Meiligeng in Baotou

Meiligeng in Baotou

Meiligeng in Baotou is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Meiligeng (meaning "intelligent" in Mongolian) Natural Ecological Scenic Area nestles at the southern foot of the Urad Mountain range in the Yin Mountains, 30 kilometers west of downtown Baotou. To the south, it overlooks the winding Yellow River, and to the west, it borders Bayannur City. It is a natural scenic area dominated by numerous massive spherical granite mountains, waterfalls, and plant landscapes. The area features dramatic and rugged canyons such as Meiligeng Gully, Shibaoke Tu Gully, and West Gully. The mountains are majestic, peculiar, deep, serene, and precipitous, with a protected area of 56.7 square kilometers.

The Meiligeng Scenic Area boasts unique natural scenery—steep rocks, lush flowers and trees, birds singing, and cascading waterfalls—creating a magical, beautiful, and enchanting landscape. A poem describes it as: “Distant mountains without ink, a thousand-year painting; nearby waters without strings, an ancient zither. Playing the zither and stepping into the painting brings you to a fairyland; shaking your clothes atop the summit, you ascend once more.”

The Meiligeng Scenic Area is famed for its “Four Wonders”: the sea of forests with peculiar pines, waterfalls and pools, sea of clouds and illusions, and unique peaks and rocks. The area features continuous, towering, and majestic mountain ranges, including Camel Peak that resembles a camel, and lifelike oddities such as “Turtle Stone of Longevity,” “Two Apes Guarding the Night,” and “Goddess Appearing Once.” Countless waterfalls and springs rush and pour between the rocks, connecting them in a uniquely beautiful landscape. Meiligeng receives abundant rainfall and has dense forests. With rising clouds and mists, the natural scenery is ever-changing. The average annual temperature is 5°C, offering a cool and pleasant climate. The scenery varies with the seasons: spring brings birdsong and blooming flowers, summer showcases seas of clouds and flying springs, autumn is covered with red leaves, and winter forms icy pillars like a forest.

The Meiligeng Grand Waterfall is a rare spring-fed waterfall in northern China. Formed by fissure water due to geological compression, it converges into a 66-meter-high waterfall. A cascade of water plunges into a emerald-green deep pool, as if descending from the heavens, resembling the Milky Way falling into the valley. The deep pool beneath the waterfall is called “Zhi Shui Pool” (Pool of Wisdom). Legend has it that those who drink from the Pool of Wisdom will gain extraordinary intelligence, as if guided by an immortal. In the depths of winter when heavy snow and ice cover the land, the area remains draped in silver, with evergreen pines and cypresses below. The springs freeze into glaciers, forming crystal-clear, towering chains on cliffs and in gorges, like a giant ice dragon. The lively flowing springs beneath the ice are the heartbeat of this dragon. This exceptionally enchanting northern spectacle is a unique and miraculous gift from nature.

The Qinhu Villa, covering a total area of 5,800 square meters within the scenic area, is built against the mountain and beside the water. The architectural styles of its 15 villas blend seamlessly with the natural scenery, resembling a well-balanced ink-wash landscape painting, inviting you into the scene. Options such as standard rooms, apartment suites, deluxe rooms, and villas allow you to experience living in simplicity, luxury, and elegance. Whether you're here for leisure, conferences, or vacationing, it's like soaking in nature’s green oxygen bar.

Detailed address: Meiligeng Village, Agarutai Sumu, Jiuyuan District (terminus of Bus No. 9)

Inquiry number: 0472-515595

Ticket price: 35 RMB

Opening hours: From April 15 to October 30