If the imposing facades of big-city buildings have you feeling a little claustrophobic, there's no better remedy than a visit to Inner Mongolia's seemingly endless grasslands. From Hohhot, three such areas are within reach, Xilamuren (beginning 80 km north of Hohhot), Huitengxile (120 km west) and Gegentala (150 km north).
Xilamuren Grassland
Meaning "yellow river" in Mongolian, the Xilamuren grassland (Xilamuren Caoyuan in Mandarin) gets its name from a lamasery built in 1769. Used as a summer residence by the sixth living Buddha, the temple lies on the banks of the Xilamuren River. Activities in this area include horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and if you're there in late July or early August, the Naadam Festival activities. You can also stay in authentic Mongolian yurts and enjoy the gentle sawing sounds of traditional music played on...
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Admission: RMB 30 for Xilamuren; RMB 60 for Gegentala and Huitengxile