Things To Do
in Hohhot
Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and a crossroads between Han Chinese and Mongolian cultures. The city combines Buddhist temples, Soviet-era architecture and modern shopping districts, while serving as the gateway to nearby grasslands and steppe scenery. Hohhot’s museums and temples preserve steppe history, and the city has a lively university population and local markets.
Expect a compact urban core that opens quickly into wide, wind-swept landscapes and pastoral attractions within a few hours' drive.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Zhaojun Tomb, a serene site dedicated to the legendary beauty Wang Zhaojun. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Afterward, visit the Inner Mongolia Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
Head to the bustling streets of the historic center, where you can explore local shops and sample traditional Mongolian snacks. Stop by the Five-Pagoda Temple, known for its unique architecture, and take in the impressive carvings and sculptures. As you wander, be sure to interact with local artisans and maybe even pick up a handmade souvenir.
Conclude your day with a traditional Mongolian barbecue dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you savor grilled meats and fresh vegetables, all prepared in the authentic style of the nomadic herders. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the vibrant night market, where you can find an array of street food and crafts.
Visit the Hohhot City Museum to gain insight into the traditions and customs of the Mongolian people. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase everything from historical artifacts to contemporary art. Afterward, take a short trip to the nearby Dazhao Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in the region.
Participate in a cultural workshop where you can learn traditional Mongolian crafts such as felt-making or throat singing. This hands-on experience will give you a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skills passed down through generations. Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch featuring dishes such as lamb skewers and milk tea.
Enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Mongolian music and dance at a local venue. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and colorful costumes as performers tell stories of their heritage. After the show, unwind with a nightcap at a cozy café while reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🥟Street food/snack | $1-3 |
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant meal for two | $20-40 |
| 🚖Taxi start / short ride | $1-3 |
| 🚌Public transport (single ride) | $0.30-0.80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique blend of Mongolian and Han Chinese culture with strong pastoral traditions
- Easy access to nearby grasslands and open landscapes for day trips
- Affordable food and travel costs compared with major Chinese cities
- Cold, windy winters and seasonal dust can be uncomfortable
- English is not widely spoken outside tourist services, which can complicate logistics
- Some attractions and services in rural areas may be basic or seasonal
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "请 (Qǐng)" - Please
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
- "再见 (Zàijiàn)" - Goodbye
- "Сайн байна уу (Sain baina uu) — Mongolian" - Hello (Mongolian greeting)
Places to Visit in Hohhot
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic Tibetan Buddhist temple with a striking silver Buddha and ornate interior details — great for architectural and cultural shots.
Unique pagoda-style temple with carved stonework; good for detail and wide-angle photos of historic Buddhist architecture.
Modern museum with exhibits on regional history, fossils and nomadic culture; indoor exhibits and the museum facade provide photo opportunities.
Parks and elevated spots in the city offer cityscape views, seasonal foliage and local life scenes.
Wide-open steppe landscapes, yurts, horsemen and expansive skies — ideal for sunrise/sunset and panoramic photography.
Food in Hohhot
Hohhot Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Succulent roasted or grilled mutton commonly served at celebrations or in barbecue restaurants; try at specialist BBQ places or grassland banquets.
Must-Try!
Fresh yogurt, cottage-like cheeses and milk tea; local dairy is prized and available in markets and restaurants throughout the city.
Hearty bowls of hand-pulled noodles in a savory mutton broth — widely available at casual noodle shops.
Street and grill-stand classic: skewered, spiced and charred lamb — best in evening markets or barbecue stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local night markets and busy food streets offer skewers, pancakes, dumplings and dairy snacks; look for stalls busy with locals for the best options.
Areas near the old temples have clusters of eateries and snack vendors serving noodles, buns, milk tea and Mongolian specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting temples, dress modestly, speak softly and follow any photography restrictions. Remove hats or shoes if requested, and do not walk in front of people praying.
Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts; a nod or slight bow is appreciated. Avoid sensitive political topics about ethnicity and autonomy.
Urban locals dress similarly to other Chinese cities; be mindful of personal space in queues and public transport. In pastoral areas, follow hosts’ customs and requests.
Safety
Tipping in Hohhot
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected in most everyday situations; small tips may be appreciated in high-end hotels or by private guides, but are not required. In touristic or international-service contexts, a modest tip is acceptable but discretionary.
Mobile payment (Alipay and WeChat Pay) is ubiquitous in urban areas; cash (CNY) is still important for markets and remote areas. International credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but smaller vendors often prefer mobile pay or cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Windy and dry with rapidly warming temperatures; dust can blow in strong gusts, so bring layered clothing and a windbreaker. Late spring is a good time for early grassland green-up, but weather is changeable.
Warm to hot days (comfortable compared to southern China) with most precipitation falling in summer months; good season for grasslands and outdoor activities but bring sun protection and expect occasional thunderstorms.
Clear skies, mild temperatures and beautiful colors in parks and on hills — often the most pleasant time for sightseeing and photography.
Long, cold, dry winters with temperatures that can drop well below freezing; winter offers stark, snowy landscapes on the grasslands but requires warm clothing and awareness of limited services in remote areas.
Hohhot at Night
Hiking in Hohhot
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible upland areas and park trails near the city suitable for day hikes, nature walks and seasonal foliage viewing.
Open-steppe routes and gentle trails around the grassland areas, great for walking, photography and short hikes while combining cultural visits.
Larger grassland area with scenic trails and wide horizons for longer walks, birdwatching and landscape photography.
Airports
How to reach Hohhot by plane.
The main airport serving Hohhot with domestic flights to major Chinese cities and some regional connections; located roughly 10–20 km from the city center with taxis and airport buses available.
Larger regional airport in Baotou (about 1–1.5 hours by car or bus) offering additional domestic connections; sometimes used by travelers as an alternate entry point for western Inner Mongolia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population; most residents in urban areas are Han and speak Mandarin.
Significant minority with strong cultural presence: many Mongolian customs, language elements and festivals remain visible in the city and surrounding grasslands.
Hui Muslim communities and other ethnic groups contribute to the city’s cultural and culinary diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional riding and horse-related sports are culturally important and popular on the grasslands.
Traditional sports showcased at festivals and cultural events; wrestling and archery remain symbols of nomadic heritage.
Modern team sports like basketball and soccer are popular among urban residents and youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hohhot.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited; look for noodle dishes, vegetable dumplings and stir-fries, and ask staff for no-meat versions. Carry basic snacks and a translation card explaining dietary needs, as many dishes include meat stocks or lard.
Because dairy is common in local cuisine, confirm ingredients and request vegetable-based broths. Larger restaurants can usually accommodate requests, but choices may be limited at grassland banquets and small stalls.
Halal food is relatively easy to find due to local Hui populations; seek out Hui and Muslim-run restaurants, which are typically labeled 清真 (qingzhen).