[2025 Tumed Right Banner Attraction] Travel Guide for Mei Dai Zhao (Updated Oct)

Baotou, a city blending grassland culture with modern vibes, is definitely worth a deep dive! From magnificent grassland scenery to rich cultural experiences, every moment is full of surprises～ Day 1 ⏰ Morning: Saihan Tala Grassland Introduction / Experience: Asia’s largest urban grassland, horseback riding, archery, and experiencing Mongolian culture. Perfect for stunning photos under blue skies and white clouds! Transportation: About 20 minutes by taxi from downtown, locate Saihan Tala Grassland East Gate. Opening Hours: Open all day, morning visit recommended to avoid the strong sun. 🍽️ Noon: Shepherd’s Gacha Mongolian Yurt Restaurant Introduction / Experience: Authentic Mongolian cuisine, must-try hand-pulled meat and milk tea, dining inside a Mongolian yurt offers a full atmosphere! Transportation: Walkable within Saihan Tala Grassland. Business Hours: 11:00-14:00. 🌆 Afternoon: Wudangzhao Monastery Introduction / Experience: A Tibetan Buddhist holy site, known as the "Little Potala Palace," with stunning red walls and golden roofs perfect for photos. Transportation: About 1 hour by car or self-drive (navigate to Wudangzhao Scenic Area Parking Lot). Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00. 🌙 Evening: Galaxy Square Night View Introduction / Experience: Music fountain + light show, a modern Baotou nightscape highlight, great for a leisurely walk after dinner. Transportation: Multiple city buses go directly. Opening Hours: 19:30-21:30 (summer). Day 2 ⏰ Morning: Northern Ordnance City Introduction / Experience: A must-visit for military enthusiasts, with real tanks and aircraft on display, very interactive for families. Transportation: Bus No. 25 direct. Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30. 🍽️ Noon: Happy Little Sheep Hotpot Introduction / Experience: Inner Mongolia’s specialty mutton hotpot, fresh sliced lamb with secret dipping sauce is a must! Transportation: 10 minutes by taxi from Northern Ordnance City. Business Hours: 11:00-22:00. 🌆 Afternoon: Baotou Museum Introduction / Experience: Free admission! Learn about Baotou’s history from a grassland post station to an industrial city. Transportation: Next to the library, accessible by bus No. 1/5. Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30 (closed on Mondays). 🌙 Evening: Qiao Family Golden Street Night Market Introduction / Experience: Ancient-style architecture food street, try roasted lamb leg, stuffed cold noodles, cheese pancakes, and more Inner Mongolian snacks all in one place. Transportation: About 15 yuan taxi from Qingshan District. Business Hours: 17:00-24:00. Day 3 ⏰ Morning: Chunkun Mountain Introduction / Experience: A secret highland meadow, wildflowers everywhere in summer, great for hiking and fresh air. Transportation: Recommended to charter a car round trip (about 2 hours). Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00. 🍽️ Noon: Farmhouse Restaurant at the Mountain Foot Introduction / Experience: Freshly slaughtered free-range chicken and wild mushroom stew, authentic wood-fire cooking flavors. Transportation: At the entrance of Chunkun Mountain Scenic Area. Business Hours: 10:00-15:00. 🌆 Afternoon: Nanhai Wetland Park Introduction / Experience: A wetland paradise in the city, boating and birdwatching, the golden water surface at sunset is super healing. Transportation: Bus No. 54 terminus. Opening Hours: 7:30-19:00. 🌙 Evening: Stay at a Mongolian Yurt Resort Introduction / Experience: Overnight on the grassland, bonfire party + stargazing, immersive Mongolian lifestyle experience. Transportation: Recommended resorts around Saihan Tala. Check-in Time: After 14:00. Day 4 ⏰ Morning: Meidaizhao Monastery Introduction / Experience: A Han-Tibetan combined temple with exquisite murals, a quiet hidden gem with few visitors. Transportation: About 1.5 hours by car (navigate to Meidaizhao Scenic Area). Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00. 🍽️ Noon: Have Shaomai Before Departure Introduction / Experience: Baotou’s specialty lamb shaomai, thin skin and large filling, one basket is never enough! Recommended "Lao Suiyuan Shaomai." Transportation: Multiple branches in the city. Business Hours: 6:30-14:00. 🌆 Afternoon: Free Shopping (Recommended: Naren Mongolian Handicraft Store) Introduction / Experience: Take home handmade leather paintings or silver jewelry, supporting intangible cultural heritage. Transportation: Minzu East Road, Qingshan District. Business Hours: 9:00-19:00. 💡 Practical Tips The grassland has large temperature differences, bring a jacket even in summer Wudangzhao / Meidaizhao require cash for tickets Inner Mongolian dishes are large portions, order accordingly Average budget about 1500 RMB (excluding major transportation) Save this comprehensive guide and copy it for your next Baotou trip! Feel free to ask questions in the comments～

