Central route

Covering the four major cities of Ulaanqab, Hohhot, Ordos, and Baotou, this route brings together volcanic landscapes, expansive grasslands, the Yellow River, desert oases, and industrial heritage. With its remarkably diverse terrain, the route is ideal for short driving trips. Travelers can explore volcanic craters and the majestic Yellow River, experience vibrant urban life and desert resorts, and discover the unique harmony of grasslands, deserts, and modern cities in central Inner Mongolia.

Ulaanqab

[Photo/VCG]

Known for its spectacular volcanoes and alpine grasslands, Ulaanqab also features stunning night skies, traditional villages, and revolutionary history sites. It is one of the best destinations in Inner Mongolia for exploring volcanic landforms and highland meadows.

Recommended Attractions:

Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark

Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark is home to a cluster of well-preserved grassland volcanoes, lava formations, and barrier lakes. Its unique geological features have earned it the reputation of being one of China's rare natural "volcano museums". Visitors can walk across ancient lava fields, admire dramatic volcanic cones, and experience one of the country's most remarkable volcanic landscapes.

Huanghuagou Grassland

Blessed with exceptional natural and cultural resources, Huanghuagou Grassland features five iconic landscapes: flower-filled grasslands, Maar volcanoes and rocky canyons, millennium-old white birch forests, century-old twisted willow beach, and the spring. Together, they create a magnificent prairie panorama that is both tranquil and breathtaking.

Hohhot

[Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

As the capital of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot offers visitors a fascinating blend of Yellow River scenery, museums, and lively cultural districts. It serves as the ideal gateway to understanding the history and culture of the Mongolian ethnic group.

Recommended Attractions:

Inner Mongolia Museum

The Inner Mongolia Museum is the largest comprehensive museum in Inner Mongolia, combining collection, conservation, research, exhibition, education, and public services. It's also the first museum in Inner Mongolia to receive China's prestigious National First-Class Museum designation.

Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon

The Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area lies at the junction of Inner Mongolia and Shanxi province, in the heart of the famous "Great Bend" of the Yellow River. Covering an area of approximately 9.6 square kilometers, it is the only national 5A-rated tourist attraction in Inner Mongolia where both the Great Wall and the Yellow River converge. Celebrated as one of China's top 10 most beautiful canyons, the scenic area boasts spectacular canyon scenery and profound cultural significance.

Ordos

[Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

Where vast deserts meet sweeping grasslands, Ordos is renowned for its magnificent desert attractions, grassland resorts, and Yellow River landscapes. With well-developed tourism facilities, it is one of Inner Mongolia's premier destinations for leisure and vacation.

Recommended Attractions:

Whistling Dune Bay Scenic Area

Whistling Dune Bay Scenic Area enjoys a strategic location within the Hohhot–Baotou–Ordos economic region. It consists of five themed areas. Endless golden dunes stretch toward the horizon, earning it the nickname "The Singing Desert", as its sand produces a distinctive resonant sound when disturbed.

Jiuchenggong Resort

Located near the urban center of Ordos, Jiuchenggong Resort is a national demonstration site for recreational agriculture and one of China's characteristic ethnic villages. Visitors can experience six major themed attractions, including authentic grassland life, summer retreats, folk customs, educational tours, Manhan cultural performances, as well as more than 100 cultural, recreational, and tourism activities.

Baotou

[Photo/VCG]

Baotou combines industrial heritage with spectacular natural scenery. Visitors can explore Yellow River wetlands and urban grasslands while experiencing the city's unique blend of modern industry and northern frontier landscapes.

Recommended Attractions:

Saihantala Chengzhong Grassland

Saihantala Chengzhong Grassland is recognized as Asia's largest urban grassland. Covering thousands of mu of natural meadows, wetlands, and woodlands, it serves as Baotou's "green lung". Here, modern city life merges seamlessly with the vast prairie, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in expansive greenery, breathe fresh air, and experience the idyllic scenery of grazing cattle and sheep without ever leaving the city.

Chunkunshan Ecological Tourist Area

The Chunkunshan Ecological Tourist Area is widely known as the "Roof of Deer City" and the "Grassland Above the Clouds". Its highest peak, Hongqi Peak, rises to 2,345 meters, making it the tallest point in Baotou and home to the largest alpine meadow grassland in western Inner Mongolia.