Xilinhot

Xilinhot (锡林浩特; Xīlínhàotè) is the capital of the Xilingol League in central Inner Mongolia, situated on the vast Xilingol Grassland — one of the most pristine and famous grasslands of Inner Mongolia. The name "Xilinhot" means "City of a Hill in the River Meadow" in Mongolian. The city is a major centre for Mongol culture and the starting point for exploring some of the most spectacular grassland scenery in China, including the Xilingol National Nature Reserve. The Ujimqin Grassland to the north is known as the "Prairie of Primeval Flavour." The climate is temperate continental with bitterly cold, dry winters and short, warm summers. The grassland is at its best from June to August.

By Plane

Xilinhot Airport (XIL IATA) has flights from Beijing, Hohhot, and Shenyang. From the airport, a taxi to the city centre costs about ¥40.

By Train

Xilinhot Railway Station is on the Jining–Erlian line, with trains to Hohhot (6 hours), Beijing (8 hours), and Jining (4 hours).

By Car / Road

Xilinhot is on National Highway G207. The drive from Hohhot takes about 5 hours, from Beijing about 6–7 hours.

Xilinhot is small and easy to navigate. Taxis start at ¥5. For the vast grasslands, a 4WD vehicle with a driver is essential.

• Xilingol Grassland: One of the "Four Great Grasslands" of Inner Mongolia — endless rolling meadows of wildflowers in summer, dotted with herds of horses, sheep, and cattle. Free.

• Bei Temple (Bei Beizi): A large Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the city, built in 1743 by the Qing Dynasty. Free.

• Xilingol Grassland National Nature Reserve: Protected grassland ecosystem about 60 km south of the city, home to rare birds and wildlife.

• Genghis Khan Cultural Square: A large public square in the city centre with a statue of Genghis Khan.

• Xilinhot Museum: Exhibits on Mongolian grassland culture, history, and archaeology. Free.

• Horseback riding across the Xilingol Grassland: The quintessential Inner Mongolia experience — multi-day horse treks are available.

• Ger camp stay: Stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt on the open grassland.

• Photography: The grasslands, especially at sunrise and sunset, are stunning.

• Watch a Mongolian horse race: The Xilingol region is famous for horse racing.

• Attend the Nadam Fair (July–August): Mongolian sports festival with wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

• Xilingol hand-grabbed mutton (shouba yangrou): The region's signature dish — lamb boiled in salted water and eaten with the hands.
• Mongolian BBQ lamb skewers: Grilled over an open fire.
• Milk tea with dried millet: Salty tea with roasted millet, a local staple.
• Chinese chive flower sauce: A dipping sauce for boiled lamb.
• Mongolian yogurt: Thick and acidic, served with honey or sugar.

Mongolian milk tea (suutei tsai) is consumed constantly. Airag (fermented mare's milk) is a traditional summer drink.

• Budget: Xilinhot Grassland Ger Camp — basic yurt on the prairie, ¥80–150/night.
• Mid-range: Xilinhot Boliya Hotel — comfortable in the city centre, ¥200–350/night.
• Upscale: Xilingol Grassland Resort — luxury ger camp with modern amenities, ¥400–800/night.

Cashmere scarves and sweaters, Mongolian knives, grass-patterned embroidery, and dried beef. Xilingol is known for high-quality cashmere.

• Erlian (300 km west, 4 hr by car): Border town with Mongolia.
• Hohhot (350 km southwest, 5 hr by bus): Capital of Inner Mongolia.
• Beijing (550 km south, 6–7 hr by car): China's capital.
• Arxan (400 km northeast, 6–8 hr): Alpine scenery and hot springs.