and internet services.

Stay Connected

Local SIM cards (China Mobile, Unicom, Telecom) available with a passport.
Wi-Fi widespread in hotels and cafes, though public Wi-Fi may need local phone verification.
A VPN is necessary for many Western applications and websites; set it up before arrival.

Essential Services

Access services during your visit.

Banking & ATMs

The operating hours of banks weekdays, while ATMs are widely present 24/7. Mobile payment systems WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant.

Emergency Contacts

Police (110), Fire (119), Ambulance (120). Save these numbers for immediate recall.

Medical Facilities

Hospitals and clinics exist in Dongsheng and Kangbashi. Travel insurance is advisable.

Note for Travelers

Many services in China are geared towards mobile payment. Having WeChat Pay or Alipay set up before your trip will greatly ease transactions.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Discover local crafts and unique items to take home.

What to Buy

Ordos Cashmere

Renowned globally for its quality, cashmere products from Ordos are a high-end souvenir. Look for reputable brands.

Mongolian Handicrafts

Handmade items like felt products, leather goods, traditional clothing, and intricate items of silver jewelry.

Local Dairy Products

Dried milk curds (nai pi), cheeses, and other unique Mongolian dairy snacks are delightful treats.

Where to Shop

Dongsheng District: Local markets and smaller boutiques for authentic items.
Shopping Malls: Large malls in both Dongsheng and Kangbashi carry modern goods and branded stores.
Tourist Zones: Shops near major attractions (like Genghis Khan Mausoleum) offer souvenirs.
Specialty Stores: Look for cashmere specific outlets for higher quality.
Craft Markets: Occasionally pop-up markets feature local artisans; inquire locally.
Online: (Not applicable for physical shopping, omit)

Shopping Tips

Bargaining: Common in area markets; to a lesser extent in big stores.
Authenticity: Purchase cashmere from certified retailers to avoid imitations.
Payment: Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widespread.
Customs: Be aware of limitations on exporting certain cultural artifacts.
Fair Trade: Seek out items directly from artisans to support local communities.
Quality Check: Inspect goods carefully before purchasing.

Recommended Souvenirs

Cashmere Scarves

Soft, luxurious, and a practical reminder of Inner Mongolia's fine textiles.

Mongolian Boots

Traditional, intricately designed boots perfect for cultural display or wear.

Silver Ornaments

Beautifully crafted jewelry and decorative items reflecting nomadic artistry.

Shopping Insight

When buying traditional handicrafts, choosing items made by local artisans supports their livelihoods and preserves cultural heritage.

Day Trips from Ordos