🏜 A White Lotus Amid a Golden Sea – Xiangsha Bay, Inner Mongolia If you think deserts are nothing but hot sand and dry winds, Xiangsha Bay will completely change your mind. This gem of Inner Mongolia is like stepping into a “mini Dubai,” but with a quiet elegance and serene charm. The highlight is undoubtedly the Lotus Hotel – a striking white building shaped like a blooming lotus, rising gracefully from the endless dunes. Waking up here is a magical experience: the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a 180° view of golden sand dunes glowing in the soft morning light. By night, you can climb to the stargazing platform, guided by experts who point out constellations in the northern sky — a rare, humbling experience in today’s city-lit world. What I love most is how private and thoughtfully designed everything feels. Even during peak season, hotel guests enjoy a dedicated VIP entrance — no crowds, no rush. Experiences are curated and polished: Saturday desert fireworks, elegant Mongolian-style afternoon tea, and an all-inclusive stay that feels refined yet warm. For adventurers, Xiangsha Bay offers plenty to do: 🐪 Suit up like an astronaut and ride camels near volcanic craters for a Mars-like photoshoot. 🚂 Take the tiny train through green grasslands along Huanghua Valley. 🏯 Visit Meidaizhao, where Ming-era murals quietly tell stories of the old frontier. Or simply sit on a dune, watch the sky change colors, and listen to the desert wind. Some places need no grand description — Xiangsha Bay is one of them. A pause between earth and sky, where you rediscover long-forgotten emotions.

| A Ming Dynasty frontier epic of city-temple integration.—Touch the brick-and-stone memories of Mongol-Tibetan fusion, and listen to the historical echoes of Lady San Niang. I. Symphony of Nature and Culture: A Living Fossil of Ming Frontier Meidai Temple (also known as Lingjue Temple or Shouling Temple), located in Meidai Town, Tumed Right Banner, Baotou City, was built during the Ming Longqing era (1564-1582). As Inner Mongolia's only 4A-level scenic spot integrating temple, palace, and fortress, it is hailed as a Ming architectural gem where "city and temple merge, humans and Buddhas coexist." Its towering walls and majestic halls blend Han, Mongol, and Tibetan architectural styles, serving both as a center for Tibetan Buddhist teachings and a historical witness to Ming-Mongol peace. Key Highlights: 1. Ancient City Wall and Taihe Gate: The 681-meter-long, 4-meter-high wall features imposing corner towers. The southern Taihe Gate bears a plaque inscribed with "May the Empire Prosper, May the Emperor's Path Bring Peace," signed "Great Ming Golden Kingdom," showcasing unique Ming-Mongol co-governance history. 2. Mahavira Hall Murals: Covering 1,650 sqm, these murals depict Buddha's life and Mongol nobility worship scenes. The northern wall portrays Altan Khan and Lady San Niang, with costumes verifiable in *Records of Barbarian Customs*, earning it the title "Encyclopedia of Ming Mongol History." 3. Empress Temple and Lady San Niang's Legend: A sandalwood stupa housing her ashes resides here. This "Loyal and Obedient Lady" promoted Ming-Mongol peace markets, maintaining border stability for 40+ years—her dignified portrait in murals is unique to Inner Mongolia. 4. Glazed Hall and Naichun Temple: The three-story Han-style Glazed Hall was Altan Khan's worship site, while the Tibetan-style Naichun Temple's rooftop dharma wheel symbolizes esoteric practice, reflecting religious diversity. 5. Red History & Ecology: Preserves Ulanhu's revolutionary site with personal exhibits. Backed by Daqing Mountain, it offers spring apricot blossoms, summer pines, autumn foliage, and year-round scenery. II. In-Depth Travel Guide 1. Practical Info - Tickets: ¥30 (adults), half-price for students/seniors (60-69), free for children under 1.2m/seniors 70+. - Hours: Summer 8:00-18:30, winter 9:00-17:00. - Transport: - Drive: 1hr east from Baotou via Jingzang Highway, navigate to "Meidai Temple Scenic Area" (ample parking). - Bus: From Hohhot, take train to Salaqi Station, transfer to Bus 6 to Meidai Village (¥5), then walk. 2. Must-Do Experiences - Mural Study: Observe Buddha life murals in Mahavira Hall, focusing on Mongol noble attire and worship scenes. - Night Light Show: Summer evenings feature "Phoenix Flight" projections and music fountains blending tradition with modern tech. - Handicrafts: Try Inner Mongolian leather carving/paper-cutting workshops. - Red Education: Visit Ulanhu's revolutionary site, ideal for family learning. 3. Food & Lodging - Local Eats: Baotou shaomai (thin-wrapped dumplings), hand-grabbed lamb, millet cakes—try nearby farmhouse restaurants. - Stays: - Downtown: Hotels along Gangtie Avenue (e.g., Jinjiang Inn) for convenience. - Rural: Farm stays in Meidai Town for stargazing tranquility. III. Tips & Seasonal Activities - Etiquette: Dress modestly (no shorts/bare shoulders); some halls prohibit Buddha photography. - Best Seasons: - Summer (Jun-Aug): Temple fairs (lunar May 13) and light shows. - Autumn (Sep-Oct): Crimson leaves against ancient walls, perfect for photography. - Family Fun: Disney parades and guzheng performances for kids. IV. Nearby Extensions - Wudang Temple: 1.5hr drive to "Little Potala of the Frontier," contrasting Tibetan Buddhist architecture. - Chulechuan Grassland: 2hrs away, ride horses through classic "boundless skies and wilderness" scenery. - Frontier Old Street: Back in Hohhot, explore Ming-Qing alleys for shaomai and silver souvenirs. Epilogue: A Frontier Epic in Stone Meidai Temple stands as a monument to Ming-Mongol peace and artistic-spiritual fusion. Walking its walls, touching the "Great Ming Golden Kingdom" plaque, and hearing Lady San Niang's tales make history tangible. To understand Inner Mongolia's soul, this is an unmissable time capsule. Tip: Allow 4-5hrs for in-depth visits including mural tours/night shows. Extend to Wudang Temple/Chulechuan for a 2-day culture-nature itinerary.

