After reading, you'll just want to head straight for the grasslands！15 popular attractions in Mongolia you must conquer

On Mongolia’s vast and boundless grasslands, expansive green pastures and traditional yurts are everywhere. With its stunning scenery and clear weather, it is also known as the “Land of Blue Sky”. (Photo/shutterstock)

Tired of days of gloomy rain? Do you miss the bright sunshine over lush green fields? In Mongolia, where the grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the birthplace of the once world-dominating, Eurasia-commanding Mongol Empire. The grassland people, skilled in horseback riding, traverse the deserts and forests of Mongolia's plains and steppes—offering travelers a rich tapestry of lifestyles and cultural charm. Here’s a look at must-visit attractions in Mongolia that will make you eager to hit the grasslands！

1. Chinggis Khan Square: Located in front of the Mongolian Government Palace, the square displays majestic statues of Chinggis Khan and Kublai Khan. At its center stands the Monument to Sükhbaatar, the founding father and national hero of the Mongolian revolution, featuring a mounted figure of Sükhbaatar raising his hand in a summoning gesture atop a horse.

2. The World’s Largest Statue of Chinggis Khan: Erected atop a circular two-story building with a diameter of 50m and a height of 12m, which houses a museum, restaurant, and gift shop. Above the circular roof, supported by a steel frame, stands a massive 30m-tall statue of Chinggis Khan on horseback, whip in hand. By taking an elevator up to the horse’s head, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the endless grasslands, and even enjoy activities like eagle hunting and traditional archery.

3. National Museum of Mongolia: Showcasing Mongolian history and culture, including the birth of the Mongol Empire and the great achievements of Chinggis Khan. The museum houses over 40,000 historical exhibits, ranging from the Stone Age and Turkic period artifacts to traditional Mongolian clothing, pastoral life items, yurts, and horse tack.

4. Bogd Khaan Winter Palace: Built in 1903, it served as the winter residence of the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, the spiritual leader of Mongolia. The Lamaist temple architecture features distinctive Chinese characteristics, with interconnected palace halls and beams adorned with inscribed plaques in Tibetan, Old Mongolian (used during the Yuan Dynasty), Manchu, and Chinese scripts. The palace contains a rich collection of cultural relics, precious thangkas, Buddha statues, and ritual instruments, many of which are over a hundred years old. The most remarkable sections are the bedrooms of the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu and his queen.

5. Terelj National Park: As the vehicle gradually leaves the urban jungle behind, the grassland scenery comes into view, along with traditional Mongolian yurt settlements, herds of Mongolian horses and sheep. You can also enjoy a dinner of Mongolia’s signature hot stone-roasted lamb.

6. Zaisan Memorial: This hilltop offers the best panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. During World War II in 1940, the Mongolian Prime Minister Zaisan, alongside the joint forces of Mongolia and the Soviet Union, dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese army. This memorial commemorates the unsung heroes of several battles, recording modern warfare and history.

7. Military Museum: The museum houses around 8,000 artifacts, including ancient swords, flintlock guns, powder cannons, vintage Russian rifles, machine guns, and more.

8. Bogd Khan Mountain Natural Reserve: Listed as a UNESCO-recognized Mongolian cultural and natural heritage site, it was also where Chinggis Khan designated Karakorum as the capital of the Mongol Empire in 1220, serving as the heart of the empire that spanned Eurasia—a global hub of politics, economy, and culture.

9. The oldest Erdene Zuu Monastery in Mongolia, and its surrounding world-famous 108 stupas.

10. Monument to the Three Historical Territories of Mongolia: Overlooking the ruins within the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, the monuments clearly reflect the symbiotic relationship between nomadic life, tribal society, and administrative and religious centers. During the 13th and 14th centuries, this area was the center of the entire Eurasian continent. The vast grasslands remain home to Mongolia’s nomadic herders.

11. Bayankhongor Desert Source: Along the 260km journey, you’ll find endless grasslands, with cattle, horses, and sheep grazing naturally along the roadside. You can also experience camel riding through the Gobi Desert.

12. Khustain Nuruu National Park: Boasting rolling green hills and boundless grasslands, it is home to the world’s foremost breeding center for the endangered Przewalski’s horse. Upon arrival, guides in the park introduce the Mongolian horse at the exhibition hall. Don’t underestimate the small size of the Mongolian horse—its unique endurance to cold, heat, and hunger made it Chinggis Khan’s secret weapon in unifying the Mongols and later dominating Eurasia.

13. Gandan Monastery: The most famous and largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built in 1838 by the 4th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu as a center for advanced scripture studies. It features Ming Dynasty architectural styles, with interconnected temples of varying sizes, offering remarkable aesthetic appeal.

14. Dinosaur Museum: The museum houses fossils of more than ten types of dinosaurs, sure to leave visitors in awe.

15. Mongolian Tribe Experience: Enjoy performances of Mongolian folk dances, horsehead fiddle music, and traditional vocal arts. Alternatively, visit a Mongolian tribe to experience the daily lifestyle of the nomadic people—learn how they raise livestock such as cattle and sheep, craft felt products, and witness the impressive equestrian skills of the herders.