Travel Tips for Chifeng – What to Know Before Visiting
Self-Driving Tips on the Grassland
The asphalt roads connecting Chifeng to its scenic spots are mostly straight and smooth. However, with endless grasslands stretching on both sides and few reference landmarks, drivers often unconsciously speed up without noticing. Always keep an eye on the speedometer and strictly avoid speeding.
Some roads leading to remote attractions are narrow, though the roadbeds are wide enough. When two vehicles meet, one party must drive one set of wheels onto the gravel shoulder. Drive with extreme caution and take the initiative to yield safely instead of rushing to pass.
Scenic sites are widely scattered, usually over 100 kilometres apart. Gas stations are rarely available inside tourist zones, so fill up the fuel tank completely before setting off each morning.
Horse Riding Safety Guidelines on the Grassland
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Listen carefully to the herder’s instructions and arrangements before riding.
Do not make sudden or exaggerated movements when approaching a horse. Walk slowly toward its left front side to avoid startling it. Never approach from the horse’s right side or rear, and never stand directly behind its hindquarters. Horses are easily spooked by unseen motions and abrupt gestures; their natural self-defence reflex is to kick backward with their hind legs.
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Tidy your outfit properly before riding.
Wear close-fitting clothes and footwear. Tall boots or sports shoes are recommended to prevent ankle abrasions. Fasten your clothing, hat and scarf tightly to stop loose fabric fluttering and frightening the horse. Personal belongings tend to jolt loose during galloping, get damaged or fall into thick grass and become hard to retrieve.
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Preparations before mounting
- Check the girth, reins and stirrups by yourself to ensure they are secured tight, and adjust the stirrup length to fit your legs. Ask the herder for help if you do not know how.
- If no one holds the horse for you, grip the reins firmly to keep it steady while mounting. Stand beside the horse’s front legs, pull the reins tight with your left hand and hold the front pommel of the saddle. Place your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over to mount. Ask the herder to steady the horse for you if you lack confidence.
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Safety rules while riding
- Avoid sudden big movements or passing items back and forth on horseback. Do not dismount midway, change clothes (especially bright-coloured garments) or shout loudly, all of which may scare the horse.
- Rest only the ball of your front foot in the stirrup; never slide your entire foot all the way in. If you fall off, your foot may get trapped and cause severe injury.
- Reins are your primary tool to steer and sense the horse’s mood. Maintain a firm grip to control direction and respond to abnormal behaviour. When the horse stumbles downhill, lean your weight backward and pull the reins hard to help it regain balance. Never wrap your arms around its neck — this adds extra pressure to its front legs and risks a tumble for both rider and horse.
- The girth tends to loosen after the horse moves for a while. If not retightened promptly, the saddle may slide sideways and throw you off.
- When the horse gallops, brace your legs firmly against the stirrups and squeeze its belly with your calves. Hold the reins and saddle tightly with both hands, and lift your hips slightly off the saddle to avoid falling and prevent chafing from bumping.
- Ask the herder to hold the horse steady before dismounting. Slide the ball of your left foot out of the stirrup first, grasp the reins tightly with your left hand, then swing your right leg down to climb off. Confirm your left foot is fully free of the stirrup before dismounting.
Summer Grassland Travel Advice
When sweltering heat blankets most regions in midsummer, the high-altitude Inner Mongolian grasslands with cool temperatures and sharp day-night temperature differences make an ideal summer retreat. Unique local folk customs including the Naadam Festival, Aobao worship, grassland bonfire galas, horse racing and wrestling add irresistible charm.
- The temperature gap between day and night on the grassland is significant. Bring light outerwear and long trousers; heavy items such as down jackets are unnecessary.
- Prepare for hot sunshine or rainy weather. Strong ultraviolet radiation permeates the grassland, so sunscreen, sun umbrellas and raincoats are essential.
- Bring your favourite snacks if you cannot adapt to mutton dishes.
- Buy local specialties such as air-dried beef and dairy products from supermarkets for better quality and price.
- It is easy to lose your bearings after dark when staying on the grassland; carry a flashlight.
- The grassland stretches boundlessly. Never wander alone — travel in groups to avoid getting lost.
- Learn basic Mongolian etiquette:
- Enter a yurt from the left side of the stove, and sit on the west or north side. The east side is reserved for the host family. Do not block the Buddha statue hung on the northern wall when taking a seat.
- Whether entering a yurt or a brick house of Mongolian households, never sit on or step over the threshold.
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