Xilin Gol Grassland

Historical Overview

The Xilin Gol region has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. It was the homeland of the Xiongnu Empire (3rd century BCE–1st century CE) and later the heartland of Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire. During the Yuan Dynasty (13th–14th century), it served as a strategic pasture for imperial cavalry. In the 17th century, it fell under Qing rule, which solidified its role as a hub for Mongolian nobility. Today, it preserves the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Mongols, including their equestrian prowess, throat singing, and shamanistic rituals.

Structural Layout

The grassland is divided into three distinct zones:

Eastern Steppe: Fertile plains ideal for grazing and wheat farming, bordered by the Greater Khingan Mountains.

Central Basin: Home to the Xilin Gol River and Xilamuren Grassland, a haven for wildflowers and migratory birds.

Western Highlands: A rugged terrain of rolling hills and volcanic landscapes, including the Asgat Stone Forest.

Key natural features include Xilinhot Lake (a sanctuary for swans and cranes) and the Horqin Sandy Land, a unique desert-steppe transition zone.

Major Attractions

Xilamuren Grassland: Famed for its "White Horse Festival" (July) and horseback archery displays.

Plain of White Stones (Baiyindanba): A sacred Mongolian pilgrimage site with ancient stone carvings.

Beizi Temple (Bijia Temple): A 17th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery nestled in the hills.

Horqin Desert Safari: Ride camels across dunes and explore oases like Tagan Bay.

Mongolian Yurt Experiences: Stay with herders, milk goats, and craft traditional felt art.

Genghis Khan’s Equestrian Statue: A 40-meter-tall steel monument overlooking the steppe.

Abag Banner Wetlands: A UNESCO Ramsar site teeming with endangered black storks and Siberian cranes.

 Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 Days):

Day 1: Xilinhot City → Xilamuren Grassland → Evening Bonfire with Nomads

Day 2: Beizi Temple → Plain of White Stones → Overnight in a Yurt

Day 3: Genghis Khan Statue → Abag Banner Wetlands → Farewell Dinner with Mongolian Throat Singing

Adventure Route (4–5 Days):

Add: Horqin Desert Safari, Horse Trekking to Remote Valleys, and Star-Gazing Tours.

Cultural Immersion Route (Full Week):

Participate in the Nadam Festival (July–August), learn Mongolian script, and visit herder families in winter yurts.

Ticket Purchase 

Xilamuren Grassland Entrance: ¥90 (peak season), ¥50 (off-season).

Beizi Temple: ¥40, including guided tours.

Horqin Desert Safari: ¥150–300 per person (group rates available).

Nomad Visits: Free (tipping appreciated for hospitality).

Permits: Required for border areas (e.g., Abag Banner); obtain from local tourism offices.

Air: Fly to Xilinhot Airport (direct from Beijing, Hohhot, or Tongliao).

Train: Take the overnight sleeper from Beijing (12 hours) or Hohhot (6 hours).

Car: Rent a 4x4 in Xilinhot for self-drive tours (GPS essential for remote areas).

Local Transport: Buses connect major towns, but private drivers are recommended for off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Season: June–August (wildflowers, Festivals, mild weather).

Off-Peak: September (golden foliage, fewer tourists) or May (baby animals, but windy).

Avoid: November–March (freezing temperatures, snowstorms).

Essentials:

Pack windproof jackets and thermal layers (temperatures drop sharply at night).

Bring a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe but tastes mineral-rich).

Respect local customs: Accept airag (fermented mare’s milk) politely, and never step over a Mongolian’s legs.

Photography: Ask permission before photographing rituals or elders.