Inner Mongolia is a land of extraordinary natural beauty, home to landscapes so unique that they can’t be found anywhere else in the world. From vast grasslands and golden forests to volcanic peaks and towering desert dunes, the region offers seven world-class wonders that captivate travelers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike. These seven natural spectacles showcase the raw power and beauty of Inner Mongolia, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable adventure.
No.1 Hulunbuir Grassland | China’s Vastest Prairie
The Hulunbuir Grassland is one of the largest and most breathtaking grasslands in China, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. It is as if nature has rolled out a giant green carpet, merging seamlessly with the sky. When the wind sweeps across the prairie, waves of grass ripple like a living ocean, releasing the fresh scent of grass and earth. The Morigele River, known as the “World’s Most Winding River,” meanders gracefully across the grassland, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky and clouds.
Herds of cattle and sheep graze peacefully, while horses occasionally thunder past, hooves echoing across the prairie. Scattered yurts release smoke that hints at daily life, while local herders welcome visitors with steaming milk tea and sweet dairy treats. Top Experiences:
• Horseback Riding: Gallop across the open plains and feel the exhilaration of freedom.
• ATV & Go-Kart Adventures: Speed through the grasslands while feeling the wind rush past.
• Bonfire Evenings: Gather around a roaring fire at night, sing, dance, and enjoy roasted whole lamb.
• Grass Sledding: A family-friendly activity children adore.
• Yurt Visits: Step inside a traditional Mongolian yurt, taste milk tea, and savor hand-pulled meat for an authentic nomadic experience.
• Nature Exploration: Take a boat along the Morigele River, visit Hulun Lake, or observe the Erguna Wetlands from a scenic viewpoint.
No.2 Wulan Hada Volcano | Brave Visitors Try the Volcanic Ash
Located in Chifeng, the Wulan Hada Volcano Group is an otherworldly destination resembling the surface of Mars. Each volcano in the group is unique, almost as if it has its own serial number. Black volcanic rocks cover the slopes, creating a mysterious and dramatic terrain.
Must-Visit Volcanoes:
• Volcano No. 4: The visitor center with dining and shopping options.
• Volcano No. 3 (North Alchemy Furnace): The only volcano with a walkway to the summit, featuring a famous red phone booth for photos. Inside the crater, a sacred Ovoo allows visitors to make wishes by walking clockwise three times.
• Volcano No. 5: Best-preserved cone offering panoramic views of the volcanic group, especially at sunset.
• Volcano No. 6 (South Alchemy Furnace): Featured on China National Geography, it’s the “most beautiful volcano.” Visitors can rent astronaut suits for fun photos or take helicopter tours (499 RMB/person).
• Volcanoes No. 7–8: Sharp volcanic rocks and agates line the trails, along with scenic roads perfect for photography and go-kart rides.
NO.3 Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest | A 21-Day Golden Spectacle
Every September, the Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest transforms into a sea of gold as the first frost arrives. These ancient trees follow a unique lifecycle: grow for a thousand years, stand dead for a thousand years, and lie undisturbed for another thousand. This fleeting 21-day autumn spectacle is a must-see natural wonder.
Admission: 240 RMB (includes shuttle)
Recommended Visit: Half-day to full-day
Top Spots Along the “Eight Bridges” Trail:
• Bridge 1 – Taolai Forest: Perfect for a gentle autumn stroll.
• Bridge 2 – Reflection Forest: Golden trees mirrored in water, creating a serene scene.
• Bridge 3 – Red Willow Sea: Red willows contrast beautifully with golden poplars.
• Bridge 4 – Hero Forest: Epic backdrops for photography, used in the movie Hero.
• Bridge 7 – Dream Forest: Early-turning yellow trees kissed by sunlight.
• Bridge 8 – Desert Forest: Adjacent to the Badain Jaran Desert; visitors can ride camels, explore desert trails, take small plane tours, or encounter “Transformers” installations.
(Bridges 5 and 6 are less famous and visually similar to the other bridges, so they are often omitted in travel highlights.)
No.4 Askhatu Stone Forest | Step into a 200-Million-Year-Old World
The Askhatu Stone Forest in Chifeng’s Keshiketeng Banner is a rare granite formation sculpted by glaciers millions of years ago. Its Mongolian name means “steep rocks.” Unlike vertical stone formations elsewhere, Askhatu features horizontal layered patterns, forming a unique UNESCO Global Geopark.
The stone clusters form winding corridors and scattered formations, blending with the grasslands and sky for breathtaking scenery.
Admission: 160 RMB (includes shuttle)
Top Experiences:
• Walk Through Stone Corridors: Discover bizarre formations shaped by ancient glaciers.
• Spot Wildlife: Reindeer and hares roam among birch forests.
