Winter in Inner Mongolia,
is not synonymous with "cold,"
even when the bitter chill locks the land and snow covers everything.
When winter arrives in Inner Mongolia,
the place that was lush with green grass in summer
transforms into a kingdom of ice and snow.
Naadam Festival in Xiwuqi | Photo by Chen Ming, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
During its long seven-month winter, Inner Mongolia is home to a breathtaking array of icy and snowy landscapes. The vast grasslands, the undulating Greater Khingan Mountains, the crisscrossing rivers and lakes, and the boundless primeval forests are all blanketed in white. The pristine birch forests, the snowfields where one can run freely, the swaying icicles in the wind, the speeding sleds, and even the faint outlines of window frost in the farmhouse of the Lengji Village all seem to call out: The most beautiful summer is on the grassland, but the purest and longest winter is also here. To those unafraid of ice and snow, the winter of Inner Mongolia welcomes you !
Planning Your Winter Snow & Ice Trip in Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is vast and rich in attractions, which are scattered across the region with long distances between cities. In winter, bus schedules are often irregular, posing some inconvenience for those using public transport. However, the local tourism authorities place great emphasis on winter tourism — many areas offer special winter transportation vehicles, and local travel agencies provide a variety of unique snow and ice experience routes that allow you to enjoy the most spectacular winter scenery in Inner Mongolia. The recommended routes below are planned based on transportation convenience, featuring relatively concentrated attractions and more popular itineraries. Travelers with other needs may consult the local tourism bureau or join a reliable tour group.
Photo by Chen Ming, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Route 1: A-Hai-Man Winter Tourism Area Ice & Snow Tour | Duration: 5–7 days
Nationwide — Arxan — Hailar — Manzhouli — Genhe
Take a flight to Arxan and stay for two days to experience the unique contrast of skiing and hot springs. Climb to the peak of Bailingding to admire the spectacular hundred-mile rime scenery. Visit the Arxan Forest National Park to witness the vast snow-covered forests, taste the holy water of Arxan’s Wuliquan Spring, see the unfrozen river stretching for miles, explore the lava landscape of Shitanglin, and take part in ice activities at Dujuan Lake. Then take a vehicle from Arxan to Hailar, and from there use the special winter tourism transport to visit Horqin Grassland to experience a herder’s life and the Ice Naadam, immersing yourself in the endless snowfields that blend into the horizon. Next, travel from Hailar to Manzhouli to see the national border gate, enjoy the night view, stroll through the small town, and stay at the Matryoshka Hotel to experience the cultures of China, Russia, and Mongolia. Finally, travel by vehicle to the northernmost Genhe to visit the Oroqen Reindeer Tribe and explore Lengji Village. It is highly recommended to experience the Oroqen Ice Hotel, built from 1,500 tons of snow and ice and existing for only five months of the year. Return by flight from Hailar.
Photo of Arxan’s Unfrozen River by Juefei Xingji, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Arxan Railway Station | Photo by Juefei Xingji, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Opening Ceremony of the Hulunbuir Winter Ice & Snow Naadam | Photo by Juefei Xingji, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
China-Russia-Mongolia Beauty Pageant | Photo by Juefei Xingji, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Oroqen Reindeer Tribe | Photo by Juefei Xingji, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Oroqen Ice Hotel | Photo by Juefei Xingji, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Route 2: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Circle Winter Tourism Area | Duration: 5 days
Nationwide — Xilin Gol — Chifeng
Take a flight to Xilinhot, where you can visit Prince Temple, Obo Mountain, the Xilin Gol League Museum, and the Folk Culture Street to learn about authentic Mongolian culture. Depart from Xilinhot to Xiwuzhumuqin Banner, where vast snowfields stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you can stop by the venue of the 14th Inner Mongolia Ice & Snow Naadam and the 7th Winter Mongolian Costume and Fashion Festival. Upon arriving at the herders’ home, you can take part in mini Naadam activities such as horse racing, camel racing, horseback riding, Bok racing, and archery. Then travel by vehicle from Xiwuqi Banner to the Arshihaty Stone Forest in Hexigten Banner to admire the unique granite stone forest. Next, head to the Yulong Sand Lake scenic area to experience the desert within the grasslands and the lake within the desert. Return to Chifeng the following day, then go to the Meilin Valley Ski Resort to enjoy the thrill of winter sports before heading back to Chifeng by intercity transport.
