#joytours

Inner Mongolia is definitely a worthwhile trip. I went during the Labor Day Holiday with a tour group called Joy Tours, so it was easy to get around.  We went to Xilamuren Glasslands and even though the grass was not as green (due to the season), it was still very beautiful and refreshing see so yurts sitting on an endless landscape, blue skies and animals grazing the fields. We were greeted by the Mongolians with a white bowl of white wine (Báijiǔ) which we had to take a sip, and treated to lunch. We watched an equestrian show performed by Mongolians, then later rode a horse (very slowly) on the grasslands. There was a show and bon fire in the evening at our yurt accommodation. One of my favorite moments was being greeted by the millions of stars, and ended up stargazing for the rest of the night. We also visited the Kubuqi Desert which was lovely but very windy, and didn't get a lot of time to experience it. My partner and I then missioned alone to Ordos, and visited the "Ghost City", as well as Genghis Khan Mausoleum. The "Ghost City", to me, did not feel like a ghost city but rather a city that has potential to thrive in the future. The Genghis Khan Mausoleum was absolutely beautiful and his name is clearly still being honored by many. It was very interesting to see how two cultures still co-existed in this area: Chinese and Mongolians, although majority of the population were Chinese. Both languages were used and displayed on every sign. Mongolian culture is very interesting: different, yet has similarities to other cultures. I would have loved to experience more of it, and the best way to experience it, I think, is in the grasslands, or Mongolia itself.  #innermongolia  #grasslands #joytours #hohhot  #genghiskhan #travelinspiration #scenicspotguide