Just got back from Inner Mongolia with my kid. We stayed at the Lotus Hotel in the desert, enjoying horseback riding on the grasslands, volcano adventures, and going crazy at the Desert Disney! The best part? Door-to-door private car service and butler service made it a relaxing trip for this mom. Here's your detailed guide👇🏻 🌈Day 1: Airport pickup in Hohhot - Hohhot City First stop at Dazhao Temple, taking family photos in Mongolian robes (perfect shots with red walls and golden roof) Evening at Saishang Old Street for lamb noodles + millet porridge - my kid licked the bowl clean saying it's better than ice cream! Important note❗️Family package includes 5 hours of car service, saving 100+ on taxi fares 🌈Day 2: Museum Adventure - Volcano Exploration Morning at Inner Mongolia Museum seeing dinosaur fossils + space exhibition (3D animations had my kid wide-eyed the whole time) Afternoon rush to Wulan Hada Volcano! Rent space suits for Mars-like photos at Volcano No.6 (amazing black and red backdrop) Overnight at volcano guesthouse, stargazing with telescopes at night, butler thoughtfully brought star-themed milk! 🌈Day 3: Grassland Fun Huanghuagou: Ride the popular mini train across grasslands (super cool at 2,000m altitude!) Experience herder's life: Milking cows + feeding lambs (adorable lambs chasing kids for milk bottles) Eat hand-grabbed mutton in yurts, evening bonfire party with kids dancing Andai dance with Mongolian boys - so much fun 💥Here comes the highlight 🌈Day 4: Desert Disney - Lotus Hotel Morning at Meidai Zhao seeing Ming Dynasty ruins, kids become little archaeologists Afternoon straight to Xiangshawan Fairy Sand Island - VIP access, no queuing! Must-try: Zip line + desert roller coaster + camel caravan (much less crowded than Dunhuang) Evening check-in at CNN-acclaimed Lotus Hotel! Triangle-shaped white buildings like a space station, every room has desert view, watch the Milky Way from bed 🌈Day 5: Desert Water Paradise Yueshaisland - bring swimsuits! Water speedboats + paddling in 0.3m shallow water (kids amazed by water fun in desert) Free hotel activities: Sand art DIY + family sports meet + nighttime stargazing class🔭 (astronomer pointing out the Milky Way with laser pointer - spectacular!) Don't forget Instagram-worthy shots at the pool before leaving - pyramid design + desert background 👑Our Family Package ✅Lotus Hotel all-inclusive: 20+ activities + buffet + childcare service (5-10 year olds can join teachers for crafts) ✅24-hour butler service, even helped find my kid's lost water bottle ✅Private car with child safety seats, snacks and picture books prepared for long drives - worry-free!

