This May Day holiday, I embarked on a journey to Chifeng’s Jade Dragon Sand Lake. Upon seeing the Mongolian script on the highway sign, I knew I had entered the heart of Inner Mongolia. As I exited the highway and entered the city of Chifeng, I was immediately struck by its vibrancy and modernity.
The cityscape was a refreshing sight, clean and orderly, with skyscrapers looming overhead. Far from the image of a small town, it exuded a sense of sophistication and urbanity. The Jade Dragon motif was everywhere, adorning roadside barriers, buildings, and hotel lobbies, a testament to the local people’s deep respect and promotion of the Hongshan culture.
The prices in Chifeng were surprisingly low. We chose to stay at the Wanda Hotel, a five-star accommodation offering exceptional value for its price of just over 400 yuan per night. The amenities, breakfast, and service were all top-notch. I made several quick service calls during my stay, and the staff responded with utmost patience and professionalism.
Given that we were traveling with children, the hotel went above and beyond, providing child-friendly amenities like toothbrushes and slippers. Requests for mosquito repellent and additional blankets were promptly fulfilled. Adjacent to the hotel was the bustling Wanda Plaza, which came alive at night with street markets, iron flower performances, and basketball exhibitions.
The underground level housed supermarkets and various shops, where we found great deals on children’s clothing and accessories. The Mongolian-themed restaurants lining the streets near the hotel offered a delightful dining experience. The ambient interiors, delicious cuisine, and honest service made for a pleasant meal.
When asked about their signature dishes, the waiters joked that apart from meat, there wasn’t much else to recommend. Overall, our experience in Chifeng was exceptional in terms of accommodation, dining, and shopping. It’s puzzling why it’s categorized as a fifth-tier city, perhaps due to GDP considerations.
After our visit to Chifeng, we passed through Jinzhou, which was a stark contrast to our experience in Chifeng. The city fell far short of expectations and did not reflect the standards of a fourth-tier city. If Chifeng deserves to be labeled a fifth-tier city, then Jinzhou would barely qualify as a tenth-tier town. Our accommodation, a mediocre hotel charging over 400 yuan, offered limited parking spaces and lacked basic amenities.
Our attempt to enjoy the famous Jinzhou barbecue at a highly rated restaurant was a disappointment. The establishment was noisy and chaotic, with litter strewn across the floor. This experience underscored the stark differences between Chifeng and Jinzhou, highlighting the unique charm and allure of the former.
