Ulanqab

Ulanqab (乌兰察布; Wūlánchábù, meaning "Red Pass" in Mongolian) is a prefecture-level city in central Inner Mongolia, located about 130 km north of Hohhot. It is known as the "Grassland Gateway to Inner Mongolia" — the eastern part of the city lies on the vast Mongolian Plateau while the southern area borders the Taihang Mountains of Shanxi. The region's most famous attraction is theHuitengxile (Huileshile) Grassland, one of the most popular grasslands near Beijing for weekend getaways. Ulanqab is also an important hub for wind power — the hills are covered with wind turbines. The climate is temperate continental with cold, dry winters and warm summers. June–August is the peak grassland season.

By Plane

Ulanqab Jining Airport (UAC IATA) has flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hohhot. From the airport, a taxi to the city centre costs about ¥30.

By Train

Ulanqab Railway Station (Jining Station) is on the Beijing–Baotou railway and the Beijing–Hohhot high-speed line. High-speed trains from Beijing take about 2 hours. Regular trains from Hohhot take about 1 hour.

By Car / Road

Ulanqab is on the G6 Beijing–Lhasa Expressway and G7 Beijing–Ürümqi Expressway. The drive from Beijing is about 4 hours, from Hohhot about 1.5 hours.

Jining (the main urban district) is compact. Local buses and taxis (starting at ¥6) serve the city. For Huitengxile Grassland and other attractions, a taxi or tour bus is needed.

• Huitengxile Grassland: A vast, rolling grassland at 1,800 m elevation, known for its sea of yellow flowers in July–August, wind turbines, and ger camps. Activities include horseback riding, grass-sledding, and watching Mongolian performances. Free entry (activities extra).

• Daihai Lake: A large inland lake in the south, surrounded by reeds and mountains — a good spot for birdwatching and boating. ¥50.

• Ulanqab Museum: Exhibits on the region's geological history including dinosaur fossils found locally. Free.

• Geji Mountains: A scenic volcanic area with distinctive lava formations, about 50 km south of Jining.

• Siziwang Banner (Dorbod Banner): A traditional Mongol banner (county) with grassland scenery and Mongol culture.

• Horseback riding on Huitengxile: The most popular activity — guided rides available (¥100–200 per hour).

• Grassland camping: Stay overnight in a traditional Mongol ger.

• Wind turbine photography: The hills around Ulanqab are covered with wind farms — a unique modern landscape.

• Taste Mongolian dairy products: Fresh yogurt, milk tea, and dried curds at the grassland camps.

• Attend a bonfire party: Many ger camps host evening bonfires with singing and dancing.

• Mongolian hand-grabbed lamb (shouba yangrou): The classic grassland dish — boiled lamb eaten with the hands.
• Grilled lamb skewers: Spiced and grilled over charcoal.
• Milk tea (suutei tsai): Salty tea with milk and millet.
• Mongolian yogurt: Thick, tangy, and refreshing.
• Chanchin (Mongolian fried curd): A sweet dairy snack.

Mongolian milk tea is the essential grassland drink. Fermented mare's milk (airag) is available at some camps.

• Budget: Grassland ger camp — basic traditional yurt, ¥100–200/night including meals.
• Mid-range: Ulanqab Kaili Hotel — comfortable in Jining, ¥200–350/night.
• Upscale: Huitengxile Grassland Resort — modern ger with private bathroom and heating, ¥400–800/night.

Ulanqab is known for its cashmere products, Mongolian knives, and local honey. Grassland dried beef and dairy products are popular. Jining's main shopping street has souvenir shops.

• Hohhot (130 km west, 1.5 hr by train): Capital of Inner Mongolia — Dazhao Temple, Five Pagoda Temple.
• Datong (150 km south, 2 hr by train): Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery.
• Beijing (350 km east, 2 hr by high-speed train): China's capital.
• Erlian (300 km north, 4 hr by bus): Border city with Mongolia.