Horqin Grasslands in Inner Mongolia

Kerqin Grassland (科尔沁草原) is located in eastern Inner Mongolia, with the main area centered around Tongliao City (通辽市). It is one of China’s four major grasslands and the hometown of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang. The region features a transitional landscape between grassland and sandy terrain, where grasslands, sand dunes, wetlands, and woodland intermingle. Compared with Hulunbuir, Kerqin receives fewer tourists and offers better value, while combining Mongolian-Yuan historical culture with traditional grassland nomadic experiences.

Note: Kerqin is a vast geographical region rather than a single attraction with one ticketed entrance. Large areas of open grassland are free to access, while standardized tourist facilities and activities are concentrated in areas such as Zhurihé and Agula.

Essential Kerqin Grassland Travel Information

• Geography: The region spans most of Tongliao and parts of Hinggan League, with Tongliao serving as the main transportation and travel hub.
• Opening: Open grassland is generally accessible 24 hours a day year-round; commercial tourist areas typically operate from 08:30 to 17:30.
• Recommended travel time: Allow 1–2 days for a simple grassland experience, or 3–4 days for a deeper trip combining grassland scenery, cultural attractions, and desert landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Kerqin Grassland

1. June–August, summer (peak season): The grass is lush and wildflowers are in full bloom. In August, Zhurihé hosts a Naadam Festival featuring horse racing, wrestling, singing, and dancing, creating a lively grassland atmosphere. Temperatures generally range from 18–26°C, making it a pleasant escape from summer heat.
2. September–October, autumn: The grassland turns golden, while the red foliage of the five-pointed maple trees at Daqintala (代钦塔拉) creates excellent photography opportunities. There are fewer tourists and generally lower travel costs.
3. November–April: The weather is cold and most outdoor activities are suspended, although the season is suitable for winter and snow experiences.

Best photography times: 06:00–08:00 in the morning and after 18:30 around sunset.

How to Get to Kerqin Grassland

Getting to Tongliao

• High-speed rail: Arrive at Tongliao Railway Station (通辽站). Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours from Shenyang, 2.5 hours from Changchun, and around 4.5 hours from Beijing.
• By air: Fly to Tongliao Airport.

Getting Around the Grassland

Self-driving or hiring a private car is strongly recommended. By car, Tongliao is approximately 6 hours from Beijing and 3 hours from Shenyang, with generally good highway conditions. Some local roads are unpaved, so an SUV is recommended. Private car hire in central Tongliao generally costs around RMB 400–600 per day. Because the grassland attractions are widely dispersed and public buses are extremely limited, traveling entirely by public transportation is not recommended.

Main Grassland Areas and Ticket Prices

Zhurihé Grassland Tourist Area (珠日河草原旅游区)

Ticket: RMB 40. This is the main commercial grassland attraction and a central place to experience horseback riding, archery, bonfire parties, visits to pastoral households, and Naadam activities. It is approximately one hour by car from central Tongliao.

Agula Grassland and Shuanghe'er Mountain (阿古拉草原·双合尔山)

Free admission. With mountains, lakes, and ovoos, this area remains relatively natural and receives fewer visitors. It is particularly suitable for self-driving, photography, and panoramic views of the grassland and lakes.

Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Area (孝庄园文化旅游区)

Ticket: RMB 48. The site includes the Dalhan Prince’s Mansion and offers an opportunity to learn about the history of the Kerqin Mongols. It is approximately one hour by car from Tongliao.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Trip

Daqinggou (大青沟): A forested canyon hidden deep within the grassland. With a ticket price of RMB 45, it is a good choice for escaping the summer heat and enjoying hiking.

Kulun Yinshewan Desert (库伦银沙湾沙漠): A desert landscape located on the edge of the grassland. Tickets are around RMB 30, with activities including sand sliding and off-road vehicle rides.

Large areas of open grassland are free to access. Do not drive over grassland vegetation or enter private pastures belonging to local herders without permission.

Top Experiences in Kerqin Grassland

Experience traditional grassland activities such as horseback riding and archery, visit local pastoral households, and take part in the traditional xia ma jiu welcome ceremony, in which guests are offered a ceremonial drink after dismounting.

During the Naadam Festival in August, watch traditional horse racing and bökh Mongolian wrestling. In the evening, join a grassland bonfire party and, away from city lights, enjoy the Milky Way and night sky. A visit to Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Area also offers an opportunity to learn about the history of Manchu-Mongol marriage alliances during the Qing Dynasty.

Recommended Kerqin Grassland Itineraries

Two-Day Classic Itinerary: Grassland and Culture

Day 1: Tongliao city center → Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Area → arrive at Zhurihé Grassland (珠日河草原) in the evening → stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt and join a bonfire party.

Day 2: Horseback riding and archery at Zhurihé Grassland → visit Agula Grassland and Shuanghe'er Mountain for panoramic views → return to Tongliao.

Three-Day Grand Tour: Grassland, Forest, and Desert

Day 1: Arrive in Tongliao and visit the Kerqin Museum.

Day 2: Explore Zhurihé Grassland and Agula Grassland, then stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt on the grassland.

Day 3: Visit Daqinggou Nature Reserve → continue to Kulun Yinshewan Desert → depart for your return journey.

Accommodation and Local Food

Where to Stay

Mongolian yurts: Located within tourist areas and pastoral camps, yurts offer a strong sense of place and the chance to enjoy the night sky. During the peak season in July and August, advance reservations are essential. Some yurts have only basic bathroom facilities.

Hotels in central Tongliao: The city offers more complete facilities and a wider range of accommodation, making it a convenient option for travelers who prefer day trips to the grassland.

Local Specialties to Try

Local dishes and snacks include hand-grabbed mutton, roast lamb leg, Mongolian meat pies, buckwheat helou noodles, salty milk tea, milk skin, air-dried beef jerky, and lamb offal soup.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. UV radiation is very strong, so prepare sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Mosquitoes can also be numerous on the grassland in summer, so bring insect repellent.
2. Mobile phone signals can be weak in some parts of the grassland, so download offline maps in advance.
3. Respect Mongolian customs and traditions. Follow proper etiquette when entering a Mongolian yurt, and ask for permission before photographing local herders, their livestock, or their homes.
4. Do not drive over grassland vegetation or enter private pastures without permission. Help protect the fragile grassland ecosystem.
5. Accommodation and Mongolian yurts can be difficult to secure during the July–August peak season, so book in advance. Never light an open fire in undeveloped grassland areas.

Nearby Destinations for a Longer Inner Mongolia Trip

Kerqin Grassland can be combined with Xianghai Wetland (向海湿地) and Ulan Buh Desert/Grassland area in Chifeng (赤峰乌兰布统) to create a longer eastern Inner Mongolia road trip.