https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/hohhot/best-things-to-do/100001412793
Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Hohhot [2025]
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Dazhao Temple
4.7
/5
7492 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 7.42
Based on 138 reviews
Dazhao Temple / Saishang old street | 2.3 km from downtown
Phone +8604716303154
Address: Dazhao Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
10-yard golden dragon & mural
Grand blessing ceremony on Lantern Festival
Saved by 309 users4770 positive reviews
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In Hohhot, the Qingcheng of northern China, lies a sacred site where countless travelers pause for contemplation: Dazhao Temple. It is not only the first temple of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia, but also a "royal temple" steeped in over 400 years of history.
Entering Dazhao Temple feels like stepping back in time. Beyond the mountain gate, the Heavenly King Hall, the Bodhi Hall, and the Main Hall unfold in sequence, their Han-Tibetan architectural style interplaying beautifully with the soaring eaves, brackets, and gilded bronze tiles. Most striking is the 2.55-meter-tall statue of Sakyamuni, cast from 30,000 taels of pure silver. Standing quietly in the center of the hall, its brow lowered, it seems to be listening to earthly prayers. For this reason, Dazhao Temple is revered as the "Silver Buddha Temple."
Before the silver Buddha, two golden dragons coiled around pillars, their scales gleaming, as if poised to soar into the air at any moment. The Ming Dynasty murals adorning the walls, despite over 400 years of dust, retain their vibrant colors, depicting the Buddha's past lives and the offerings of Mongol nobles. These three unique wonders—the silver Buddha, the dragon carvings, and the murals—combine to form the unparalleled soul of Dazhao Temple.
During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, upon his triumphant campaign against Galdan, he stayed here. He bestowed upon the temple a golden plaque inscribed with the words "Long Live the Emperor" and authorized the roof to be clad in yellow glazed tiles. Since then, Dazhao Temple has become the only "imperial temple" in Mongolia without a reincarnated Living Buddha. Its status rivals even that of the Yonghe Palace in Beijing.
Today, the Dazhao Temple still rings its bells at dawn and dusk, and the ghee lamps burn eternally. Visitors can stroll slowly along the central axis, clasp their hands in prayer before the silver Buddha, and pause for contemplation before the murals. Exiting the temple, you'll find Yuquan Well and Saishang Old Street. A cup of salty milk tea and a yogurt pancake will allow you to blend the richness of history with the grandeur of the grasslands.
If you visit Hohhot, be sure to spend half a day at Dazhao Temple. As sunlight filters through the yellow glazed tiles, the silver Buddha glows softly in the gloom. You'll hear the wind blowing across the grassland, carrying the clatter of Altan Khan and Emperor Kangxi's hooves, as well as whispers of faith and time. In that moment, you'll understand that so-called "high praise" isn't just empty rhetoric, but a solemnity forged by history and the human heart.
If you could only visit one place in Hohhot, it would undoubtedly be the Dazhao Temple.
The Dazhao Temple, Saishang Old Street, and Xilitu Zhao are all just a hundred meters apart, making them perfect for exploring together.
As the first of the "Seven Major Zhaos, Eight Minor Zhaos, and Seventy-Two Continuous Zhaos," the Dazhao Temple is incredibly popular. If possible, I highly recommend visiting it in the morning or evening. The temple is incredibly large, and the weather can be scorching hot at noon, along with the crowds of tourists. The "princesses" and "lords" clad in Mongolian garb are undeniably sun-shy, allowing you to capture a single photo opportunity for hours.
The most photogenic spot is the row of pristine white pagodas to the right of the main gate, beautifully silhouetted against the blue sky.
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Qian Gu Ma Song
4.4
/5
281 reviews
7.5
From AU$ 58.08
21 km from downtown
Phone +8604712539951
Address: Inner Mongolia Minority Culture and Sports Center Liangmaquan, south of Yematu Village, Baohe Shao Town, Xincheng District, Hohhot
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hohhot
Highlights:
Cultural equestrian acrobatics gala performance
Immersive high-tech audiovisual experience
239 positive reviews10K views in last month
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The show lasted 70 minutes, featuring equestrianism, acrobatics, singing and dancing. Afterward, the horses' breeds and characteristics were explained. Afterward, you could feed and ride the horses for a fee. There was a slight odor inside the venue, so if you're sensitive, you can wear a mask. Those who aren't allergic will quickly get used to it. The shuttle driver was also very friendly.
