Bayannaoer

Bayannur (often shortened to B盟) lies beyond the Great Wall, with the Yinshan Mountains to the north and the Yellow River to the south. Deserts, canyons, wetlands, grasslands and Hetao farming culture come together here. Attractions are spread far apart, so driving yourself or hiring a private car is recommended.

• Wuliangsuhai Lake: Located at the Yellow River’s “zigzag bend,” it is one of China’s eight largest freshwater lakes. More than 260 species of migratory birds live here in spring and summer. You can take a bamboo raft through the reed beds to look for whooper swans and grey herons; in autumn, the reeds turn yellow and the scenery feels especially wide open.

• Ulan Buh Desert: China’s eighth-largest desert, with relatively few visitors and a peaceful atmosphere. Activities include UTV off-roading, camel rides and sandboarding. At dusk, climb the dunes to enjoy the “round sunset over the great desert.”

• Yinshan Rock Paintings: An ancient group of rock paintings in the Yinshan Mountains, depicting hunting, dancing and rituals from around 6,000 years ago. The road to the Chaiyaokou section is in good condition and ordinary sedans can reach it. The red sandstone landscape has a strong wilderness feel.

• Western Dream Canyon: Yadan and Danxia landforms are concentrated here, and changing light brings out rich layers of color in the rock walls, earning it the nickname “China’s Antelope Canyon.” The route through the scenic area is about 3 kilometers long; you can walk or take a shuttle bus.

• Sanshenggong Water Control Project: Known as the “first Yellow River sluice from source to sea,” it is also an important water-control hub for the Hetao irrigation district. From the top of the sluice, you can look down at the Yellow River, then head to the Yellow River Hetao Culture Tourism Area to watch the sunset.

Classic 3–5-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in the city and get an introduction to Hetao culture

After arriving in Linhe District, Bayannur, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Hetao Culture Museum and the Bayannur Natural History Museum. Both are free, with entry by ID card, and are good places to learn about the history and natural environment of the Hetao Plain. In the evening, stroll through the night market on Huanghewan Pedestrian Street and try snacks such as rou beizi and mianjing.

• Day 2: Explore the canyon and desert sunset

Drive to Western Dream Canyon in the morning, about 1.5 hours away, to see its red Danxia landforms. In the afternoon, continue to the Ulan Buh Desert for off-roading and camel riding. Wait for sunset on the dunes, then return to the city for the night.

• Day 3: Watch birds in the wetlands and see the Yellow River

Head to Wuliangsuhai Lake and take a bamboo raft or cruise into the reed beds for birdwatching. A telephoto lens is recommended. In the afternoon, visit the Sanshenggong Water Control Project to view the Yellow River from the top of the sluice. You can also drive along the riverside highway to see the river’s green-and-yellow waters and fields of sunflowers; sunflowers are visible from July to October.

• Day 4: Cross the Yinshan Mountains and seek out ancient relics (optional)

If you have enough time and plan to drive, take the “Crossing the Yinshan” route to visit the Yinshan Rock Paintings and Jilusai, a Han-dynasty frontier fortress site, and experience the historic grandeur of the area. Some sections near Jilusai are gravel roads. Ordinary sedans should be parked outside and the rest covered on foot, or you can switch to an off-road vehicle.

• Day 5: Relax and buy local specialties before departing

Spend the morning at leisure, then visit a local supermarket or morning market to buy specialties such as Wallace melons, Sanpangdan sunflower seeds, dairy products and beef jerky before your return trip.

A Hetao Feast for the Taste Buds

Bayannur cuisine is known for meat dishes, noodles and local snacks. There is plenty of choice, and prices are generally quite reasonable.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Where to stay: In Linhe District, consider staying near Vitality Mall or Huanghewan Pedestrian Street. Taxis make it convenient to reach restaurants and supermarkets, and evening outings take less time. When visiting Wuliangsuhai Lake for birdwatching, you can also stay at a nearby We hai Renjia homestay. Accommodation is generally good value, and around CNY 200 can get you a clean chain hotel.
• Getting there:
  • By air: Fly to Bayannur Tianjitai Airport. Buses and an airport express line run from outside the airport to the city center.
  • By high-speed rail: Take an intercity high-speed train from Hohhot East Station to Bayannur Station. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with fares starting at CNY 78.
• Getting around: Attractions are quite spread out, so driving yourself or hiring a private car is recommended. Taxis are inexpensive in the city, and shared electric scooters are also available. Some sections toward Jilusai and across the Yinshan Mountains require an off-road vehicle. Do not drive an ordinary sedan onto gravel roads without checking conditions, as it may get stuck.

Practical Tips

• Temperature changes and sun protection: Inner Mongolia has marked temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer and early autumn, bring a windproof jacket. UV levels are strong, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• Road conditions: Regular sedans can reach standard attractions such as Western Dream Canyon and Sanshenggong. Deeper sections of Jilusai and some roads near Agui Temple have gravel and potholes; SUVs or off-road vehicles are more suitable. Sedans can be parked outside and the rest covered on foot.
• Respect local customs: At herders’ camps or temples, follow local customs. Do not touch the rock paintings or enter areas that are not open to visitors.
• Hydration and mosquitoes: The local climate is dry, so drink water regularly and use moisturizer. Wetlands such as Wuliangsuhai Lake have many mosquitoes in summer; bring insect repellent.