Photo of Xiwuqi Naadam by Fengeryuan SL, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Photo of Xiwuqi Naadam by Fengeryuan SL, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Arshihaty Stone Forest | Photo by Chen Ming, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Yulong Sand Lake Scenic Area | Photo by Chen Ming, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Meilin Valley Ski Resort | Photo by Chen Ming, member of Ziyuziyou New Media Alliance
Route 3: Modern Grassland Ice and Snow Tourism Area Ice and Snow Tour Route Duration: 7 days
Nationwide — Hohhot — Baotou — Ordos
Fly into Hohhot, attend the most sacred traditional Genghis Khan worship and blessing ceremony at the Genghis Khan Memorial Hall in the Mongolian Folklore Park scenic area, visit the Da Zhao Temple to experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture of Inner Mongolia’s temples, learn about Inner Mongolia’s ethnic culture and history at the Inner Mongolia Museum, and shop for a wide selection of Inner Mongolia travel souvenirs at the Inner Mongolia Mengliang Folk Trade Group. The next day, take a bus to the Hasuhai Scenic Area to experience the grassland culture of the Chalechuan Plain, visit the Holy Khan Square, and enjoy the Holy Khan music performance; tour the Nadam Main Venue and experience the Swan Castle Hot Springs, among other activities. Then take a bus to Wudang Temple in Baotou, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Inner Mongolia. After that, travel from Baotou to Wuyuan County in Bayannur to learn about farming culture and enjoy an authentic “Pig Feast.” The following day, take a bus from Wuyuan County to the Xiangshawan Tourist Area in Ordos, where you can watch the “Ordos Wedding,” ride camels, take surf cars, motorcycles, zip lines, and other activities; take photos of the desert sunset and stay at the Xiangshawan Lotus Hotel. From Xiangshawan, you can go to the Kangbashi New District, have fun shopping at the Wanjiawei Happy World, and make your final stop at the Genghis Khan Mausoleum Tourist Area to visit the majestic Gate Scenic Spot, the Iron Horse Golden Tent Sculpture Group, the Eurasia Square, the Mongol-Yuan Historical and Cultural Museum, the Central Square, the Genghis Khan Mausoleum Palace, and the Sulede Altar, and participate in the Genghis Khan worship ceremony held at the Genghis Khan Mausoleum Palace. Finally, return from Ordos Airport.
Hohhot Da Zhao Temple Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Wan’an Langzi
Hasuhai Chalechuan Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Xiaoyu Sylvia
Bayannur Wuyuan County Farming Museum Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Domi
Ordos Xiangshawan Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Wan’an Langzi
Xiangshawan Lotus Resort Hotel Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Wan’an Langzi
Ordos Museum Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Xiaoyu Sylvia
Aerial view of the Genghis Khan Mausoleum Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Alu
Basic Winter Gear for Travel in Inner Mongolia
Although winters in Inner Mongolia are cold, as long as there's no wind, it generally doesn’t feel too bad—much less cold than imagined. Here’s some advice from travelers who’ve been there: To warm up your body, start with your feet. Footwear is key—make sure to wear waterproof, high-top snow boots with warm lining inside. For pants, it’s best to wear snow pants with cinched cuffs so snow won’t get into your boots when climbing snowy mountains. Wear a hat that covers your ears—regular woolen hats work fine. Choose waterproof gloves, preferably ones with a cuff that can be tucked around your wrist so they don’t easily fall off. For your upper body, choose clothing that’s easy to take off; you’ll sweat when climbing, so don’t bundle up too much, or your inner layers will get soaked and you’ll easily catch a cold. If you get hot, take layers off; if you get cold, put them back on. Choose thermal underwear that is warm, breathable, and lightweight. Except for early morning sunrise shoots, you generally won’t need ski jackets—as long as you’re active, you won’t feel cold. When you’re outside without gloves, never touch metal objects with your bare hands—they’ll stick to your skin. If that happens, pour cold water over it to free your hand.
1. Snow Boots: Many girls like to buy leather-faced snow boots, but these tend to get wet because they easily accumulate snow. It’s best to buy snow boots one or two sizes larger than usual, use a wool insole, and wear several pairs of socks.
2. Wool Socks: Choose thick wool socks—at least two spare pairs.
3. Ski Gloves: The advantage of ski gloves is that you can play in the snow freely without worrying about them getting wet. Woolen gloves aren’t suitable for playing in the snow as they get wet very easily, but you should still have a pair of thin cotton gloves as backup. The best combo is to wear thin cotton gloves and then put bulky ski gloves over them. That way, you can remove the ski gloves to take photos, and put them back on when you want to play in the snow.
4. Cotton Hats or Soviet-Style Hats: Girls usually prefer prettier cotton hats. When wearing a cotton hat, it’s best to also wear a scarf or earmuffs to keep warm. Guys can opt for Soviet-style hats or fur-lined hats—even if they’re not the most fashionable, warmth is the priority.
5. Clothing: A set of thermal underwear, thick sweaters, and down jackets is ideal. Depending on the temperature, you can add fleece layers.
6. Pants: For style and warmth, go with thermal underwear plus the thickest possible wool pants, long johns, and down or ski pants. The most cost-effective option is to buy a pair of cotton pants for around 100 RMB—they’re very effective. Wear smooth-surfaced outer pants over the cotton pants; remember, wearing smooth-surfaced clothing means you can roll around in the snow without worry.
7. Mask: Necessary when it’s very cold, or use a scarf instead. Not needed on normal sunny days, but essential for watching sunrises or sunsets in the early morning or evening.
8. Sunglasses or Snow Goggles: Personally considered non-essential—you usually don’t need them.
9. Also, bring a thermos, chocolate, and beef jerky (for energy) as needed. If you plan to ride a snowmobile, make sure to wear your warmest gear and seal up well—avoid exposing bare skin, as sunrise and sunset are the coldest times of day.
10. If you’re a photography enthusiast, winter photography in Inner Mongolia requires proper preparation. Whether in eastern or western Inner Mongolia, light contrast is strong, so polarizing filters are essential. In addition, temperature differences are large, and digital camera batteries drain quickly—take care to keep them warm by storing them close to your body, and bring extras if possible.
Manzhouli Matryoshka Hotel Photo by: Self-Travel New Media Alliance member — Juefei Xingji
Text and Images: Self-Travel New Media Center