Tongliao

Tongliao is a hidden-gem city wrapped in grasslands, deserts, and rich Mongol-Yuan culture, making it especially well suited to a self-drive trip. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night travel guide to help you explore Horqin with ease.

Classic 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Urban Culture and Your First Taste of Mongolian Cuisine
  • Morning: Arrive in Tongliao and head to the Horqin Museum to learn about local history and Mongol-Yuan culture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Xiaozhuang Garden Cultural Tourism Area, check in at the hometown of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, and experience the architectural style of a Qing-dynasty Mongolian princely residence.
  • Evening: Try authentic Mongolian food in the city. Recommended spots include Saiwai Tianrun Hotpot or Eji Milk Tea. Be sure to order lamb with wild chives and pot tea.

• Day 2: Grassland Scenery and Horseback Riding
  • Morning: Drive to the Jarud Banner Military Horse Farm (about 3 hours). The scenery along National Highway G304 is stunning, and you can go horseback riding and grass sliding on the mountain grassland.
  • Afternoon: Continue driving to Khan Mountain (about 1.5 hours) to see the giant statues of Mongolian emperors and the “Grassland Terracotta Warriors.”

• Evening: Stay overnight in Holingol and try a local whole-lamb set meal.

• Day 3: Desert Off-Roading and Return Trip
  • Morning: Head to the Baogutu Desert for a raw, untamed desert experience, or to Kulun Silver Sand Bay for a wider range of entertainment activities. Try UTV off-roading, camel riding, and sand sliding.
  • Afternoon: Take a set of wide-open wilderness photos on the edge of the desert, then begin your return trip.

If your time is tight, you can also arrange a one-day trip around the city, such as going to Daqinggou for a cool summer rafting trip or visiting the Zhurihe Grassland to watch Nadam festivities.

Must-Visit Attractions

Tongliao’s attractions are relatively spread out, with grasslands, deserts, and cultural sights each offering their own character. You can choose based on your interests.

• Jarud Banner Military Horse Farm: Mountain grassland scenery with herds of cattle and sheep. Great for horseback riding, camping, and self-driving, with a pristine, unspoiled feel and limited commercial development.

• Khan Mountain Tourist Area: Giant statues of Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, paired with 800 warrior figures in formation. Visually striking and free to visit.

• Baogutu Desert: A vast, primitive sea of sand with beautifully shaped dunes. Ideal for aerial photography, off-roading, and stargazing, with relatively few visitors.

• Kulun Silver Sand Bay: A well-developed desert scenic area with a rich selection of activities, suitable for families with children to try sand sliding and desert surfing.

• Daqinggou: A hidden primeval forest retreat within the Horqin Sandy Land. The bottom of the ravine is cool, and in summer you can try rafting and horseback riding.

Must-Try Local Food List

When you come to Tongliao, be sure to try authentic Mongolian cuisine and Horqin beef. The rich dairy aroma and savory meat flavors are deeply satisfying.

In addition to these, Tongliao is also famous for its barbecue and hand-pulled noodles with big bones. In the evening, consider stopping by a streetside barbecue shop to try grilled beef and lamb skewers.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: June to September is the best travel season, when the grasslands are lush green and the weather is cool. In winter, you can experience snowy grasslands, but be well prepared for the cold.
• Transportation: Attractions around Tongliao are spread out and public transport is inconvenient, so self-driving or renting a car is strongly recommended.
• What to Wear: The temperature difference between day and night is large on the grasslands and in the desert, and winds can be strong. Be sure to bring a windproof jacket, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Dining Note: Mongolian cuisine is centered on beef, lamb, and dairy products, and portions tend to be large. Order in moderation to avoid waste.