Hohhot

呼和浩特

The capital of Inner Mongolia and the region's cultural and economic hub, featuring museums dedicated to Mongolian history and ethnography. It serves as the essential starting point for most visitors, with excellent connectivity and authentic local Mongolian cuisine.

Things to do

• Inner Mongolia Museum — Explore comprehensive exhibits on Mongolian history, ethnography, and the famous dinosaur fossils discovered in the region.
• Dazhao Temple — Visit this 16th-century Tibetan Buddhist temple featuring an impressive golden roof and intricate religious artwork in the old city.
• Suiyuan Park — Stroll through this scenic urban park with traditional Chinese gardens, walking paths, and local leisure areas popular with residents.
• Xilingol Square — Experience the city's modern center with cultural performances, fountains, and views of contemporary Hohhot architecture.
• Five Pagodas Temple — Admire the distinctive Ming Dynasty structure featuring five small pagodas and intricate Buddhist carvings on its south wall.
• Zhaojun Mausoleum — Pay respects at the legendary tomb of Wang Zhaojun, a Han Dynasty princess, set on the scenic Daqing Mountain slopes outside the city.

Food to try

• Mongolian hot pot (羊肉火锅) — Thin slices of mutton and local vegetables cooked in aromatic broth at the table, a signature winter dish in Hohhot.
• Hand-pulled noodles (手工面) — Fresh wheat noodles stretched by hand and served in rich meat or vegetable broths, reflecting Inner Mongolian culinary traditions.
• Roasted lamb (烤羊肉) — Succulent lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili, grilled over charcoal and enjoyed at outdoor markets and restaurants.
• Milk tea (奶茶) — Traditional dairy-based tea mixed with salt and butter, commonly served as a warm beverage throughout the day.
• Steamed dumplings (蒙古饺子) — Dumplings filled with mutton and wild vegetables, steamed or boiled, representing classic Inner Mongolian comfort food.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect for Mongolian traditions — Acknowledge the strong Mongolian cultural identity in the city by showing interest in local customs, dress, and festivals like Naadam.
• Timing for temple visits — Plan visits to religious sites early in the morning when Buddhist monks are most active and the atmosphere is most authentic.
• Cash for local vendors — While modern shops accept cards, street markets and small eateries often prefer cash, so carry yuan for authentic experiences.
• Winter preparedness — Hohhot experiences harsh winters with temperatures dropping below -20°C, requiring proper clothing even if visiting museums and indoor attractions.