Xilinguolei

Travel in Xilingol focuses on grasslands, rivers and scenery along the roads, making it well suited to a self-drive trip linking several stops. The following information on attractions, itineraries, food and accommodation may be useful when planning your visit.

• Wulagai Nine-Bend Bay: The river winds repeatedly through the grassland, forming a series of sweeping bends. It is a good place to watch and photograph the sunset, and to capture the overall shape of the river and grassland from above.

• Route 99: This grassland road has wide-open views, with stretches of meadow and cattle and sheep scattered across it. Traffic is light, making it suitable for enjoying the scenery and photographing the road during a self-drive trip.

• Dada Line: Known as “China’s Route 66,” this road passes through the Gongger Grassland. The straight road stretches into the distance, with wind turbines, cattle, sheep and open meadows along the way.

• Re’a Line: Often compared with a small version of the Duku Highway on the grassland, this route winds through Huanggangliang along mountain roads. As the road rises and falls, the scenery shifts between forests, birch woods and alpine meadows, allowing you to experience changing landscapes as you drive.

• Pingding Mountain Volcanic Group: This area preserves volcanic landforms formed over hundreds of millions of years, where dark rocks contrast with green grass. Seen from a distance, the mountain tops are flat as if cut off. It is suitable for photography and for families wanting to learn about volcanic geology.
• Wulagai Wild Wolf Valley: A filming location for *Wolf Totem*, it offers close-up views of steppe wolves and can also be included in a family itinerary.

• Beizi Temple: One of Inner Mongolia’s four major temples, it features a quiet temple landscape of red walls and white pagodas. A group of ovoos stands on the hillside behind it; when praying, walk around them clockwise.

• Dalai Nur Lake: Its broad waters have earned it the nickname “the sea of the grassland.” A private ranch on the north shore is worth considering as a viewing spot, with fewer visitors, open scenery and relatively good value.

5-Day, 4-Night Self-Drive Loop

• Day 1: After arriving in Xilinhot, check in at your hotel and rest. In the afternoon, visit Beizi Temple; in the evening, head to Yuanhe Night Market to try local barbecue and snacks.
• Day 2: Xilinhot → Route 99 → Wulagai Administrative Region. Start sightseeing at the beginning of Route 99, stopping at suitable places for photos along the way, then arrive in Wulagai in the evening to watch the grassland sunset.

• Day 3: Wulagai Lake → Wulagai Nine-Bend Bay → Wild Wolf Valley. Spend the morning by Wulagai Lake. In the afternoon, visit Nine-Bend Bay, try grass sliding and watch the sunset, then head to Wild Wolf Valley in the evening.

• Day 4: Wulagai → West Ujimqin Banner → Re’a Line → Dada Line. Drive along both roads, watching forests and grasslands alternate along the way. Arrive at Reshuitang in the evening and enjoy a hot spring.

• Day 5: Reshuitang → Pingding Mountain Volcanic Group → Xilinhot city center. Visit the volcanic landscape in the morning, return to the city in the afternoon to see the Xilingol Museum, then begin your journey home.

Food Guide for Xilingol

• Hand-held mutton: A signature local lamb dish, with tender meat and a relatively mild gamey flavor. It can be eaten with mashed garlic and chive-flower sauce.

• Roast lamb leg: The roasted leg has a crisp, fragrant exterior while the inside remains tender and juicy. It is commonly served at grassland gatherings.

• Stir-fried wild chives with eggs: Wild steppe chives are stir-fried with eggs, creating a fresh aroma that pairs well with meat dishes.

• Milk tofu: This traditional dairy product has a rich milky flavor with a sweet-and-sour taste. It can be eaten on its own or soaked in milk tea before eating.

• Salted milk tea: A daily Mongolian tea drink that may include roasted millet and milk skin. Served hot, it warms you up and is somewhat filling.

• Lamb-stuffed sheep’s stomach: Lamb is placed inside a sheep’s stomach and boiled. It is cut open before serving and dipped in chive-flower sauce, giving it a distinctive flavor.

Accommodation Options

• City hotels: Visitors who prioritize comfort can consider chain hotels such as Ji Hotel and Orange Hotel in central Xilinhot, or stay near Beizi Temple. These options generally have better facilities and hygiene, with convenient dining nearby.

• Yurt stays: Visitors hoping to see the stars and sunrise can consider luxury yurts in Wulagai or West Ujimqin Banner. Conditions are usually less comfortable than at hotels, but they offer a closer feel for nomadic life and may include a nighttime bonfire show.

• Hot spring hotels: Reshuitang Town has accommodation with hot springs, such as Balinshi Hot Spring Holiday Hotel. After a day of driving, you can relax in the hot springs.

Travel Preparation and Tips

• Prepare for temperature changes: The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland can exceed 10°C. Even in summer, bring a windbreaker or thick jacket. A light down jacket may also be useful in September and October.
• Sun protection and insect repellent: UV levels are high, so bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. There are many mosquitoes near water and meadows; carry repellent and reapply it regularly.
• Fuel and road access: Gas stations on the grassland may be 150–200 kilometers apart, so fill up whenever you reach one. Some sections have no mobile signal, so download offline maps before setting out. Slow down and give way to cattle and sheep, and do not drive onto or over private pasture.
• Clothing and footwear: For photos, red, white or blue long dresses pair well with the grassland scenery. Grass leaves can be sharp and the ground may contain rodent holes, so wear non-slip sports shoes or boots rather than slippers or foam clogs.
• Local customs: Avoid stepping on ovoos. Walk around them clockwise when praying, and use both hands when accepting a toast or taking an item.

Late-September Autumn Travel Tips

By late September, the grassland gradually turns yellow, creating golden autumn scenery. Visitor numbers are lower, the surroundings are quiet and the views remain wide open. Temperatures have also dropped, with single-digit readings possible in the morning and evening, so bring a thick jacket. Some grassland activities, such as grass sliding and horseback riding, may gradually close from early October. Call the scenic area before setting out to confirm opening hours and activity availability.