Your Way Holiday
Private Guided Tours·Heritage & Culture·2 days / 1 night·MODERATE

Inner Mongolia 2-Day Tour: Museum, Old Street & Xilamuren Grassland

Explore Hohhot's museum and old street, then ride horses across the Xilamuren Grassland on a private 2-day tour with your own guide.

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Overview

About This Tour

From $101.00

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Tour Highlights

Trace the Story of Nomadic Life Across Millennia

Walk through galleries of ancient artifacts and feel the sweep of Mongolian history from Bronze Age rock carvings to modern herding traditions.

Stroll a Qing-Dynasty Lane Still Alive with Local Craft

Saishang Old Street's stone facades hide tea houses, calligraphy shops, and street food stalls where Hohhot residents still gather of an evening.

Gaze Up at a Temple Towering with Five Stacked Pagodas

Stand before the 300-year-old temple and trace the intricate Buddhist carvings that cover every surface — a quiet masterpiece of Qing-era devotion.

Experience a Traditional Ovoo Blessing

Visit a sacred Ovoo adorned with colorful prayer flags, perform a traditional blessing ritual, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Xilamuren

Spend two days discovering Inner Mongolia at your own pace. Day one covers Hohhot's highlights: the Inner Mongolia Museum for nomadic heritage, Saishang Old Street where Qing-dynasty shops line the lane, and the Five Pagoda Temple with its Buddhist carvings. Day two escapes to the Xilamuren Grassland — ride horses across open steppe, visit a yurt camp, and wander the grassland heartland. A private car, a local guide, and flexible timing make this a stress-free way to see both the city and the steppe.

Duration

2 days / 1 night

Tour Type

Private Guided Tours

Theme

Heritage & Culture

Group Size

Only Your Group

Start City

Hohhot

Activity Level

MODERATE

Route Map

Key places on this route

Map pins show the primary places guests will visit on this route.

Inner Mongolia 2-Day Tour: Museum, Old Street & Xilamuren Grassland route mapMapbox route preview
  1. 1Hohhot
  2. 2Inner Mongolia Museum
  3. 3Saishang Old Street
  4. 4Five Pagoda Temple
  5. 5Xilamuren Grassland
Day by Day

Your Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Your guide and driver meet you at Hohhot Railway Station or your hotel and drive you to the Inner Mongolia Museum, where a guided walkthrough brings 8,000 years of northern frontier history to life. Afterward, your guide leads you down Saishang Old Street for a taste of local snacks and Ming-Qing architecture, then on to the Five Pagoda Temple to examine its 1,500-year-old carved stone tablets. Lunch is at a genuine local restaurant your guide recommends on the spot. The day wraps up with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel.

Today's Highlights

  • Step from the station straight into a private car — no taxis, no waiting
  • Your guide decodes 8,000 years of frontier history so every exhibit tells you its story
  • Your guide recommends a real local restaurant — not a pre-arranged tourist trap
  • Your guide spots carved doorframes and hidden temples you would walk past alone
  • Your guide translates ancient Sanskrit mantras carved into 1,500-year-old stone

Your guide and driver pick you up from your hotel for day two of your Inner Mongolia adventure. The drive to Xilamuren Grassland takes about two hours through countryside that gradually turns from farmland to open steppe. You saddle up for a guided horseback ride, then visit a traditional yurt camp where a herding family serves warm milk tea and explains nomadic life. Lunch is at a local spot your guide trusts. In the afternoon, your guide leads you to a quiet hillock for panoramic steppe views before driving back to Hohhot.

Today's Highlights

  • Hike to Honggel Obo, a 400-year-old sacred cairn, and follow the traditional ritual of walking three times clockwise
  • Take in 360-degree grassland views from the hilltop where herders have prayed for centuries
  • Walk across open steppe where your guide points out ground squirrels, marmots, and wildflowers
  • Watch herders drive horse and sheep flocks home as dust turns gold in sunset

Optional Excursions

Details

What's Included

Included

  • Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views.
  • Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs.
  • Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees.
  • Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service.
  • Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time.
  • Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
  • Travel Protection: Enjoy extra peace of mind with travel agency liability insurance coverage.

Not Included

  • Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary.
  • Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD)
  • Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip.
  • Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.
  • Accommodation with breakfast.

Notice

The drive from Hohhot to Xilamuren Grassland takes about 2 hours each way. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes for horseback riding and bring a light jacket — the steppe can be breezy even in summer. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.

Your Ride

Transportation & Vehicles

Travel in a comfortable, non-smoking private car or van with a professional local driver who knows the city well. The vehicle is clean and well-maintained, with bottled water provided for a pleasant ride between attractions.

Our Vehicle Service Standards

🚗

Late-Model Vehicles (2022+)

All vehicles are 2022 or newer models — modern, safe, and meticulously maintained.

🧹

Daily Deep Cleaning

Every vehicle is sanitized and detailed before each use.

