Erdos Travel Guide

A City of Salt Lakes and Intermittent Streams

The area of Erdos city can roughly be divided into a hilly area in the east, high plateaus in the west and center, sandy deserts in the north and south and the plains at the southern bank of the Yellow River. The Great Wall of China separates the Erdos from the fertile loess land to the south and east. The desert receives less than 10 in (25 cm) of rain annually, mainly in the form of thunderstorms. The region has many salt lakes and intermittent streams. Large soda deposits are mined. The alkaline soil supports some grasslands, and nomadic Mongol herders raise sheep and goats.

History - Vast Natural Landscapes

Though by no means fertile in the usual sense, Erdos Prefecture is starkly beautiful, and its grasslands support large livestock herds. The area is characterized by its vast natural landscapes which stretch as far as the eye can see. Besides the majority Han ethnic group, there are ethnic Hui, Manchu, Mongol and Tibetan groups that make the prefecture their home. The historical-cultural highlights of the area include - besides the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and the Qin-Zhou section of the Great Wall, erected by the Qin State during the Warring States (BCE 475-221) Period of the Eastern Zhou (BCE 770-221) Dynasty: Dunhuangaer Village in the heart of the grassland; Wang Zhaojun Mausoleum; and the relics of 12 connected cities that stem from the Sui (CE 581-617) Dynasty.

Because of the close link between the Huns of the region and the rulers of the Western Han (BCE 206 - BC 009) Dynasty due to intermarriage, the Ordos area to this day reflects a special Han Chinese royal court flavor in its songs, dances, manner of dress, etc. - even in its food customs - which historical influences have shaped the uniqueness of Ordos Prefecture.

Food

Inner Mongolia is a good place to travel to. There is the beautiful scenery, pleasant songs and delicious food. Guests are treated ceremoniously. In a general way, if informed, they'll welcome guests by horse from the border. In the pastures there is an unwritten rule -- if guests come, recognized or not, herdsmen must provide the best food and water.

Transportation

Since the reform and opening up to the outside world, transportation of Inner Mongolia has achieved great development. With railway as the main transportation form, Inner Mongolia connects north China, northwest China and northeast China. Airways and expressways are also very convenient.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Hohhot is colorful just like any other modern cities, for example, bars, nightclubs and amusement parks provide trendy fun. As an minority rendezvous, its unique ethical charm is more attractive, such as the wonderful Mongolian song and dance shows. The most thrilling part of all is that you can demonstrate your sportsmanship by joining the locals, taking part in camel race, horse race, wrestling, archery or dance. The folk music and dance performance, as well as the bonfire party are the most romantic entertainment. If you are a fantast, the grasslands are an ideal place. You can watch the clear night sky in peaceful surrounding free from light and particulate pollution, so you have great visibility.

When to Go

Climate in Inner Mongolia is very different during the year. Winter is cold and can be very long, with frequent blizzards. Usually summer is short and warm. The climate changes from arid to semi-humid from west to east, and to humid in the northeast. The annual rainfall is 80 - 450 millimeters, also increasing from west to east. The main feature of the climate here is that the different in temperature between days and nights is very big, so tourists should wear layer of clothes when traveling here.