Tips for Traveling in Inner Mongolia
- Car Rentals: If you’re renting a car, look for prices that align with market rates. Avoid choosing options that are significantly lower than the market price.
- Self-Driving Caution: If you’re driving yourself, don’t be misled by others suggesting that you can drive freely on the vast grasslands. Don’t be reckless on the straight, empty roads; prioritize safety over speed and excitement!
- Tour Groups: Avoid low-priced tour groups. Packages offering round-trip flights and five-star accommodations for a few hundred to a thousand yuan may lead to additional costs for shopping stops and optional activities. Unless you have strong willpower, it’s best to steer clear.
- Plan Your Itinerary: Inner Mongolia has many attractions, often spread out over large distances. Make a plan in advance to avoid exhaustion.
- Beware of Unlicensed Drivers: Don’t trust the “black cab” drivers you encounter on the streets. Especially for gentlemen, don’t let flirtation lead you to dubious rides, as it may result in trouble without enjoying the local delicacies.
- Signal Issues: Expect poor signal coverage in forested areas. Grasslands may only have 2G connectivity, with some places lacking signal entirely.
- Horse Riding: Many attractions offer horseback riding. Always negotiate prices with guides or horse owners beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
- Cost of Activities: Many activities on the grasslands can be expensive. Choose selectively to make the most of your experience.
- Local Products: Purchase local specialties at larger supermarkets for fair pricing and quality assurance.
- Bring a Power Bank: Make sure to carry a power bank as your phone’s battery may drain quickly from taking photos.
Suggestions for Inner Mongolia Attractions
- Time in Hailar: Don’t spend three days in Hailar; one to two days is sufficient for a visit.
- Research Attractions: Don’t rush to every attraction without planning. Some sites may be similar, leading to wasted time.
- Horse Riding Safety: Don’t ride horses randomly; choose regulated riding stables that ensure safety.
- Driving on Grasslands: Avoid driving off-road and damaging the grasslands; violations can result in hefty fines.
- Plan Your Route: The distance between classic attractions in Hulunbuir can be over a hundred kilometers. Even though the roads are good, first-time visitors should consider joining a group tour to plan a more enjoyable and time-efficient route.
Accommodation Tips in Inner Mongolia
- City Accommodations: In cities, various hotels and inns are available.
- Hostel Options: Youth hostels can provide budget-friendly accommodation.
- Stay in a Yurt: In more remote areas, consider staying in a yurt or with local families for a unique experience.
- Average Accommodations: Places like Genhe, Manzhouli, Erguna, and Hailar offer decent lodging options.
Food Recommendations in Inner Mongolia
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Don’t eat Mongolian food in tourist areas of Hulunbuir, and don’t order too many dishes.
- Be Cautious with Unusual Foods: Don’t be too curious about unfamiliar dishes; many may have misleading names and are overpriced.
- Skip Trendy Restaurants: Avoid popular private dining spots, which often have high prices, small portions, average taste, and poor service.
- Steer Clear of Tourist Souvenirs: Refrain from buying local specialties like beef jerky at tourist sites, as they may be counterfeit or overpriced.
- Food in Hohhot: For delicious local cuisine, visit the 809 Food Street area in Hohhot.