Xilamuren Grassland

Xilamuren, which means "yellow water" in Mongolian, is also known as Zhaohe. Xilamuren Grasslands is characterized by rolling hills and lush green grass. The temperature highs for the summer season range between 18-21 degrees centigrade.

Xilamuren Grasslands is the nearest such tourist attraction to Hohhot, and the grasslands that was first to be exploited (early nomads kept their flocks here, while later descendants would build the first Buddhist temples of Inner Mongolia here). On the riverside of Xilamuren lies a Lama temple, which was built in 1769, i.e., during the Qing (CE 1644-1911) Dynasty. The temple served as the temporary abode where the Six Living Buddhas at Xilituzhao Palace would spend their summers in meditation. The main hall of the temple, as well as the gateway and the east- and west-wing rooms, remain intact to this day.

During the Nadam Fair that is held each summer, the entire grasslands at Xilamuren is throbbing with excitement, and is full of endless activities. Besides being spectator to the "Three Manly Sports" – wrestling, horseback riding, and archery (the brave, or perhaps foolhardy, can choose to participate) – as well as watching Mongolian sportsmen race camels, the tourist can find out what it is like to live in a yurt, where one can also take part in a grand campfire party, replete with singing and dancing and general merrymaking, until one drops from exhaustion.

Location

Xilamuren Grasslands is located about 90 kilometers north of the capital, Hohhot.

How to Get There?

There is no public transportation from Hohhot to the grasslands. The only way to get there is to rent an automobile, or to form a group and rent a chauffeur-driven tour bus.