About this Tour
For travelers who want both the Forbidden City and a yurt on the grassland in one trip, this 10-Day journey pairs Beijing with the grasslands and desert of Inner Mongolia. It begins in Beijing with imperial landmarks and old hutong neighborhoods, then slows down at Gubei Water Town, a Great Wall-side resort beneath the Simatai Wall. From there the route opens into Inner Mongolia, moving from the Huitengxile Grassland to the volcanic cones of Ulan Hada and the dunes of Resonant Sand Bay. Relaxed and family-friendly throughout, it works well for couples, friends, families, and first-time visitors to China.
4CanGo Small Group Program
Our 4CanGo departures are confirmed to operate as soon as four guests are booked, with a maximum of ten travelers per departure. Once the minimum is met, your trip goes ahead, so you can plan with confidence and enjoy the attentive pace that only a small group allows.
Online booking is set up for parties of four or more. If you are traveling solo or with a group of three or fewer, please contact us and we will arrange your booking directly. We are glad to build flexible arrangements around your preferred dates, group size, and travel style.
Quality of service is our priority. Every Horizon itinerary is planned by a team led by a founder with more than 20 years in the travel industry, specializing in both U.S. national park tours and international travel. We are committed to delivering a personalized and memorable journey.
About Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region in northern China, stretching along the country’s border with Mongolia. It is known for its wide grasslands, nomadic Mongolian heritage, and a landscape that shifts from open steppe to volcanic fields and desert dunes. Hohhot, its capital, blends Mongolian and Han Chinese culture alongside Tibetan Buddhist temples, offering a side of China far removed from its imperial heartland.
Tour Highlights
- Beijing’s imperial heart: Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park.
- Old Beijing on foot around the Drum Tower, Shichahai, and Nanluogu Lane.
- An overnight at Gubei Water Town, a Great Wall-side resort with stone lanes, a cultural workshop, and a hot spring.
- The Simatai Great Wall by round-trip cable car, with a short walk along the accessible section.
- High-speed rail from Beijing to Hohhot, the gateway to Inner Mongolia.
- A night in a Mongolian yurt on the Huitengxile Grassland, with horseback riding, an ovoo blessing, and a Mongolian banquet.
- The volcanic cones of Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark.
- A desert stay at Resonant Sand Bay, with access to Xiansha and Yuesha Islands.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: High-speed trains or optional domestic flights, and luxury coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns with daily breakfast (twin-sharing basis).
- Meals: As per itinerary with complimentary daily drinking water.
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary.
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide.
What’s Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10% gratuity)
- Personal expenses, optional activities, and any items or attraction tickets not mentioned in the Inclusions section
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Single supplement
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China's historic capital, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, visit the Temple of Heaven, an elegant imperial ceremonial site once used by emperors to pray for good harvests. If your flight or train arrives later in the day, the schedule will remain relaxed, with time to check in and rest after the journey.
Day 2: Iconic Beijing
Today introduces Beijing's imperial and local character. Begin at Tian'anmen Square before continuing into the Forbidden City, the vast former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, visit Jingshan Park for a classic view over the palace rooftops and Beijing's central axis.
The day continues through the Drum Tower, Shichahai, and Nanluogu Lane, where old hutongs, lakeside streets, cafés, and small shops show a softer side of the capital.
Day 3: Gubei Water Town
Travel out of Beijing to Gubei Water Town, located at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. The setting feels very different from central Beijing: stone lanes, bridges, courtyards, waterways, traditional-style buildings, and views toward the Wall above the town. After check-in, enjoy time to explore at a slower pace.
In the evening, enjoy the illuminated town, with music water shows or Great Wall light shows depending on the scenic-area schedule.
Day 4: Simatai Great Wall and High-Speed Rail to Hohhot
After breakfast, visit the Simatai Great Wall, a dramatic section known for its steep ridgelines, dense watchtowers, and varied architectural forms. To keep the experience comfortable and suitable for most guests, the visit is arranged primarily with a round-trip cable car. After reaching the Wall, guests may enjoy a short and relaxed walk near the accessible section for photos and views, without a long hiking route.
