Ordos, China
I. Basic Profile
Ordos means "numerous palaces" in Mongolian. It is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, located in the southwestern part of Inner Mongolia, within the hinterland of the Yellow River’s "Ji"-shaped bend. As a core city of the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos-Yulin Urban Agglomeration, its per capita GDP has long ranked among the top nationwide.
- Area: Approximately 87,000 square kilometers
- Population: Around 2.2405 million by the end of 2024, with an urbanization rate of 80.4%
- Administrative Divisions: 2 districts (Dongsheng and Kangbashi) and 7 banners. The municipal government is seated in Kangbashi District.
- Resources: A city famous for its four core resources – cashmere, coal, rare earth and natural gas. It boasts abundant reserves of these resources and serves as a world-class base for energy and cashmere industries.
- Culture: A core birthplace of Hetao Culture and Mongol-Yuan Culture, and home to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan.
II. Core Scenic Spots
1. Xiangshawan (Resonant Sand Bay) (5A Scenic Area, Kubuqi Desert)
Known as the "singing desert", it is China’s first large-scale desert resort. Must-try activities include camel riding, desert buggy rides, sand sliding and aerial cable car trips. Visitors may stay at the Lotus Sand Resort Hotel to admire the stunning starry sky over the vast desert.
2. Mausoleum of Genghis Khan (5A Scenic Area, Ejin Horo Banner)
A sacred spiritual site for the Mongolian people and the cenotaph of Genghis Khan. Its sacrificial rituals are listed as national intangible cultural heritage. The grand live-action performance Grand Ceremony of Genghis Khan showcases the epic history of the Mongol-Yuan era.
3. Kangbashi Tourist Zone (4A Scenic Area, Downtown)
The world’s first urban landscape 4A-level tourist attraction. Must-see landmarks include Ordos Museum, Wulanmulun Lake and Asia’s tallest musical fountain. Large-scale fireworks and drone light shows are held here during major festivals.
4. Seven-Star Lake (4A Scenic Area, Kubuqi Desert)
An eco-resort embedded in the desert, featuring seven lakes scattered across sand dunes, integrating grassland, desert and wetland scenery. It is an ideal destination for bird watching, off-road driving and stargazing camping.
5. Ordos Grassland
A pristine natural grassland offering horse riding, archery, equestrian shows and Mongolian robe experiences. Tourists can stay overnight in traditional yurts and enjoy bonfire parties under the brilliant Milky Way.
III. Local Specialties (Flavors of the Warm City)
- Hand-Boiled Mutton: Lamb simmered in plain water, tender and free of gamey odor, a signature hearty grassland dish.
- Whole Roast Lamb / Roast Lamb Leg / Roast Lamb Ribs: Crispy golden skin with juicy meat inside, a grand feast staple for celebrations.
- Dairy Delicacies: Milk skin, milk curd, cheese and milk tea, featuring a rich, mellow taste both savory and sweet.
- Fermented Millet Porridge: A local specialty made from fermented millet, sweet and sour to whet the appetite.
Ordos Cashmere: Soft gold that "warms the whole world", the top choice for souvenirs.
IV. Travel Tips
- Best Travel Period: May to October (mild spring and summer). July and August feature the most beautiful grasslands; September and October offer spectacular golden poplar forests and desert scenery.
- Transportation
- Air: Ordos International Airport operates flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and other major cities.
- High-speed Rail: Ordos High-speed Railway Station connects Hohhot, Baotou, Xi’an and beyond.
- Self-driving: Scenic spots are widely scattered, so self-driving or chartered cars are the most convenient options. It takes about 1 hour to drive from Kangbashi to Resonant Sand Bay, and roughly 40 minutes to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan.
- Clothing: Sharp temperature difference between day and night. Bring a thin jacket in summer and thick outerwear in spring and autumn. Prepare full sun and sand protection products: SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
- Accommodation: City hotels in Kangbashi and Dongsheng (200–400 RMB per night); luxury Lotus Hotel in the desert; yurts on the grassland (300–500 RMB per night).
V. Summary
Ordos is hailed as the "Warm City", where desert and grassland coexist, and modern vitality blends with ancient traditions. It features the magnificent Kubuqi Desert, the profound Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, and the prosperous modern new town of Kangbashi. It is an unmissable stop on the western Inner Mongolia travel route.
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