Wulanhada Volcano Geopark in Ulanqab

Located in Chahar Right Rear Banner (察哈尔右翼后旗), Ulan Hada is a Cenozoic volcanic field on the southern edge of the Inner Mongolian Plateau. More than 30 volcanoes are scattered across the grasslands, creating a distinctive landscape of black basalt and volcanic rock. Often described as having a “Martian surface” in China, the area is a popular destination for geological education, photography, and scenic road trips.

Address: Chahar Right Rear Banner, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia; navigate to the South Visitor Center (南游客中心).

Basic Information

• Opening hours: 08:00–18:30 during the peak season (June–October), with last admission at 18:00; 08:30–17:30 during the low season (November–May).
• Recommended visit: 4–5 hours; allow at least half a day if you want to photograph sunset and the night sky.
• Best travel seasons: June–September is ideal for photography, when the grasslands are lush green, although the temperature difference between day and night is substantial and strong winds are common. September–October brings golden grasslands, fewer visitors, and especially atmospheric sunsets.
• Best photography time: 15:30–19:30, around sunset. The midday sunlight is harsh and generally produces less favorable photography conditions.

How to Get There

Self-driving is the preferred option. From Beijing, the journey is approximately 400 km and takes about 4.5 hours; from Hohhot, about 2.5 hours; and from central Ulanqab, about 1 hour. Ordinary passenger cars can access the park. The scenic area operates a one-way loop from south to north, with no opportunity to turn back along the route. During the peak season, self-driving visitors need to make an online reservation before entering.

High-speed rail + tourist shuttle: Take a high-speed train to Ulanqab Station, where a tourist shuttle runs directly to the South Visitor Center. A one-way ticket costs RMB 35.

Carpooling/private hire: Visitors without their own vehicle can arrange a shared or private car from central Ulanqab. There is no regular public bus directly to the scenic area.

Tickets and Costs

Admission to the scenic area is free, so there is no need to purchase expensive online package tickets.

The self-driving vehicle fee is RMB 60 per car, allowing visitors to complete the full one-way loop and stop freely at the various volcanoes. A sightseeing electric shuttle costs RMB 30 per person and connects the main volcanic attractions, making it a convenient option for visitors without a car.

Optional activities such as astronaut-suit rentals, go-karts, and camel riding are available at additional cost and are entirely voluntary; there are no compulsory bundled purchases.

Main Volcanoes and Geological Highlights

Volcano No. 3 — North Alchemy Furnace (北炼丹炉)

Volcano No. 3 is the only volcano equipped with a wooden boardwalk. The climb to the summit takes around 10 minutes and is suitable for elderly visitors and children. From the top, you can overlook the volcanic crater and the surrounding volcanic field. A red telephone booth halfway up the mountain is also a popular photography spot.

Volcano No. 5 — Central Alchemy Furnace (中炼丹炉)

This volcano resembles the image featured on the cover of Chinese National Geography and is considered the most complete naturally preserved volcanic cone in the area. There is no artificial boardwalk, and the loose gravel slope makes the climb physically demanding. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the grassland and volcanic field, with excellent silhouette photography at sunset. If you have limited energy, you can simply admire and photograph the volcano from its base.

Volcano No. 6 — South Alchemy Furnace (南炼丹炉), the “Martian Landscape”

Volcano No. 6 is the most popular photography location, with large areas of exposed black and reddish basalt creating a stark, barren landscape reminiscent of Mars. Astronaut suits can be rented at the foot of the volcano for themed photographs. Visitors can also climb onto the volcanic rim and look down into the crater, while a telephoto lens is particularly effective for capturing the textures of the volcanic rock walls.

Volcanoes No. 7 and No. 8

These volcanoes have relatively gentle slopes and are popular locations for photographing grassland roads. You may also find small pieces of volcanic agate among the gravel; after rain, it is often easier to spot small stones. They are suitable for a relaxed walk, but bring a small bag if you intend to collect anything—while also following local rules on what may legally be taken from the geological area.

Recommended Itinerary

Classic One-Day Route — One-Way Loop

South Visitor Center → Volcano No. 8 → Volcano No. 7 (look for volcanic stones) → Volcano No. 6 (Martian landscape photography) → Volcano No. 5 (volcanic cone and sunset) → Volcano No. 3 → exit through the north gate.

Accommodation and Food

Where to Stay

Chahar Right Rear Banner (白音察干镇): Hotels and other accommodation are well developed, and the town is about a 40-minute drive from the volcanic area, making it convenient for a day trip.

Guesthouses and Mongolian yurts near the volcanoes: These offer much closer access to the volcanic field and are convenient for sunrise and stargazing. Accommodation becomes limited during the peak season, so advance booking is recommended.

Local food: Hand-grabbed mutton, dairy products, oat noodles, and mutton offal soup. There are few dining options inside the scenic area, so it is advisable to bring your own drinking water and snacks.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Strong winds and large temperature differences between day and night are common. Even in summer, bring a windproof jacket. UV radiation is strong, so use sunscreen and bring sunglasses. The volcanic gravel is sharp and uneven, so wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and avoid sandals or flip-flops.
2. The loose gravel on Volcano No. 5 can be slippery, so watch your footing. Climbing the volcanic slopes is prohibited during rainy weather.
3. Mobile phone reception can be weak in parts of the volcanic area, so download an offline map in advance. There is no lighting in the park at night; you may admire the stars from designated areas, but do not climb the volcanoes alone after dark.
4. Protect the geological heritage. Do not break or remove large pieces of volcanic rock, and take all your rubbish with you.
5. The park can become crowded on peak-season weekends. Enter as early as possible in the morning to avoid afternoon congestion.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Routes

Ulan Hada Volcanic Field → Huitengxile Grassland (辉腾锡勒草原) → Huanghuagou (黄花沟). You can also return to Ulanqab and continue with a broader Inner Mongolia grassland self-driving loop.