For a unique Lunar New Year experience, consider a 5-day trip to Huitengxile Grassland and Meidaizhao Temple, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the weight of history. / 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Nanjing 👉 Baotou Fly from Nanjing to Baotou to start your exciting Inner Mongolia trip! After checking in, you can explore the city and experience its unique charm. Day 2: Xiangshawan 🏜️ - Meidaizhao Temple 🛕 Head to Xiangshawan in the morning to enjoy the magnificent desert scenery. In the afternoon, visit Meidaizhao Temple to explore the ancient temple and experience the strong religious atmosphere. Day 3: Huitengxile Grassland 🌾 Spend the whole day at Huitengxile Grassland, where you can ride horses 🐎, shoot arrows 🏹, and enjoy song and dance performances 🎶 to experience authentic Mongolian culture. Day 4: Inner Mongolia Museum 🏛️ Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum to learn about the rich history and colorful culture of Inner Mongolia and experience the unique charm of this land. Day 5: Kangbashi Tourist Area 🌆 - Ordos Museum 🏢 In the morning, visit Kangbashi Tourist Area to enjoy the perfect blend of modern city and nature. In the afternoon, visit Ordos Museum to end your unforgettable Inner Mongolia trip. / Packing List: 🧳 👕 Clothing: windbreaker, down jacket, thermal underwear, jeans, and bright-colored clothes for photos. 🎒 Accessories: sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella, selfie stick, and power bank. 📇 Documents: ID card, cash, bank card, and travel insurance. 🍞 Food: snacks, nut bars, thermos, and insulated cup to replenish energy at any time. / Huitengxile Grassland and Meidaizhao Temple are waiting for you to explore. Don't miss this gift from nature!

Baotou Travel Guide👍 [One] Attractions • History and culture: Wudangzhao Monastery, a famous Tibetan Buddhist temple, is built on a mountain with a staggered layout. Its yellow walls and red pillars are solemn and mysterious. Meidaizhao Monastery combines Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han architectural styles. Its colorful murals depict religious stories and history. Baotou Museum has a rich collection of artifacts that tell the story of the region's development.👌 • Natural scenery: Xilamuren Grassland is vast and boundless. In summer, the grass is lush and green. You can ride horses and watch the sunset over the grassland. Northern Weapon City displays various weapons and equipment, showcasing the power of national defense and the charm of industry.💗 [Two] Food😍 • Shouba meat: Boiled in clear water to retain the original flavor of the lamb, it is tender and delicious. • Shaomai: Thin-skinned and large, usually filled with lamb and green onions, it is fresh and not greasy. [Three] Accommodation • In the city, it is recommended to stay near Gangtie Street, which is convenient for transportation and close to shopping malls. If you want to experience grassland life, you can choose a yurt on Xilamuren Grassland to enjoy the unique style.🥰 [Four] Transportation • The city has a wide coverage of buses🚌, making it easy to get around. To visit the grasslands in the suburbs, you can take a tourist bus or charter a car at the bus station, which is convenient for arranging your itinerary freely.

Meidai Lamasery Ancient city and temple at the foot of Yinshan Mountain - Located between Hohhot and Baotou, along National Highway 110 and G6 Meidai Lamasery is said to be on par with the Potala Palace in Tibet, Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai, and Labrang Monastery in Gansu. It is one of the four major monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in China and the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia. Meidai Lamasery has 12 existing Ming Dynasty buildings with 256 rooms, which are arranged in a unique style.

Beautiful and beautiful, the scenery is pleasant, and it is an important Tibetan Yellow Church in Inner Mongolia. It is also a rare collection of temples, the palace and the city. The building is like a Chinese-style, blending Mongolian style and building a beautiful city. The combination of the temple, the people and the Buddha live together in Yinshan, Baita, Gusong, the ancient simplicity of the city gate, and the Zen sunshine is still good. We are on the road with the RV. Shangri-La Hohhot-Baotou RV Tour ##