Key Takeaways:
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Hohhot offers a unique blend of Mongolian culture, Buddhist history, and expansive grasslands perfect for exploration throughout the year.
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The city balances traditional temples and yurts with modern museums and vibrant local festivals that reflect Inner Mongolia’s diverse heritage.
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Whether you’re drawn to hiking, history, or horseback riding on the steppe, Hohhot delivers unforgettable experiences in every season.
Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, is a city where ancient Mongol traditions meet Chinese cultural influence in a striking fusion of past and present. With a history that stretches back over 2,000 years, Hohhot has served as a major religious and trade center for centuries. Today, it’s known for its Tibetan Buddhist temples, Mongolian cuisine, and proximity to some of China’s most stunning grasslands. Travelers love Hohhot for its slower pace, rich spiritual sites, and access to outdoor adventures that connect them to nature and nomadic culture.
Table of Contents
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Explore the Dazhao Temple
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Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum
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Ride Horses Across the Xilamuren Grassland
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Wander the Old Town of Hohhot
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Taste Traditional Mongolian Hotpot
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Watch a Naadam Festival Performance
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Hike the Zhaojun Tomb Scenic Area
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Visit the Five-Pagoda Temple
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Camp in a Yurt Under the Stars
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Discover Local Handicrafts at Saishang Old Street
1. Explore the Dazhao Temple
Dazhao Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century, is one of the most revered Tibetan Buddhist sites in Inner Mongolia. The temple is famous for its silver statue of Buddha, stunning wall murals, and large incense-filled prayer halls that welcome both monks and visitors year-round. It remains an active place of worship, with monks chanting and worshippers lighting butter lamps in a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Its combination of Tibetan and Han Chinese architecture makes it a visual and cultural landmark in Hohhot.
Walking through the temple grounds, you’ll feel a sense of serenity as prayer flags flutter and locals circle the sacred halls in quiet devotion. Visitors can admire ancient calligraphy, thangka paintings, and ritual instruments that reveal the depth of local Buddhist practices. It’s a great introduction to the city’s spiritual identity and a calming retreat from urban noise. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds and fully absorb the ambiance.
2. Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum
The Inner Mongolia Museum is a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s vast history, nomadic traditions, and natural heritage. Spanning multiple floors, the museum covers topics like the Mongol Empire, dinosaur fossils, traditional clothing, and ethnic minority cultures. One of the highlights is the exhibition dedicated to Genghis Khan and his legendary conquests, as well as displays showcasing the diverse ecology of the grasslands. The building itself is modern and impressive, featuring sleek architecture inspired by the curves of a Mongolian tent.
Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated with bilingual signage, making it accessible for international visitors. You’ll leave with a broader appreciation for how Inner Mongolia fits into the broader story of China and Central Asia. It’s an ideal indoor activity for chilly winter days or hot summer afternoons. Whether you’re a history buff or casual explorer, the museum offers something fascinating at every turn.
3. Ride Horses Across the Xilamuren Grassland
About 90 kilometers north of Hohhot, the Xilamuren Grassland offers an unforgettable adventure into Mongolian-style living. Here, visitors can ride horses across rolling green plains, try archery, and even stay in traditional yurts while experiencing nomadic hospitality. Local herders welcome guests with milk tea, singing performances, and home-cooked lamb dishes. It’s an immersive and refreshing way to step out of city life and into nature.
Horseback rides range from short scenic loops to longer journeys guided by experienced riders. The landscape changes with the seasons—lush and vibrant in summer, crisp and golden in autumn—making it ideal for travel all year. Activities like wrestling exhibitions and cultural shows are often included in group tours. If you’ve ever dreamed of galloping through wide-open spaces under a blue sky, this is your chance.
4. Wander the Old Town of Hohhot
Tucked between modern streets, Hohhot’s Old Town district preserves a glimpse of its multicultural past. Here, you’ll find narrow alleys, traditional courtyards, and old shopfronts that reflect a blend of Han, Mongolian, and Hui Muslim influences. It’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, stopping at local bakeries, tea houses, and small mosques. The architecture features brick walls, red lanterns, and fading signs that tell silent stories of the past century.
Many of the homes and shops are still occupied by families who’ve lived here for generations, making your visit feel like stepping into a living museum. Local vendors sell handmade noodles, sesame cakes, and dairy-based treats unique to Inner Mongolian cuisine. It’s a great place for photography and spontaneous conversations with friendly residents. If you want to understand how history still lives in Hohhot’s everyday life, this is the place to start.
5. Taste Traditional Mongolian Hotpot
One of the most delicious ways to experience Hohhot is through its food—particularly the famous Mongolian hotpot. Often featuring mutton as the star protein, this flavorful feast is cooked right at your table in a steaming pot of broth filled with garlic, onions, goji berries, and spices. Accompanied by local vegetables, tofu, and noodles, it’s a hearty and social dining experience, especially comforting in the colder months. The meal is traditionally enjoyed with Mongolian milk tea or local beer.
Restaurants across the city specialize in different hotpot styles, with some offering open grills or lamb skewers as part of the experience. Locals will often guide you on the best dipping sauces, which are usually handmade from sesame, vinegar, and chili. Don’t be afraid to join a group table—hotpot is meant to be shared. Whether you’re a meat lover or curious eater, this meal is a cultural adventure on its own.
