Things To Do
in Lindong

Lindong is a county‑level town in northern China that serves as a gateway to wide Inner Mongolian grasslands and a mix of Han and Mongolian culture. It combines small‑town daily life with easy access to pastoral scenery, traditional herding communities and seasonal festivals. Visitors come for horseback riding, yurt stays, local dairy and mutton cuisine, and approachable rural photo opportunities.

The town is compact, practical for short stays, and best visited between late spring and early autumn when the grasslands are green and accessible.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Lindong's charming historic center, where traditional architecture and vibrant markets meet. Enjoy a warm breakfast at a local eatery, sampling freshly made baozi and tea while interacting with friendly locals. The morning sun casts a golden hue over the ancient buildings, making it a perfect time for photography.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the renowned Lindong Ancient Town, which features intricate wooden carvings and fascinating historical landmarks. Take a guided tour to learn about the area's rich cultural heritage, including stories of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spend some time exploring the artisan shops, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

As dusk falls, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant that serves local dishes, such as spicy hotpot or grilled fish. After your meal, take a serene walk by the riverside promenade, where the city lights reflect off the water. Cap off the evening with a visit to a local tea house to experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

day 2
Nature Retreat in the Mountains
morning
:

Embark on an early morning adventure to the nearby mountains, where fresh air and stunning vistas await. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, catering to all levels of fitness. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and unique flora as you ascend through lush greenery.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding you. Spend the afternoon traversing hidden paths and discovering serene waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip. Engage with fellow hikers and share stories as you bask in the beauty of nature.

evening
:

Return to Lindong in the evening, where you can unwind at a cozy guesthouse or hotel. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage at a local spa to soothe your tired muscles. As night falls, enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on your day with a warm cup of herbal tea.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
Coffee or tea at a café$1.50-4
🚕Short taxi ride$1.50-4
🏨Midrange hotel (per night)$35-70
🚌Local bus or minibus$0.30-1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close access to open grasslands and authentic herding culture
  • Low tourist density with genuine rural experiences
  • Affordable prices and fresh dairy/meat specialties
  • Strong opportunities for landscape and cultural photography
  • Limited English signage and language barriers
  • Basic infrastructure and fewer high‑end accommodations
  • Harsh winter weather and short season for some activities
  • Public transport and medical services are limited in remote areas
  • "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "请问厕所在哪里?(Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
  • "多少钱?(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
  • "我是素食者 (Wǒ shì sùshí zhě)" - I am a vegetarian
  • "请帮忙 (Qǐng bāngmáng)" - Please help / Excuse me
  • "干杯 (Gānbēi)" - Cheers

Places to Visit in Lindong

Visit one of these nice places.

Open Grasslands at Sunrise

Wide, uncluttered steppe with dramatic light at dawn; excellent for landscapes, herds, and portraits with yurt camps.

Yurt Camps and Herding Families

Authentic nomadic dwellings and daily life scenes — seek permission before photographing people and be ready to offer a small gift.

Local Market and Streets

Colorful stalls, dairy products, and candid shots of town life — ideal for street photography and food close‑ups.

Nearby Lakes and Riverbanks

Reflective water, migratory birds and reed beds provide varied subjects for nature photographers, especially at golden hour.

Small Temples and Cultural Sites

Local temples and shrines reflect regional religious practice and offer intimate cultural frames and architectural details.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lindong

Lindong’s cuisine reflects northern Chinese and Mongolian influences: hearty, dairy‑rich and built around mutton, noodles and preserved foods that suit a continental climate. Fresh dairy — milk tea, yogurt, cheeses and butter — is common, as are simple noodle and bread dishes cooked to satisfy outdoor workers. You’ll also find northern Chinese staples like hand‑pulled noodles, dumplings and hotpots in town restaurants. Local markets and roadside stalls are the best places to taste authentic rural snacks and dairy products.

Lindong Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Roast/Stewed Mutton

Mutton prepared in many styles — roasted, stewed or boiled — is the regional staple; try it at family restaurants or roadside grills for richly flavored, simple preparations.

Must-Try!

Milk Tea (奶茶)

A milky, slightly salted or unsweetened tea commonly served in the morning or after outdoor work; available in markets, teahouses and yurt camps.

Northeastern/Hand‑Pulled Noodles (拉面)

Hearty wheat noodles served in broth with chunks of meat or vegetables; ubiquitous in local eateries and great on cooler days.

Dairy Snacks and Cheese

Fresh yogurt, hard cheeses and curds made by local herders — best sampled at markets or directly at yurt camps.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Lindong Local Market

Early morning market with fresh milk, dairy products, breads, preserved meats and seasonal produce; try freshly made steamed buns, fried pancakes and milk tea from stall vendors.

Roadside Grill Stalls

Small grills offering roasted mutton skewers and simple stir‑fried dishes — informal and good for a quick, authentic meal.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lindong has a continental climate with large temperature swings between seasons: cold, long winters and short, warm summers. Precipitation is concentrated in summer months, while spring can be windy and dusty; autumn is crisp and dry. Expect low humidity and strong sun in summer, and very cold conditions with snow in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect Elders and Hosts

Show deference to older people and remove shoes if a host indicates to do so. Accepting tea or a small snack politely is customary when visiting homes.

