Hohhot is the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which borders both the Republic of Mongolia and Russia in the northeast and internally, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces. The long and convoluted histories of Inner Mongolia combined with its astonishing natural beauty and blend of minorities, entice visitors from around the globe China Flights are currently offering a number of specials to this northern city.
The population of Inner Mongolia is around 24 million people, a large percentage of which include minorities from a number of ethnic groups including, Mongolian, Oroqen, Daur, Ewenki, Hui, and Manchu. Inner Mongolia is the third largest land area in China, with its sprawling grasslands and forests to the east and the dry windy deserts to the west of the province, China Tours have a variety of tours available to explore the natural beauty which will enthrall even the most blasé visitor.
The coexistence of flora and fauna throughout the province together with the boundless rolling stretches’ of land and wide blue sky, converts all who visit into obsessive paparazzo’s in pursuit of the perfect ‘shot’. The extensive grasslands in Inner Mongolia such as Xilamuren, Gegentala and Huitengxile appear incomprehensible to the average visitor, as the land stretches’ further than the eye can see; the sky and the land seem to merge as one on the horizon. The best time of year to visit Inner Mongolia is during the Naadam Festival (11-13 July 2012), when nomads gather to compete in a variety of games such as horse racing, archery and wrestling. The convergence of families and friends during the festival generates an atmosphere of frivolity, which is filled with merriment, singing and dancing. Other attractions include the Badain Jaran Desert, Tengger Desert and the Kubuqi Desert in western Inner Mongolia, the best time of the year for temperate climates is from mid-August to the end of September. Other attractions include the Mausoleum of Genghis Kahn which is185km south of Baotou, which contains a number of items believed to have once belonged to.
However if you do visit in late January and early February you will encounter the mass migration of families returning home for spring festival. As most tourists head south to the more temperate climates, the lack of tourists heading north west during this season will generate the impression of soul adrift in the limitless stretches of barren snow covered countryside and icy blue sky.
The experience is hard to surpass! To explore the north without the usual horde of tourists, to feel the icy winds as they bluster across the hills, while watching the Mongolian ponies as they roam free for the winter is indescribable. While the locals stay warm in their yurts, you will feel like the only person alive in the silent winter wonderland. For more information please visit China Travel for tour dates and options if you would like to visit one of China’s most beautiful provinces!