Baotou Travel Guide

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region | Population: 2,070,000

Popularly known as the “deer city” is the charming city of Baotou in Inner Mongolia, China. It is located on the banks of the picturesque Yellow River and borders Mongolia on one side. Not too far from Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, Baotou City has its own unique beauty with seemingly endless grasslands, ancient monasteries, and the lovely pastoral culture of the Mongolian people. Its natural beauty has won the city many accolades as the “Garden City”, “National Excellent Tourist City”, and the “National Civilized City”. Obviously, a large number of domestic and overseas tourists visit Baotou along with their visit to Hohhot.

The city of Baotou was first established during the Neolithic age and later developed into a major commercial zone during the Qing Dynasty reign. Despite its vast pastures, Baotou is a thriving city and a popular trading zone since ancient times to date. It lies in what is known as the Hetao Plain’s “Golden Triangle”.

The rich mineral resources around Baotou has made it a booming industrial area. Besides the local Mongolian people, other ethnic groups have migrated to the city in search of employment over the ages. This has resulted in a city which is a charming mix of ethnicities like the Mongols, Hans, Mans, Dawuers, Huis, Ewenkes, etc. A majority of the people live in the urbanized areas of the city with good infrastructure and amenities.

Where To Stay

Attractions

The Wudangzhao Monastery near Baotou City is the largest monastery in Inner Mongolia. It is one of the four holiest Tibetan Buddhist temples along with the Potala Palace in Tibet, Labuleng Temple in Gansu, and the Ta’er Monastery in Qinghai. It not only has a magnificent architecture but is also surrounded by the most fascinating mountainous scenery. The monastery is 250 years old and was built during the Qing Dynasty. It has a huge collection of sculptures and murals decorated with gold, copper, silver, and wood.

Another ancient monastery that has become a popular tourist attraction is the Meidaizhao Monastery lying about 50Kms from Baotou City. This 16th-century temple has a unique architecture that is a mix of Tibetan and Mongolian styles. It is constructed more like a walled city and consists of royal palaces, temples, large city gates, and towering walls. The monastery was the seat of spreading Buddhism in the region during the Ming Dynasty. One can enjoy the temple fair which is held on 13th May each year and participate in the interesting activities arranged for visitors.

Another popular tourist attraction near Baotou City is the vast Xilamuren Grassland. The grassland is the venue of the Nadaam Festival in the summer season when many enjoyable tourist activities are hosted by the locals like horse racing, wrestling bouts, archery competitions, camel rides, sand-skating, sand sculpting, and more. The locals also arrange a visit to a Mongolian herdsman’s house to see their culture and try out their delicious cuisine.

Getting There

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