Lei Li
If you're searching for things to do in Inner Mongolia with kids, I get it — the photos are unreal, and you're wondering if it's a good idea with little ones. I've been guiding families here for over a decade, and yes, it's not only doable — it's one of the most underrated family destinations in China. But there's a catch: most online itineraries will have you running between attractions and exhausted by day two. Here's my honest advice — skip the busy day trips, focus on experiences kids can touch, and always have a Plan B for weather.
Quick Trip Planner
Top 7 Things to Do in Inner Mongolia with Kids
I’ve picked these activities based on thousands of hours on the road with families. Each one has been tested with your kids — and my own. Let’s dive in.
1. Ride Between Real Volcanoes and Grasslands at Xilamuren
Xilamuren is the closest grassland to Hohhot (about 2 hours by car) and the easiest intro to the steppe for kids. The grass isn’t the postcard green you see in photos — it’s more golden in summer — but the openness is breathtaking. Kids love running wild and spotting marmots. Horse riding costs around CNY 200–300 for a short loop, but always negotiate with the stable directly. The official entrance is free, though some tour operators might try to sell you a “package.” Ignore them and just pay for what your family wants. Pro tip: bring sunglasses — the wind here kicks dust up everywhere, and wet wipes are absolute lifesavers.
2. Slide Down the Sand Dunes at Xiangshawan
Xiangshawan, or “Resounding Sand Bay” in the Kubuqi Desert, is a giant natural playground that beats any amusement park. Kids can slide down dunes on a wooden sand-sled, ride camels (usually around CNY 100–150 per person), and try the cable car over the great sand sea. The desert gets scorching by 11am, so arrive right when it opens (8:30am) and plan to leave by early afternoon. Water and sunscreen are non-negotiable. Pay attention: international credit cards rarely work at ticket booths, so bind your Alipay or WeChat to a foreign card before you go.
3. Visit the Sacred Tomb of Genghis Khan
This is a memorial, not the actual burial site, but it’s a cultural masterpiece that older kids will find intriguing. Located near Ordos, the site features a palace-like museum with artifacts and documentaries about the great khan. Your children will probably enjoy the colourful Mongolian costumes on display and the chance to see real eagle hunters (if you’re lucky). Tickets are around CNY 180 per adult, but always verify the exact price on the official website or at the gate — it changes. For kids under 6, entry is usually free.
4. Sleep in a Real Yurt on the Steppe
Staying overnight in a traditional yurt is a highlight for any child — but pick the right camp or you’ll end up with a freezing, grumpy night. Many yurt camps are now semi-permanent structures with heating and private bathrooms, which are totally fine for families. Look for places that advertise “insulated yurt” or “silk road luxury camp.” Prices range from CNY 400–800 per night, including breakfast. Insider advice: ask for two separate beds if your kids are older — sharing a pull-out bed with a toddler on a hard hot water tank is not fun. Also, bring earplugs; the wind howls at 2am.
5. Eat Mongolian Food Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy
Skip the spicy lamb skewers and go straight for the things kids love: steaming hot naan, sweet milk tea, and soft cheese. A local chain called “Ge Ri Le A Ma” (格日勒阿妈) in Hohhot has branches everywhere and serves a gentle, kid-friendly version of Mongolian food. They have picture menus, so your kids can point at what they want. Pro tip: order the yogurt with honey — it’s a total win. For a more adventurous family dinner, try “shou zhua yang” (hand-grabbed lamb) — the meat is unbelievably tender. Just don’t tell them it’s the whole sheep leg.
6. Watch a Mongolian Wrestling or Horse-riding Show
Most tourist areas in the grasslands and desert host daily performances, but the ones at Xilamuren are the most energy-filled. Horse-riding stunts, Mongolian wrestling, and singing – it’s loud, colourful, and exciting for kids. The shows usually happen after lunch (around 1:30pm), so plan your day around them. No extra cost if you’re staying at the camp, but double-check with the concierge. The wrestling might look rough, but it’s always choreographed — kids won’t see any actual pain.
