Inner Mongolia

From Grasslands, to Genghis Khan to Deserts

Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region in the north of China that straddles the country of Mongolia.  With its vast grasslands dotted with yurts and its vast oceans of endless dune deserts, it would be easily mistaken for being Mongolia. 

Hohhot is the capital of this autonomous region, and is a very beautiful city with about 3 million people.  There is plenty to do there as they have some beautiful monasteries along with an old walking street that had beautiful statues of peoples life in the past.   The Museum which is devoted to Inner Mongolia history through the years from Stone Age to Present was a magnificent tribute to the many peoples that have traversed this great land. 

Going to the grasslands, we were welcomed by the site of horses just about everywhere as the Mongolian culture respects horses from the days of Genghis Khan.  In this sparsely populated region, yurts dot the grasslands as far as the eye can see. 

We were able to see a Mongolian performance of their history complete with horses and actors and it did not disappoint.  Staying in a Yurt was something that has always been on my to-do list and I finally got to stay in one. 

The food in this region just like the other northern regions of China is very meat based(which delights me) and heavy compared to the other regions of China.  The winters here are cold and hard so eating a high fat protein like Lamb is pretty essential to their survival.  Even in the summer months, the nights are somewhat chilly as you will have to wear some pants and a jumper coming here.

An amazing wonder in this region is their desert.  Looking something like what you would see in Namibia, the size and sheer magnitude really impressed me, even though I saw a small part.  You can do plenty of things in the desert as they have it set up somewhat like an “amusement park.”  They have sand boarding, zip-lining (if you weigh less than 80 kilos), acrobatic shows, Bactrian Camel Riding, and many other sports going on there.  I had a blast just being back in a desert environment and loved walking around in the sand and soaking in the sun. 

An interesting note is you can stay at a hotel in the desert and pay an inclusive price and get everything.  While I did not stay in it, I sure will next time as it is supposed to be a modern marvel and looks like a giant lotus flower. 

Inner Mongolia, I will definitely be back to visit you…..