Hohhot

Hohhot, abbreviated Hushi (Chinese: 呼市; pinyin: Hūshì), is the capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, covering a total area of 17,224 square kilometers. It is a famous national historical and cultural city where 41 ethnic groups, including Manchu, Hui, Korean, Ewenki and Daur, live in a concentrated community. It has many ancient relics, including Zhaojun Tomb (昭君墓) , Five Pagodas  Temple (五塔寺), and White Tower(白塔). Hohhot is also famous for barbecue and the production of mushrooms and hops.

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, is located in the central part of Inner Mongolia. It is bordered by the Yinshan Mountain to the north, the Yellow River to the south, Baotou and Ordos to the west, and Ulanqab to the east. Known as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot is a city steeped in Mongolian culture and offers stunning landscapes of the grasslands.

Why Visit Hohhot, Inner Mongolia?

• Famous Temples: As a well-known historical and cultural city along the north boundary, Hohhot is home to more than 50 temples. The most popular ones are Dazhao Temple(大昭寺), Five Pagodas  Temple (五塔寺), Great Mosque(清真大寺) and Xilituzhao Monastery(席力图召寺).
• Ancient Relics and Museums: With its long national history and abundant ethic culture, Hohhot provides us some historical relics and museums to explore. Such as the Zhaojun Tomb (昭君墓), Dayao Cultural Relics(大窑文化遗址), Inner Mongolia Museum, Mongolia Museum of History and Culture.
• Grassland: Besides the historical and cultural relics, Hohhot is also a pearl of grassland, the natural surroundings of the city is particularly amazing. It has picturesque grassland like Xilamuren Grassland(希拉穆仁草原), Huitengxile Grassland(辉腾锡勒) and Gegentala Grassland(格根塔拉草原).
• Prairie Culture:Along with the development of grassland, the prairie culture has also been nurtured, there are ethnic festivals such as Ji Aobao(祭敖包), Nadam Fair(那达慕大会) as well as Zhama Banquet (诈马宴) for tourist to experience.

Gateway to Grassland Paradise

Hohhot is the perfect starting point for exploring the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia. It is close to several beautiful grassland areas, including:

• Xilamuren Grassland

• Huitengxile Grassland

• Gegentala Grassland

Here, you can enjoy a range of activities such as:

• Horse riding across the grasslands

• Visiting a herdsman’s family to experience traditional Mongolian life

• Roaming over the expansive prairie, soaking in the natural beauty

• Sampling local Mongolian cuisine

The vast, picturesque landscape will captivate nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Experience the Hospitality of the Mongols

Hohhot is home to 36 ethnic groups, including the Mongols. As the cultural heart of Inner Mongolia, the city offers visitors a chance to experience the renowned Mongol hospitality. When meeting the Mongol people, expect a warm reception:

• Hada (a traditional Mongolian scarf) and a silver cup of wine are often presented as tokens of respect.

• Visitors are treated like family members, and you will have the opportunity to learn about Mongolian culture and traditions firsthand.

Grand Naadam Festival

The Naadam Festival, held every July or August, is the biggest festival in Inner Mongolia. This event celebrates Mongolian culture through traditional activities, such as:

• Wrestling

• Horse racing

• Archery

The festival offers a unique opportunity to witness and even participate in these ancient sports, surrounded by the vibrant Mongolian atmosphere.

Zhaomiao Culture

Hohhot is also a center for Zhaomiao culture, which is deeply linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Some key cultural highlights include:

• Dazhao Temple: A Buddhist temple with primitive architecture.

• Five-pagoda Temple: Known for its unique architecture.

• Xilituzhao: A religious site where traditional ceremonies are held.

These cultural sites provide a glimpse into the spiritual and historical significance of the region.