6. Watch a Naadam Festival Performance
The Naadam Festival, traditionally celebrated in July, brings together Mongolia’s “three games of men”: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. While it’s more prominently celebrated in neighboring Mongolia, Hohhot and nearby regions often host their own versions of this cultural festival. These events are rich in pageantry, with performers in traditional dress, musicians playing the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), and crowds cheering on athletes competing in ancient sports. It’s a powerful celebration of strength, heritage, and community pride.
Even if you’re not in town during the main festival, local cultural centers and tourism organizations sometimes host scaled-down demonstrations throughout the year. These showcase Mongolian customs, including traditional dance, folk music, and wrestling techniques. It’s a great way to witness local pride and keep centuries-old traditions alive. Travelers looking for an authentic, energetic cultural immersion will find Naadam-style events deeply rewarding.
7. Hike the Zhaojun Tomb Scenic Area
Located about 9 kilometers from downtown Hohhot, the Zhaojun Tomb is both a historical monument and a serene hiking destination. This large burial mound honors Wang Zhaojun, a Han Dynasty woman who married a Xiongnu chieftain in a bid for peace between empires. Surrounded by rolling hills and quiet trails, the area offers a gentle hike with views of the city and countryside. Seasonal flower gardens and ancient cypress trees add to the site’s tranquil charm.
There’s also a small museum and exhibition hall detailing Zhaojun’s life and her role in Chinese diplomacy. Visitors often come to reflect, enjoy picnics, or take photographs of the scenic landscape. It’s especially beautiful in the spring and fall, when the natural colors enhance the peaceful atmosphere. The hike isn’t strenuous, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a cultural walk in nature.
8. Visit the Five-Pagoda Temple
The Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si) is one of Hohhot’s most unique architectural landmarks and an important site in Chinese-Tibetan Buddhism. Built in the 18th century, the temple gets its name from the five miniature pagodas that sit atop its roof, each adorned with intricate carvings and symbolic motifs. One of its most famous features is a rare stone tablet engraved with a Mongolian cosmological map—a one-of-a-kind artifact in all of China. The temple courtyard is quiet, filled with incense, prayer wheels, and stone lions that mark its spiritual importance.
Though smaller than Dazhao Temple, Wuta Si offers a more intimate experience, with detailed artwork and a peaceful garden. You can walk up to the platform for a close look at the pagodas and the city beyond. The blend of Buddhist elements with Mongolian script and astrology gives the temple a unique identity. It’s a meditative stop that reveals the spiritual and artistic depth of Hohhot’s history.
9. Camp in a Yurt Under the Stars
For a truly immersive experience, spend a night in a traditional Mongolian yurt, also known as a ger, on the open steppe. Several tourism outfits near the Xilamuren and Gegentala grasslands offer overnight stays that include local meals, campfires, and stargazing in one of China’s clearest skies. These round tents are cozy and comfortable, often decorated with traditional patterns and warmed by coal heaters. It’s a perfect blend of rustic charm and cultural immersion.
At night, you’ll hear the wind rustle through the grass and see constellations stretch endlessly above. Morning begins with fresh air, warm tea, and often a sunrise horseback ride. Some tours also include storytelling, throat singing performances, and lessons on herding practices. For those looking to unplug and deeply connect with nature and culture, sleeping in a yurt is one of the most magical experiences Hohhot has to offer.
10. Discover Local Handicrafts at Saishang Old Street
Saishang Old Street is a charming pedestrian zone where local artisans, vendors, and food stalls come together in a celebration of Inner Mongolian culture. The street is lined with colorful flags, traditional wood buildings, and souvenir shops selling everything from embroidered horsehair crafts to locally dyed textiles and handmade jewelry. Street performers sometimes entertain with flutes or folk songs, adding to the festive atmosphere. It’s a great spot for relaxed shopping or soaking up the local vibe.
Many shops here allow visitors to watch craftsmen at work, offering insight into how traditional goods are made. You can also try regional snacks like milk curd candies, roasted sunflower seeds, or butter tea. The street lights up at night, making it an especially fun place to stroll after dinner. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or just want to experience the creative heart of Hohhot, Saishang Old Street is worth your time.
What to do if you have kids?
Hohhot is a family-friendly city with a variety of activities that children will enjoy. Visits to the grasslands offer hands-on experiences like horseback riding and yurt camping that can excite young adventurers. City parks like Manduhai Park provide safe play areas, paddle boats, and open green space for family picnics. Museums such as the Inner Mongolia Museum have interactive displays and dinosaur skeletons that appeal to younger audiences. Traveling with kids in Hohhot is easy, educational, and filled with opportunities for bonding in nature and culture.
Where can I find free events in Hohhot China taking place this weekend?
To discover free events happening in Hohhot this weekend, check out PlanMyWeekend.ai. This AI-powered tool helps you instantly find concerts, public festivals, art exhibitions, local meetups, and cultural performances taking place in your area—all without needing to browse dozens of different websites. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, traditional dance shows, or community fairs, this tool delivers personalized, up-to-date options that make exploring Hohhot easier and more exciting.
Final thoughts on planning a trip here
Hohhot is a city where ancient steppe traditions, Buddhist spirituality, and modern Chinese life blend into something unforgettable. Whether you’re sipping milk tea in a yurt, tracing your fingers over centuries-old carvings, or riding horses across sweeping plains, the city invites you to experience Inner Mongolia’s soul firsthand. It’s not just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel, explore, and remember. If you’re looking for a travel destination that offers rich culture, outdoor beauty, and deep-rooted authenticity, Hohhot deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