• Climb Northern Ridge: At 1,700 meters, enjoy sweeping views of the Gongger Grassland.
• Photography: Sunset casts golden light on the rocks, contrasting beautifully with the prairie.
No.5 Arxan Shitang Forest | Asia’s Largest Volcanic Lava Terrain
Arxan Shitang Forest on the southwestern slope of the Greater Khingan Mountains is a vast, well-preserved volcanic lava landscape. Formed in the Quaternary period, it is Asia’s largest dormant basalt terrain, a living museum of geology and ecology.
The Halahar River flows through the forest, sometimes aboveground, sometimes underground, creating scattered lakes and ponds. Larch trees grow from cracks in volcanic rock, and resilient pines cling to the stones, adding life to the landscape.
Top Experiences:
• Explore Lava Formations: Walk among volcanic remnants millions of years old.
• Enjoy Rivers & Lakes: Sparkling ponds dot the forest, surrounded by black rock and greenery.
• Experience Forest Life: Larch trees and pines showcase nature’s resilience.
• Photography: The contrast between dark volcanic rocks and lush vegetation is striking.
No.6 Badain Jaran Desert | The World’s Tallest Desert
The Badain Jaran Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the world’s tallest sand dunes. Towering dunes, hidden lakes, “singing sands,” and pristine springs combine to create a wild and majestic environment.
Top Experiences:
• Sand Peaks: Bilutu Peak rises to 1,611 meters, often called the “Mount Everest of Sand.”
• Desert Lakes: 144 scattered lakes, blue or green, appear like jewels amid golden dunes.
• Singing Sand: Slide down the dunes and hear the sands hum—a rare natural phenomenon.
• Springs: Yinderitu Lake’s 108 small springs provide precious fresh water in the desert.
As the locals say, ‘After traveling through many deserts, it is only when you return to Badain Jaran that you truly appreciate its towering dunes and untamed wilderness. Here, you can witness the ever-changing play of lakes and sand, as well as experience the stirring stillness and vastness of the desert.’
Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for pleasant weather.
No.7 Daqinggou | A Primeval Forest in Desert Latitude
Daqinggou is the only preserved desert forest at this latitude, known as the “Desert Sanctuary, Northern Wonderland.” A canyon trail winds through streams and lush greenery, providing a peaceful escape in the desert.
Admission: 50 RMB
Parking: 10 RMB
Other Activities: Rafting, horseback riding, bonfire nights
Top Experiences:
• Canyon Hiking: Explore boardwalks lined with ancient trees, streams, and dense forest.
• Rafting Adventures: Float along canyon streams for a refreshing experience.
• Horseback Riding: Ride through trails and valleys like northern nomads.
• Bonfire Evenings: Gather around a fire at night under the starry sky.
• Wildlife Observation: Spot birds, small mammals, and rare plants; perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Inner Mongolia offers a stunning variety of landscapes—from grasslands and golden forests to volcanoes, lava fields, deserts, and rivers—making it one of China’s most unique travel destinations. Every wonder reveals the region’s raw beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Longqing Gorge combines the charm of the southern landscape with the majesty of the northern landscape in China. The canyons are tortuous, the river is green, the cliffs on both sides are steep, and the caves, stalagmites and stone pillars are densely covered. It is known as the “Little Li River” of Beijing. In spring and summer, people come here to play and go out; in winter, there is a sea of ice lanterns.
Longqing Gorge not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also has matching amusement facilities. You can take the elevator directly to the cruise ship dock near Baihua Cave. There is also a thrilling wing slide in the scenic area, which can slide from the mouth of Baihua Cave to Cuidao in the center of the lake at high speed. In the vicinity of Baihua Cave, you can take the ropeway directly to the Shenxianyuan in the middle of the mountain. In addition, there are rock climbing grounds, ice climbing bases, bungee jumping, and other thrilling projects in the scenic area. Extreme sports enthusiasts can also find your own happiness here.
Volga Manor is located on the original ecological Ashe River in the outskirts of Harbin. It covers an area of more than 600,000 square meters. It is a tourist attraction based on the history of Harbin and the theme of Russian culture. It is a manor which is fully enriched with exotic customs. The manor integrates the functions of sightseeing, leisure and vacation, outdoor sports, exhibitions, research trips, wedding celebrations, etc. It can accommodate thousands of people for dining and hundreds of people for accommodation at the same time.
In winter, the main goal of the manor is to advocate the destination of Russian-style ice and snow artistic life experience. It integrates Russian-style ice and snow and activities such as castle skiing and castle snow circle into the scenic area, presenting not only the beauty of architecture, but also the real Russian art life.
