Xilin Gol Grassland is one of the biggest and most beautiful grasslands in China. Xilin Gol, also spelt Xilingol, means "river on the plateau" in Mongolian. With the ecological significance and magnificent sceneries, Xilin Gol Grassland was established as the first grassland biosphere reserve in China in 1987. This land is an excellent choice for you to escape from your busy life and enjoy broad prairies. Here you can breathe the clean air, view endless grassland dotted by white yurts, and enjoy fresh milk and hand-serving meat. Cattle and sheep are everywhere. Distant mountains, close rivers, blue sky, and clusters of clouds—all build an idyllic world for you.
Xilin Gol Grassland is also a place for you to experience Mongolian culture. Here, people live in traditional Mongolian yurts. These are round tents covered by felts and only need three to four hours to be constructed. As nomads in grassland move frequently, these portable yurts are specially designed to fit their lifestyle.
Horses are another symbol of Mongolian culture. You can ride a horse to enjoy the vast lands and view the breathtaking sunset. Mongolian-style food and clothes are also part of the culture not to miss.
The best time to visit Xilin Gol Grassland is from May to September. At this time of year, you can both have pleasant weather and enjoy the green grass of the prairies. Summer is also a great time to experience Mongolian culture. The Mongolian traditional festival—Nadam—is usually held in July and August. "Nadam" means "game" or "amusement" in Mongolian. At this festival, three significant events take place—horse racing, archery, and wrestling. At night, you can dance with other people around the bonfire and listen to music played on traditional Mongolian instruments.
Practical info
What does 'Xilin Gol' mean?
Xilin Gol, which can also be spelled as Xilingol, is a term in Mongolian that refers to a river located on a plateau. This area is a significant and large grassland in China, with an eco-friendly environment that presents magnificent views. Xilin Gol was established as the first grassland biosphere reserve in China in 1987. Show more
What type of houses do the people in Xilin Gol Grassland live in?
The traditional Mongolian yurt is the type of home people live in when in Xilin Gol Grassland. These are circular-shaped tents and are durable, with felt that covers their body. They can be installed anywhere within three to four hours, depending on the availability of materials. One of the benefits of living in a yurt is that it provides an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the fantastic views of the region while enjoying food made with fresh milk and meat that is prepared in the traditional way. Show more
Why is the Mongolian yurt unique?
Mongolian yurts are a type of round, portable tent that is covered with woolen felt. They are easy to construct and deconstruct, and therefore suits the mobile lifestyle common in Mongolia. For this reason, it is a perfect dwelling solution for nomads and well-suited for accommodating the people who live in Xilin Gol Grassland. Staying in the yurt provides an immersive cultural experience, authentic to this part of the world. Show more
When can you experience the best time at Xilin Gol Grassland?
The best time to enjoy a visit to Xilin Gol Grassland is between the months of May through to September. During this period, visitors are treated to an array of pleasant weather conditions and an opulent display of greenery that makes the area a must-see destination. The summer months also provide an added opportunity to immerse oneself in the Mongolian culture, with the traditional Nadam festival, held in July-August and involving games, sports, music, and food. Show more
Is it possible to participate in the Mongolian traditional festival?
Visitors to Xilin Gol Grassland can indeed participate in the area's traditional Mongolian event called Nadam. The festival, held in the summer months, July or August, is a testament to Mongolian sportsmanship and features contests in archery, wrestling, and horse racing. Visiting participants can soak in Mongolian culture as well as its food and drink while dancing to traditional Mongolian tune around a bonfire beneath the star-studded sky. Show more
