As demand for travel grows and personalized, experience-driven tourism rises, the popularity of small-town tourism is heating up. People are now opting for spontaneous trips, unique destinations, and hassle-free experiences—places where there’s no waiting in lines, no crowds, and an opportunity to truly relax. This trend has led to an increase in cultural tourism activities that boost local economies. Among the leaders of this travel trend is Hulunbuir, which has earned its place in the spotlight.
According to CCTV reports, “hidden gem cities” are gaining popularity with younger travelers. Online platforms show that Hulunbuir, Ganzhou, Wuhu, Lhasa, and Rizhao were the top five trending cities for Meituan’s ticket bookings during this year’s National Day holiday, with Hulunbuir taking the lead. During the holiday, Hulunbuir welcomed 1.27 million domestic tourists, representing a 5.21% year-on-year increase, surpassing the regional average by 9.08%. These visitors spent a total of 911 million yuan, which is a 5.28% increase compared to last year.
To meet diverse tourist demands, Hulunbuir has introduced a variety of tourism products and curated routes. According to Mafengwo’s 2024 National Day travel trend report, “self-driving in Hulunbuir” was ranked fourth in the top 10 most popular domestic self-driving routes. The city’s Cultural Tourism Bureau also promoted two self-drive routes during the holiday: the 7-day, 6-night “Daxinganling National Scenic Road” and the 5-day, 4-night “Most Beautiful Grassland Loop,” which catered to self-drive enthusiasts.
1. Small Town Tourism: This Year’s Biggest Winner
The enthusiasm for travel has led tourists to not only visit popular destinations but also explore relaxing, less-discovered small towns. Unlike fast-paced, “rush-to-see-everything” travel styles, small-town tourism offers a slower, more relaxed travel experience.
Amid the excitement of National Day, Ulanqab attracted 56,000 tourists who wanted to experience the unique combination of desert and water, generating 397 million yuan in revenue—a 10.3% increase. In Bayannur, visitors enjoyed the country’s first off-road eco-drive route, attracting 1.56 million tourists. Meanwhile, Alxa hosted the popular Heroes Rally, drawing 857,000 domestic tourists who spent a total of 602 million yuan.
Compared to famous sites, smaller cities offer a fresh perspective and greater value. Less crowded, with affordable prices and local cultural experiences, small-town tourism brings a high-value travel experience that continuously attracts visitors.
2. Why Choose a Small Town? Value, Uniqueness, and Accessibility
It’s not about the inability to visit big cities; small towns simply offer more cost-effective experiences. The boom in small-town tourism is mainly driven by unique and diverse tourism resources. Inner Mongolia’s scenic diversity includes mountains, lakes, forests, grasslands, and deserts. Its vast landscapes provide unique attractions and variety for travelers.
The rapid development of Inner Mongolia’s transportation infrastructure also makes travel easier, with upgrades to high-speed trains and regional airports increasing accessibility. Now, it’s just a one-hour commute between the major cities of Hohhot, Baotou, and Ordos. Administrative centers are accessible within two hours from the capital, and most major cities nationwide are reachable within three hours.
local culinary delights are a highlight for travelers. From roasted lamb and shao mai (steamed dumplings) to sweet dairy treats, Inner Mongolia’s food scene is just as much a part of its allure as its natural landscapes.
With rich cultural and tourism resources, an extensive transportation network, and vibrant commerce, Inner Mongolia’s lesser-known towns offer unique and enjoyable travel experiences. The appeal of these hidden gems reflects the immense potential of Inner Mongolia’s tourism industry, giving travelers a chance to discover something new with each visit.