Ordos

Yes, primarily for the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and the Desert Sculpture Park — two genuinely distinctive attractions that justify the trip. The mausoleum is one of the most important Mongolian cultural sites in China and the sculpture park is one of the best open-air sculpture galleries in the country. The city itself is architecturally interesting if you enjoy modern urban design, and the access to the Ordos Grassland makes it a practical base for experiencing nomadic culture. Three days is the right amount of time: two nights with one full day for the mausoleum and sculpture park, and a second day for the grassland.

Two full days: one for the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and the Ordos Museum (day 1), and one for the Desert Sculpture Park and possibly the grassland (day 2). If you want to include the grassland overnight, add a third day. Most visitors use Ordos as a transit point between Hohhot and Baotou and spend two nights before moving on.

The mausoleum is 25 km from the new city center. The most practical options: (1) hire a DiDi for the full day, ¥200-300 including waiting time — the most comfortable option; (2) take a tourist shuttle or Bus 1 from the new city center, ¥15-20 — less convenient but cheaper; or (3) book a half-day tour through a travel agency, ¥250-400 per person. The mausoleum is open 08:00-18:00 (summer) and 08:30-17:00 (winter). The evening long-song performance starts at 19:30.

June through September is the best window. June and September offer the best combination of pleasant weather, green grassland, and thin crowds. July and August are peak season — the grassland is at its most beautiful but crowded and the Naadam Festival may be held in July (dates vary by lunar calendar). May and October are acceptable shoulder seasons with good value and moderate weather. November through April is not recommended — the grassland tours do not operate reliably and the city weather is either dusty (spring) or extremely cold (winter).

Yes. Violent crime is very rare. The main risks are traffic (the city has heavy truck traffic on the intercity roads — use seatbelts), weather (summer thunderstorms can be sudden; winter cold is extreme), and the usual food-safety precautions. The grassland activities carry a standard level of risk — choose operators with safety-certified horses and helmets provided. Overall, Ordos is a safe city for travelers.

Yes, at all hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and most shops. Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard in the app before arriving. Cash is needed at some traditional restaurants near the mausoleum, at yurt camps on the grassland, and at some smaller vendors. Carry ¥300-500 in cash for these situations. ATMs are available in the city center.

Allow at least 3 days for the highlights. 4–5 days lets you add nearby sites and a day trip. A week lets you see everything at a relaxed pace.

Golden Week (October 1–7) — domestic tourists travel en masse. Also avoid Spring Festival (late Jan/Feb) and Labor Day (May 1–5). Summer (July–August) is hot, humid, and crowded.