Baotou top attractions and best sightseeing, what must visit in a Baotou Trip

In the heart of Inner Mongolia, Baotou stands as a dynamic city where modern industry meets the vast beauty of the grasslands. Known as the “City of Steel” and the “Pearl of the Grasslands,” Baotou offers a unique blend of urban vitality, rich history, and natural landscapes. Here, visitors can explore sacred Tibetan Buddhist temples, stroll across Asia’s only urban and majestic grassland, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of wetlands and alpine scenery. From cultural heritage to outdoor adventure, Baotou provides diverse Hip attractions for all types of travelers. Following are the top 9 attractions to visit in Baotou.

Top 1: Xilamuren Grassland

Xilamuren Grassland, located in Inner Mongolia, China, is a vast, sprawling area of lush green grasslands that is home to a diverse range of wildlife and serves as an important habitat for many endangered species, including the white-tailed eagle, black-necked crane, and Mongolian gazelle, and is a crucial area for pastoralism, with many nomadic families relying on the rich grazing lands for their livestock, making it an important cultural and economic resource for the local communities.

Getting there:

Xilamuren Grassland is located about 90 kilometers from Hohhot and 250 kilometers from Baotou in Inner Mongolia. The easiest way to get there is by taking a flight to Hohhot or Baotou, and then traveling by taxi or local bus to Xilamuren Grassland.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Xilamuren Grassland is from June to August when the grass is lush and green, and the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the best time to see the herds of horses, cows, and sheep that roam the grasslands.

Things to see and do:

Take a horseback ride through the grasslands - This is the best way to experience the vast beauty of Xilamuren Grassland and see the wild animals that roam the area.

Visit the Xilamuren Nadam Fair - This annual festival takes place in August and is a great opportunity to see traditional horse racing, wrestling, and archery competitions.

Visit the Xilamuren Museum - This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the people of Inner Mongolia and offers a great insight into the area's rich heritage.

Hike through the rolling hills - Xilamuren Grassland is a great place for hiking, with plenty of trails that wind through the rolling hills and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Enjoy a traditional Mongolian hot pot - Try the delicious local cuisine and savor the flavors of Inner Mongolia.

Accommodation:

There are several small guesthouses and yurts available for rent in the area, offering a unique and authentic experience for visitors. It is best to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Xilamuren Grassland is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Xilamuren Grassland is a must-visit destination in Inner Mongolia.

Top 2: Wudangzhao

Wudangzhao was built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and is famous for its unique architecture, which features five pagodas of different heights and shapes. it was originally named Badagar Monastery, meaning “white lotus” in Tibetan. The monastery is located in Wudanggou Valley, about 60 kilometers northeast of Baotou City. The valley is lined with willow trees, and since “Wudang” means “willow” in Mongolian and “Zhao” means “temple,” it is also known as Wudangzhao.

Together with the Potala Palace in Tibet, Ta’er Monastery in Qinghai, and Labrang Monastery in Gansu, Wudang Monastery is celebrated as one of the four most important monasteries of Lamaism in China. Its collection of cultural relics ranks among the finest in Inner Mongolia, with some pieces being rare treasures in all of China. The white Tibetan-style buildings are built against the mountain slope, featuring six grand halls, three Living Buddha residences, and a stupa mausoleum. The monastery is known for its unique architectural style, exquisite statues and murals, and splendid thangka paintings.

Wudang Monastery is not only an important religious site but also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its stunning architecture and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. The surrounding natural scenery is also a highlight, with beautiful lakes and mountains in the area.

Every year on the 21st day of the third lunar month, Wudang Monastery holds a spring festival, featuring traditional activities such as horse racing, archery, and wrestling, which draw numerous visitors to the region.

Wudang Monastery is a fascinating destination for those interested in religion, history, and culture, as well as nature lovers and adventure seekers.