It was a very shocking performance, loved by both adults and children. It allowed us to understand Mongolian culture and the importance of horses to the Mongolians. The actors all had unique skills and the horses were very cooperative, especially the many young actors, whose horsemanship was amazing and very impressive.
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Xilitu Zhao Temple
4.7
/5
689 reviews
7.1
From AU$ 5.20
Based on 21 reviews
Dazhao Temple / Saishang old street | 2.1 km from downtown
Phone +8615949417672
Address: North end of Stone Alley, Yuquan District, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Aegion
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Ancient architecture & nature views
Vast grounds & grand gate
437 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Xilitu Temple in Hohhot is a quiet place for Tibetan Buddhism. It has a Tibetan pagoda with unique features and is worth recommending. It is not as crowded as the Wuliang Temple in Dazhao, but the service staff are attentive.
It was around 4 p.m. on a Saturday, so not many people were there. The temple was built during the Ming Dynasty, and Emperor Kangxi personally visited. The Buddha statues were all rebuilt after being destroyed, which is quite unique. It would be best to ask for an interpreter to learn more about the attractions.
No.
4
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Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area
4.4
/5
407 reviews
7.0
From AU$ 4.23
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8604717914669
Address: Lao Niuwan Village, Shantaizi Township, Qingshuihe County, Hohhot City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Hohhot
Highlights:
Yellow River & Great Wall intersection
Glass platform overlooks canyon views
Saved by 208 users270 positive reviews
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Laoniuwan has two main parking lots: Chengwan and Niuzhuanqiankun, about a dozen kilometers apart.
Most drivers park at Chengwan, then take a boat to Tieniu Square (the scenic area directly adjacent to Niuzhuanqiankun). From Tieniu Square, you can see the first bend of the Yellow River, then take a bus back to Chengwan to pick up your car.
However, every year in mid-to-late August, flood discharges cause the Yellow River water level at Laoniuwan to be very low, even drying up in some sections. Boat service is suspended, forcing you to go to Niuzhuanqiankun. From there, take a shuttle bus to the terminal, then walk 1.1 kilometers to Tieniu Square. This walk is lined with farmhouses and B&Bs, making it convenient for dining.
During flood discharges, the water level is low and yellow, severely impacting the landscape. I personally think the scenic area should offer discounted admission during this period.
Families, went to the Yellow River Grand Canyon of Laoniu Bay, really amazing! As soon as you get there, you can see the intersection of the Yellow River and the Great Wall. This unique landscape is really worthy of being the "first bay of the Yellow River in the world". Sitting on a cruise ship shuttled in the canyon, the cliffs on both sides of the bank towered, the mountains and rivers reflected, like a natural ink painting. There is also Taiji Bay, a 270-degree large loop, from a height like a natural Taiji map, so shocking! Walking on the ancient Great Wall, touching the ancient masonry, as if you can hear the echo of history. I really recommend everyone to feel it!
No.
5
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Hadamen National Forest Park
4.3
/5
165 reviews
6.7
From AU$ 8.45
19.3 km from downtown
Phone +8615598057073
Address: 27 kilometers from the old Huwu highway in Wuchuan County, Hohhot
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Hohhot
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It was a wonderful trip. Due to bad weather, we skipped other more distant grasslands and came to Hadamen instead. I didn't expect the grasslands to be so beautiful. It was just rainy on the way down. Why is Hohhot so rainy this year? It really dampened my interest in the trip.
