Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hotels China

Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region located in the northern part of the People’s Republic of China, bordered by the country of Mongolia, which is also known as Outer Mongolia and Russia. It is also bordered by seven other provinces of China: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Gansu. Inner Mongolia is the third largest subdivision of China, with a total area of 1,183,000 sq km. This equates to 12% of China’s total land area. It has a population of around 24 million, with 79% of the population being Han Chinese.

The official languages are Chinese and Mongolian. It is made up of 12 prefecture-level divisions, namely: Alxa, Bayan Nur, Wuhai, Ordos, Baotou, Hohot, Ulanqab, Chifeng, Tongliao, Hinggan and Hulunbuir. The capital of the autonomous region is Hohot, which, translated, means “Blue City”.

In Mongolian culture, the colour blue is associated with the sky, eternity and purity. Inner Mongolia was separated from Outer Mongolia in 1912 and was established as an autonomous region in 1947. It is an inland plateau lying at an elevation of 3,300 ft above sea level.

The region is fringed by mountains and valleys and the northern area is part of the Gobi Desert. The southern border is partly marked by the Great Wall of China. The Huang He (Yellow River) runs through the south-central area of Inner Mongolia.

The seasons vary a lot in terms of climate. Summer temperatures are around 22 degrees Celsius. The hottest two months are July and August.

The winter lasts from mid-September to early March and is bitterly cold with strong icy winds coming in from Siberia. Inner Mongolia has many historical sites worth visiting. The Wudangzhao Monastry in Baotou was formerly the residence of the highest ranking lama in the region and is now the only intact Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia.

Plus there is Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum. Inner Mongolia was the home of the famous leader Genghis Khan and his clothes, which were buried in his memory, are held here. There is also the well preserved Dazhao Temple in Hohhot and the last surviving lama temple, Xilituzhao Palace.

Plus there is the Zhaojun Tomb, one of the most beautiful scenes of ancient times. There are many Mongolian activities to try, such as Mongolian wrestling, horse and camel riding, rodeo and archery. Mongolia is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a good time to visit the wonderful grasslands is during the traditional Mongolian Nadam Festival.

There are also deserts to visit in the western part of the region. As far as hotels go, there are plenty to choose from. The Inner Mongolia Hotel is 5-star but is also good value for money and is located in Hohhot.

There is also a Shangri-La Hotel in Hohot, or if you would prefer to stay in Baotou there is the luxurious Baotou Hotel.