• Address: Shiguai District, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• Open Hours: 08:00~17:00
• Distance from city center and drive time: 50km, 1.2hours
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours

Top 3: Saikhantala Grassland Resort

Saihan Tala Ecological Park is celebrated as the only urban grassland in Asia. In Mongolian, Saihan Tala means “beautiful grassland.” Covering a total area of 537 hectares, including 380 hectares of grassland.

With just one step, you can go from the busy city to this huge, green grassland. It's covered in wildflowers and has these white Mongolian yurts dotted around, all under the blue sky. The park features well-equipped riding and archery fields, hosts bonfire parties, and offers traditional ethnic song and dance performances, allowing visitors to experience the bold and passionate spirit of Inner Mongolian culture.

Every July and August, the park hosts the grand Naadam Festival, a 3–5day event that attracts tens of thousands of locals and tourists. The festival preserves the “three manly games” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. In winter, the grassland transforms into a snowy wonderland, where visitors can also enjoy skiing and other winter activities.

• Address: North of National Highway 110, Meidaizhao Town, Tumd Right Banner, Baotou City
• Open Hours: 08:30-17:30
• Distance from city center and drive time: 7.5, 15minutes
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours

Top 4: Meidaizhao

Meidai Lamasery, originally named Lingjue Temple, once served as the capital of Alatan Khan’s “Golden Kingdom.” It was later renamed Shouling Temple and is renowned as a unique “city-temple complex where monks and residents live in harmony.” Covering an area of about 4,000 square meters, the temple preserves a wealth of vivid and lifelike Buddhist murals, each a masterpiece of religious art.

The main structures within Meidai Monastery include the Ancient City, the Mahavira Hall, the Glazed Tile Hall, the God of Wealth Temple, the Empress Dowager Temple, and the Dalai Temple. Its architectural style follows the traditional Han design of the Central Plains, yet skillfully blends Mongolian and Tibetan influences, making it a living example of Mongol–Han cultural fusion. The site stands as a precious resource for the study of Ming Dynasty history, Buddhism, architecture, and art.

• Address: North of National Highway 110, Meidaizhao Town, Tumd Right Banner, Baotou City
• Open Hours: 08:30-17:30
• Distance from city center and drive time: 60km, 1.5hours
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours

Top 5: Nanhai Wetland Scenic Area

Nanhai Wetland Scenic Area integrates urban, Yellow River, and wetland landscapes, and is home to more than 200 species of wild animals and plants. It is an ideal destination for eco-tourism and leisure, often praised as the “Jiangnan of the North.”

With its vast reed marshes, wooden walkways, migratory birds, and wildflowers, the scenery here changes beautifully with the seasons. In spring, the wetland comes alive with vibrant renewal; in summer, it becomes a perfect retreat from the heat; in autumn, visitors can admire the grandeur of the grassland scenery and witness flocks of migratory birds arriving during the peak migration season of September and October. The sight of these birds resting and flying across the wetland is truly spectacular. In winter, the area transforms into a silver-white world of ice and snow, where visitors can enjoy activities such as ice skating and winter swimming.

Today, Nanhai Wetland also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, water surfing, rafting, and parasailing, providing visitors with a joyful and refreshing getaway surrounded by nature.

• Address: Erliban Water Plant Road, Donghe District, Baotou City
• Open Hours: 8:00-18:00
• Distance from city center and drive time: 15 km, 30minutes
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 6: The Northern Weapon City

Northern Weapon City is a unique tourist attraction that integrates national defense education, weapon exhibitions, military industry culture, and leisure entertainment. It also serves as one of Baotou’s key patriotic education bases.

At the main square stand nine granite cultural pillars, each 9 meters high, symbolizing the nine districts and counties of Baotou. The pillars are intricately carved with scenes depicting local customs and Inner Mongolian legends. The exhibition features retired armored vehicles, artillery, fighter jets, and missiles produced or imported by China since the founding of the People’s Republic. Highlights include Soviet-made artillery from World War II and the “First Cannon of the Republic,” inspected by Chairman Mao Zedong during the 10th anniversary of the nation—offering military enthusiasts a rare visual feast.

