West route

This route links the three western cities of Bayannuur, Wuhai, and Alshaa League, showcasing the distinctive landscapes of the Yellow River oasis, vast deserts, Gobi wilderness, and the world-famous poplar forests.

Blending Hetao farming culture, desert resorts and industrial history, the route is ideal for an in-depth driving journey.

Travelers are able to experience the unique contrast between lush river oases, boundless deserts, golden poplar forests, and dramatic Gobi scenery, discovering the remarkable charm of western Inner Mongolia in a single trip.

Bayannuur

[Photo/VCG]

Located at the heart of the Hetao Plain, Bayannuur has flourished thanks to the Yellow River, which has created extensive wetlands and fertile farmland. The city is renowned for its Hetao farming culture, Yellow River irrigation, and ancient Hetao civilization, making it an ideal destination for experiencing the distinctive landscapes often described as the "Land of Fish and Rice Beyond the Great Wall".

Recommended Attractions:

Nalin Lake Ecotourism Area

Nestled deep within the Ulan Buh Desert – one of China's eight major deserts – Nalin Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in western Inner Mongolia and an important wetland ecosystem. Surrounded by vast desert scenery, it has become a popular summer retreat where visitors can escape the heat while enjoying tranquil waters, birdlife, and striking natural landscapes.

Inner Mongolia Hetao Culture Museum

Through an extensive collection of cultural relics, immersive exhibitions, and reconstructed historical scenes, the museum traces the evolution of Hetao culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Often described as a three-dimensional encyclopedia of Hetao civilization, it offers visitors a vivid understanding of the region's history and cultural legacy.

Wuhai

[Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

Bisected by the Yellow River, Wuhai is a compact city where desert landscapes, lakes, calligraphy culture, and industrial heritage coexist. Combining natural beauty with cultural experiences, it is an ideal destination for both leisure travel and educational tourism.

Recommended Attractions:

Jinshawan Ecotourism Area

Known as "A Desert within the City, a Wonder within the Desert", the Jinshawan Ecotourism Area is a vibrant ecological destination. Visitors can soar across Pearl Lake on a zipline from an elevation of 1,296 meters, climb towering sand dunes barefoot before sandboarding downhill, or ride camels and horses across the desert. These exciting activities make Jinshawan one of Wuhai's most memorable attractions.

Wuhai Lake

Formed by the waters of the Yellow River, Wuhai Lake covers approximately 118 square kilometers, creating a vast expanse of calm water surrounded by diverse natural scenery. Blue skies, drifting clouds, flocks of birds, crystal-clear waters, golden sand dunes, and swaying reed beds combine to create a breathtaking landscape that seamlessly blends the graceful charm of southern China's water towns with the grandeur of the northern desert.

Alshaa League

[Photo/VCG]

Representing the magnificent deserts of western Inner Mongolia, Alshaa League is home to world-renowned poplar forests, the Tengger Desert, and China's aerospace launch facilities. Its dramatic Gobi landscapes and golden autumn scenery make it one of the region's most iconic travel destinations.

Recommended Attractions:

Ejine Desert Poplar Forests

Located in Ejine Banner, Ejine National Nature Reserve is part of the Alshaa Desert Geopark. It is one of the country's largest natural habitats of desert poplar, a tree celebrated for its extraordinary resilience with the saying: "Alive for a thousand years, standing for another thousand after death, and remaining intact for yet another thousand." For this reason, the desert poplar has long been regarded as a symbol of perseverance and resilience in Chinese culture.

Tengger Desert Tourist Resort

The Tengger Desert, one of China's four largest deserts, captivates visitors with its endless golden dunes and breathtaking wilderness. Hidden among the rolling sands are numerous desert lakes that shimmer like pearls scattered across the landscape. As off-road vehicles traverse the undulating dunes, every ridge reveals another spectacular view, making each journey both an exciting adventure and a deeply immersive encounter with the grandeur of nature. Beyond its stunning scenery, the Tengger Desert offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the serenity of one of China's most magnificent desert landscapes.