City Info: Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

The present capital of Inner Mongolia was founded in the 16th century by a group of nomads known as the Tumet. The city grew and prospered under the Qing Dynasty, and with the founding of the People′s Republic of China in 1949, it was renamed Hohhot-meaning "Green City" in Mongolian. The city is not green, but it does have a liveliness imparted by the outgoing nature of its Mongolian inhabitants. Hohhot is the gateway to Inner Mongolia. It serves both as a starting point for a grasslands excursion and as a connecting point for Baotou or Xilinhot.

Population
2,000,000

Cuisine
Mongolian Cuisine, traditional meal incl. mare's milk, butter, tea and mutton ribs

When to Go
The best time is from Jun to Sep

Airport Info
Hohhot airport is about 15km east of the city.
By taxi: around CNY 30/USD 3.6 per taxi. The airport bus is available.

Accommodations

Main Scenic Spots

Excursion from Hohhot

Official Websites
(English version is under construction)
- Hohhot Municipal Government
- Hohhot Info

Events & Festivals
- Naadam Festival
The Naadam Festival is one of the most exciting and colorful celebrations in Mongolia. Held from July 11 to 13 each year, this unique celebration marks the 1921 Mongolian Revolution. The center of the festivities are the fierce horse racing, archery and wrestling competitions, the traditional sports of the Mongolian warrior.

- Hohhot Zhaojun Culture Festival
In every August, the International Folk Arts Festival, Zhaojun Tomb Folk Customs and Culture Activity, Exhibition of Folk Arts, Photos and Paintings, special local songs and dances, and yangko dance competition.

Museums
- Museum of Inner Mongolia
Well presented and definitely worth a visit. This museum is the biggest attraction in town. The collection includes a large mammoth skeleton dug out of a coal mine near Manzhouli, dinosaur exhibits, a yurt and a fantastic array of Mongolian costumes, artefacts, archery equipment and saddles. The top floors of the museum sometimes closed.