The value for money is incredibly poor! For a national forest park, they charge a whopping 70 yuan for admission! Why 70? Because it's 40 yuan for the entrance fee, and 30 yuan for the bus ticket, which you absolutely have to buy! The hike up the mountain is so long! It's totally unreasonable! I never saw anyone not buying one! And you have to get a paper ticket! What a waste of time! It's a pollution! The line for the bus was incredibly long! The line alone took an hour! It was raining heavily, and within five minutes of getting off the bus, we were already running off to wait for the bus back! The management at the attraction is terrible! They didn't care about people who cut in line! They didn't even actively arrange a bus to pick us up! We were freezing waiting for so long! The scenery was beautiful, but I didn't have time to enjoy it. It was beautiful, but the price felt high! Thankfully, Ctrip is working on resolving the issue! Traveling with a big platform is still the best choice 👍
No.
6
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Inner Mongolia Museum
4.6
/5
1761 reviews
6.6
Based on 162 reviews
Baita Airport/Huhhot East Railway Station | 8.6 km from downtown
Phone +8604714614333
Address: No. 76 Xinhua East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hohhot
Highlights:
Landmark building with Mongolian architectural style
Experience archaeological excavation and costume try-on
Saved by 203 users503 positive reviews
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The Inner Mongolia Museum boasts a magnificent architecture, seemingly unmatched among provincial museums.
Despite being a weekday, summer visitor numbers remain high, with a daily cap of 9,000 visitors, and entry is denied without prior reservations.
The collection is rich and fascinating, with the third floor featuring ancient history as a highlight. Relics of the Hongshan culture are displayed in the front, while evidence of multi-ethnic integration can be found in the back. The Liao, Jin, Xixia, and Yuan-Mongol themes, rarely seen in other provincial museums, are complemented by numerous exquisite first-class artifacts.
Because it's a new museum, the collection displays and visitor routes have been meticulously designed, providing a seamless experience, and the multimedia elements are perfectly embellished.
A significant number of visitors were accompanied by children; these children, raised in museums, will undoubtedly become a confident generation.
Reservations can be made one day in advance via the mini-program.
• Venue Layout: The venue consists of four floors, with floors 1 through 3 currently open. The first floor houses temporary exhibition halls and a public service area, boasting a high-tech feel. Yushu robots, dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, provide services. The second floor features basic exhibits such as "Ancient World," "Magnificent Plateau," "Underground Treasures," and "Flying Shenzhou." The third floor houses historical and cultural exhibitions, including "Grassland Majesty," "Charm of Fusion," "Grassland Customs," and "Grassland Beacon Fires."
• Exhibitions: There are 10 basic exhibits, including five general history exhibitions and five thematic exhibitions, located on the second and third floors. Five temporary exhibition halls are located on the first, third, and fourth floors. The exhibitions "The Great Liao and Khitan" and "Charm of Fusion" were recognized as National Museum Top Ten Exhibitions in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The "Ancient World" exhibition received the National Museum Exhibition Excellence Award in 2021.
• Service Facilities: The first-floor lobby offers one-stop service. The main reception desk provides free rental of wheelchairs, strollers, umbrellas, and other items. Self-guided audio guides are available in Chinese, Mongolian, and English. Each floor of the museum is equipped with a nursing room, water dispensers, and family restrooms, along with AEDs and an emergency call response system. Six cultural and creative areas and three dining areas also offer a wide variety of cultural and creative products and dining services.
No.
7
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Yili Health Valley Scenic Area
4.6
/5
239 reviews
6.5
From AU$ 8.02
17.7 km from downtown
Phone +8604713357288
Address: 内蒙古自治区呼和浩特市土默特左旗乳业大街
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No.4 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hohhot
Highlights:
Dairy culture & products experience
Experience smart dairy production
211 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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It was a fantastic day, a truly wonderful experience. I'm completely convinced Yili is a must-visit. It's a great place for both children and adults. This was one of the best memories of our first trip to Inner Mongolia.
It was a good visit. The speed of milk bagging was really surprising. There were only a few staff members in the entire production workshop, and everything was done in a mechanical assembly line. It would be even better if no one gave out a souvenir after the visit.
No.
8
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Chilechuan Grassland
4.3
/5
51 reviews
6.4
21.8 km from downtown
Phone +8614747294777
Address: 呼和塔拉东街太阳广场东北400米
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No.3 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Hohhot
Highlights:
Horseback riding & nomadic lifestyle
Vast grasslands & blue skies
75% positive reviews10K views in last month
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On August 31st, I took advantage of the weekend for a two-day, one-night special forces tour of Hohhot.