The underground exhibition area displays a collection of conventional light weapons, featuring real items, replicas, and photographs, along with facilities such as pistol and machine gun shooting ranges and live-ammunition laboratories. Each exhibit stands as a witness to history, allowing visitors to appreciate the evolution and power of conventional weaponry up close.

• Address: Binggong Road, Qingshan District, Baotou City
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Distance from city center and drive time: 11 km, 20minutes
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 7: Baotou Museum

Baotou Museum, established in 1998, is a national first-class museum whose exterior resembles towering mountain cliffs, symbolizing strength and endurance. The museum showcases the historical civilizations, natural resources, and achievements in socialist development of Baotou and the western region of Inner Mongolia.

With an exhibition area of 15,000 square meters, the museum houses eight galleries, including six permanent exhibitions and two temporary ones. Its collection includes 2,657 historical relics, over 100,000 ancient coins, as well as Tibetan Buddhist thangkas, rock paintings, and stone carvings. Among its most prized exhibits is a Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain jar decorated with entwined peony patterns, a masterpiece reflecting the exquisite artistry of that era.

• Address: 7th-6th Floor, No. 27, Erding Street, Kundulun District, Baotou City (directly opposite Yunlong Orthopedic Hospital)
• Open Hours: 9:00-17:00
• Distance from city center and drive time: 11km, 20minutes
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 8: The Oldest Great Walls in Baotou

Stretching through the Yin Mountains are numerous sections of ancient Great Walls, especially around Baotou, where both the Zhao Great Wall and the Qin Great Wall once stood guard over the frontier. These walls not only served military purposes but also symbolized the early expansion of Central Plains civilization into northern territories. Today, their remains still stand as enduring testaments to the strategic foresight and architectural ingenuity of ancient China.

The Zhao Great Wall, constructed during the reign of King Wuling of Zhao in the Warring States period (around 306–300 BC), was built to defend against Xiongnu invasions. Made primarily of rammed earth and stone, it has endured over 2,300 years of wind and weather, carrying a profound sense of history. Running along the southern foothills of the Yin Mountains, it overlooks the fertile Tumo River plain—once a vital military stronghold. Though time has worn away much of its structure, the surviving remnants still reveal the grand scale and sophisticated engineering that later inspired the construction of imperial Great Walls.

• Address: Near Baonao Line, Shiguai District, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• Open Hours: All day
• Distance from city center and drive time: 20km, 30minutes
• Tour Length: 1 hour

The Qin Great Wall, built after China’s unification under Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC, connected and extended earlier regional walls, including those of Zhao, Yan, and Qin, into a unified defense system. The section near Baotou, primarily built from stone, remains relatively well-preserved. Erected under the command of General Meng Tian around 215 BC to guard against northern nomadic tribes, it marks one of the earliest and most significant examples of China’s Great Wall legacy.

• Address: County Road 077, Guyang County, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• Open Hours: 9:00-17:00
• Distance from city center and drive time: 75km, 1.5hours
• Tour Length: 1 hour

Top 9: Meiligeng Scenic Area

“Meiligeng” means “wisdom and intelligence” in Mongolian. This scenic area boasts a unique geographical environment and a pleasant climate, with an average annual temperature of around 6°C. Cool and refreshing in summer, it is an ideal summer retreat. The landscape features rich ecological diversity, with deep gorges carved from ancient granite over millions of years by glacial meltwater and erosion, forming spectacular waterfalls and serene pools.

In addition to its captivating scenery, the area is home to Meiligeng Lamasery, a Tibetan Buddhist temple built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty. With a history of over 300 years, it stands as an important cultural and religious landmark. The site also offers three hiking trails: an entry-level route from Meiligeng Lamasery to Xiangshui Waterfall, an intermediate route from the waterfall to the alpine meadow, and an advanced circular trail crossing the main peak area—making it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts.

• Address: Meiligenggou, Jiuyuan District, Baotou City, at kilometer 724 of National Highway 110
• Open Hours: 08:30-17:30
• Distance from city center and drive time: 30km, 40minutes
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

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