After lunch, leave Gubei Water Town around 2:00–2:30 pm and transfer to Qinghe Railway Station or Beijing North Railway Station. Board an evening high-speed train to Hohhot, arriving in around 2.5 hours, then transfer to the hotel for rest.
Day 5: Huitengxile Grassland
Leave Hohhot this morning and travel to the Huitengxile Grassland. Upon arrival, receive a traditional Mongolian-style welcome before enjoying a guided horseback riding experience, arranged for approximately 20–30 minutes with local handlers and safety equipment. Continue with a visit to a local herder family and an ovoo blessing experience.
Later, explore Huanghuagou Scenic Area, where grassland, valleys, hills, and seasonal flowers create a refreshing summer landscape. Depending on local operations, sightseeing transport such as cableways, small trains, or scenic vehicles may be used. In the evening, stay overnight in a grassland-style Mongolian yurt.
Day 6: Ulan Hada Volcano
Wake early if you would like to enjoy the grassland morning before breakfast. Then continue to Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark, one of the most distinctive landscapes in Inner Mongolia. The visit may include several volcanic cones, each with different shapes, colors, and textures.
A themed astronaut-style photo experience may be arranged in the volcanic landscape, creating a fun family moment. The visit also includes time to observe volcanic rocks and learn about the area's geological features in a light, accessible way. Later, join a wool-felt pyrography workshop before returning to Hohhot, where dinner may feature local shaomai, one of the city's representative specialties.
Day 7: Resonant Sand Bay and Lotus Hotel
After breakfast, travel to Yinken Resonant Sand Bay, a national 5A scenic area known for its “singing sand” phenomenon. The landscape changes again today, from grassland and volcanic terrain to wide golden dunes. Upon arrival, continue to Lotus Hotel, the signature desert hotel in the Resonant Sand Bay resort area.
Guests will enjoy VIP access for convenient entry to the resort area, along with access to both Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island. Time is included to enjoy the desert resort atmosphere, the dedicated viewing area for sunset, and family-friendly activities arranged within the scenic area. Specific activities on Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island are subject to the scenic area's daily operation and weather conditions. In the evening, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the desert resort under the open sky.
Day 8: Resonant Sand Bay Desert Experience
Spend the day enjoying the desert resort area at a relaxed pace. The experience is centered around Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island, where activities may include desert trains, camel riding, sand-based entertainment, family workshops, cultural performances, water-themed activities, and scenic shows, depending on the season and daily operation.
This day is designed to feel lighter and more playful after the grassland and volcano sections, giving families time to enjoy the desert without rushing. Later, return to Hohhot and check in at the hotel.
Day 9: Hohhot Cultural Walk and Return to Beijing
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed cultural finish in Hohhot. Visit Dazhao Temple, one of the city's important Tibetan Buddhist temples, then continue to nearby Saishang Old Street, a historic-style street with local snacks, folk craft shops, small markets, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere. These two sites are close to each other, making the morning smooth and easy before the return journey.
After lunch or in the afternoon, transfer to the railway station or airport for the journey back to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 10: Beijing Departure
After breakfast, your journey concludes in Beijing. Depending on your international flight schedule, there may be time at leisure before transferring to the airport for departure.
Itinerary Note: To ensure the best possible travel experience, the order of visits and daily arrangements may be adjusted by the guide based on local conditions, travel time, visitor traffic, weather, and operational considerations. All key included experiences will be arranged as appropriately as possible throughout the journey.
Accommodation Selection
Hotels are selected for their location, facilities, service standards, and overall guest experience, rather than by formal star classification alone. Star ratings, where referenced, follow local standards and are provided for general reference only. Hotel assignments are finalized for each departure based on availability and operational requirements, with selections made to maintain the intended level of comfort and overall guest experience.
Age Requirements
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the tour. All travelers should be able to safely and comfortably participate in the itinerary.