7 Days in Hohhot

The Tibetan-Buddhist Dazhao was founded in 1579, two years before the walled town itself; the 380-meter Saishang Old Street curls around its south side, good for an evening snack walk.

1. hohhot dazhao temple
2. hohhot saishang old street

The museum's Chagannoor dinosaur skeleton runs about 26 meters (usually closed Mondays); 9 km south, the 33-meter earthen mound of Zhaojun recalls the 33 BC marriage alliance.

1. hohhot inner mongolia museum
2. hohhot zhaojun museum

The Five-Pagoda Temple (built 1727-1732) carries a star chart engraved in Mongolian script on its rear screen wall; the Ming-era Xilituzhao and the princess mansion of around 1705 round out the day.

1. hohhot five pagoda temple
2. hohhot xilituzhao temple
3. hohhot princess mansion

A 25-km hop northeast puts you on the meadow under the Daqingshan ridge, the ground of the 6th-century Chile Song — riding, herder's lunch, back by dark.

1. hohhot chilechuan grassland

An honest labeling day — the camp lies about 90 km north in Damao Banner, administratively Baotou's, but it is the classic first grassland night from Hohhot; rides at dusk, a yurt bed.

1. baotou xilamuren grassland

A late start back to the city, an easy afternoon of the old street's copper and curio shops, riverside dinner and an early night.

1. hohhot saishang old street

The general's yamen, begun in 1737 as the Qing garrison seat, makes an easy morning; a market breakfast after, then the train from Hohhot station.

1. hohhot general yamen
2. hohhot city markets