Mongolian herders living on the grassland have a deep bond with horses and are all highly skilled riders. Back in the day, Genghis Khan rode horses to achieve countless victories. Therefore, you can’t say you’ve truly experienced the grassland without riding a horse.
The seemingly tall and majestic horses are mostly well-trained and quite gentle. Choose one you like, get on it with the help of a horse guide, and you’ll immediately feel something different—perhaps that commanding sense of height that gave the Mongolian people their boldness, courage, and even the ability to conquer parts of Europe.
"Xilin" means plateau, and "Gol" means river. Xilingol is located in the central part of Inner Mongolia’s grasslands and is currently one of the two major grasslands in the region. When summer arrives, the enchanting Xilingol Grassland turns into a sea of green, with noble peonies and beautiful mountain dahlias competing in splendor. Fluffy white clouds drift across the endless blue sky, while herders ride horses and cattle and sheep graze. The curling smoke from yurts and the slowly moving wooden carts create a scene that will instantly lift your spirits and fill you with wonder as you immerse yourself in nature. The flower-covered Huitengxile typical grassland recreates the classic view of "where the wind blows low, you see grazing sheep and cattle," and the winding curves of the Xilin River resemble a white hada (prayer scarf) fallen upon the grassland—sure to make you linger and never want to leave. When you step onto this magical land, you can explore the history and culture of northern nomadic peoples.
Lake Dalinor
The second-largest freshwater lake in Inner Mongolia, home to 134 species of birds, including five Class I protected animals such as the red-crowned crane, white stork, black stork, great bustard, and white-tailed sea eagle. There are also 18 Class II protected species, including the whooper swan, tundra swan, grey crane, and white crane. Twenty-one of these species are prioritized for bird diversity conservation under China's Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan. The circumference of Lake Dalinor spans over a hundred kilometers and is shaped like a seahorse. It is a closed soda-type semi-saline lake. As a highland inland lake, Lake Dalinor has no outflow. There are also two sister lakes—Ganggenor and Dolonor—connected to Lake Dalinor via the Liangzi River, the Gongger River, and the Shali River, forming a highland lake district.
Hunshandake Sandy Land
One of China’s top ten deserts and sandy lands, located at the southern edge of the Xilingol Grassland in central Inner Mongolia. It is a famous water-containing desert in China, dotted with numerous small lakes, marshes, and sand springs. Springs emerge from the sand and converge into small streams, most of which flow into the Gachs Takir River, though some only fill marshes or are seasonal rivers. Hunshandake Sandy Land boasts lush vegetation, unique landscapes, and stunning scenery, earning it nicknames like “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall” and “garden desert.” It is rich in wildlife, serves as a breeding ground for migratory birds, and is home to many rare plants and medicinal herbs.
Manduhu Mountain Sunrise
Standing atop the mountain, the east reveals the lush Gongger Grassland, the south stretches the boundless Hunshandake Sandy Land, the west showcases a belt of peculiar rocks nestled among shrubs, and the north presents the shimmering waters of Lake Dalinor. At sunrise, as the sun rises above the horizon and bathes the earth in light, the grassland, sandy land, woodlands, and lake gradually emerge before your eyes, inch by inch and strand by strand, eventually forming a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Zhanzi Mountain Petroglyphs
Located on the northern shore of Lake Dalinor, Zhanzi Mountain stands abruptly alone in the vast grassland and can be seen from miles away. From afar, it resembles an anvil used in iron forging, hence the name “Zhanzi Mountain” (Anvil Mountain). A natural relic, Zhanzi Mountain is one of the formations created by volcanic eruptions, with its basalt and volcanic vents still clearly visible. Around 220,000 to 250,000 years ago, Zhanzi Mountain was one of the islands in Lake Dalinor. The erosion from the lake shaped the mountain into a cylindrical form, and traces of lake erosion such as cliffs and niches remain on the mountain. Seven groups of ancient petroglyphs, comprising 35 sections in total, are relatively well-preserved on the lake-eroded cliffs. The figures and animals depicted in the petroglyphs are vivid, quietly telling ancient human stories to visitors. However, it remains unclear whether the creators of these petroglyphs were exiled prisoners or passing fishermen.