Ordos 鄂尔多斯 — Land of Genghis Khan — Desert Wonders & Modern Miracles
Ordos (鄂尔多斯), meaning "numerous palaces" in Mongolian, is one of Inner Mongolia's most fascinating cities. It sits on the Ordos Plateau, bordered by the Yellow River to the north and the vast Kubuqi Desert to the south. The region was once the heartland of the Mongol Empire — it is here that Genghis Khan chose his final resting place, making Ordos a site of immense cultural and spiritual significance for Mongolians worldwide.
Modern Ordos is a tale of two cities. Dongsheng (东胜), the older urban center, offers authentic local life and traditional Mongolian restaurants. Kangbashi (康巴什), the new district 25km away, rose from empty grassland in 2004 to become a striking example of modern Chinese urban planning. Once labeled a "ghost city" by international media, Kangbashi has grown into a thriving district with grand architecture, spacious parks, and world-class museums. The Ordos Museum alone, designed by MAD Architects, is worth the visit for its futuristic design.
Beyond the cities, Ordos boasts some of Inner Mongolia's most impressive natural and cultural attractions. Xiangshawan (Resonant Sand Bay) is a spectacular singing desert where sand produces musical sounds as you slide down the dunes. The Kubuqi Desert, once an ecological disaster zone, has been transformed into a model of desert-greening technology. Visitors can also experience traditional Ordos Mongolian culture at the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, where ceremonial rituals dating back 800 years are still performed.
While Genghis Khan's actual tomb remains undiscovered, this grand memorial complex — one of Inner Mongolia's only two AAAAA-class attractions — serves as the spiritual center of Mongolian culture. The striking complex, featuring traditional Mongolian-style architecture with distinctive blue and white domes, was built in 1954 and houses ceremonial artifacts including the spirit banners (sulde) that are believed to carry the great Khan's soul. Daily rituals are performed by Darkhad guardians — hereditary caretakers who have maintained these ceremonies for nearly 800 years since Genghis Khan's death in 1227. The sweeping ceremony every March attracts thousands of Mongolians from across China and Mongolia. The surrounding memorial park covers 10 square kilometers.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–18:00
🎫 Admission: ¥90
📍 Ejin Horo Banner, 50km south
Xiangshawan ("Singing Sand Bay") is Ordos' most famous natural attraction, located in the Kubuqi Desert about 50km from downtown. The crescent-shaped dune rises 110 meters high, and its dry, fine sand produces a distinctive humming or "singing" sound when walked upon or slid down — a phenomenon caused by the sand's unique silica composition and shape. Activities include camel trekking, dune bashing in SUVs, sandboarding, and the spectacular cable car crossing over the desert. The resort area features the remarkable Lotus Hotel, a luxury desert resort shaped like a blooming lotus flower that has become one of China's most photographed buildings. Evening cultural shows feature traditional Mongolian music and dance against a desert sunset backdrop.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–19:00
🎫 Admission: ¥130 (activities extra)
📍 Dalad Banner, 50km south
The Kubuqi Desert is China's seventh-largest desert and a global model for desertification control. Spanning 18,600 square kilometers between the Yellow River and Ordos Plateau, it has been transformed through decades of "greening" efforts using a unique grid-planting technique. Visitors can experience desert adventures at several resort zones including Engebei (恩格贝), where you can plant trees to contribute to the anti-desertification effort, enjoy desert jeep tours, and visit the International Desert Museum. The contrast between golden dunes and green strips of planted vegetation creates a surreal landscape unlike any other desert in the world. Best visited in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when temperatures are moderate.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–18:00
🎫 Admission: ¥60-100 (varies by zone)
📍 Dalad & Hanggin Banners
Seven Star Lake is a stunning oasis within the Kubuqi Desert, where seven interconnected freshwater lakes create a lush wetland amid sand dunes. The lakes are connected by wooden boardwalks and surrounded by reed beds that attract migratory birds. The resort area offers luxury yurt accommodations, an 18-hole desert golf course (one of the world's few), and eco-tours highlighting desert greening technology. The contrast between turquoise water, green vegetation, and golden sand dunes creates an almost surreal landscape. Sunrise and sunset photography here is exceptional. The lakes are best visited in May or September when bird migration is at its peak.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–18:00
🎫 Admission: ¥80
📍 Hanggin Banner, Kubuqi Desert
Kangbashi is China's most famous "new city" — built from scratch in the Mongolian grassland starting in 2004. Once mocked as the world's largest "ghost city," it has evolved into a striking example of modern urban design with wide boulevards, innovative architecture, and extensive green spaces covering 40% of the district. Must-see landmarks include the Ordos Museum (designed by MAD Architects), the massive bronze Genghis Khan sculptures in Ethnic Culture Square, and the twin-tower Ordos Grand Theater. Double Happiness Square offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding grassland. The district is connected to Dongsheng by a scenic drive. Best explored by rental bike on the extensive cycling paths.
Info: 🕐 Hours: Open 24h
🎫 Admission: Free
📍 25km northeast of Dongsheng
Located in Ejin Horo Banner near the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, the Ordos Grassland offers classic steppe scenery with gently rolling hills covered in seasonal wildflowers. The grassland resort features traditional Mongolian yurts for overnight stays, horseback riding across the steppe, bonfire parties with traditional Mongolian singing and dancing, and opportunities to try archery and wrestling. Compared to grasslands further east, the Ordos steppe has a more arid, golden character that blends into the surrounding desert landscape. The annual Ordos Nadam Festival in July draws large crowds for traditional competitions.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–20:00
🎫 Admission: ¥30 (activities extra)
📍 Ejin Horo Banner
Getting local information: Visit the local tourist information center (usually near train stations or city squares). Free maps and event schedules available.
Using public transport: Most Chinese cities have affordable bus networks (2-3 RMB per ride). Buy a local transport card for convenience.
Evening safety: Chinese cities are generally safe at night. Stick to well-lit main streets after 22:00. Avoid unlicensed taxi services.
Photography etiquette: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially elderly people and children. Temples may prohibit indoor photography.
LocalSIMcards: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all offer tourist SIMs (30-50 RMB/week) at airport counters.