Gegentala Grassland

Gegentala Grassland is located in Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia, 140 kilometers (87 miles) away from the north of Hohhot. Gegentala means “cast and bright grass lands” in Mongolian. When visiting there, visitors will be treated in the most ceremonious way, such as sending hada, a piece of silk used as a greeting gift and excellent horse milk wine. Walking on the vast Gegentala Grassland, you can see a circular building made of stones on the relatively high hillside at a certain distance, and that is so-called Aobao, where local Mongolians hold sacrificial ceremony to pray for good luck.
 

Lots of visitors would like to pay a visit to Gegentala Grassland in summer, especially in July and August, because all the grasslands are at their best. Moreover, every year, at the same time, the climate there in summer is pretty cool when compared with other tourist destinations. Nadam Fair is always held from August 15th to 25th.

Ao Bao

Luxury yurts on Gegentala Grassland

Be sure to arrange for a horse-riding experience during your stay. There is a large stud farm particularly for visitors. All the horses are carefully selected, and most of them have mild temper. Or visitors can try horse riding with the help of a professional coach for safety.
 

In order to entertain and welcome visitors, Gegentala Grassland Scenic Area has arranged horse racing, horse shows, wrestling and singing & dancing performance. The exciting shows stimulate everyone’s enthusiasm. Moreover, visitors can also engage in these activities for entertainment. When night comes, a campfire party is something of a highlight.  At the same time, some local people may dance and sing around the fire in a circle. 

Dance performance, Nadam Fair

Wrestling held on Nadam Fair

It must be an unforgettable experience to stay overnight inside a yurt. There is a fixed area in the grassland with many traditional style yurts, which are used as hotels for visitors. It’s a good chance to experience local people’s living style, but the price is a little expensive. The yurt is not only used as a living room; visitors can also have a party or dining inside.
 

A dining feast is always offered when there is a campfire party. Hospitable Mongolians will provide good wine and delicious cuisines for tourists. Drinking mellow horse milk wine, eating Roast Whole Lamb with fragrant smell, and tasting local milk tea must be the most enjoyable dining in vast Gegentala Grassland.
 

1. First, visitors need to take a bus from Hohhot Passenger Station to Siziwangqi in Ulanqab. The journey takes about 2 hours and each passenger needs to pay around CNY 30-40. After arrival at Siziwangqi, it’s advised to hire a car directly to Gegentale Grassland. It takes about thirty minutes and CNY 20-40.

2. Hire a car from Hohhot to Gegentala Grassland. Visitors need to pay about CNY 350 per day per car.