How to Reach the Grasslands from the Capital
Wondering how to get from Beijing to Inner Mongolia's famous grasslands and deserts? This guide covers all transport options — high-speed train, car, and flight — plus the best route combinations and sample itineraries for 3 to 5-day trips from the capital.
There are three main gateways from Beijing to Inner Mongolia: (1) Hohhot — the capital, best for grasslands (Xilamuren, Gegentala) and onward travel; (2) Zhangjiakou (partly in Hebei) — closest grasslands like Wulanchabu; (3) Direct to the eastern grasslands (Xilingol, Hulunbuir) for those with more time. The classic first-time route is Beijing to Hohhot by high-speed train, then a loop through the grasslands and desert.
The Beijing-Hohhot high-speed railway takes just 2-2.5 hours from Beijing North or Qinghe Station. Trains run frequently (roughly every 30 minutes in peak). Once in Hohhot, most travelers continue by private car (2 hours to Xilamuren, 4 hours to Kubuqi Desert). This combination of fast rail + private car is the most efficient and is how most of our tours operate. Second-class tickets cost around $50 one way.
Driving from Beijing to Hohhot takes 5-6 hours on the G6/G7 expressways. To the closer grasslands of Zhangjiakou-Wulanchabu, it's 3-4 hours. Driving offers flexibility for those wanting to stop at sights like the Chengde Mountain Resort (a UNESCO site on the way) or the Great Wall at Badaling. For a self-drive, an SUV is recommended in grassland areas. Many travelers prefer to hire a car with driver through a tour company.
Flights from Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) to Hohhot take about 1 hour 10 minutes and cost $60-120 one way. For the far eastern grasslands, fly from Beijing to Xilinhot (1.5 hours) or Hailar/Hulunbuir (1.5-2 hours). Flying saves time for those heading directly to the eastern grasslands, but you'll miss the gradual scenery transition. Combined air + ground transport packages are available.
3-Day Express: Day 1 Beijing-Hohhot (train), Day 2 Xilamuren Grassland, Day 3 return. 4-Day Classic: add Kubuqi Desert. 5-Day Comprehensive: Beijing - Hohhot - grassland - desert - Genghis Khan Mausoleum - return. For the eastern grasslands: 5-Day Hulunbuir route (fly in/out, grassland, wetland, border towns). All can be arranged as private or small group tours with logistics included.
The best time for the grasslands near Beijing is June-September (green grass, Naadam festivals in July-August). The Kubuqi Desert is pleasant April-October. Winter (Nov-Mar) is cold but offers unique ice festivals in Hohhot. For eastern Hulunbuir, June-September is the only reliably warm period. Check the Naadam Festival dates (mid-July) if you want to experience the traditional games.
1. Book high-speed train tickets 2-3 weeks ahead in peak season. 2. The grasslands get cold at night even in summer — pack layers. 3. From Hohhot, a private car is the most practical way to reach the grasslands. 4. Consider a small-group or private tour to handle the logistics and local connections. 5. Carry cash for remote areas; mobile payment is common but not universal in grassland guesthouses.
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