Ordos (Xiangshawan & Genghis Khan Mausoleum)

A desert-and-grassland culture trip combining Xiangshawan (Resonant Sand Gorge) on the edge of the Kubuqi Desert, the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and the new town of Kangbashi — a favorite for family road trips.

Ordos lies in southwestern Inner Mongolia, wrapped on three sides by the great "Ji"-shaped bend of the Yellow River, with the Kubuqi Desert to the north, the Mu Us Sandy Land to the south and the grasslands of the Ordos Plateau in between. Its Mongolian name means "many palace tents," and it is the ancestral home of the Darkhad people, who have guarded the Genghis Khan Mausoleum for generations. The urban area is made up of the old town of Dongsheng District, the new town of Kangbashi District and Altan Xiret Town in Ejin Horo Banner, 20–30 km apart from one another.

The best season is June–September, when desert activities, grassland stays and stargazing camps are most comfortable; May and October bring cold mornings and evenings but fewer crowds. In midsummer the desert surface gets very hot at midday, so plan activities for the morning or late afternoon; winters are cold and many desert activities are suspended or scaled back.

The area divides into four parts: ① North – Dalad Banner: Xiangshawan (about 50 km from Dongsheng and about 60 km from Baotou) offers sand sliding, desert buggies, camel rides and desert shows, and you can stay at a desert hotel to see the stars. ② South – Ejin Horo Banner: the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, where you can learn about Mongolian ritual culture; the spring ceremony on the 21st day of the 3rd lunar month is the largest. ③ Kangbashi and Dongsheng: the central axis, Genghis Khan Square, Ordos Museum, the Grand Theater and Library, and night views of Ulan Mulun Lake; around Dongsheng are Ordos Zoo, Jiucheng Palace and the remains of the Qin Straight Road. ④ Grasslands and monasteries: to the west, the Subohan Grassland offers horse riding, yurt stays and Naadam-style performances; to the east, Jungar Monastery in Jungar Banner is one of the largest lamaseries in the Ordos region.

Getting there: Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport sits between the mausoleum and Kangbashi; the Baotou–Xi'an Railway stops at Xiangshawan and Ordos stations, and Ordos is often combined with Baotou and Hohhot. Sights are spread out, so self-driving or hiring a car with driver is recommended. Allow 2–3 days. Bring sun protection, sunglasses and sand gaiters, and protect your phone and camera from sand.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries