Clickbait alert🙅‍♀️ This is not to discourage visiting Tongliao! Many travelers to Inner Mongolia only know about Hulunbuir, overlooking this hidden gem of grasslands in Tongliao. Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, affordable prices, and a one-stop experience of grasslands, mountains, and Mongol-Yuan culture. Save this local insider guide 🐎 ✅ Reasons to visit 1️⃣ Home to the Horqin grassland, with wide-open views, windmills, and sea of clouds perfect for photos. Comfortable summer temperatures make it an ideal cool getaway 🌿 2️⃣ Rich Mongol culture where you can experience traditional yurts and the Ao Bao worship ceremony, immersing yourself in authentic Horqin customs 3️⃣ Less crowded than the western grasslands, so you won’t be jostled by crowds and can easily capture atmospheric photos 4️⃣ Top-notch beef and lamb cuisine, budget-friendly prices, mature self-driving routes suitable for both short and long trips 📸 Top photo spots ▪️ Zhurihe grassland | Core Horqin grassland, gallop on horseback, check out the yurt clusters ▪️ Zhalute mountain grassland | A local secret, rolling hills plus vast windmills create stunning layered scenery ▪️ Daqinggou | A primeval forest in the desert, streams flowing through woods, a hidden cool spot ▪️ Xiaozhuangyuan | The hometown of Empress Xiaozhuang, learn about Horqin history and culture ▪️ Khan Mountain | Giant Mongol-Yuan statue, panoramic grassland views from the summit, breathtaking sunsets 🗺️ Local 4-day itinerary Day 1: Tongliao city → Xiaozhuangyuan to explore Horqin history, evening food tour in the city, stay in Tongliao city Day 2: Zhalute mountain grassland, self-drive along the grassland road, visit the windmill valley, watch the grassland sunset, optional yurt stay Day 3: Zhurihe grassland, horseback riding, Ao Bao ceremony, experience grassland folk activities Day 4: Daqinggou scenic area, forest hiking, cool off by the stream, buy dairy products and local specialties before heading back 🍖 Food recommendations ▪️ Shoubarao (hand-held meat) | Tongliao’s signature dish! Lamb stewed in clear water, tender and free of gamey taste, a must-try 🥩 ▪️ Roasted lamb leg | Slow-roasted over charcoal, crispy skin, a must-have ritual for grassland trips ▪️ Horqin milk tea | Salty Mongolian milk tea served with milk skin and milk tofu, an authentic breakfast ▪️ Buckwheat noodles | Local staple, chewy and refreshing, delicious with sauce ▪️ Milk skin, milk fruit, beef jerky | Top souvenir picks, buy from local physical stores for authenticity ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Grassland attractions are far apart with limited public transport. Prioritize self-driving or chartered cars. 2. Agree on horse riding price and duration in advance to avoid extra charges afterward. 3. Large temperature swings between day and night! Sunny during the day but temperatures drop quickly at dusk. Bring a light jacket. Strong UV rays on the grassland require full sun protection. 4. Yurt accommodations vary in quality. Don’t rely only on online photos; check real reviews. Mosquitoes are common at night in the mountains, so bring insect repellent. 5. Beware of roadside sellers charging high prices for beef jerky. Check weight and unit price to avoid overpaying for inferior products. 6. Frequent showers during the rainy season. Bring rain gear. After rain, dirt roads get muddy—drive carefully. 7. Do not trample grasslands or pastures in herding areas to avoid compensation disputes. Stick to designated tourist areas.

In May, Tongliao is a vibrant tapestry of green grasslands and fiery passion! On May 16th, Tongliao will host Xilingol League in the Inner Mongolia Super League; on May 30th, Tongliao will face Jixi City in the Northeast Super League – two thrilling football matches will be held at the Tongliao Olympic Sports Center, accompanied by a variety of cultural performances. Simultaneously, on May 19th, "China Tourism Day," all nine banners, counties, and districts of Tongliao will collaborate on themed cultural and tourism activities, offering a series of benefits and immersive experiences. Your taste buds won't be left out: the "Eight Delicacies of Tongliao" are in season, featuring classic Mongolian dishes such as dried beef, roasted lamb leg, milk tea, milk tofu, fried rice, and Mongolian pies, providing authentic and satisfying comfort after a camping trip or a football match. Come to Tongliao and embark on your unique journey!