Unique Things To Do In Hohhot China
An Overview of Hohhot
Hohhot serves as the capital city for China’s Inner Mongolia Province, dominating a large, fertile plain with occasional crisp mountains. Though the city is in Chinese jurisdiction, Mongolian lettering, culinary features and cultural influences are present in the region. The city is largely flat and nestled between four rivers; the Donghe, the Zhadagai, the Wusutu Reservoir and the Dahei. With large urban spaces upon the open plains and low mountains in the distance, there are many unique things to do in Hohhot China.
Unique Things To Do In Hohhot China
An Ode to a Thousand Years
Also known as the Eternal Horse Ode, show performed by the Inner Mongolia Bureau of National Art Troupes. The performance uses acrobats performing stunts and stories atop horsebacks in a flat arena where the compelling history of horse-back step nomads and cultures is explored.
Donghe River Walkway
This is a series of pathways and streets following the Donghe River, passing parks, small gardens, bridges and river overlooks.
Dazhao Temple
This is a large and central Tibetan-Buddhist monastery following the Gelug Sect. The temple has lines of white stupas, silver seated Buddhas, various murals, colorful statues, hanging prayer flags and a gorgeous, multi-tiered entry gate.
Saishang Old Street
This is a traditional Chinese goods street, lined with traditionally stylized buildings, authentic Chinese restaurants, souvenir shops and other stores. It’s located near DaZhao Temple.
Genghis Khan Square and Genghis Khan Park
These two features of Hohhot are relatively close to one another, each dedicated to the most famous Mongolian Steppe conqueror of all time. The park and squares are filled with unique sculptures, including a series of inward-curving horns and an elevated statue of the Khan on horseback.
Inner Mongolia Hohhot Museum District
This small area is home to all of Hohhot’s most prominent museums, all designed with unique architecture. This area is home to the Inner Mongolia Art Museum, the Inner Mongolia Museum (of natural history with dinosaur skeletons), the Inner Mongolian Museum of Science and Technology and the Inner Mongolia Historical Museum a few blocks away.
Horse Racetrack of Hohhot
Better known as the “Inner Mongolia Race Course,” this large open field often has horses passively grazing upon it. The area outside the race track is surrounded by small, permanent gers (yurts) which cater to tourists visiting the area.
Five Pagoda Temple
Otherwise known by the extended title “Precious Pagoda of the Buddhist Relics of the Diamond Throne,” this is a large, uniquely-styled Buddhist Temple. The main temple has five distinct Pagoda pillars atop it and the complex grounds are expansive with many other traditional buildings, prayer fabrics, rotating prayer wheels, statues, miniture Buddha relics and elaborate engravings.
Xilamuren Grasslands
Much of Hohhot’s tourism focuses on the vast rolling plains outside the city. The Xilamuren Grasslands are a lush emerald-color in the summer and late spring, with horseback rides, undulating hills and large herds of animals defining the horizon. Visiting the outer grasslands is one of the most unique things to do in Hohhot China. The best time to visit the area is from June to September when the grasslands are dotted in yellow flowers.
Grand Mosque
Often called “Qing Zhen Da Si” or “The Great Mosque of Hohhot,” this is a large, elegant green-and-grey building with gorgeous golden caligraphy. The Mosque is a unique combination of Chinese and Islamic architecture, serving as the oldest and largest Mosque in Inner Mongolia.
Wanbu Huayan Tower
Commonly referred to as Baita or White Pagoda, this is a large Liao-Dynasty Pagoda in an octagonal shape with seven floors.
Wulanhada Volcano Geopark
This large geopark boasts an artfully-circular crater, vast green fields and unique geological formations.
Baoerhan Pagoda
This is a prominent white temple in the shape of a Pagoda with a single golden spire extending from the top. The temple is surrounded by willow trees which turn bright yellow in the autumn.
Huitengxile Grassland
This is another one of the famous tourism grasslands of Inner Mongolia, popular with horseback riders, field trekkers, bonfire parties, sightseeing tour groups and those wishing to see the modern windmill infrastructure being installed upon Inner Mongolia’s high plains. This classic alpine meadow is home to 99 lakes, culturally-Mongolian communities, horse racing, wrestling, archery, Mongolian weddings, the Aobao festival, and bonfire parties. An odd activity to enjoy in the region is known as Grass Skiing. The best time to visit the area is from June to September when the grasslands are dotted in yellow flowers.
Guanyin Temple
This is a large and ornate Han Buddhist temple known for its amazing artworks, saffron tiles, beatific statues and painted interior.
Nadaam Festival
This is a traditional festival celebrated in Mongolia, Inner Mongolia and the Tuva Republic. The festival is one of traditionally masculine sports or “the games of men” which are centered around contests of Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Falcon rearing, traditional dances and other events are also included. The festival is held throughout the region during midsummer.
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