Top best things to do in Baotou

Baotou offers a wonderful mix of culture, nature, and adventure. Explore the city’s heritage at the Baotou Museum and Wudang Monastery, step back in time at the ancient Zhao and Qin Great Wall ruins, or enjoy the beauty of Saikhantala Grassland and Nanhai Wetland. For a bit of excitement, visit Northern Weapon City or go horseback riding at Xilamuren Grassland. Whether you’re here for history, scenery, or local culture, Baotou promises a memorable experience in the heart of Inner Mongolia.

Top 1: Take a Day Trip to Xilamuren Grassland

Covering an area of over 1,000 square kilometers, Xilamuren Grassland is a popular tourist destination and one of the best-preserved grasslands in the region.

The grassland is home to a variety of grasses, flowers, and wildlife, including horses, cows, and sheep. Visitors can explore the area on horseback or by taking a guided tour in a jeep or on foot. Traditional Mongolian yurts are also available for overnight stays.

Experience the Nadam Fair, a traditional Mongolian festival held annually in August. The festival features a variety of activities, including horse racing, wrestling, and archery, and attracts thousands of visitors from all over China and beyond.

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.

You can also stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian yurt, sharing meals with the herders and learning about their nomadic lifestyle, as well as watching and participating in their daily chores such as milking cows and sheep, and making dairy products.

It is recommended to bring warm clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as well as to respect the local customs and way of life.

Top 2: Appreciate the Tibetan Culture in Baotou

To appreciate Tibetan culture in Baotou, you can visit the Wudangzhao Monastery, located about 70 km from the city, where you can experience the grand Tibetan-style temple and participate in Buddhist activities. You can and listen to the soft chanting of monks echoing through the valley, visit the local Tibetan markets and taste traditional Tibetan foods, such as Tsampa (roasted barley flour), Tibetan butter tea, and yak meat dishes.

About the Meidaizhao Monastery in Baotou, one can participate in the daily religious ceremonies, visit the various halls and buildings, and observe the monks' daily activities. It is also recommended to hire a local guide who can explain the significance of the monastery's architecture, the meaning of the various symbols and artifacts, and share insights into the daily life of the monks.

Wudangzhao Monastery: A historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its beautiful architecture and stunning surroundings.

Meidaizhao Monastery: A Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts and stunning architecture.

Top 3: Discover the Oldest Great Wall in Baotou

Great Wall of the Zhao is the oldest existing Great Wall in China.

It was built by King Wu Ling, the monarch of Zhao State during the Warring States Period, to consolidate the border and prevent the invasion of the northern Hu people. It has a history of more than 2,000 years.

It has a total length of about 500 kilometers, starting from the territory of Xuanhua, Hebei Province in the east, entering Wuradqian Banner of Inner Mongolia in the west, winding among the peaks and hills at the southern foot of Yinshan Mountain, lying in the middle of Baotou area, about 150 kilometers in Baotou territory.

According to the inference of historians, the time when Zhao Wuling built the Great Wall should be between 306 BC and 300 BC.

The Qin Great Wall (about 215 BC): The Qin Great Wall stretches across the Seerteng Mountain 7 kilometers north of Guyang County. After more than 2,000 years of wind and rain erosion, the Great Wall built with staggered stone slabs is still majestic. It is the most complete section of the Qin Great Wall in China.

Top 4: Explore Northern Weapon City

A visit to Northern Weapon City (also known as the Northern Military Experience Base) is an absolute must for families and anyone fascinated by military hardware. This unique park offers a hands-on, immersive journey into the world of modern warfare. Get ready for an unforgettable experience where you can climb aboard and touch real decommissioned tanks, artillery pieces, and massive rocket launchers. The thrill doesn't stop at observation; you can feel the power of these machines by taking a short, bumpy ride on a genuine battle tank—a highlight that delights visitors of all ages.

For a different kind of adrenaline rush, test your skills on the go-kart track. Beyond the excitement, the site is also an open-air museum, providing a powerful and educational look into 20th-century military history, making it a truly unique and engaging stop in Baotou.

Top 5: Boating on the Nanhai Wetland

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.” Boating on the Nanhai Wetland is one of the best ways to experience its tranquil beauty and ecological richness. As you glide along the shimmering waters, you can admire vast stretches of reeds swaying gently in the breeze, spot flocks of migratory birds such as egrets and herons resting or taking flight, and enjoy the enchanting sight of lotus flowers in full bloom from July to August, with reflections of the blue sky and drifting clouds mirrored on the lake’s surface.

The boat ride offers a peaceful escape from the city and allows visitors to get closer to the wetland’s vibrant ecosystem—an ever-changing landscape that reveals the harmony between water, wildlife, and nature.

Top 6: Cycling in Saikhantala Grassland Resort

If you’re looking for a green escape within reach of the bustling city, Saikhantala Grassland in Baotou offers the perfect urban oasis. Known as the “green lung” of the city, this vast grassland invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature. The best way to experience it is by cycling along its 10-kilometer dedicated bike path, which complete with several rest stops, drinking water stations, and scenic viewing platforms along the way, making it ideal for family outings or trips with friends. the cycling paths wind through open meadows, blooming wildflowers, and clusters of Mongolian yurts, allowing visitors to feel the unique blend of city and grassland scenery. Riding at a leisurely pace, you can watch herds of sheep grazing in the distance, enjoy the fresh prairie air, and stop at scenic spots for photos.

Top 7: Hiking Meiligeng Scenic Area

Hiking in Meiligeng Scenic Area is one of the best ways to experience its pristine natural beauty and refreshing mountain air. The area offers three hiking routes suitable for different levels of fitness and adventure.

The beginner trail leads from Meiligeng Monastery to Xiangshui Waterfall, perfect for casual walkers who wish to enjoy gentle slopes and serene views.

The intermediate route extends from the waterfall to the alpine meadow, where hikers can see lush forests, clear streams, and vibrant wildflowers in summer.

For experienced adventurers, the advanced loop trail traverses the main peak area, rewarding trekkers with panoramic mountain vistas and untouched landscapes. Hiking here allows you to explore dramatic granite gorges, waterfalls, and natural pools while breathing in crisp, clean air. It’s an ideal activity for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking peace and renewal in the embrace of nature.

Top 8: Visit Baotou Museum

Visiting the Baotou Museum is a journey through the city’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Inside the museum, you can explore a wide range of exhibits that showcase the evolution of Baotou and western Inner Mongolia—from ancient nomadic cultures and Bronze Age artifacts to Buddhist relics and fossils of prehistoric creatures. Don’t miss the impressive collections of ancient coins, Thangka paintings, and intricate stone carvings that highlight the region’s artistic achievements. The dinosaur fossil gallery is a favorite among families and children, while the exhibits on ethnic culture reveal the deep connections between Mongolian and Han traditions. A visit here offers not just knowledge, but a vivid glimpse into the land’s natural wonders and the people who shaped its history.

Customize Your Unique Baotou Tour

If you are interested in the Baotou itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Baotou Tour, please visit our Inner Mongolia Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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