Day Trips from Ulanqab. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations within Day-Trip Distance

Hohhot (呼和浩特): The capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It sits approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by high-speed train from Ulanqab. Hohhot presents a broader range of cultural experiences, including significant museums, temples, and more extensive opportunities to shop.

Datong (大同): A historicly rich city in Shanxi Province, located south of Ulanqab. It is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by high-speed train or bus. Datong is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple, both awe-inspiring historical sites. For more experiences, see GetYourGuide day trips.

Natural Wonders Near Ulanqab

Huitengxile Grassland (辉腾锡勒草原): This well-known grassland is easily visited as a full day trip or an overnight stay from Ulanqab city. It delivers the quintessential Mongolian experience.
Ulan Hada Volcanic Geopark (乌兰哈达火山地质公园): This unique volcanic cluster makes for an excellent half-day or full-day trip from Jining District.
Transportation: High-speed rail is commonly the most recommended option for Hohhot and Datong.
Natural Attractions: An organized tour or private car simplifies logistics for the grassland and geopark.

Natural Escapes

Beyond Ulanqab's main attractions, other natural areas present opportunities for quiet exploration.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Beyond Huitengxile Grassland and Ulan Hada Volcanic Geopark, other smaller grasslands or natural areas surround Ulanqab. These areas are less developed for tourism.

Hidden Gems

Undeveloped smaller grasslands await discovery.
Secluded encounters are possible with local guides.
Venturing further uncovers pristine nature.

Scenic Landscapes

The vast, open plains of the Mongolian plateau, with endless skies and rolling hills, showcase breathtaking scenic landscapes wherever you drive outside the urban areas.

Rural Views

Vast open plains of the Mongolian plateau.
Endless skies and rolling hills create beautiful views.
These views stand out on any trip outside urban areas.

Rural Exploration

Animal Sightings

See herds of sheep grazing freely.
Observe cattle and horses in their natural habitat.

Interaction Advice

Visits are often best with a local guide.
Aim for respectful interactions with residents.

Summary of Day Trips

Hohhot Cultural Exploration1.5-2 hours by high-speed train
Datong Historical SitesYungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple
Huitengxile GrasslandQuintessential Mongolian experience
Ulan Hada Volcanic GeoparkUnique volcanic cluster

High-speed rail for citiesEfficient and comfortable
Organized tours for natureSimplifies logistics, language
Full day for city trips8-12 hours
Half-day for nature tripsPossible to combine

Flight Compensation

For flight cancellations or delays, explore compensation options with Compensair.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural understanding with historical sites and rural visits outside Ulanqab city.

Historical Discoveries

Beyond the accessible Han Dynasty Great Wall ruins, numerous other sections of ancient walls (from various dynasties) scatter in the nearby counties. These deliver quiet historical discovery for those interested in exploration.

Ancient Outposts

Remnants of ancient military outposts and signal towers exist, indicating the region's historical strategic importance.

Village Life

Witness classic farming methods or pastoral activities. Such visits are often with a local guide who can facilitate respectful interactions with residents.

Cultural Excursion Details

Local Sites

Great Wall sections for quiet exploration.
Former military garrisons for history.
Beacon towers for strategic past.

Engagement

Beyond physical sites, engage with the local culture.

Interaction Opportunities

Rural village visits with a local guide.
Observing farming and pastoral activities.
Xiannvquan Temple near Daihai Lake for spiritual visits.

Multi-Day Extension Overview

Ulanqab with Hohhot2-3 days for museums, temples, dining

Ulanqab with Datong2-3 days for Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple

Extended Grassland StayOvernight yurt stay for sunset/sunrise

Beijing connectivityHigh-speed rail access

Hohhot as a next stepFor further regional exploration

Datong easy combinationGood train links

Transportation & Routes

Effective Transport system: High-speed trains remain the most efficient mode of transport for intercity travel between Ulanqab, Hohhot, and Datong.
Longer Distances: For longer distances withwithin China, domestic flights from Hohhot or Beijing are suitable.
Suggested Route 1: Beijing -> Ulanqab -> Hohhot -> Baotou (facilitates exploration of the central part of Inner Mongolia, moving westward from Beijing).
Suggested Route 2: Beijing -> Datong -> Ulanqab -> Hohhot (combines historical Shanxi with the grasslands of Inner Mongolia).
Suggested Route 3: Beijing -> Ulanqab -> Erenhot (for a more adventurous trip, consider extending to Erenhot, a border city with Mongolia, delivering a different cultural flavor).

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your journey to truly immerse yourself in the region.

Combine Ulanqab with Hohhot

Add 2-3 days to your itinerary for full exploration of Hohhot. Visit its prominent sites like the Dazhao Temple, Five Pagoda Temple (Wutasi), and the Inner Mongolia Museum.

Hohhot Highlights

Dazhao Shrine and Five Pagoda Temple.
Inner Mongolia Museum for cultural insight.
Hohhot has a wider array of dining and shopping.

Combine Ulanqab with Datong

Dedicate 2-3 days to Datong. This arrangement grants ample time to visit the magnificent Yungang Grottoes, the precariously perched Hanging Temple, and potentially the Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County.

Datong Attractions

Magnificent Yungang Grottoes.
Precariously perched Hanging Temple.
Potentially the Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County.

Extend Grassland Stay

For a more immersive experience, consider an overnight (or even two-night) yurt stay on the Huitengxile Grassland.

Immersive Experience

Sunset and views of the sunrise over the grasslands.
Enjoy cultural evenings with local performances.
More time for pastimes such as hiking or equestrianism.

Logical Next Destinations

Ulanqab is well-connected to other destinations for broader regional travel.

Connecting Your Journey

Beijing: A natural next or previous stop by high-speed rail.
Hohhot: The capital of Inner Mongolia, logically follows Ulanqab for further regional exploration.
Datong: Easily combined with Ulanqab due to good train connections.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Plan an extended journey to explore more of China's diverse regions.

Central Inner Mongolia

Beijing -> Ulanqab -> Hohhot -> Baotou (facilitates exploration of the central part of Inner Mongolia, moving westward from Beijing).

History & Grasslands

Beijing -> Datong -> Ulanqab -> Hohhot (combines historical Shanxi with the grasslands of Inner Mongolia).

Adventurous Border Trip

Beijing -> Ulanqab -> Erenhot (for a more adventurous trip, consider extending to Erenhot, a border city with Mongolia, delivering a different cultural flavor).

Helpful Tip

When planning multi-day extensions, book your train tickets and accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel periods, making sure of availability and better prices.

Day Trips from Ulanqab