Ordos Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-Hour Layover Highlights

If time is short, concentrate on the most distinguished parts of Kangbashi New Area.

Morning/Afternoon: Discover the Ordos Museum and the Ordos Bronze Ware Museum. Observe the unique architecture of Kangbashi. Find local tours.

Evening & Dining

Late Afternoon/Evening: Stroll around Wulan Mu Lun Lake. If operational, experience the musical fountain show.
Dinner: Dine in Kangbashi or take a taxi to Dongsheng for more local culinary options.
Plan your departure time accordingly to make the most of your brief visit.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Experience both the cultural along with current facets of Ordos with a short trip.

Day 1: Arrival & Dongsheng

Arrive at Ordos Ejin Horo Airport (DSN). Check into your hotel in Dongsheng District. Spend the afternoon exploring Dongsheng's local markets and city life.

Evening Activity

Enjoy a local dinner, sampling authentic Inner Mongolian cuisine.
Retire early to prepare for the one after day's adventures.
Orient yourself within Dongsheng, observing local dynamics.
Discover small shops and street vendors in the bustling district.

Consider booking your Genghis Khan Mausoleum tour in advance on GetYourGuide.

Day 2-3: Legacy & Modernity

Day 2: Genghis Khan's Legacy: Take a full-day trip to the Genghis Khan Mausoleum. Immerse yourself in Mongolian history and spiritual traditions.

Cultural Immersion & Departure

Return to Ordos for a traditional Mongolian dinner, perhaps with a cultural performance.
Day 3: Kangbashi's Modernity & Departure: Explore the Kangbashi New Area.
Visit the Ordos Museum and observe the distinct architecture.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A week in Ordos deepens your cultural, historical, and natural journey.

Days 1-5: City, Khan & Desert

Days 1-2: Explore Dongsheng and Kangbashi; visit museums and admire architecture.
Day 3: Full day at Genghis Khan Mausoleum; head to Ejin Horo Grassland (optional yurt stay).
Day 4: Day trip to Xiangshawan Desert for sand activities.
Day 5: Visit Engebei Ecological Tourist Zone, learn about desertification control.

Days 6-7: Excursion & Departure

Conclude your week with an excursion to nearby cities or a broader regional exploration.

Beyond Ordos

Days 6-7: Day trip or overnight stay in Hohhot (museums, temples) or Baotou (Wudangzhao).
Depart from Hohhot/Baotou, or return to Ordos for your onward travel.
This route has a rounded Inner Mongolia experience.
Consider booking an overnight stay in Hohhot or Baotou for a fuller visit.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Expand on the one-week itinerary for a more extensive journey through Inner Mongolia and further.

Week 1 Focus

Follow the comprehensive one-week itinerary covering Ordos and its immediate surroundings.

Week 2 Regional Dive

Dedicate more time to different grassland areas, seeking smaller towns or less-visited nomadic communities for cultural immersion.

Broader China Connections

Consider venturing to different parts of Inner Mongolia, like Xilinhot or Erenhot. Combine this with a visit to Beijing or Xi'an.

Long-Term Stay

Ordos is not typically a long-term tourist destination. For work or specific immersion, consider apartment rental in Kangbashi (modern) or Dongsheng (local).

Interest-Based Routes

Craft your Ordos itinerary to match your passions.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Immerse yourself in the rich past of Inner Mongolia.

Sites

Genghis Khan Mausoleum: Dedicate time to its spiritual and historical significance.
Ordos Museum: Focus on history exhibits, including Ordos Bronze Culture.
Ordos Bronze Ware Museum: Delve into ancient artifacts.
Extension: Consider Hohhot for Dazhao Temple and other historical sites.

Discover more historical tours on GetYourGuide.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor the distinct flavors of Inner Mongolian cuisine.

Gastronomic Journey

Dongsheng's Eateries: Explore local eateries and street food for authentic flavors.
Must-Try Dishes: Sample Hand-Grabbed Mutton, Roasted Whole Lamb, and dairy products.
Local Market: A visit shows fresh produce and ingredients.
Yurt Dining: Experience dining in a classic yurt in a grassland setting.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Seek thrills and natural beauty in the landscapes of Ordos.

Adrenaline & Nature

Xiangshawan Desert: Dedicate a full day to sandboarding, camel riding, and dune buggy adventures.
Grasslands: Engage in horseback riding across the vast plains of the Ordos Grasslands.
Engebei Ecological Tourist Zone: Explore unique desert and oasis landscapes.
Hiking opportunities exist within designated ecological parks.

Booking desert activities via GetYourGuide is recommended.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Fun and engaging activities for travelers of all ages.

Kids & Parents Fun

Xiangshawan Desert: Many engaging and fun activities delight children.
Ordos Museum: Captivating dinosaur exhibits appeal to younger visitors.
Kangbashi Parks and Lakes: Explore spacious parks and see the musical fountain show.
Take part in relaxed strolls and picnics in family-friendly green spaces.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Admire the contemporary designs and ancient artistry of Ordos.

