Xilin Gol: Mongol-Yuan Culture and River Landscapes

Xilin Gol combines striking landscapes with insights into history, equestrian culture and regional cuisine. At the Mongol-Yuan Culture Museum, you can explore a multifaceted era; along the Xilin River, wetlands and protected animal species take centre stage. Which of these aspects interests you most can help give your trip a focus that suits you.

Volcanoes and Steppe

South of the urban area of Xilinhot lies the Xilin Gol Grassland Volcanoes National Geopark. It consists of two separate areas: Pingdingshan Park and Gezishan Park. The Pingdingshan volcanic group in the surrounding area formed about 10,000 years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. More than ten low, flat-topped mountains, as if sliced with a knife, line up across the steppe. Their distinctive shape adds a unique feature alongside the area's open landscapes.

History and Equestrian Culture

The Mongol-Yuan Culture Museum is the central building of the Mongol-Yuan Culture Area. Its collection includes seals, badges, clothing, gold and silver objects, stone carvings, ceramics, paintings, weapons and architectural elements from the Mongol-Yuan period. The exhibits represent the political, economic, cultural, military and technological aspects of this era. You can therefore explore the museum according to your interests, from crafts and everyday objects to questions of power, trade and technology.

The architectural decoration of Baizimiao also brings together different traditions: Buddhist architectural elements meet design influences from the Han, Mongol, Tibetan and Manchu peoples. Those interested in architecture will find a different subject here than in the museum collection. The Horse Culture Performance Hall is also home to the large indoor live show “Mongolian Horse”.

The Xilin Gol Racecourse offers another perspective on equestrian culture. It features exhibitions, horse races and competitions, as well as riding demonstrations. Performances include horseback greetings, picking up wine cups and lifting a hadag. Horse riding, photos in ethnic costume and bonfire performances round out the programme. If your travel group has a range of interests, these cultural themes can be part of your plans for the stay, alongside landscapes and nature.

Wetlands and Regional Cuisine

The Xilin River wetland ecosystem includes wetlands, grassland, meadows, marshes, reservoirs and rivers. The Xilin River National Wetland Park is home to 26 species of nationally protected animals, including two nationally protected Class I bird species and 24 Class II species. The natural environment here extends beyond individual landscape types to include the protection of different animal species.

You can learn about regional products at the Xilinhot Cheese Culture and Industry Park, where you can sample cheese products and discover information about their history, production techniques and nutritional value. In the area around the destination, you can try Mongolian specialities at the Xilin River Tourist Resort, including whole roasted lamb, roasted lamb ribs, roasted lamb saddle, hand-held ribs, as well as dairy dishes and drinks. There is a range of culinary themes to choose from, from cheese and its production to the meat and dairy dishes mentioned above.

When looking for a holiday rental in Xilin Gol, consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on culture and equestrian traditions, landscapes and wildlife, or regional products. This can help you choose your destination based on the themes that appeal most to your travel group.

More Destinations

If you would like to explore more destinations: Tongliao, Alxa, Ulanqab, Wuhai, Hulun Buir, Ordos, Hohhot and Baotou.

For the main travel overview: Inner Mongolia.