Things To Do
in Qagan Us

Thinly sliced lamb cooked in a communal pot with simple broth—widely available in small restaurants and perfect for colder days.

Must-Try!

Fermented mare's milk served in local homes and at some markets; tart and fizzy, it's a central drink in nomadic culture.

Fried dough/tea breads and dried butter tea biscuits commonly offered with tea; available from home cooks and markets.

Skewered and grilled mutton sold at market stalls or family restaurants—simple, smoky, and a staple street-food option.

Small market selling dairy, cured meats, handmade felt goods and occasional street-food stalls; try roasted mutton skewers and fresh yogurt here.

In warmer months, herders and vendors set up roadside stalls selling milk products, flatbreads and snacks—ideal for sampling homemade specialties.

Greet elders first and show deference in conversations; small gestures of respect go a long way.

Always ask before photographing people, especially inside yurts or during private moments; many will happily pose if asked politely.

If offered dairy or tea by a host, accept at least a small amount as a sign of respect; declining repeatedly may be taken as impolite.

Remove shoes when entering a home or yurt if requested; be mindful of cleanliness and follow the host's lead.

Tipping is not a strong custom in rural Inner Mongolia but is appreciated for excellent service—small cash tips to guides or drivers are acceptable. At homestays, a modest thank-you gift or tip is welcome.

Cash (RMB) is essential in Qagan Us; small vendors may not accept cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate in China but often require a Chinese bank account; international cards are accepted only in larger towns. Bring enough cash and a backup payment method.

Windy and rapidly changing weather; grass starts greening. Bring layered clothing and wind protection; some roads may be muddy.

Warm days and cool nights with long daylight—best season for riding, yurt stays and outdoor activities. Peak season for markets and roadside stalls.

Clear skies, crisp air and golden grass—excellent for photography. Nights cool quickly; harvest activities and festivals may occur.

Cold and dry with temperatures well below freezing at times; many services reduce hours and some roads can be impassable. Ideal only for travellers prepared for frigid conditions and winter gear.

Major regional airport for central Inner Mongolia with domestic flights to Beijing and other Chinese cities; from here you can reach Qagan Us by road or regional bus (travel time varies).

Another regional airport serving parts of Inner Mongolia—useful as an alternative for regional connections; ground transfers will be required to reach rural areas like Qagan Us.