It happened to rain, so I'm especially grateful to the two train drivers who drove my son and me to the door to prevent us from getting soaked. Two weeks in advance was perfect. It's a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings now, so you can rent an electric scooter and combine the train ride with walking.
🌞Escape the summer heat at Chi Le Chuan Grassland, just 20 minutes from downtown Hohhot.
➡️Lakeside is lush green grass and refreshing mountain breezes, with the average daily temperature about 5°C lower than downtown. It's a "cool and soothing" experience. [grin] Come here this summer to enjoy the mountain breeze, step on the green grass, and watch the clouds roll by, letting the summer heat melt away in the grassland breeze.
🎫Admission is free.
🌟The most comfortable times to visit are recommended between 8 and 10 AM and after 5 PM. [Enjoyable]
🧭Chi Le Chuan Grassland parking lot🅿️, or the west gate of Chi Le Chuan Grassland. We recommend the parking lot, where you can rent a car.
🌟There aren't many entertainment options, so it's generally just along the route. We recommend renting an electric bike.
No.
9
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Sai Shang Ancient Street
4.4
/5
282 reviews
6.3
Based on 33 reviews
Dazhao Temple / Saishang old street | 2.6 km from downtown
Phone +8604712942506
Address: 内蒙古自治区呼和浩特市玉泉区通顺街17号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.2 of Night Attractions in Hohhot
Highlights:
Historic street showcasing culture
Mongolian attire & authentic food stalls
Saved by 187 users142 positive reviews
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It's close to Jokhang Temple, the scenery is very good, the overall environment is good, the price is reasonable, and the service at each stall is very warm, polite and thoughtful. There are 3 cute lambs on the right hand side of the travel photography booth just 50 meters after entering the old street. I took out my mobile phone to take a photo of the lambs eating grass, but was scolded by the female boss. She said that I couldn't take photos if I didn't travel photography. Her words were very unpleasant, which immediately affected my mood for traveling. I was particularly upset. If you can't take photos, don't put them on the road. Alas~ It affects the overall image of the old street too much.
Stepping into the old street, as if stepping into the long river of history. Ming and Qing style buildings are scattered, moths and arches, carved beams and painting buildings, and the ancient atmosphere is coming. The blue stone road at my feet is polished and smooth by the years, and every step is like a dialogue with the past. The small shops on the street are dazzling, and the non-legacy handicrafts such as leather carvings and wool hot paintings are dizzying. The owners enthusiastically introduce the goods and tell the story behind them. In the ethnic costume travel photography store, tourists change into beautiful clothes and set a beautiful moment. Tired, come to a Mongolian milk food, mellow and sweet, let the taste buds also immerse in this unique style, worthwhile trip.
No.
10
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Daqingshan Safari Park
4.2
/5
180 reviews
6.3
From AU$ 14.78
Based on 1 reviews
University of Finance and Economics (West)/ School | 8.3 km from downtown
Phone +8604713609586
Address: 1.5 km north of Huwu Road, Huimin District, Hohhot City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.6 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hohhot
Highlights:
See wild wolves & beasts up-close
Tour four themed areas by tram
103 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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There are not many animals. In the wild animal area, you can only see wolves, lions, tigers and bears. However, only wolves and tigers are seen walking outside, and the rest are in cages. You can take the sightseeing bus as many times as you want. If the weather is good, the scenery is still good. You can play with your children for three or four hours.
I went to Daqingshan Wildlife Park some time ago, and the experience was great! As soon as I entered the park, my eyes were green and the air was particularly fresh. The first time I went to see the cute giant pandas, they were in a good state, and they were eating with bamboo. Then I went to the beast area again, took the feeding car, and saw the majestic lion and tiger at close range, nervous and exciting. There is also the docile alpaca in the cute pet paradise. When you get close, you will come over to eat. It is so cute! The road signs in the park are clear and it is especially worry-free to play. This trip is really worth it, I will come next time!
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