Gegentala Grassland

Introducing Gegentala Grassland
Gegentala Grassland is 150 kilometers north of Hohhot, within in the territory of Siziwang Qi, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is the largest ethnic Mongolian scenic spot, and was one of the first to be named a 4A-class scenic spot in China.

Gegentala Grassland Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Gegentala Caoyuan 格根塔拉草原
• Best Time to Visit: May to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Horse Riding
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥30
• Address: Siwangzi Banner, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia

What to expect at Gegentala Grassland

In Mongolian “Gegentala” means a summer resort or the place of grazing in summer. Gegentala Grassland belongs to typical grassland scenery. Gentle landforms and vast landscapes are its unique features. On the grassland, the weather is cool and the natural scenery is fascinating. With thriving grass and abundant water, the green of the grassland reach out as far as the eye can see. Colorful wild flowers and flocks of sheep that look like masses of cloud color the scene.

Besides the scenery of the Gegentala Grassland, visitors can also taste traditional Mongolian food and take part in local activities. There are many local cultural activities, like cavalry reception, participating in the three-skill contest, Mongolian lifestyle experience, entertainment activity, viewing Mongolian customs and performances and the world nomad cultural park.

While listening to the melodious toasting songs and appreciating traditional Mongolian dances, visitors have the opportunity to taste kumiss, roasted whole sheep and shouba rou (boiled mutton eaten with the hands). In traditional Mongolian clothes, visitors can take part in horse races, wrestling and archery which have been popular in Inner Mongolia for thousands of years. At night, people sit around bonfires singing and dancing. After one day’s travel, the Mongol ger, which means home in Mongolian, provides accommodation for the tourist. All these experiences give visitors the true feeling of what life is like on the vast grassland.

Every July or August when flowers are in full bloom and sheep and horses are in their best condition, a tourism festival called Nadam Fair is held (an annual gala event for the Mongolian), making it a good time for travel.

How to get to Gegentala Grassland
• Take a bus from Hohhot Passenger Station to Siziwangqi in Ulanqab. Upon arrival at Siziwangqi, rent a car to Gegentala Grassland.

Additional travel advice on Gegentala Grassland
• Please respect local traditions and customs.
• Please wear comfortable shoes and take care while riding a horse.
• UV is strong in grassland. Please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburns.
• The weather is changeable and the temperature difference between day and night is relatively large over the region, please prepare warm clothes.