Xishuangbanna Tropical Flowers and Plants Garden is located in the Tropical Crop Science Institute of Yunnan Province in Jinghong City, the capital of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan. It covers an area of 80 hectares and is one of the main attractions in Xishuangbanna Scenic Area. It was rated as an AAA-level scenic spot by the National Tourism Administration in 2001 and is now an AAAA-level scenic spot. The garden is divided into Baicao Garden, Palm Plant Area, Sparse Tree Lawn Area, Fruit Tree Area and Economic Crops Area, etc. There are nearly 1,000 varieties of various flowers and economic plants in the garden. Xishuangbanna Tropical Flowers and Plants Garden displays the connotation of popular science through tropical flowers and tropical plant landscapes. It is a theme park integrating scientific research, popular science, patriotism education, tourism, leisure, and vacation.
The ticket for Xishuangbanna Tropical Flowers and Plants Garden is 40 yuan, and you can enjoy pure natural plants and flowers, breathe in the fresh air, appreciate the beautiful tropical scenery and style, and let people experience the harmony between man and nature.
The Tientsin Eye’s full name is the Yongle Bridge Tientsin Eye, which connects Hebei District and Hongqiao District across the Haihe River. It is a Ferris wheel for cross-river construction and bridge-wheel integration. It has both sightseeing and transportation functions. The Tientsin Eye is a rare ferris wheel from where you can overlook the scenery on the bridge and it is one of Tianjin’s landmarks. Every night when the lights are on, the colorful lights of the Tientsin Eye are soft and beautiful.
The Yongle Bridge Tientsin Eye is magnificent and majestic from a distance during the day. At night, when the neon lights up, it becomes a beautiful scenery on the Haihe River, attracting visitors coming here. There are generally two ways to play the Tianjin Eye, ride or take photos from a distance. The ride on the Ferris wheel is 70 yuan per person. If you want to enjoy it alone, you can also spend 400 yuan to pack a cabin. The Tientsin Eye cabin is air-conditioned, so you can slowly and comfortably watch the surrounding scenery, especially after dark at night, it is shocking.
Qing Dao Trestle Bridge is one of the scenic spots of Qingdao Coastal Scenic Area. It is the first batch of national-level scenic spots announced by the State Council in 1982 and the first batch of national AAAA-level tourist attractions.
There are chain guardrails and lotus street lights on both sides of Trestle Bridge. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront of Trestle Bridge. When the wind is calm, you can watch seagulls soar freely here. At the end of the bridge, you can also overlook the small Qingdao. On the island, the shadows of trees and greenery are clustered, and a white lighthouse stands tall and majestic. When the tide is high, the turbulent waves hit the breakwater, causing clusters of waves, so you can stop and watch. When the tide is low, the ochre-colored reefs and golden beaches are exposed to the surface. You can walk down the Trestle Bridge and stroll along the beach to catch the sea and collect shellfish.
Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Area refers to the area along the Qinhuai River with the Confucius Temple as the center, including streets and lanes on both sides of the bank, residential buildings, nearby historic sites, and scenic spots.
If you want to go boating in the Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Area, you can board the boat at the pier opposite to the Confucius Temple. There are scenic spots explanation on the boat, and you can admire the scenery and learn about historical stories at the same time.
Qinghai-tibet Plateau Wildlife Park is a zoo with beautiful scenery and it is located in Xishan of Xining. There are more than 200 animals in captivity in the park. Although the number is not much when compared with zoos in other cities, there are snow leopards, Procapra przewalskii, desert cats, wild yaks and other unique animals of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which are rare in other cities. Whether in the grasslands, lakes, or at the foot of snow-capped mountains, there are Tibetan wild donkeys everywhere. It takes about 3-4 hours to watch them all.
Because Xining does not produce altitude sickness, Qinghai-tibet Plateau Wildlife Park has become a place where most people can get more intimate understanding and contact with plateau creatures. In addition to ordinary small animals, the most famous and most anticipated animals here are the various plateau-specific animals. Tickets to the Qinghai-tibet Plateau Wildlife Park are not expensive. If you have enough time, it is suggested that you take a visit here.
The grasslands of Nalati Tourist Scenic Area are subalpine meadow plant areas, which is one of the four major grasslands in the world. It is located on the northern slope of the Nalati Mountains. It consists of the following three parts: the aerial grassland, the river valley grassland, and the Nalati National Forest Park. The total planned area of the Nalati Tourist Scenic Area is 960 square kilometers. The scenic area is composed of high mountain grassland sightseeing area, Kazakh folk customs area and tourist living area from south to north.
The Nalati prairie is located in Xinyuan County, Yili, Xinjiang. This is also the most beautiful place in Yili. Everywhere is beautiful landscape and blue sky. Flocks of cattle and sheep are on the grass, which is very impressive. There are also various wildflowers. The beautiful grassland scenery, snowy mountains, wildflowers, forests, canyons, cattle, and sheep make up a beautiful picture with a panoramic view.