Xilamuren Grassland

The main reason for most visitors to Inner Mongolia is for a grasslands experience, and Hohhot is well set up to accommodate this with its copious tourist facilities. These sites are not the most authentic, so for those coming in from the Republic of Mongolia, or from the grasslands at Hailar or Xilinhot, it is probably not worth the trip. Travelers may be a little put off by modern facilities, Han Chinese run resorts, and the crowds that often come in summer.

Xilamuren, which means "yellow water" in Mongolian, is also known as Zhaohe. Xilamuren Grassland is the nearest grassland tourist attraction to Hohhot and the earliest one in Inner Mongolia. The average temperature in summer season is about 18℃-21℃. The grassland has rolling hills and lush green grass.

On the riverside of Xilamuren lies a Lama temple which was built in 1769 in the Qing Dynasty. This Lama temple had been used as a temporary abode for the Six Living Buddha in the Xilizhao Temple to spend summers. The main hall, gateway and the east and west wing-rooms remain intact up to now.

Although it is possible to visit the grassland areas in one day, it is far nicer to spend a night or two out here in a Mongolian traditional tent (yurt). These yurts are made of compressed sheep wool and are shaped rather like a squat native American teepee, windowless, sheep-smelling and snug. The yurts are made from latticed wood frames, have thick, rug floors and are usually furnished with many blankets, low beds, quilts, pillows and hot water flasks. They were originally designed to be folded up and carried by camel, however nowadays most of them are slightly more solidly built on concrete yards, in yurt type camps that have numerous yurts and usually a dining area, a washroom with occasional hot water and even electric light.

During the Nadam Fair held in each summer, the whole grassland is throbbing with excitement and full of activities. Tourists can experience a great many activities, such as living in a yurt, a camp fire party, singing and dancing, watching camel racing, horse racing, and wrestling. You can even take part in some of the competitions you are interested in.