• Understand
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Get out

Hohhot (呼和浩特; Hūhéhàotè) is the capital of Inner Mongolia, and part of a metropolitan area with a population of around 2.5 million.

[edit] Understand

Although Hohhot has only been the capital of Inner Mongolia since 1947, it has taken on the role with ease and with a rapidly growing population (currently at around 1.6 million) it has begun to challenge Baotou as the region's industrial and economic powerhouse. Despite the fact that only around 11% of the city's population are indigenous Mongols, Mongolian Buddhism (an offshoot of Tibetan Buddhism) continues to thrive and Mongolian culture is actively preserved. As a new capital, the city lacks an abundance of historical and tourist sites. However, it is still definitely worth visiting if in the area. The city is at its greenest and most pleasant in Spring and early Summer.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Plane

Hohhot Baita International Airport (IATA: HET) is Inner Mongolia's main airport. Located one hour outside of Hohhot, regular flights are available to Beijing, Chifeng, Guangzhou, Hailar, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Wuhan, Xian, and Xilinhot.

International flight are available to Ulaanbaatar, Outer Mongolia.

[edit] By Train

Hohhot is connected to the following cities by rail: Baotou (2 hrs), Beijing (11 hrs), Datong (5 hrs), Erenhot (11 hrs), Yinchuan (10 hrs), Moscow and Ulaanbaatar

[edit] By Bus

The long distance bus station is located next to main train station

There are regular bus services to the following cities: Baotou (2 hrs), Beijing (8-11 hrs), Datong (4 hrs), and Dongsheng (3 hrs).

[edit] Get around

[edit] See

• Da Zhao Temple (大召寺). The oldest Buddhist monastery in the city - constructed in 1579. A 2.5 meter silver statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is among the temples most precious treasures.
• Inner Mongolia Museum (内蒙古博物馆). Exhibitions of the flora and history of Inner Mongolian.
• Temple of the Five Pagodas (五榕寺: Wutasi) An Indian style temple constructed in 1732. Famous for its frescos of 1,500 carved figures of Buddha.
• The Great Mosque. The oldest and largest mosque in the city - built in 1693.
• Tomb of Princess Zhaojun ((昭君墓). The resting place of Han princess who voluntarily married a nomad chief to secure peace. She is attributed with the ability to perform miracles. Take bus No. 6 from the muslim quarter and switch to bus No. 44 that will take you there. Fare is 1 yuan each.
• Xilitu Zhao (席力圖召), 112 Danan Street, Yuquan District. The largest Buddhist temple in the city and main seat of Buddhism in Inner Mongolia.

[edit] Do

• Da Zhao Temple festivals - Songjing Da Fahui (8th-15th of the 1st and 6th lunar months), Songbalin (14th day of the 1st and 6th lunar months), Liang Dafo (15th day of the 1st and 6th lunar months), and Mani Hui (14th-17th day of eighth lunar month).

[edit] Buy

[edit] Eat

[edit] Drink

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Budget

[edit] Mid range

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Get out

• The Grasslands. Mongolia's history is linked to its grasslands. Recommended places near Hohhot are: Xilamuren (80 km north), Huitengxile (120 km west) and Gegentela (150 km north).