Ask Before Photographing

Request permission before taking portraits of individuals or herding families; a small offering or friendly greeting builds rapport.

Modesty and Conservatism

Dress modestly in rural areas; public displays of strong emotion or loud arguments are frowned upon.

Cultural Sensitivities

Avoid political topics and be mindful of ethnic and religious traditions — show interest and curiosity but be respectful.

Safety Guide

Safety

Lindong is generally safe for travelers with low violent crime rates; usual precautions against petty theft apply in markets and crowded places. Prepare for weather hazards (wind, sudden cold snaps) and limited emergency services in rural areas — carry a basic first‑aid kit and ensure travel insurance covers medical evacuation if necessary. Road conditions can be rough on unpaved routes; hire experienced drivers for remote excursions.

Tipping in Lindong

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not widely expected in small towns; round up taxi fares or leave a small tip for exceptional service. In touristy yurt camps or with private guides, a modest tip is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are common in shops and restaurants in town; cash (renminbi) remains important for markets, rural vendors and remote experiences. Major credit cards may be accepted in larger hotels but not always in small businesses.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Cool and often windy with sudden temperature swings; grass begins to green late in spring. Bring windproof layers and be prepared for dusty conditions on exposed roads.

Summer

Short, warm and the most pleasant time to visit — ideal for grasslands, yurt stays and outdoor activities. Mosquitoes can appear near water; sunscreen and a hat are essential.

Autumn

Mild days and crisp evenings, with good light for photography and fewer tourists. Early frosts may occur late in the season, so pack warmer layers.

Winter

Long, bitterly cold winters with snow and ice; many rural services are reduced or closed. Winter travel requires heavy cold‑weather gear and flexible plans.

Nightlife Guide

Lindong at Night

Nightlife in Lindong is low‑key: small bars, tea houses, and KTVs in larger neighborhoods, plus occasional cultural performances or local gatherings. Evenings are usually quiet compared with big cities; nightlife centers around community eateries and family‑run establishments rather than clubs.

Hiking in Lindong

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Grassland Ring Trail

A low‑difficulty loop across open steppe ideal for photography, short hikes and observing grazing herds; best in late spring to early autumn.

Ridge Viewpoint Trail

Short hike up a nearby low ridge that provides panoramic views of the town, rivers and distant hills — a good spot for sunrise or sunset.

Riverbank Path

Gentle trail along a local river or stream with reed beds and birdwatching opportunities; accessible and family‑friendly.

Airports

How to reach Lindong by plane.

Regional Airport (nearest major hub)

The closest major airports to Lindong are regional hubs serving Inner Mongolia and northern China; from these airports expect a multi‑hour road transfer (typically 2–6 hours depending on which airport you use). Ground transfers are by bus, shuttle or private car.

Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET)

A major regional airport serving Inner Mongolia with frequent domestic connections; useful gateway if traveling overland to Lindong by road or rail onwards.

Hulunbuir/Hailar Airport (HLD) or Chifeng Yulong (CIF)

Other nearby airports that may offer seasonal or regional flights; flight availability varies and road travel times to Lindong can be several hours.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easily walkable for daily errands, dining and short sightseeing. To reach grasslands, lakes or yurt camps you will typically need to hire a car, taxi or join a local tour; rural areas are not pedestrian‑friendly for long distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority ethnic group in the town, involved in trade, administration, farming and local services.

Mongolian

A significant minority with strong cultural presence: herding traditions, language influences and festival practices are visible in daily life.

Other Ethnic Minorities

Smaller groups (Daur, Hui and others) may be present in the region, contributing to local diversity and crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Horse Racing

Traditional horse racing and equestrian events are culturally important and popular at festivals and local competitions.

Archery and Wrestling

Traditional Mongolian wrestling and archery feature at cultural events and are celebrated sports among herding communities.

Basketball and Soccer

Modern team sports like basketball and soccer are commonly played in schools and town leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in town is light compared with Chinese cities; main roads are simple and local drivers are accustomed to rural conditions. Public transport is limited to local buses and minibuses; taxis are available but hire a vehicle for day trips. Roads to grasslands may be unpaved and require a high‑clearance vehicle, especially after rain.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lindong.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are limited — expect noodle dishes, vegetable stir‑fries and breads. Communicate clearly (use the phrase '我是素食者') and ask for no meat broth; carrying snacks or instant meals is advised if you have strict requirements.

Vegan / Gluten‑Free

Vegan and gluten‑free choices are harder in this region due to heavy dairy and wheat usage; plan ahead, bring supplements, and look for simple rice or vegetable dishes in larger eateries.

Food Allergies

Language barriers can complicate allergy communication — have key allergy phrases written in Chinese and carry any necessary medications.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and a county hospital provide routine care and treatment for minor injuries or illnesses. For serious conditions or specialized care, patients are usually referred to larger regional hospitals in nearby cities — bring travel insurance and copies of prescriptions, and carry any necessary medications as pharmacies may stock limited brands.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide