Gegentala Grassland Tourist Area:A Journey to the Vast,Bright Grasslands—The Landing Site of the Shenzhou Spacecraft

The Name of the Grassland—The"Vastness and Brightness"of Gegentala

In the Mongolian language,"Gegentala"translates to"vast and bright grassland."Situated at the northern foothills of the Yin Mountains,deep within the Durbet Grassland,this expansive pasture has served as a naturally superior grazing ground since ancient times—blessed with lush vegetation and abundant water,sustaining robust herds of cattle and sheep.Located at the northern base of the Daqing Mountains,the Gegentala Grassland is classified as a natural ecological grassland of the arid and semi-arid type.Its terrain slopes gently from south to north,presenting a flat and open landscape that has historically served as a cherished homeland where nomadic peoples could gallop freely on horseback.Standing amidst this scenery,beneath a canopy of blue skies and white clouds,one beholds an endless green carpet that is truly refreshing to the mind and spirit.Accompanied by the warm melodies of traditional toasting songs,visitors can savor the mellow,fragrant airag(fermented mare's milk),the aromatic shoubarou(hand-held boiled mutton),and whole roasted lamb—experiences that perfectly encapsulate the legendary hospitality of the grasslands.

The"Shenzhou Home"—The Very First Patch of Earth Touched by Spaceflight Heroes

The modern saga of the Gegentala Grassland is a legend woven from the interplay of technology and nature.It is here,on the Gegentala Grassland,that the primary landing site for China's world-renowned manned spacecraft missions—the Shenzhou series—is located.From Shenzhou-1 to Shenzhou-11,the return capsules have repeatedly streaked across the sky,landing steadily upon this vast expanse of grassland.As the space heroes stepped out of their capsules,the very first ground their feet touched was the lush green grass of Gegentala.Consequently,Siziwang Banner has come to be affectionately known as the"Home of Shenzhou."Today,visitors can tour the spacecraft landing zone,search for traces of space exploration across the grasslands,and experience the grandeur and heroism of China's space program.Through displays of artifacts,scene reconstructions,and scale models—centered on the theme of"Siziwang:Home of Spaceflight"—the Siziwang Banner Museum comprehensively showcases the unique role this grassland region has played in the development of China's space program,highlighting the new vitality of this"Home of Shenzhou."

>In-Depth Exploration:Discover More of Inner Mongolia's Magnificent Scenery<<[Tengger Desert]

Nature's Masterpiece—The Green Symphony of the Durbet Grassland

The natural landscape of the Gegentala Grassland is an eternal symphony of green grass,blue skies,and grazing livestock.

The Vast Grassland:A Poetic Tableau Where"The Wind Blows Low,Revealing Herds of Cattle and Sheep"

Situated in the heart of the Durbet Grassland,the Gegentala Grassland stands as one of the most iconic natural pastures in central Inner Mongolia.During the summer and autumn months,the region transforms into a paradise featuring clear blue skies,fluffy white clouds,and lush green carpets of grass.Filled with the songs of birds,the fragrance of wildflowers,and the playful frolicking of cattle and sheep,the area boasts a pleasant climate and unique natural scenery,making it an ideal destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking sightseeing,leisure,and a summer retreat.The grassland is home to over 250 species of flora and more than 10 species of wild animals;herds of cattle and sheep graze peacefully across the plains,while flocks of birds soar overhead.

>Photography Tip:Early morning and late evening are the"golden hours"for photographing the grasslands;the morning mist at sunrise and the golden glow of sunset cast a dreamlike,ethereal quality over the landscape.Aobao Mountain:A Millennial Sentinel of Grassland Faith

Standing tall on the Gegentala Grassland is the ancient"Gegen Chagan Aobao."For centuries,the Mongol people have utilized solemn annual sacrificial rituals held here to preserve and promote the profound belief in the perfect harmony between humanity and nature.The area is also home to various historical sites—including clusters of Yuan Dynasty aobaos(stone cairns)and the former residence of the Prince of the Sizi Tribe—serving as a vital gateway for exploring Mongol history and culture.

Tranquil Lakes:Blue Gems Deep Within the Grassland

The Gegentala Grassland Tourist Area is dotted with numerous tranquil lakes,such as Ulanbuluoke Lake and Badanjilin Lake.Surrounded by pristine forests,these lakes feature crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery.Here,you can take a small boat to leisurely explore the lakes,admiring the breathtaking vistas where the water meets the sky,and fully immersing yourself in the serenity and relaxation that these lakes provide.

Cultural Craftsmanship—The Naadam Festival and Mongol Folkways

The cultural landscapes of the Gegentala Grassland serve as a concentrated embodiment of the deep-rooted traditions of Mongol culture.

The Naadam Festival:A Heroic Gathering for the Sons of the Grassland

Every year during the height of summer,the Gegentala Grassland plays host to the annual Naadam Festival."Naadam"is a Mongol word meaning"entertainment"or"games";it is a unique ethnic festival created by the Mongol people during their long history of nomadic life.Its origins can be traced back to the era of"clashing swords and thundering hooves":in 1206 AD,after Genghis Khan united the various Mongol tribes,he convened a Khuraldai(Grand Assembly)on the banks of the Onon River.There,he was acclaimed as the Great Khan,and following the assembly,the people celebrated with competitive events such as horse racing,wrestling,and archery—marking the nascent form of the Naadam Festival.In 1225 AD,the Stone Inscription of Genghis Khan recorded the grandeur of a Naadam Festival held to celebrate the conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire;this remains the earliest written record of the Naadam Festival discovered to date.

Today,the Gegentala Tourist Area hosts the Inner Mongolia Tourism Naadam Festival annually from July 25th to July 31st.Here,visitors can witness traditional Mongol ethnic competitions and activities,including horse racing,wrestling,and archery.The soul of the Naadam Festival has always been the"Three Manly Arts"—Bökh(wrestling),horse racing,and archery—which fully showcase the valor and intrepid spirit of Mongolian warriors.

Sacrifice to the Ovoo:A Spiritual Totem of the"Blue Civilization"

Every year on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month,the people of these grasslands hold the traditional Mongolian ceremony of Ovoo worship.The Ovoo(stone cairn)serves as a deity within the indigenous ecological culture—a manifestation of the nomadic grassland peoples'reverence for nature,and a quintessential symbol of the"Blue Civilization."During the Ovoo worship ceremony,visitors can witness thrilling traditional Mongolian competitions such as wrestling,horse riding,and archery.

Mongolian Wedding Performances and a Feast of Song and Dance

The scenic area also hosts special cultural events,including reenactments of traditional Mongolian weddings and performances of ethnic songs and dances.Visitors are invited to don traditional Mongolian robes and,amidst the spirited singing of toasting songs,experience firsthand the warm hospitality of the grassland people.

Five Must-Do Activities to Unlock the Best of Gegentala

1.Gallop Across the Grasslands:Ride Freely Across the Vast,Bright Plains

Key Highlight:This is the absolute essence of Gegentala—an experience you simply cannot miss!

Experience:Mount a spirited steed and gallop freely across the boundless grasslands.As your horse races across the plains,you will feel as though you have become one with nature—an enchanting sensation that will leave you longing to stay forever.Beginners can enjoy this experience under the guidance of professional riders,allowing them to truly feel the bold and uninhibited spirit of the"people of the horseback."

2.Visit the Shenzhou Spacecraft's Main Landing Site:Tracing the Footsteps of Space Exploration

Experience:The world-renowned main landing site for China's manned spacecraft missions is located right here on the Gegentala Grasslands.Step into this"Home of Shenzhou"—a land that has written glorious chapters in the history of Chinese spaceflight—and feel the pride and glory surrounding the return of our space heroes.While in the area,you can also visit the Siziwang Banner Museum to learn about the history of the Shenzhou landings and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring spirit of space exploration.

3.Attend the Naadam Festival:Experience the Heroic Spirit of the Grassland Warriors

Experience:From late July to mid-August each year,the Gegentala Grasslands come alive with their grandest and most spectacular festival—the Naadam.Visitors can get a close-up view of Bökh wrestlers—clad in their studded Zhaodege wrestling vests—battling it out in single-fall matches,or watch horsemen gallop across the plains with colorful ribbons streaming from their horses'tails,truly experiencing the martial spirit that runs through the veins of the Mongol warriors.The period from August 15th to August 25th marks the annual"Tourism Naadam"festival,making it an ideal time to visit and escape the summer heat.

4.Bonfire Party+Yurt Accommodation:A Grassland Carnival Beneath the Stars

Experience:As dusk falls,a roaring bonfire is lit on the open grassland.Amidst the sounds of enthusiastic toasting songs,guests can enjoy traditional Mongol song and dance performances while savoring the mellow,fragrant Airag(fermented mare's milk)and aromatic Shoubarou(hand-held boiled mutton).Visitors from all corners of the globe gather here to sing,dance,and share drinks in high spirits.Later in the night,when all is quiet,look up at the brilliant starry sky;free from light pollution,the Milky Way is clearly visible—offering a truly exceptional experience far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

5.Savor Authentic Mongol Cuisine:A Culinary Journey Across the Great Grassland

Must-Try Dishes:Shoubarou(freshly slaughtered and boiled mutton with tender,succulent meat),Roasted Whole Lamb(crispy on the outside,tender on the inside,and incredibly aromatic—a staple for hosting guests),Airag(mellow,fragrant fermented mare's milk),Milk Tea,Aaruul(dried milk curd),Lamb Offal Soup,and more.

Recommended Dining Spots:The large banquet hall within the scenic area can accommodate up to 1,000 diners simultaneously,while nearly 30 smaller and medium-sized restaurants are also available throughout the site to suit various preferences.

Suggested Itineraries

One-Day"Grassland Charm"Highlights Tour(Ideal for those with limited time):

Depart from Hohhot at 9:00 AM→Travel by vehicle to the Gegentala Grassland Tourist Area(approx.2 hours)→Upon arrival,enjoy grassland activities such as horseback riding,camel riding,and archery(2 hours)→Enjoy a special Mongol-style lunch at the scenic area's banquet hall(1 hour)→In the afternoon,visit Aobao Mountain to participate in the Aobao worship ceremony and learn about traditional Mongol beliefs(1 hour)→Visit the Siziwang Banner Museum to explore the history of the Shenzhou spacecraft landings(1 hour)→Return to Hohhot in the evening(approx.2 hours).IntoTravelChina Tip:For this itinerary,we recommend chartering a vehicle or driving yourself,as the scenery along the route is stunning.The ultraviolet radiation in the grassland region is intense;please take precautions against sunburn and stay well-hydrated.

Two-Day"Deep Immersion"Tour(Highly Recommended):

Day 1:Depart from Hohhot in the morning→Arrive at Gegentala Grassland and check into a traditional Mongolian yurt or a"War Chariot"style accommodation→Experience horseback riding or camel riding across the grasslands,immersing yourself in the vastness and freedom of the open plains(2 hours)→Enjoy a lunch featuring Shoubarou(hand-held boiled mutton)and traditional milk tea→In the afternoon,visit historical sites such as the Yuan Dynasty Oboo(sacrificial cairns)complex and the Palace of the Prince of the Sizi Tribe(2 hours)→In the evening,watch the sunset over the grasslands and capture stunning photos of the interplay between light and shadow→At night,join a bonfire party to enjoy traditional Mongolian song and dance performances,reveling under the starry sky.

Day 2:Wake up early in the morning to photograph the grassland sunrise,experiencing the ethereal beauty of the misty plains at dawn→After breakfast,visit the landing site area of​​the Shenzhou spacecraft(1 hour)→Participate in traditional activities such as grassland archery and Bökh(Mongolian wrestling)experiences(1.5 hours)→Enjoy a grand lunch featuring a whole roasted lamb feast at the scenic area's restaurant→In the afternoon,visit the Siziwang Banner Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the spaceflight history of this"Home of Shenzhou"(1.5 hours)→Return to Hohhot in the evening.

IntoTravelChina Advantage:We can book the accommodation best suited to your preferences,seamlessly coordinate all your activities,and provide detailed safety guidelines for your grassland adventures.

>Professional Guides:IntoTravelChina offers fully customized itineraries,including a dedicated private guide,transportation,and activity arrangements,ensuring a worry-free and deeply immersive travel experience.>> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

How to Get There:Approximately 2 Hours from Hohhot

The Gegentala Grassland Tourist Area is located approximately 140 kilometers from Hohhot City and is relatively easy to reach.

Self-Driving(Recommended):Depart from Hohhot city center and set your GPS navigation to"Gegentala Grassland Tourist Area."Drive north along Provincial Road S101,passing through Wuchuan County;the drive takes approximately 2 hours.The paved road stretches like a black ribbon all the way to the tourist site,offering beautiful scenery along the route.

Public Transport:Traveling from Hohhot City by bus takes about 2 hours.You can choose to take a long-distance bus bound for Erenhot or Ulanhua and disembark en route;alternatively,consider chartering a private vehicle for a more flexible and independent travel experience.

Scenic Area Entrance:The tourist area is situated in Chaganbulige Sumu,Siziwang Banner,and is accessible via a paved road.

Important Return Trip Reminder:Nighttime temperatures in the grassland region can drop quite low,and mobile phone signals may be unavailable in certain areas;therefore,it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.Please ensure you allow ample time for your return journey.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Gegentala Grassland is during the summer and autumn months—specifically from late July to mid-August,coinciding with the grand Naadam Festival.During this period,the grasslands are lush and verdant,and the weather is cool and pleasant,making it the ideal time to experience the authentic charm of the grasslands.

Golden Season(July–August):The period surrounding the Naadam Festival is when the Gegentala Grassland is at its most captivating.The grasslands are vibrant with greenery,the livestock are robust,and the weather is delightfully cool—making it the perfect season for sightseeing and escaping the summer heat.Visitors can witness traditional ethnic activities such as horse racing,Mongolian wrestling,and archery,immersing themselves in the unique allure of Mongolian culture.

Summer Escape Season(June–August):With average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C,this is an excellent destination for escaping the sweltering heat of the city.Beneath a canopy of blue skies and white clouds,the grasslands present a picturesque,poetic landscape.

Autumn(September–October):The grasslands transform into a sea of​​golden hues.With crisp,clear autumn air,this season is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the unique autumnal charm of the grasslands.Best Times of Day for Photography:Early morning(5:00–7:00 AM)is ideal for capturing the grassland sunrise,as the morning light spills across the landscape,creating a breathtaking scene.In the evening(6:00–7:00 PM),capture the sunset as the golden light of dusk paints the entire grassland a brilliant gold.

Admission&Opening Hours

Admission Fee:Free.The scenic area is open 24 hours a day,allowing visitors to enter and explore at any time.

Opening Hours:Open year-round,24 hours a day;visitors may enter and tour the grounds at any time.

Activities:Activities such as horseback riding,camel riding,archery,glider flights,and go-karting require separate payment;prices are subject to the rates posted within the scenic area on the day of your visit.

Festivals&Events:The Naadam Festival is held annually from late July to mid-August;specific dates are subject to official announcements.

Accommodation Options

Mongolian Yurts within the Scenic Area(Highly Recommended Experience):Located at the heart of the scenic area,there are a total of 303 yurts available—ranging from traditional Mongolian yurts to modern accommodation yurts and luxury"chariot-style"yurts.The complex features a banquet hall capable of seating 1,000 guests,a venue for artistic performances,and equestrian facilities.Staying overnight in a yurt allows you to experience the authentic lifestyle of grassland nomads and offers the opportunity to gaze up at a brilliant,star-filled sky at night.

Wulanhua Town(Siziwang Banner):Located approximately 30 kilometers from the scenic area,this town offers a wide selection of hotels.Budget-friendly options range from 150 to 300 RMB per night,making it a suitable choice for visitors planning to explore nearby attractions the following day.

Hohhot City Center:The city center offers an extensive range of hotel options,from budget-friendly inns to five-star luxury hotels.This is an ideal choice for visitors with other sightseeing plans for the following day.The city center is located approximately a two-hour drive from the scenic area.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:

We strongly recommend planning your itinerary and booking your accommodation 1–2 months in advance—especially during the Naadam Festival period(late July to mid-August)—as the Mongolian yurts within the scenic area are in extremely high demand.By booking through us,you gain access to real-time room availability and can bundle your accommodation,admission tickets,and transportation into a single package.This often results in combined savings and ensures a seamless,hassle-free travel experience.Simply let us know your budget and requirements,and we will match you with the perfect"Grassland Retreat.">> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

The Gegentala Grassland is by no means the end of your journey;rather,it serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the charms of Ulanqab—and indeed,central Inner Mongolia.

Classic 3-Day Grassland Loop:Day 1:Gegentala Grassland(Horseback riding&archery+Bonfire party+Yurt accommodation)→Day 2:Ulanhada Volcanic Geological Park(Volcano exploration+Stargazing&camping)→Day 3:Huitengxile Huanghuagou(Grassland wind farms+Canyon scenery).This classic route seamlessly blends grassland culture,volcanic wonders,and stunning canyon landscapes.

Aerospace&Border Self-Driving Route:Siziwang Banner Museum—Gegentala Grassland Tourism Center—Shenzhou No.1 Highway—Hongya Tableland—Erenhot Dinosaur Museum—Erenhot National Gate Scenic Area.This route strings together a diverse array of attractions—including grasslands,aerospace sites,Danxia landforms,border landmarks,and dinosaur fossils—making it ideal for an immersive,self-driving adventure.

Panoramic Tour of Central Inner Mongolia:Hohhot(Inner Mongolia Museum+Dazhao Temple)→Gegentala Grassland→Ulanhada Volcanic Geological Park→Erenhot National Gate.Experience a fascinating transition from urban civilization to the diverse landscapes of grasslands,volcanoes,and borderlands.

The story of the Gegentala Grassland is one of a thousand-year-old nomadic civilization passed down since the era of Genghis Khan;of the magnificent aerospace feats performed by the Shenzhou spacecraft as they repeatedly pierced the skies;and of the vast,radiant homeland that the Mongolian people have guarded for generations.As you step onto this great grassland—a place"kissed by the Shenzhou spacecraft"—you will not only have the chance to gallop across an boundless green ocean on horseback and gaze up at the dashing figures of heroes during the Nadam festival,but you will also discover,in every blade of grass,every tree,every star,and every moonbeam,the majestic grandeur of the grassland and the sheer vastness of life itself.

IntoTravelChina specializes in crafting immersive,personalized,and worry-free travel experiences throughout China.Our travel experts can assist you by:

Tailoring Your Itinerary:Designing the perfect route—customized to your interests and schedule—that encompasses the Gegentala Grassland and surrounding attractions in Inner Mongolia.

Providing One-Stop Service:Handling all arrangements,including unique accommodations,transportation transfers,local guides,and activity bookings.

Curating Exclusive Experiences:Arranging VIP seating for the Naadam Festival,visits to the Shenzhou spacecraft landing site,viewings of traditional Mongolian wedding ceremonies,and more.

Let your journey to the Gegentala Grassland be more than just sightseeing;let it be an immersive exploration of grassland culture and aerospace legends.

>Start Planning Your Journey Now

>We invite you to contact our professional travel consultants;we will provide you with a personalized itinerary proposal and quotation within 24 hours.>> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]