Things to do in Ulanqab

Starting October 12, 2026, the shuttle bus service to the Ulanhada Volcano Scenic Area was suspended due to the end of the operating season. We chartered a car from Ulanqab City and purchased tickets for our own vehicles at the visitor center for 60 yuan per person, enjoying a scenic drive through the volcano. Our first stop was Baiyinnaoer Lake. The lake water was clear and sparkling, with brightly colored prayer flags fluttering in the wind along the shore. Mani stones made of volcanic rock stood silently, representing peace, protection, and blessings. Afterwards, the car sped along Rainbow Avenue, offering distant views of Volcano No. 7 (Beijianshan) and Volcano No. 8. The mountains are low and gentle, and it's said that you can find raw agate stones on the grassland between the two mountains. Entering the area of ​​Volcano No. 6 (South Alchemy Furnace), we walked along the boardwalk to closely observe the exposed brown-black rock layers. The mountain's black and red hues, after being quarried and cut, gave it a Martian-like appearance. Many tourists were taking photos in spacesuits. Here, you can also see Volcano No. 5 in the distance. Its cone is remarkably well-preserved and was featured on the cover of *Chinese National Geography*. Finally, we enter Volcano No. 3, also known as "Northern Alchemy Furnace." Named for its cone's incomplete shape resembling an ancient alchemy furnace, it's the only volcano in the group with a wooden walkway, allowing easy access to the summit and a panoramic view of its deep, rounded crater. Standing on the walkway, looking around, the vast grasslands stretch out before you, and the volcanoes stand silently like the rings of the earth's trees. The autumn wind sweeps across the crater, creating a particularly desolate and magnificent scene.

The meeting at the Aobao and the acrobatic performance were both excellent. What's the meaning of the little train and the animal-drawn cart? The shuttle bus down to the bottom of the valley was a great experience, a rapid descent, like riding a roller coaster. As for the cable car up the mountain, I'm afraid of heights, so I won't comment. The scenery was beautiful, with panoramic views of the grasslands, rolling mountains, strange willows and birch forests, and babbling brooks. Prices at the bottom of the valley were reasonable. Excellent value for money. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Free milk tea was provided.

Huitengxile Grassland is also one of the must-see destinations in Inner Mongolia, and the tour included this trip. We departed from Hohhot in the morning and arrived at Huitengxile Grassland after more than an hour's drive. The sky was a clear blue, and horses were running under the windmills—a truly beautiful scene. The wind on the grassland in September was particularly strong and quite cold; you needed a down jacket to stay warm. Horseback riding, which usually costs 280 yuan, is only 100 yuan in the off-season. The pasture we visited has a small lake; you can go see it together.

This is the most stunning grassland I've ever been to in Hohhot. Being able to drive there and stop whenever you want is amazing! I loved it. There are so many great photos to take. I spent four hours there and still felt it wasn't enough.

The Dahong Mountain in Inner Mongolia is like a red scroll inlaid on the land of northern Xinjiang, a masterpiece of nature. This mountain range, located deep in the vast grassland, is red all over, and is particularly spectacular against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. The unique landform is carved by time, with cliffs and folds and gullies coexisting, as if telling the story of geological changes over tens of millions of years. Standing on the top of the mountain and looking into the distance, the majestic grassland and the red mountain are intertwined, and the magnificent scenery is shocking. It is a tourist destination that combines natural wonders with the customs of the frontier.

The package deal was quite reasonable. We bought the Nanshan Route 1 ticket, but Route 1 includes the zoo, which requires going down the mountain to transfer to Route 2 to go up again, meaning we had to climb the mountain once more or take a ride on a tarpaulin, so we didn't go. The wind was best on the mountain, and the cosmos flowers around the cable car station were beautiful! The high-altitude swing, the thrilling "Step by Step" ride, and the rainbow slide were all very exciting! The middle school students had a great time! A single ride takes about 2 hours.

Shengshuiliang Jiulong Bay truly hides a treasure trove of autumn scenery in Inner Mongolia. On a clear day, the blue sky and white clouds against the backdrop of the mountains and fields are exceptionally soothing. Taking the cable car to the summit, the view opens up dramatically upon exiting. The trails are flanked by vast birch forests on one side and robust coniferous forests on the other, creating a rich tapestry of colors that makes for beautiful photos from every angle. The mountaintop meadow stretches out expansively, where you can see camels and horses leisurely grazing. The colors of the forest unfold along the mountainside, offering a vast and expansive vista. Driving here, the scenery is breathtaking, making it perfect for those who love mountain landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique tranquility and vastness of the autumn mountains.

Laoli Lake is a must-see for its picturesque scenery. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the blue sky and white clouds on its mirror-like surface. The interweaving of sky, white clouds, lake, and grassland creates a breathtaking canvas! It's a quiet and uncrowded place perfect for a leisurely stroll, quiet contemplation, and solitude in the natural beauty. It's also a great place for photo opportunities, with unique cabins nestled in the lake, a flying saucer that fell on the grassland, and Nordic-style guesthouses—every shot is a breathtaking sight!

Wulanchabu Grassland is located in the central part of Inner Mongolia. Summer is the best season to visit. Recommended attractions include Huitengxile Grassland and Gegentala Grassland, where you can ride horses, stay in yurts, and watch the stars. Local delicacies include hand-pulled mutton, milk tea, and roasted whole lamb. Transportation can be self-driving or chartered from Hohhot, the journey takes about 2 hours. Pay attention to sun protection and keep warm, as the temperature difference between morning and evening is large.

The 500-meter-long Ulanqab Night Street is decorated with antique buildings with flying eaves and pointed corners, which are glittering under the lights. Red lanterns are hung all over the streets, as if you have traveled back to the bustling markets of ancient times in a second. There are multiple themed performance stages, from "String Music on the Frontier" to "Bonfire Festival", from ethnic dances to Hanfu performances, which will take you to appreciate the unique charm of the northern border culture and the excellent traditional Chinese culture.