Things To Do
in Baotou
Baotou is a significant industrial city and major mining center located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northern China, known as the country's largest supplier of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for various high-tech products. The city is strategically positioned on the banks of the Yellow River, providing it with scenic beauty alongside its industrial landscape, and it serves as an essential hub for transportation and manufacturing within the region.
Despite its economic focus, Baotou also encompasses cultural and natural attractions, including the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and the nearby grasslands, offering a unique blend of modernity, history, and natural beauty.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $4 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the magnificent Nanhai Park, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and take in beautiful lake views. Don't forget to capture some photos of the scenic landscapes.
Head to the Baotou Museum to learn about local history and culture. The exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the region's heritage.
Dine at a local restaurant and try some authentic Inner Mongolian cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps sample some barbecue.
Start your day with a trip to the Kubuqi Desert for breathtaking sand dunes. Explore on foot or take a camel ride to experience the vastness of the desert.
Enjoy a packed lunch in the desert, surrounded by stunning views. After lunch, participate in various desert activities like sandboarding.
Return to the city and relax at a cozy café. Enjoy a warm drink while reflecting on your adventurous day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich in natural resources, particularly rare earth minerals.
- Growing industrial and technological development, attracting investments.
- Beautiful natural landscapes and proximity to the Gobi Desert.
- Strong infrastructure with access to transportation networks.
- Severe environmental pollution due to industrial activities.
- Harsh climate with extreme temperatures.
- Limited cultural and recreational activities compared to larger cities.
- Social challenges, including income disparity and rapid urbanization.
Best Activities in Baotou
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vast and picturesque grasslands with opportunities for horseback riding, camping, and experiencing the local nomadic culture.
Visit this scenic area with towering sand dunes and enjoy activities such as sand sliding and camel riding.
Relax by the tranquil lake, go boating, and take in the surrounding natural beauty.
Tours
Uncover the best of Baotou with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Baotou
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding grasslands and the impressive statue of Genghis Khan.
Features stunning architecture and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Known for its picturesque scenery with sand dunes, lake, and grasslands creating a perfect backdrop for photography.
Food in Baotou
Baotou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential dish in Baotou, mutton hot pot is a simmering cauldron of tender mutton slices and a rich broth, usually flavored with traditional herbs and spices. It can be enjoyed at Yitai Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A specialty that showcases the region's expertise in preparing lamb, the baked lamb spine is seasoned and roasted to mouthwatering perfection. Savour this dish at Inner Mongolia Restaurant.
This creamy and tangy yoghurt is a beloved local delicacy, typically served with a drizzle of honey. Look for it in Baotou's traditional markets or local dairy shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of street food delights, offering everything from sizzling lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles to grilled squid and regional snacks like sesame cakes.
Nestled in the heart of Baotou, Xiguan Snack Street beckons with an array of street vendors selling regional favorites such as Mongolian-style pancakes, fried buns, and steamed dumplings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Baotou, it is important to show respect for elders by addressing them with proper terms of respect and by following traditional Chinese customs related to respecting older individuals.
Respecting personal space is important in Baotou, and it's considered polite to maintain a reasonable distance when interacting with others, especially in crowded places or public transportation.
When giving gifts in Baotou, it's customary to present them with both hands as a sign of respect. Additionally, it is polite to carefully choose gifts based on the recipient's preferences and avoid items that may be considered unlucky.
Safety
Tipping in Baotou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Baotou, China. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, taxis, or other service industries. In some cases, a service charge may already be included in the bill.
Cash is widely used for smaller transactions in Baotou, and major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger establishments. Mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also popular and widely used for various purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a good time to visit Baotou as the weather is mild and pleasant. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, and the city starts to bloom with flowers and greenery.
Summer in Baotou can be hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It's a good time to explore the grasslands and enjoy outdoor activities.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. The landscapes turn golden and it’s a great time to visit the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and experience traditional Mongolian culture.
Winter in Baotou can be very cold, with temperatures often below freezing. However, it's a great time to experience snowy landscapes and join in winter festivals and activities.
Baotou at Night
Hiking in Baotou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning mountain area with various trails, offering panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and a peaceful environment for hiking enthusiasts.
Known for its unique rock formations and rich historical sites, this area provides several hiking paths suitable for all levels of hikers.
While primarily a cultural site, the surrounding hills offer excellent hiking opportunities with routes that lead to beautiful vistas of the monastery and landscape.
Located to the east of Baotou, these mountains offer rugged terrain and challenging trails for experienced hikers seeking adventure.
A beautiful open area that allows for hiking across rolling hills and experiencing the natural grassland ecosystem unique to Inner Mongolia.
Aiports
How to reach Baotou by plane.
The main airport serving Baotou, located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center. It offers domestic flights with limited international connections.
Located around 240 kilometers from Baotou, this is the largest airport in Inner Mongolia, serving both domestic and international flights.
Situated about 370 kilometers from Baotou, it serves Yinchuan and the surrounding regions with various domestic and international routes.
Approximately 200 kilometers from Baotou, this airport provides services primarily for domestic flights but aims to increase its international connections.
About 740 kilometers from Baotou, this major international airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights and serves as a hub for multiple airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Baotou, making up the majority of the population.
A significant minority group in Baotou, reflecting the region's historical connections to Mongolian culture.
Another minority group, primarily Muslim, contributing to the cultural diversity of Baotou.
A smaller ethnic group with historical ties to the Qing dynasty, present in Baotou.
Includes various groups such as Tibetans, Korean, and others, though they are less numerous.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is immensely popular in Baotou, with many local courts available for both amateur and professional players. The sport is widely played in schools and communities.
Football is another popular sport in Baotou, with numerous clubs and teams participating in local leagues. The city's enthusiasm for football is evident during major tournaments.
Known for its fast-paced action, table tennis is a favorite pastime in Baotou, with many people playing both recreationally and competitively.
Badminton enjoys considerable popularity in Baotou, with plenty of facilities for playing either casually or as part of local competitions.
Running and various athletic disciplines are increasingly popular in Baotou, encouraged by local events and marathons that promote fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Baotou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Baotou's cuisine is predominantly meat-based, some restaurants, particularly those with international influences, offer vegetarian and vegan options such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and hearty grain bowls.
Due to the prevalence of wheat-based products in traditional dishes, individuals seeking gluten-free options should exercise caution and communicate their dietary needs clearly when dining out. Some modern eateries may have limited gluten-free selections.