💰 A sum of approximately 9300r was expended for a two-person trip, encompassing various expenses for a guided tour, airfare, personal entertainment, and dining.
The tour included round-trip flights from Chengdu to Hohhot at a cost of 1600r per person, as well as Mongolian-themed makeup and costumes for 150r per person. Additionally, we opted for a package of self-paid entertainment activities worth 1000r per person, encompassing a horse banquet, off-road vehicle excursions, ranch visits, and performances.
Our itinerary spanned from Chengdu to Hohhot, the Xilamuren Grassland, the Mongolian Tribal Village, the Hasuhai Wetland, Ordos, the Yinken Xiangshawan Desert, and finally back to Hohhot and Ulanhada Volcano, culminating in a return to Chengdu. Each day was filled with unique experiences and insights into Inner Mongolian culture.
On June 19th, we arrived in Hohhot and enjoyed a taste of Mongolian cuisine at the Gele Ama restaurant, accompanied by a photo session in traditional Mongolian attire. The cost of the meal and photoshoot was reasonable, and we found the experience quite enjoyable.
The Xilamuren Grassland, visited on June 20th, was a scenic yet sparsely grassy landscape. We indulged in a range of self-paid activities, including the horse banquet, off-road excursions, ranch visits, and performances. However, the cost of 1000r per person for these activities seemed slightly unwarranted, given the perceived value.
On June 21st, we explored the Mongolian Tribal Village and the Hasuhai Wetland, enjoying a leisurely bicycle ride along a scenic path. The fresh air and scenic views made for a memorable experience, though we were mindful of safeguarding our belongings amidst the grassy terrain.
The Ordos-Yinken Xiangshawan Desert visit on June 22nd offered thrilling rides on a desert roller coaster and a flying tower. We discovered that vibrant and simple clothing colors, such as red, green, black, and white, were ideal for capturing striking photos in the desert landscape.
On June 23rd, we made a trip to the Ulanhada Volcano, enduring a nearly six-hour drive each way for a brief half-hour of volcano viewing. The option to rent a spacesuit for 80r per person added a unique element to the experience.
Reflecting on our trip, it becomes evident that both the highs and lows contribute to the rich tapestry of our travel experiences. Inner Mongolia’s tourism industry, a significant contributor to the region’s economy, also revealed some pitfalls. For instance, our expectation of a cultural exchange with local herdsmen turned into a sales pitch for silver jewelry, which, though not coercive, felt misleading.
While I prefer a less commercialized approach to promoting cultural heritage, I understand the need for economic growth. In hindsight, planning our trip independently might have yielded a more satisfying experience. Nevertheless, this tour did provide valuable insights into potential pitfalls and sparked a renewed interest in exploring ethnic cultures.
For future visits to Inner Mongolia, I would opt for a self-drive or small group tour to fully immerse in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from my travels in Inner Mongolia!