Design & Aesthetics

Kangbashi New Area: Focus on the unique architecture of its public buildings.
Visit the Ordos Grand Theater, Library, and other distinct structures.
Ordos Bronze Ware Museum: Witness the artistry of ancient Ordos culture.
Observe the bold urban planning and modern sculptural installations.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Seek inner peace and spiritual insight amidst vast landscapes.

Contemplative Travel

Genghis Khan Mausoleum: Visit for its profound religious importance and peaceful atmosphere.
Grasslands/Desert: Find quiet contemplation in the vastness and solitude.
Experience the serene beauty for introspection and well-being.
Consider a secluded yurt stay for a connection with nature.

Personalized Planning

These routes offer departure points; customize them with specific interests and timings to craft your perfect Ordos adventure.

Budget-Based Plans

Plan your Ordos trip according to your financial comfort.

Backpacker's Guide

Travel Ordos on a modest budget.

Economical Choices

Accommodation: Stay in budget accommodations or inns in Dongsheng District.
Transportation: Rely on public buses for getting around; walk where feasible.
Meals: Eat area street food and budget-friendly eateries.
Attractions: Focus on free attractions like museum exteriors, Kangbashi New Area, and nearby parks.

Consider hostels for further savings, if available.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

A comfortable balance of affordability and experience.

Balanced Journey

Accommodation: Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels in either district.
Dining: Enjoy a mix of local and mid-range restaurants.
Transportation: Take cabs or Didi ride-sharing for convenience.
Attractions: Visit paid attractions for instance the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and Xiangshawan.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and comfort throughout your Ordos visit.

Opulent Travel

Accommodation: Choose 5-star hotels with top-tier amenities and services.
Dining: Indulge in fine dining, including a full roasted lamb experience with cultural performances.
Transportation: Hire a private driver for attractions and transfers.
Activities: Enjoy premium pursuits at Xiangshawan and exclusive private tours.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Strategies for maximizing your budget without sacrificing experience.

Smart Savings

Season: Visit during the shoulder season for better rates on hotels and flights.
Booking: Pre-book hotels and flights well in advance to secure optimal prices.
Payment: Utilize mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay, Alipay) for everyday transactions.
Look for package deals that bundle accommodation and select activities.

Seasonal Specialties

Winter Wonders

Experience unique snow-covered desert and grasslplus vistas. Fewer crowds and lower prices are benefits.

Festival Visits

Schedule your visit around the Nadam Fair (summer) for a truly deep cultural experience. Expect crowds during Chinese federal holidays.

Off-Season Exploration

Focus on indoor attractions like museums. Enjoy the quiet ambiance of Kangbashi, finding unique cultural insights.

Seasonal Travel Advice

Each season has unique aspects to Ordos. Adjust your activities and expectations according to the time of year for the most enjoyment.

Transportation Insights

Local City Travel

Navigating Dongsheng and Kangbashi districts with ease.

In-City Options

Taxis: Readily available in urban areas; a convenient choice.
Didi (Ride-sharing): A popular app-based service for getting around.
Public Buses: An economical way to travel between different city zones.
Routes connect popular tourist spots and residential areas.

For Didi, download the app and set it up before you need it.

Regional Connections

Travel between Ordos and nearby cities like Hohhot and Baotou.

Inter-City Travel

High-Speed Train: The quickest and most comfortable option to Hohhot and Baotou.
Long-Distance Bus: Frequent services connect Ordos with provincial hubs.
Flights: Ordos Ejin Horo Airport (DSN) connects to major Chinese cities.
Consider flying from DSN for longer distances within China.

Excursions & Remote Areas

Planning travel to grasslands, desert areas, and other distant attractions.

Desert & Grassland Access

Private Driver: Highly advisable for convenience to remote locations.
Organized Tours: Many local agencies arrange trips to Xiangshawan and the grasslands.
These options streamline travel and navigation to less accessible spots.

Inter-Province Travel

High-speed rail connects Inner Mongolia to cities like Beijing and Xi'an.
Direct flights from Ordos or Hohhot serve major Chinese airports.
Plan multi-destination journeys with these efficient connections.

Airport Services

Streamline your airport experience with convenient services.

Pre-Flight Comforts

Priority Pass: Access airport lounges globally for a more relaxing wait.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and quiet spaces before boarding.
Stay productive or relax with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
A valued service for frequent and international travelers.

Flight Compensation

Secure assistance for flight disruptions.

Assistance for Issues

Compensair: This service helps secure payment for delayed or canceled flights.
It also addresses cases of denied boarding, making sure your rights.
Claiming compensation for eligible disruptions can recover travel expenses.
Understand your passenger rights for international and domestic flights.

Road Safety Warnings

Driving Conditions

Road conditions vary; urban roads are well-maintained, but rural and grassland paths can be unpaved or challenging in bad weather.

Traffic Etiquette

Traffic can be chaotic, especially in Dongsheng. Exercise caution as a foot-traveler or if considering self-driving.

Transport Recommendation

For a stress-free journey, especially to remote attractions, hiring a private driver or booking an organized tour simplifies logistics and navigation.

Ordos Itineraries