7. Explore Hohhot’s Inner Mongolia Museum
If the weather turns sour or your kids need a break from the outdoors, this museum is a lifesaver. It’s huge, free, and has massive dinosaur skeletons that will blow their minds — yes, Inner Mongolia is one of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil sites. The wildlife dioramas and Mongolian ethnic costumes are also crowd-pleasers. The museum is near the city centre, so it’s easy to add to any day. You’ll need to book a time slot in advance via WeChat, but don’t worry — your hotel’s front desk can usually help you book if you show them your passport.
3-Day Family Itinerary
This itinerary balances outdoor wonders with indoor breaks so your kids don’t melt down. I planned it around the Golden Week when the crowds peak, but it works for any season.
Day 1: Arrive in Hohhot — Feast and Museum
Land at Hohhot Baita International Airport. Take a taxi to your hotel (about 30 minutes, CNY 60–80). After checking in, head straight to the Inner Mongolia Museum for 2 hours — it’s inside and free. Then, walk to the nearby Shuan Zi Lane (刷子巷) for a casual dinner. This area is famous for its street food stalls. Get the beef noodle soup (beef noodles, 8–15 CNY a bowl) — it’s mild and perfect for kids. Save room for ice cream at the “Shuang Xing” shop.
Day 2: Day Trip to Xilamuren Grassland
Wake up early (7am) and take a pre-arranged private driver to Xilamuren (2 hours, around CNY 500 round trip if you haggle). Arrive at 9:30am, before the tour buses. Spend 2 hours riding horses and hiking. Have lunch at a yurt camp (average CNY 80 per person for lamb and noodles). Watch the 1:30pm performance. Then, drive back to Hohhot by 4pm. Evening: treat the family to a dumpling dinner at “Lao Sai Noodle House” — their mutton-stuffed dumplings are legendary.
Day 3: Desert Adventure at Xiangshawan
Rent a car or take a high-speed train to Ordos (the nearest city to Xiangshawan). From Ordos, it’s another hour’s drive. Book your sand-sledding and camel rides online via Trip.com to skip the queues. Leave around 5pm to catch the sunset from the dunes — it’s the best photo spot. Pack a windbreaker. Return to Hohhot by night for a hot pot dinner at “Minxiao Guo Gao” (a popular local chain).
Practical Tips for Parents
Getting Around
Forget about punctual buses — the easiest way is to use Didi (China’s Uber) or hire a private driver through your hotel. The Chinese train system is superb; book tickets via the official 12306 website using your passport. But always allow an extra hour at stations — security checks with kids are slow.
Tickets & Bookings
Most attractions now require your passport for online booking. International credit cards often fail on local sites, so your safest bet is to book via Trip.com or Klook, which accept foreign cards. Use Alipay as your daily wallet — it’s the only thing that works for food stalls and small shops.
Money & Payment
Even though stalls accept Alipay and WeChat, carry some cash (CNY 500) as backup. You can withdraw from ATMs with a Visa card at Bank of China branches. Don’t expect any place to accept cash-only without a fuss.
Language & Navigation
Don’t rely on Google Maps — it’s unreliable in China. Download AMap Global (the international version) before you come. It works with English and can calculate public transit routes. For translation, use Apple Translate’s offline packs or a Xiaomi Mi Translate device.
What to Pack for Kids
Inner Mongolia’s weather swings wildly — a light jacket is your friend. Here’s my packed-by-experience checklist:
- Sun hats and high-SPF sunscreen for the desert
- Lip balm (the air is drying)
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser — dust gets everywhere
- A refillable water bottle; local taps aren’t drinkable, but boil or buy bottled water
- Earplugs for the yurt night
- Portable charger — outlets are sparse in the grasslands
- Snacks like biscuits and fruit to avoid hunger meltdowns
FAQ: Inner Mongolia with Kids
Inner Mongolia has the potential to be a stage where your children’s imaginations run wild — an infinite green ocean, a sea of golden sand, and a culture that feels exotic yet safe. With a bit of local knowledge, you’ll turn a simple trip into a family story they’ll brag about for years. Notice the details, respect the rhythm of the steppe, and let the kids lead.
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.
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