The Ultimate Guide to Biking the Grasslands
Inner Mongolia's vast, open grasslands make it one of China's best cycling destinations — endless horizons, quiet roads, and a genuine sense of adventure. This guide covers everything you need to know about cycling in Inner Mongolia, from the best routes and seasons to gear, safety, and supported tour options.
Inner Mongolia offers what many cyclists dream of: long, empty roads through stunning landscapes. The grasslands provide gentle rolling terrain (mostly 1,000-1,500m altitude), light traffic outside cities, and a constant sense of space and freedom. The region is also culturally rich — you'll pass yurt camps, nomadic herders, and historic towns. Cycling here is less about physical challenge and more about immersion in vast, beautiful scenery.
Top routes: (1) Hohhot to Xilamuren Grassland (about 100 km) — the classic first ride, gentle climbing; (2) The Xilamuren grassland loop (40-60 km) — scenic riding past yurts and herds; (3) Hohhot to Wuchuan (75 km) — more challenging with mountain passes; (4) Around Qinghai-like Ergun Wetland in the east — for the more adventurous; (5) The Kubuqi Desert fringe routes near Baotou. For first-timers, we recommend a 2-3 day route based at the grasslands.
The best cycling months are June-September. June: mild (12-24°C), green grass, light wind. July-August: warmest (20-28°C), most comfortable for riding, but watch for afternoon thunderstorms. September: golden grass, crisp air, best visibility. Avoid April-May (dust storms) and October onwards (cold). Even in summer, mornings and evenings are cool — bring a windproof jacket for descents.
Essential gear: a well-maintained bike (hybrid or touring recommended; e-bikes are popular), helmet (mandatory), padded cycling shorts, gloves, cycling shoes, a repair kit, spare tubes, a pump, lights, and a phone mount. The support vehicle on organized tours carries luggage. Self-guided riders should carry plenty of water (gaps between towns can be 30-50 km) and snacks. Train with regular rides before departure, especially if your route includes mountain passes.
Supported tours (recommended): a support vehicle follows you, carrying luggage and offering lifts when you're tired; guides handle navigation, meals, and accommodation; rental bikes are provided. Self-guided: more freedom and flexibility, but you handle all logistics — navigation across the featureless grassland can be challenging, and services are sparse. Most first-time cyclists in Inner Mongolia choose a supported tour.
1. The grassland roads can have sudden crosswinds — keep both hands on the bars in exposed areas. 2. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer — watch the sky and take shelter if lightning approaches (avoid tall objects). 3. Carry water — distances between shops can be long. 4. Altitude is moderate (1,000-1,500m) but stay hydrated. 5. Mobile signal is patchy away from towns. 6. Always carry your passport (there are occasional checkpoints). 7. Respect livestock on the road — horses and sheep have right of way.
Our popular 7-day supported tour: Day 1 arrive Hohhot; Day 2 ride to Xilamuren (60 km); Day 3 grassland loop (45 km) + nomadic family visit; Day 4 ride to Wuchuan (75 km); Day 5 ride toward Kubuqi desert (70 km) + camel ride at sunset; Day 6 desert sunrise, van back to Hohhot, city tour; Day 7 depart. Flexible distances — ride as much or as little as you like, with the support vehicle always nearby.
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