Things To Do
in Tongliao

Expansive rolling steppe with sweeping vistas, herds, yurts and dramatic skies—best at sunrise and sunset for golden light and clouds.

Colorful yurts, traditional costumes and hospitality scenes provide opportunities for environmental portraits and cultural images.

Seasonal wetlands attract birds and create reflective pools—good for birdwatching and nature shots in spring and summer.

Candid street photography around markets, teahouses and food streets captures daily life and local crafts.

Whole or large cuts of lamb roasted over an open flame—rich, smoky and a grassland specialty often served at celebrations and specialty restaurants.

Must-Try!

Salty buttered or milky tea that is a staple in Mongolian households and many eateries; warming and often served with breakfasts or snacks.

Locally produced milk curds, thick yogurt and, for the adventurous, airag (fermented mare's milk) found at rural stalls and during festivals.

Grilled spiced lamb skewers sold at night markets and street stalls—perfect for casual snacking.

Evening markets and concentrated food streets in the city center offer skewers, pancakes, buns and dairy snacks; great places to sample local flavors affordably.

Daytime markets where local vendors sell fresh dairy, cheeses and seasonal produce—good for tasting regional ingredients and buying packaged dairy souvenirs.

Show deference to older people, greet them politely and offer seats when appropriate—this is valued across ethnic groups.

If offered milk tea or dairy in a yurt, accept at least a small amount as a courtesy—declining bluntly may be taken as rudeness.

Dress modestly in rural and religious sites; avoid loud or disruptive behavior in communal areas and be mindful when photographing people—ask permission first.

In some households you may be asked to remove shoes—follow the host’s lead and bring clean socks.

Tipping is not widely expected in most local eateries or taxis, but small tips for outstanding service are appreciated in tourist services and luxury hotels; guides and drivers often expect a modest tip for multi-day excursions.

Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate urban payments; cash (RMB) is useful for markets and rural vendors. Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but carry cash and mobile payment options for flexibility.

Cool to mild with strong winds and occasional dust; grasslands begin to green but can still be chilly—bring windproof layers and check for dusty conditions.

Warm to hot days and pleasant nights on the grassland—best season for outdoor activities, yurt stays and grazing landscapes; pack sun protection and mosquito repellent.

Mild, clearer weather with vivid colors on the steppe and lower rainfall—excellent for hiking and photography, but cooler nights require warm layers.

Long, cold, dry winters with heavy frosts and strong winds—many rural services slow down; bring insulated clothing and plan for potential travel disruptions.

Vegetarian options are available in city restaurants (noodle dishes, vegetable stir-fries, dumplings) but limited in rural grassland settings where meat and dairy dominate—carry snacks and learn to say 'I don’t eat meat' in Chinese.

Harder to manage outside urban restaurants; many sauces use animal products and dairy is common—pack supplements and ask staff about ingredients.

Some Hui Muslim restaurants exist offering halal mutton and beef dishes; if you follow halal rules, ask locally for recommended eateries or stick to verified halal places in town.

Label allergies in Chinese (e.g., '我对花生过敏' — I am allergic to peanuts) and carry medication as restaurant staff may not fully understand cross-contamination concerns.