A wild weekend in Inner Mongolia(2)
Day 2: Enjoy a trip in Resonant Sand Gorge
The Gorge is a part of the vast Gobi desert that starts just south of Baotou and spreads over Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang. It gets its name from the echoing sound you can hear when you step on the sands. Strangely, the sounds stop when you bring the sands away from the Gorge.
The other strange phenomenon is the vast grasslands beside the desert, which stops as if someone drew a line to divide the "reen" and "yellow." You can't help but admire the power of nature, and will be at a loss for words to describe the scenerRecent development of The Gorge has only slightly damaged its natural beauty, and reduced some of its danger. There are numerous sand dunes that rise to levels of over 90 meters. To climb them requires a lot physical strength, because the sand under your feet is constantly sliding. At high noon, the sand is hot, and stepping on it can help your body to relax. You can enjoy camel rides, dune sliding or simply building sand castles in the Gorge. If that's not enough, try parasailing to get a bird's-eye view of the va desert.
There are many yurt-like hotels to help you enjoy an evening in the desert. If you are fortunate enough, you might have the opportunity to see a Mongolian wedding ceremony and join in.
Day 3 ...
If you have time to spare, there are many other sites worth visiting. The first one is Genghis Khan's Mausoleum (Chengjisihan ling). Genghis Khan' sign extended the empire from south China to the Caspian Sea. His mausoleum was constructed in 1954, with a main structure of three yurt-like halls, each interlinked with corridors. The halls are filled with various exhibitions, from the Khan's war clothing to Mongolian calligraphy works.Genghis Khan's Mausoleum is not far from the Resonant Sand Gorge. Take bus or taxi to Eerduosi, a small city, and the mausoleum is located just outside. It will take you about two hours to get there.
Baotou is another place worth having a look at. Known as the 'oriental Moscow'of Inner Mongolia, the city is divided into two parts which are as far remov from each other as from the capital of Russia. Many locals think it is more beautiful and modern than Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. Baotou was founded during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) on a Neolithic site, just north of the Yellow River and the Gobi Desert. It has another name, "the land with deer," because the hundreds of her there when it was founded.
Baotou is also an industrial city, and is China's biggest producer of iron nd steel. You can tour many factories there, and some historic sites, such as Wudangzhao Monastery, which is the only Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia. It is well preserved and was once the home of 1,200 Buddhist monks. Now, there are many Buddhist paintings there.
Warnings:
Inner Mongolia has extreme weather. The difference in temperature between day and night is dramatic. Warm clothing is necessary when you visit this region. It is also one of the driest areas in China. Remember to keep hydrated and carry moisturizing lotion to protect your skin.
The Gorge is a part of the vast Gobi desert that starts just south of Baotou and spreads over Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang. It gets its name from the echoing sound you can hear when you step on the sands. Strangely, the sounds stop when you bring the sands away from the Gorge.
The other strange phenomenon is the vast grasslands beside the desert, which stops as if someone drew a line to divide the "reen" and "yellow." You can't help but admire the power of nature, and will be at a loss for words to describe the scenerRecent development of The Gorge has only slightly damaged its natural beauty, and reduced some of its danger. There are numerous sand dunes that rise to levels of over 90 meters. To climb them requires a lot physical strength, because the sand under your feet is constantly sliding. At high noon, the sand is hot, and stepping on it can help your body to relax. You can enjoy camel rides, dune sliding or simply building sand castles in the Gorge. If that's not enough, try parasailing to get a bird's-eye view of the va desert.
There are many yurt-like hotels to help you enjoy an evening in the desert. If you are fortunate enough, you might have the opportunity to see a Mongolian wedding ceremony and join in.
Day 3 ...
If you have time to spare, there are many other sites worth visiting. The first one is Genghis Khan's Mausoleum (Chengjisihan ling). Genghis Khan' sign extended the empire from south China to the Caspian Sea. His mausoleum was constructed in 1954, with a main structure of three yurt-like halls, each interlinked with corridors. The halls are filled with various exhibitions, from the Khan's war clothing to Mongolian calligraphy works.Genghis Khan's Mausoleum is not far from the Resonant Sand Gorge. Take bus or taxi to Eerduosi, a small city, and the mausoleum is located just outside. It will take you about two hours to get there.
Baotou is another place worth having a look at. Known as the 'oriental Moscow'of Inner Mongolia, the city is divided into two parts which are as far remov from each other as from the capital of Russia. Many locals think it is more beautiful and modern than Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. Baotou was founded during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) on a Neolithic site, just north of the Yellow River and the Gobi Desert. It has another name, "the land with deer," because the hundreds of her there when it was founded.
Baotou is also an industrial city, and is China's biggest producer of iron nd steel. You can tour many factories there, and some historic sites, such as Wudangzhao Monastery, which is the only Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia. It is well preserved and was once the home of 1,200 Buddhist monks. Now, there are many Buddhist paintings there.
Warnings:
Inner Mongolia has extreme weather. The difference in temperature between day and night is dramatic. Warm clothing is necessary when you visit this region. It is also one of the driest areas in China. Remember to keep hydrated and carry moisturizing lotion to protect your skin.
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