Xilingol League (锡林郭勒盟), located in central Inner Mongolia, is one of China’s most famous grassland tourism destinations and an important region for experiencing Mongolian culture, nomadic traditions, and northern plateau landscapes. The name “Xilingol” comes from Mongolian, meaning “a river on the high plateau”. With vast grasslands, volcanic landscapes, lakes, deserts, and Mongol-Yuan historical heritage, it represents the essence of Inner Mongolia’s natural and cultural tourism.
The tourism resources of Xilingol League can be divided into several major themes: grassland ecological landscapes, Mongolian ethnic culture, historical heritage, geological wonders, and border tourism.
The league is home to the Xilingol Grassland National Nature Reserve, one of the world’s typical temperate grassland ecosystems. The region contains different grassland types, including meadow grassland, typical grassland, and desert grassland, creating diverse landscapes throughout the year.
Xilingol is also an important birthplace of Mongolian history and culture. The Yuan Shangdu Ruins (元上都遗址) in Zhenglan Banner are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and were once the summer capital of the Yuan Dynasty established by Kublai Khan.
Today, Xilingol has developed various tourism experiences including grassland self-driving tours, horseback riding, Mongolian yurts, traditional festivals, photography tours, geological exploration, and cultural heritage journeys.
Xilingol League Tourism Attraction Ranking
| Ranking |
Attraction |
English Name |
Main Features |
| 1 |
元上都遗址 |
Xanadu (Yuan Shangdu Ruins) |
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the summer capital of the Yuan Dynasty and a symbol of Mongolian history. |
| 2 |
乌拉盖九曲湾 |
Ulgai Nine Bends |
One of Inner Mongolia’s most beautiful grassland river landscapes, famous for sunset photography. |
| 3 |
西乌珠穆沁旗99号公路 |
Route 99 Grassland Highway |
A spectacular self-driving route crossing colorful grasslands and different ecological zones. |
| 4 |
多伦湖 |
Duolun Lake |
A scenic lake area combining grasslands, forests, hills, and water landscapes, ideal for leisure travel. |
| 5 |
贝子庙 |
Beizi Temple (Prince’s Temple) |
A historic Tibetan Buddhist temple and cultural landmark in Xilinhot City. |
| 6 |
二连浩特国门景区 |
Erenhot Gateway Scenic Area |
A famous border tourism destination featuring China-Mongolia border culture. |
| 7 |
平顶山火山群 |
Pingdingshan Volcano Group |
Unique volcanic geological landscapes with flat-topped volcanic peaks. |
| 8 |
乌拉盖布林泉 |
Bulin Spring Scenic Area |
Famous natural spring landscape and one of the filming locations of Wolf Totem. |
| 9 |
太仆寺御马苑 |
Taipusi Royal Horse Farm |
Experience Mongolian horse culture and traditional imperial horse breeding history. |
| 10 |
白音查干湖(牛奶湖) |
Baiyin Chagan Lake (Milk Lake) |
A unique white-colored lake that became popular among photographers and travelers. |
Major Attractions List of Xilingol League (Chinese-English Comparison)
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| Xilinhot City |
贝子庙 |
Beizi Temple (Prince’s Temple) |
Cultural Heritage |
One of the most famous Tibetan Buddhist temples in Inner Mongolia, representing local religious and architectural culture. |
| Xilinhot City |
额尔敦敖包 |
Erdun Ovoo |
Cultural Landmark |
A traditional Mongolian sacred site offering panoramic views of Xilinhot. |
| Xilinhot City |
中国马都核心区 |
China Horse Capital Core Area |
Horse Culture |
A tourism center featuring Mongolian horse culture, equestrian performances, and exhibitions. |
| Xilinhot City |
锡林郭勒博物馆 |
Xilingol Museum |
Museum |
Introduces Mongolian history, grassland ecology, and regional culture. |
| Xilinhot City |
锡林郭勒草原火山地质公园 |
Xilingol Grassland Volcano Geopark |
Geological Park |
Features volcanic landforms including Pingdingshan and Geyishan areas. |
| Xilinhot City |
锡林郭勒草原国家级自然保护区 |
Xilingol Grassland National Nature Reserve |