👨‍✈️

Professional Drivers

Licensed, uniformed drivers with 5+ years of tourist transport experience.

🛡️

Full Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive commercial insurance for all vehicles and passengers.

📱

Onboard Amenities

Complimentary water, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, and tissues on every ride.

❄️

Climate Comfort

Dual-zone climate control ensures perfect temperature year-round.

Premium MPV cabin reference image
Private car cabin reference image
Premium MPV exterior reference image
Private car exterior reference image

We usually arrange a 5-seater for 1–2 guests, a 7-seater for 3–5 guests, and a 12-seater for 6–9 guests, and so on. All vehicles have ample luggage space. Photos are for reference only. Vehicle brands and models may vary by destination.

Dining Experience

Dining & Meals

Have a specific restaurant or dietary need in mind? Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

Our Dining Philosophy

🏛️

Heritage Restaurants

Historic establishments with decades of culinary tradition — where locals celebrate.

🏠

Local Family Kitchens

Home-cooked meals with local families — authentic recipes passed down generations.

🍜

Street Food & Night Markets

Guided tastings through iconic food streets with a local foodie guide.

🌾

Farm-to-Table Fresh

Seasonal dishes with ingredients grown on-site, set against scenic backdrops.

Fine Dining & Michelin

Award-winning restaurants with tasting menus, wine pairings, and unforgettable culinary artistry.

Dining Preferences & Dietary Requirements

Share dietary needs, restaurant preferences, or food interests before travel so the advisor can confirm practical arrangements.

Your Local Guide

Guide & Service Quality

Your guide is a seasoned local who knows the city's history, architecture, and hidden corners firsthand. Expect a flexible pace tailored to your interests, with personal recommendations and insider stops along the way.

Our Guide Service Standards

🎓

Licensed & Certified Guides

All guides hold national tourism licenses and have 5+ years of experience.

🌍

English Proficiency (IELTS 7+)

Fluent communication — guides can discuss history, culture, and current events with ease.

🗣️

Multi-Language Available

English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean-speaking guides available on request.

📻

Wireless Audio Headsets

Every guest receives a headset so you never miss a word, even in crowded sites.

🛡️

No Forced Shopping Guarantee

Zero pressure — we never force you into souvenir shops. Your time is yours.

🛍️

Local Shopping Recommendations

Want authentic gifts? We'll recommend trusted local markets and artisan shops — no tourist traps.

Our “No Forced Shopping” Promise

We guarantee zero shopping stops unless you specifically request them. If you ever feel pressured, contact us immediately for a full refund of that day's service.

Request a Specialist Guide

Interested in a specific topic? We can arrange historian guides for cultural sites, photographer guides for scenic spots, or foodie guides for culinary tours. Just let us know when booking.

Traveler Reviews

External Review Sources for Inner Mongolia 2-Day Tour: Museum, Old Street & Xilamuren Grassland

Current traveler feedback should be read through the configured external review sources.

Review sources

Tripadvisor Reviews

4.9out of 5

Public traveler feedback

Product pages use external review sources instead of manually maintained review cards. Open the official Tripadvisor profile to read current customer feedback.

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Selected Tripadvisor reviews

Recent traveler highlights

J&

James & Sarah Mitchell

United Kingdom · Grand China rail journey

Tripadvisor

Standing on the Great Wall at sunrise with no other tourists in sight was the highlight of our China tour. The guide arranged a home-cooked lunch in a Beijing hutong with a family who had lived there for generations.

ER

Elena Rossi

Italy · Ancient capitals and Hangzhou

Tripadvisor

We picked tea leaves with a family whose ancestors farmed Longjing for generations. The tea ceremony that followed was the most memorable moment of our China trip.

MT

Mark Thompson

United States · Classic China private tour

Tripadvisor

Every guide felt like a friend who happened to know thousands of years of stories. The quiet Forbidden City experience was something we will never forget.

FAQ

Common Questions

How much walking is involved on this 2-day tour?

Day one involves a moderate amount of walking through the museum and old street — roughly 2 to 3 kilometers total. Day two is more relaxed with horseback riding and short walks around the yurt camp and grassland.

Can we customize the itinerary on the grassland day?

Your guide can adjust the pace and time spent at each stop on the grassland. If you prefer more riding time or a longer yurt visit, just let your guide know and the schedule shifts accordingly.

What is the best season to visit Inner Mongolia?

The best season is June through September when the grass is lush and green. July and August bring the warmest temperatures and the most vibrant wildflowers across the steppe.

What kind of food can we try on this tour?

Your guide will recommend a genuine local restaurant on both days. On day one you can try Hohhot specialties like roasted lamb and Mongolian milk tea. On day two, steppe-style dishes like hand-pulled mutton and dairy products from the herders.

Is horseback riding suitable for beginners?

Yes, horseback riding is one of the main experiences on Xilamuren Grassland. Local herders provide gentle, well-trained horses along with basic instruction. Riders of all levels are welcome.

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