The Gegentala grassland, nicknamed the "summer station" or "summer pasture land", ranks among the most expansive steppes of Inner Mongolia. Located roughly 145 km north of Hohhot, in the Ulanqab region, its vast grassy plains, herds, and annual Naadam fair make it an emblematic setting for Mongolian nomadic culture in Chine.

Why visit Gegentala

Gegentala offers relatively easy access to steppe landscapes from a major Chinese city, making it a practical gateway for those wishing to experience Mongolian culture without embarking on a distant expedition. People visit for three main reasons:

• walk or ride horses across a grassy plain dotted with wildflowers and crisscrossed by streams;
• attend the Naadam fair and its traditional competitions;
• spend a night in a yurt with local herders and taste their cuisine.

The site thus combines nature, equestrian sport and cultural immersion, without requiring long journeys from Hohhot.

History of the site

Gegentala was originally a vast, undeveloped grassland dedicated to seasonal herding. The first tourist installations were built here in 1979, in the form of yurt camps designed to accommodate visitors.

From 1990 onwards, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region government organized an annual fair at the site, with the aim of promoting and preserving Mongolian culture. Today it is one of the region's most well-known summer gatherings, attracting Chinese, Mongolian and foreign visitors.

What to see and do

The steppe and its landscapes

The plain stretches across wide horizons. In summer, verdant grasses welcome flocks of sheep and yaks, while streams crossing the site cool the atmosphere. Late afternoon, when light rakes across the steppe, remains the most photogenic moment.

The Naadam fair

The word naadam means "entertainment" in Mongolian. The Naadam fair takes place every July and brings together the three traditional nomadic games:

• horse racing, over long distances;
• Mongolian wrestling, codified and highly ritualized;
• archery, practiced on foot.

Dance performances, folk songs and craft stalls round out the festivities. Visitors can don traditional costumes and try their hand at certain disciplines.

Nights in yurts and Mongolian cuisine

It's possible to spend the night in a yurt with local herders or in an organized camp. This is an opportunity to sample the region's culinary specialties, which include:

• koumiss (or airag), a lightly alcoholic beverage made from fermented mare's milk;
• shouba rou, steamed lamb served in large pieces.

When to visit

The steppe is strictly a summer destination. The most favorable period extends from June through early September, when grass is green and temperatures mild. Outside this window, the plain empties out, the climate becomes harsh, and most camps close.

To attend the Naadam fair, aim for July. Remember to book accommodation and transport well in advance: festival weekends fill up quickly.

Practical information

• Entrance fee: modest entrance charge, paid upon arrival at the site. Rates change regularly, so verify before departure.
• Site access: the grassland is open during the day; yurt camps welcome guests in the evening and for overnight stays.
• Accommodation: tourist yurt camps or overnight stays with local families, to be arranged through a local guide or agency.
• What to bring: warm clothing for evenings (temperature drops sharply after sunset), sun protection, walking shoes suitable for the terrain.

How to get there

From Hohhot, allow roughly 2 hours by bus or taxi to reach Gegentala. Connections also exist from the nearby city of Ulanqab, which offers taxis to base camps. For a stay with yurt accommodation, the simplest approach is to work through an agency or guide who arranges transfers and overnight stays.

See also in the region

To extend your discovery of Inner Mongolia and northern Chine, several sites can be combined with Gegentala:

• Hohhot, the regional capital, the logical starting point for your trip;
• the Baigongfang Handicraft Museum, for insight into local craftsmanship;
• Beishan Temple, a testament to Buddhism in the region;
• the Bell and Drum Towers, for an urban stop.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Gegentala grassland fits naturally into a broader itinerary across northern Chine, between Beijing, Hohhot and Inner Mongolia. To build a journey combining historic cities, steppes and nomadic culture, explore our Chine travel ideas.