Nature Reserve |
A representative protected area of the world’s temperate grassland ecosystem. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| West Ujimqin Banner |
乌兰五台景区 |
Ulan Wutai Scenic Area |
Natural & Cultural |
Known as the “Five Platforms of the Grassland”, combining mountains, grasslands, and religious culture. |
| West Ujimqin Banner |
蒙古汗城 |
Mongol Khan City |
Cultural Experience |
A tourism area for experiencing Mongolian traditions, yurts, performances, and nomadic culture. |
| West Ujimqin Banner |
99号公路 |
Route 99 Grassland Highway |
Scenic Road |
Famous grassland driving route with changing landscapes and excellent photography opportunities. |
| West Ujimqin Banner |
游牧文化保护区 |
Nomadic Culture Protection Area |
Cultural Tourism |
Experience traditional Mongolian pastoral lifestyle. |
| West Ujimqin Banner |
成吉思汗瞭望山 |
Genghis Khan Watchtower Mountain |
Historical Landscape |
A site associated with legends of Genghis Khan. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| East Ujimqin Banner |
乌里雅斯太山 |
Uliastai Mountain |
Natural Landscape |
A famous grassland mountain featuring unique rocks and panoramic views. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| Ulgai Administration Area |
乌拉盖九曲湾 |
Ulgai Nine Bends |
Natural Landscape |
A classic grassland river curve landscape and one of the most photographed places in Xilingol. |
| Ulgai Administration Area |
布林泉景区 |
Bulin Spring Scenic Area |
Natural Landscape |
A beautiful spring area and filming location of Wolf Totem. |
| Ulgai Administration Area |
野狼谷 |
Wild Wolf Valley |
Ecological Tourism |
A themed area related to wolves and grassland ecology. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| Zhenglan Banner |
元上都遗址 |
Xanadu (Yuan Shangdu Ruins) |
World Heritage |
The summer capital of the Yuan Dynasty and one of China’s most important Mongolian historical sites. |
| Zhenglan Banner |
上都湖 |
Shangdu Lake |
Nature Tourism |
A lake landscape suitable for bird watching, photography, and outdoor activities. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| Duolun County |
多伦湖 |
Duolun Lake |
4A Scenic Area |
A beautiful lake surrounded by grasslands, forests, and hills, suitable for cycling and driving tours. |
| Duolun County |
山西会馆 |
Shanxi Guild Hall |
Historical Building |
Qing Dynasty architecture reflecting commercial history and cultural exchanges. |
| Duolun County |
汇宗寺 |
Huizong Temple |
Buddhist Heritage |
A historic Tibetan Buddhist temple with strong regional cultural value. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| Taibus Banner |
太仆寺御马苑 |
Taipusi Royal Horse Farm |
Cultural Tourism |
Former imperial horse breeding area showcasing Mongolian horse culture. |
| Taibus Banner |
白音查干湖(牛奶湖) |
Baiyin Chagan Lake (Milk Lake) |
Natural Landscape |
Famous for its unusual white lake color and unique photography scenery. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| Erenhot City |
二连浩特国门景区 |
Erenhot Gateway Scenic Area |
Border Tourism |
China-Mongolia border landmark with border gate, national boundary markers, and international atmosphere. |
| Erenhot City |
二连浩特国家地质公园 |
Erenhot National Geopark |
Geological Tourism |
Famous for dinosaur fossils and prehistoric geological discoveries. |
| Region |
Chinese Name |
English Name |
Type |
Highlights |
| Abaga Banner |
别力古台札桑 |
Beligutai Zhasang |
Cultural Tourism |
Experience Abaga Mongolian tribal traditions and culture. |
| Sonid Left Banner |
苏尼特博物馆 |
Sonid Museum |
Museum |
Displays Sonid Mongolian history, culture, and traditional lifestyle. |
| Khorchin? / Xianghuang Banner |
蒙古马文化博物馆 |
Mongol Horse Culture Museum |
Cultural Museum |
Introduces the history and importance of Mongolian horses. |
| Zhengxiangbai Banner |
星空文化旅游营地 |
Starry Sky Culture Tourism Camp |
Outdoor Tourism |
Astronomy, camping, and grassland night-sky experiences. |