Erenhot

Erenhot (二连浩特; Èrliánhàotè, also known as Erlian or Erenhot) is a border city in central Inner Mongolia, on the China–Mongolia border, facing the Mongolian city of Zamyn-Üüd. It is the largest land port of entry between China and Mongolia, handling the majority of cross-border rail and road freight. The city has a frontier, rough-and-ready vibe with large border markets, Russian and Mongolian trucks lining the streets, and a diverse population of Chinese, Mongol, and Russian traders. Erenhot is also a world-famous palaeontological site — it sits in the Gobi Desert region where some of the most important dinosaur fossil finds in Asia have been made. The city's nickname is "Dinosaur Town." The climate is temperate continental with very cold, dry winters and warm, dry summers. Spring and autumn are best.

By Plane

Erenhot Saiwusu Airport (ERL IATA) has direct flights from Beijing and Hohhot (1.5 hours). From the airport, a taxi to the city centre costs about ¥40.

By Train

Erenhot Railway Station is the terminus of the Beijing–Mongolia railway, with trains from Beijing (about 10 hours) and Hohhot (5 hours). The train continues north to Zamyn-Üüd and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.

By Car / Road

Erenhot is on National Highway G55 and the G208. The drive from Hohhot is about 5 hours, from Beijing about 8 hours.

By Land (to Mongolia)

The border crossing is open daily for pedestrians and vehicles. Cross into Zamyn-Üüd, then take a train or bus to Ulaanbaatar (about 12 hours by train). Ensure you have a valid Mongolian visa.

Erenhot is compact. Taxis start at ¥5. The dinosaur sites are about 10–20 km outside town — a taxi is needed.

• Erenhot Dinosaur Museum: One of the largest dinosaur fossil museums in China. The city sits in the Ergilyin Obo region, a globally important Cretaceous fossil bed. The museum features complete skeletons of hadrosaurs, oviraptors, and other dinosaurs. Free.

• Dinosaur Valley (Konglong Gu): A field site 12 km northeast of the city where dinosaur fossils remain exposed in the ground. A protected area with walkways and signage. ¥50.

• Dinosaur Square: The city centre's main square and surrounding streets are filled with life-sized dinosaur sculptures of every shape and size — a unique urban landscape.

• Border Gate (Zhongmeng Men): The actual border crossing with Mongolia. A viewing platform offers views into Mongolia. Visitors need to show their passport. Free.

• Erenhot International Bazaar: A large market where Chinese, Mongol, and Russian traders sell clothing, electronics, furs, and household goods.

• Cross the border into Mongolia: A day trip to Zamyn-Üüd is possible (visa required).

• Dinosaur fossil hunting: The Dinosaur Valley site is one of the most accessible dinosaur fossil sites in the world.

• Photography: The dinosaur sculptures and stark Gobi landscape are unique photo subjects.

• Shopping at the international bazaar: Mongolian cashmere, Russian chocolates, and furs.

• Erenhot horse steak: A local specialty — horse meat is common in this region.
• Mongolian hotpot: Lamb, tripe, and noodles in broth.
• Russian-style borscht: A nod to the cross-border culinary exchange.
• Khuushuur (Mongolian fried pies): Deep-fried pastries with minced mutton.
• Gobi-lamb skewers: Grilled over a wood fire.

Mongolian milk tea, Russian vodka, and Chinese beer are the main options.

• Budget: Erenhot Railway Hotel — basic, ¥80–150/night.
• Mid-range: Erenhot International Hotel — comfortable and central, ¥200–350/night.
• Upscale: Erenhot Longquan Hotel — the best in town with restaurant and spa, ¥300–500/night.

Mongolian cashmere (genuine and cheaper than elsewhere), Russian products (wooden dolls, chocolate, vodka), and dinosaur fossils (souvenir replicas, not real ones).

• Zamyn-Üüd, Mongolia (just across the border): Mongolian border town, onward to Ulaanbaatar.
• Sonid Left Banner (200 km west, 3 hr): Grassland and desert scenery.
• Xilinhot (300 km east, 4 hr by car): Xilingol Grassland.
• Hohhot (400 km south, 5 hr by train): Capital of Inner Mongolia.