Xilinhot is a grassland city in Inner Mongolia, sitting at around 990 metres of elevation roughly midway between Beijing and Hohhot. Mongolian culture is visible in daily life here, from tapestries and statues of Genghis Khan on street corners to the mutton, beef and dairy dishes that anchor the local diet. Summers are short and hot, winters are long, very dry and bitter, and most of the year's rain falls in July and August.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The historic centre contains an artistic temple and is the most walkable base for a short stay. Beyond the built-up area, the countryside is rolling grassland where Mongolian herders keep horses, sheep, goats and cows, and where yurt resorts offer a different kind of overnight. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each suits.
Best areas to stay in Xilinhot
1. The historic centre
Xilinhot's historic centre contains an artistic temple, and this is the most convenient base for a first visit. Staying here puts you within the city itself, close to the streets where Mongolian culture shows up in shops and public art, and within easy reach of the local restaurants serving the mutton, beef and dairy dishes the area is known for.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone without their own transport, since the city's services and the airport and rail connections serve this urban core. Expect city accommodation rather than grassland accommodation. Note that the centre sits at roughly 990 metres, and the climate is arid with large swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures, so pack for cold nights even in summer.
2. The surrounding grasslands and yurt resorts
Tourists can stay at nearby yurt resorts, where large yurts are used for dining and are surrounded by smaller individual yurts for sleeping. This is the way to experience the Xilinhot countryside, which is marked by rolling grasslands populated by Mongolian herders keeping horses, sheep, goats and cows.
It suits travellers who want the grassland setting rather than a city base, and who are happy to be outside the urban area. These resorts are described as nearby rather than central, so plan on arranging transport. If your visit coincides with the Naadam festival, the Mongolian summer gathering with wrestling, horse trading, horse racing and costume contests, the grassland is where the atmosphere is concentrated.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Look for simple city accommodation in the historic centre, where you are close to local food and the temple area without paying for a resort setting.
- Mid-range: City options in the urban area give you more comfort while keeping you within reach of the centre's sights and the transport links.
- Splurge: The yurt resorts in the nearby grasslands are the distinctive higher-end choice, with a large dining yurt and individual sleeping yurts.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the historic centre for a first visit. It contains the artistic temple, keeps you among the city's shops, statues and local cuisine, and connects you most easily to the airport and the daily train service. Once you have oriented yourself, a night or two at a nearby yurt resort makes a natural second base.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stay in the grasslands?
Summer. The Naadam festival is celebrated every year as the Mongolian summer festival, with colourful costumes, yurts serving food and supplies, wrestling, horse racing and horse trading. Most of the annual rainfall also falls in July and August.
Do I need a car to stay at a yurt resort?
The yurt resorts are described as nearby rather than in the city, so you will need to arrange transport from Xilinhot. The city itself is served by Xilinhot Airport, the K7917 train, and national highways 207 and 303.
What is the weather like through the year?
Xilinhot has a cold semi-arid climate with long, very dry, bitter winters and short, hot summers. Sunshine is abundant year-round, and because of the aridity the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures frequently reaches or exceeds 15 °C.
What food will I find near where I stay?
The local diet centres on dairy and meat production. Common dishes include horse milk yogurt, milk, tofu, milk skin, beef and mutton string, hand meat, and grilled whole lamb.
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