Huhhot, China - Grassland Culture and Genghis Khan’s Footprints
Huhhot, which means “Green City” in Mongolian, is the capital city of China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and is the region’s most valued cultural and commercial centre. Inner Mongolia provides true diversity with a unique culture and different kinds of ethnic groups, and offers forests, deserts, mountains and the popular grasslands that give backup to the traditional Mongolian lifestyle.
Huhhot affords easy connection to a diverse range of mainland cities by air, bus and train, and offers direct flights and international trains for easy and comfortable travel to and from Mongolia.
Inner Mongolia, situated exactly at the south of Mongolia, is famous for its wide and attractive grasslands. You can find grasslands that are less spoiled and touristy with comparatively full-up grass, and still approachable for a two days excursion, and also those grasslands which are regularly visited and are highly preferred.. Mushroom-like yurts, shining sky, fragrant air, rolling grass and the flocks and herds strolling like white clouds on the obscure grassland will give you a calm and relaxing impression you will remember for a lifetime.
Even though Huhhot has developed considerably in recent years the city has retained some of the beauty of a small Buddhist settlement. The best time to the visit the place is between July and August. The visit to Inner Mongolia will not last longer; actually it is very short, from end of June to end of August. Remaining part of the most half of the year will be freezing.
Huhhot also offers lots of other options for its visitors. There is the renowned Dazhaosi, Tibetan Buddhist Temple. You can also access the interesting Frontier Street, where arts and crafts and local ethnic minority articles are being sold, such as wool, rugs with the design of Genghis khan portrait, Mongolian knife, etc.
If you are ready for a drive 125 km east from Huhhot you can reach the beautiful grassland Huitengxile (1,800-2,100 meters above sea level), and you also have the choice to stay overnight in the yurt which is the Mongolian tent, a comparatively luxurious one with basic requirements such as twin beds & attached bathroom, hot shower and toilet with flush, window with view.
At the grassland you can indulge in a run or move around the grassland on the horseback, drive ATV (four rollers), have a look-in to local families in the yurts, witness worships and wrestling competition, etc, and enjoy the nomad’s dinner, such as finger mutton, roast whole lamb, and some exotic natural vegetables. The fire will be constructed once the dinner is over and performances of traditional dancing, singing and melodies from traditional Mongolian instruments will be dished out, including the sawing charms of the horse head fiddle (Matou qin).
Those who enjoy natural beauty should not miss the grassland sunrise. At the grassland you can also go for a walk or horse-back riding in the Yellow Blossom Valley and then reach Huhhot to visit the pretty Great Mosque and Muslim market, and the Five Pagoda Temple, etc.
A visit to Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum is something you must go through if you are on a visit to Huhhot. It gives you the opportunity to see the legendary conqueror’s portraits and other precious things belonging to that era. Those who are fond of diverse food items are not disappointed either as they will get the opportunity to have a delicious dinner comprising of variety of local food. All in all Huhhot offers you a short but thoroughly enchanting visit.
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