Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, is a city where Mongol and Han cultures meet. From its Buddhist temples and lively food streets to easy day trips onto the grassland, Hohhot is the perfect base for exploring Inner Mongolia.
Hohhot (meaning 'Green City' in Mongolian) is Inner Mongolia's political, cultural, and economic center, about 400km northwest of Beijing. The city blends ancient temples with modern development, and serves as the gateway to the region's famous grasslands.
The Five Pagoda Temple, Dazhao Temple (the largest lamasery in the region), and Xiaozhao Temple showcase Tibetan Buddhist architecture. The Inner Mongolia Museum offers an excellent overview of the region's history and dinosaur fossils. For shopping and dining, head to the Muslim Quarter.
Hohhot is a food lover's paradise. The Muslim Quarter's streets are lined with restaurants serving hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and yogurt. Don't miss the local specialties: shouba yangrou (hand-eaten lamb) and milk tea. The night market is lively and affordable.
The closest grasslands — Xilamuren (about 1.5 hours) and Gegentala (about 2 hours) — offer horseback riding, yurt stays, and traditional Mongolian performances. The Kubuqi Desert (about 3 hours) provides sand-dune adventures. Both make excellent day trips or overnight stays.
Hohhot Baita International Airport connects to Beijing (1.5 hours by flight) and other major cities. The high-speed train from Beijing takes about 2.5 hours. Within the city, taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient. A private car with driver is best for grassland day trips.
Summer (June-September) is ideal for grassland activities and festivals. Autumn (September-October) brings golden grasslands and clear skies. Winter is cold but offers a unique insight into Mongolian winter life.