Xanadu, Xilingol & Ulagai Loop from Beijing

Head north from Beijing to the Site of Xanadu and Xilinhot, venture east into the pristine Ulagai Grassland, and return to Beijing via Hexigten.

A long loop through the grasslands of central and eastern Inner Mongolia, covering nearly 3,000 km. The first part features the Site of Xanadu World Heritage site and Beizi Temple; the middle part includes a stay at Ulagai Jiuquwan (Nine Bends); then head south via Holingol and Reshui to Asihatu and Dali Lake. Grassland highways make up the bulk of the trip, gas stations are sparse, and the average daily driving time is long. This route is suitable for experienced self-drive travelers who have been to Bashang and want to go further.

The best time to visit Ulagai is from June to September, with the best grass in July; book accommodation in advance during peak season.

Day by day

Day 1 · Beijing North to Duolun Ancient Town

Duolun & Site of Xanadu（Huizong Temple、Duolun Shanxi Guild Hall、Dolon Nor Old Town）

Drive from Beijing via Huairou, Fengning, and Datan to Duolun, about 350 km, taking around 5 hours; stroll around the ancient town in the evening.

Stay: Duolun County Town

Day 2 · Site of Xanadu to Xilinhot

Duolun & Site of Xanadu（Site of Xanadu Museum、Site of Xanadu、Jinlianchuan Grassland） → Xilinhot

Drive from Duolun to the Site of Xanadu, taking about half an hour, then head north to Xilinhot in the afternoon, about 260 km, taking around 3.5 hours.

There is no shade at the ruins; bring a hat and water, and visit the museum before entering the archaeological site.

Stay: Xilin Square City Center

Day 3 · Beizi Temple & Jiuqu Grassland

Xilinhot（Beizi Temple、Xilingol League Museum & Mongol-Yuan Culture Park、Pingdingshan Volcanic Tablelands、Xilin River Nine Bends）

Visit the temple and museum in the city center in the morning, and head south to Pingdingshan and Jiuquwan in the afternoon, with a total driving time of about 2 hours for the day.

Stay: Xilin Jiuqu Bay Grassland Camp

Day 4 · West Ujimqin East to Ulagai

West Ujimqin Banner → Ulagai & Ujimqin Grasslands（Bulin Spring & Wolf Totem Filming Base）

Drive from Xilinhot via West Ujimqin and the Baihuo Highway to Ulagai, about 400 km, taking around 6 hours.

Gas stations are sparse after West Ujimqin; Bulinquan may already be closed by evening.

Stay: Jiuqu Bay Area

Day 5 · Jiuquwan & Bingtuan Town

Ulagai & Ujimqin Grasslands（Ulagai Lake Wetland、Halagaitu Production Corps Town、Ulagai Jiuqu Bay）

Using the area around Jiuquwan as a base, make short round trips between the lake area and the town, with a total driving time of about 1.5 hours for the day.

The light at Jiuquwan is best at dusk; drive slowly on the dirt ranch roads and exercise caution after rain.

Stay: Jiuqu Bay Area

Day 6 · Wild Wolf Valley to Mount Khan

Ulagai & Ujimqin Grasslands（Ulagai Wolf Valley、Khan Mountain）

Head north from Jiuquwan to Wild Wolf Valley, taking about 1 hour, then head south to Mount Khan in Holingol, taking about 3 hours in total for the day.

Stay: Holingol

Day 7 · Head South to Reshui Hot Springs

Hexigten (Asihatu & Dali Nur)（Reshuitang Hot Spring）

Drive south from Holingol via Linxi to Reshui Town, about 400 km, taking around 5 to 6 hours; soak in the hot springs in the evening.

Stay: Reshuitang Town

Day 8 · Huanggangliang Stone Forest to Dali Lake

Hexigten (Asihatu & Dali Nur)（Huanggangliang National Forest Park、Asihatu Stone Forest）

Drive about 80 km along the Re'a Line to Asihatu, then take the Dada Line for about 135 km to Dali Lake.

Stay: Dali Lake Shore

Day 9 · Dali Lake to Ulan Butong

Hexigten (Asihatu & Dali Nur)（Dali Nur Lake） → Saihanba & Ulan Butong (Bashang)（Jiangjun Paozi Lake、Ulan Butong Grassland）

Watch birds along the lake in the morning, and drive south through the Gongger Grassland to Ulan Butong, taking about 1.5 hours.

Stay: Ulan Buh

Day 10 · Cross Saihanba & Return to Beijing

Saihanba & Ulan Butong (Bashang)（Qixing Lake Wetland Park） → Beijing

Drive down the plateau via Seven-Star Lake and Yudaokou, and return to Beijing via Fengning, about 430 km, taking around 6 hours.

The section from Fengning to Huairou is prone to traffic jams on Sunday afternoons; try to depart as early as possible.