Wulanchabu

Ulanqab is an excellent choice for escaping the summer heat, with striking volcanic landforms and vast grassland scenery. Here is a practical travel guide to help you explore the grasslands and volcanoes efficiently.

Recommended Core Attractions

• Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark: A natural volcanic cluster that has appeared on the cover of *Chinese National Geography*. Recommended spots include Volcano No. 3 (with a hiking boardwalk and a phone booth for photos), Volcano No. 5 (the most complete landform), and Volcano No. 6 (black volcanic rock, great for photos in an astronaut suit).

• Huitengxile Grassland: A world-famous alpine meadow with an average summer temperature of only 18°C. The grassland is dotted with 99 plateau lakes (the Ninety-Nine Springs), where wind turbines and wildflowers intertwine to create an exceptionally soothing landscape.

• Huanghuagou: Located within Huitengxile Grassland, this is a paid scenic area. It includes a grassland mini-train, cable cars, and a glass suspension bridge, making it suitable for visitors who want a one-stop experience of grassland amusement activities. If you prefer free access and tranquility, you can drive around the outer areas of the grassland.

• Gulinaobao: A lesser-known free attraction featuring columnar-jointed basalt formed 20 million years ago, resembling a “Little Iceland.” Together with nearby Huangqi Lake, it is very suitable as a stopover photo spot.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and Volcano Exploration
  • Morning: Arrive in Ulanqab, then rent a car or charter a vehicle to Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark.
  • Afternoon: Visit Volcanoes No. 6, No. 5, and No. 3 in sequence, hike, and take cinematic “astronaut” photos.
  • Evening: Head to Chahar Right Rear Banner for accommodation, or stay at a grassland guesthouse and enjoy the starry sky at night.
• Day 2: Grassland Scenery and Wetlands
  • Morning: Drive to Huitengxile Grassland, enjoy the scenery along the Kewu Line, and check in at the Ninety-Nine Springs.
  • Afternoon: Choose to enter Huanghuagou for sightseeing, or take photos and go horseback riding freely in the heart of the grassland.
  • Evening: Stay at a hotel near the grassland, join a bonfire party, and experience Mongolian culture.
• Day 3: Geological Wonders and City Leisure
  • Morning: Visit Gulinaobao to see the columnar-jointed basalt, or go to Huangqi Lake to watch the sunrise over the wetlands.
  • Afternoon: Return to downtown Ulanqab, visit the Ulanqab Museum, and go to Phoenix Tower at dusk to watch the sunset.
  • Evening: Stroll through the “Ulanqab Night” night market, sample local specialties, then begin your return trip.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: Self-driving is the most recommended option, as attractions are far apart and driving makes it easiest to stop whenever you like. If taking high-speed rail, arrive first at Ulanqab Station, then rent a car or charter a vehicle locally.
• Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in downtown Ulanqab (the old district has many long-established eateries and convenient dining, entertainment, and shopping) or Chahar Right Rear Banner (close to the volcanoes). Mongolian yurts on the grassland have relatively poor sound insulation and warmth, so choose carefully during peak season.

Must-Try Local Foods

• Ice-Boiled Lamb: Lamb stewed together with ice cubes, resulting in exceptionally tender meat.

• Hand-Grasped Meat and Roasted Lamb Ribs: Authentic Inner Mongolian flavors, with fresh lamb that has no strong gamey taste.

• Oat Noodles: Ulanqab is the “Capital of Potatoes,” and the oat noodles here are prepared in many ways, with a pleasantly chewy texture.

• Iron-Hat Barbecue and Scrambled Eggs with Sand Onion: Specialty barbecue popular with locals and authentic farmhouse dishes.

Practical Pitfall-Avoidance Guide

• Volcano Traffic Jams: The volcano area is extremely prone to traffic jams during holidays. It is recommended to set out early or navigate to “Lava River Station” to avoid crowds; the scenic area uses one-way traffic, so do not drive against the flow.
• Temperature Difference and Sun Protection: The grasslands and volcanoes are windy, with a very large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, bring a hardshell jacket or light down jacket; UV rays are strong, so be sure to use sun protection.
• Choosing Grassland Areas: Some popular internet-famous grasslands (such as Niubaba Happy Grassland) are highly commercialized and prone to traffic jams. The free hinterland around the outskirts of Huitengxile is more recommended, with scenery that feels more untouched.