Site of Yuan Shangdu
The Site of Yuan Shangdu is also located on the Jinlianchuan Grassland, on the northern shore of Flash Lake. Yuan Shangdu was originally the capital city of the Yuan Dynasty and the administrative center of the Mongol Empire. It was first built in the sixth year of the reign of Kublai Khan (1256) and was later renamed 'Shangdu'. The site includes a bronze statue of Kublai Khan, the founding emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, who was crowned here. It is also the starting point of the Grassland Silk Road. Today, the site lacks the inner and outer cities, with only remnants of the city walls and foundations remaining on the vast grassland. If you are interested in this period of history, you can hire a human guide for a tour.
Southern Edge of the Hunshandake Sandy Land
Hunshandake Sandy Land is one of the four major sandy lands in China, with a total area of 35.67 million mu. In addition to its astonishing size, it is also a famous water desert in China. The sandy landscape is not uniformly yellow sand; some parts are still covered with vegetation. The solidified sandy land is hard and bumpy, with many slopes within its territory, some even requiring water crossings, making Hunshandake Sandy Land a pilgrimage site for off-road enthusiasts.
Xilingol Grassland
Xilingol Grassland has become a national nature reserve and is also the main natural pasture of the Inner Mongolia grasslands, making it well worth a visit. Xilingol Grassland is historically connected to Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, serving as a witness to the origins of the Mongolian people. It witnessed Genghis Khan's unification of the Mongolian tribes and Kublai Khan's establishment of the Yuan Dynasty. The Xilingol Grassland is lush and beautiful, with the horizon where the sky meets the grassland. In the distance, rivers meander across the grassland, with a few scattered yurts along the banks, offering an infinite view.
The most beautiful Dada Line in Inner Mongolia, 'July to September is the best season for self-driving on the Dada Line. From summer to autumn, the weather is mostly sunny and it is also the season when the grasslands are lush, making it the best time to venture into the desert. The Dada Line starts from Dali Lake in the west and ends at Keshiketeng Stone Town in the east, with a total length of 135 kilometers. The Dada Line is a paradise in the hearts of many self-driving enthusiasts. This asphalt road is sometimes straight, sometimes winding, connecting multiple attractions such as Dali Lake, Gongger Grassland, and Keshiketeng Stone Town. Along the way, you will experience various sceneries such as lakes, grasslands, and stone forests. The road itself has also become a beautiful scenic line, hence the nickname 'Heavenly Road'.
Dali Lake
Dali Lake covers an area of approximately 239 square kilometers, making it the largest lake on the Gongger Grassland and the second largest inland lake in Inner Mongolia. It is also home to a large number of nationally protected bird species. Every October and November, thousands of swans rest here, creating a spectacular sight.
Gongger Grassland
It is located in the western part of Hexigten Banner, Chifeng, on the eastern edge of the Mongolian Plateau, with an altitude of 1200-1500 meters, belonging to the plateau grassland. On this boundless grassland, you can see cattle and sheep everywhere, giving a leisurely feeling of 'endless green pastures for sheep to graze'.
Keshiketeng Stone Town
Keshiketeng Stone Town is renowned for its stone forest. 'Keshiketeng Stone Town is the end of the Dada Line. Its original name is Asihatu Stone Forest, and 'Asihatu' means 'steep rocks' in Mongolian. The stone town is located in the transition zone between the Greater Khingan Mountains and the grasslands, featuring typical hilly terrain with towering stone pillars of various shapes. There are four scenic areas within the town, with the first and second scenic areas offering the best views.
Uzhumuqin Grassland
Uzhumuqin Grassland is part of the Xilingol Grassland. It gathers nine major types of grasslands in Inner Mongolia and is known as the 'Paradise Grassland.' Along the highways of Uzhumuqin Grassland, large clusters of matchstick flowers bloom, forming seas of flowers. The so-called matchstick flower is actually scientifically named Stellera chamaejasme. Although it appears elegant and beautiful, it is somewhat toxic, so do not pick it casually.
Mongolian Khan City
Mongolian Khan City is located within the Uzhumuqin Grassland, primarily showcasing Mongolian folk culture. The scenic area offers various grassland entertainment activities such as horse riding, camel riding, riding in a traditional cart, archery, and wrestling. It is a resort-type scenic area focused on leisure and entertainment.
