Tongliao 通辽 — Horqin Grassland Heart — Mongolian Culture & Canyon
Tongliao (通辽), located in eastern Inner Mongolia, is the heart of the historic Horqin Grassland — one of China's most storied nomadic regions. The city serves as a gateway to pristine grasslands, ancient Buddhist temples, and the remarkable Daqinggou Canyon, a desert oasis that defies the region's arid reputation. With a population of 3.2 million, Tongliao is a center of Mongolian culture where traditional customs remain vibrantly alive.
What makes Tongliao unique is its dramatic landscape diversity. The city sits at the intersection of grassland, desert, and forest ecosystems. Daqinggou National Nature Reserve features a 24km canyon system with dense forests, waterfalls, and over 1,000 plant species — a "green miracle" rising from sandy terrain. Meanwhile, Jarud Grassland offers classic Mongolian steppe scenery where herders still move their animals seasonally and visitors can experience authentic yurt hospitality.
Cultural heritage runs deep here. Tongliao was historically part of the Horqin Mongol alliance, and the region's temples reflect centuries of Buddhist devotion. The Kulun Three Temples — consisting of Shouyin Temple, Fuyuan Temple, and Xingyuan Temple — represent some of Inner Mongolia's finest examples of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. The city is also famous for Mongolian embroidery, horsehead fiddle music, and traditional wrestling, which you can witness during summer Nadam festivals.
Daqinggou is Tongliao's crown jewel — a 24km canyon system cutting through the Horqin Sandy Land, creating a lush microclimate ecosystem unlike anything else in Inner Mongolia. The canyon reaches depths of 100 meters, with walls covered in virgin forests of Mongolian oak, birch, and pine. Over 1,000 plant species thrive here, along with 200+ bird species and rare animals like roe deer. Highlights include the spectacular "First Bay" waterfall, the mysterious "Moon Bay" curved canyon, and wooden boardwalk trails through primeval forest. Summer temperatures are 5-8°C cooler than the surrounding desert. Cable cars and glass-bottom viewing platforms offer dramatic canyon views.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–17:30
🎫 Admission: ¥80
📍 Kulun Banner, 60km south of Tongliao
This meticulously reconstructed historic complex honors Empress Xiaozhuang (1613-1688), one of the most influential women in Chinese history. Born into the Horqin Mongol Borjigit clan, she became the grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor and helped stabilize the early Qing dynasty. The 100,000-square-meter site features traditional Mongol palace architecture, courtyard residences, and ceremonial halls built to Ming-Qing standards. Exhibits detail her remarkable life story, from Mongol princess to power behind the throne. Traditional music performances and Mongolian costume displays bring the era to life. The landscaped gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when peonies bloom.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:30–17:30
🎫 Admission: ¥50
📍 Horqin District, Tongliao
Kulun Banner, south of Tongliao, is home to three magnificent Tibetan Buddhist temples that together form one of Inner Mongolia's most significant religious complexes. Shouyin Temple (寿因寺), built in 1648, features the region's largest bronze Buddha statue. Fuyuan Temple (福缘寺) houses an extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures and ancient thangka paintings. Xingyuan Temple (兴源寺) is known for its exquisite murals depicting Buddhist cosmology. The temples represent over 350 years of continuous worship and were remarkably preserved during the Cultural Revolution. Morning prayer ceremonies offer a deeply moving experience. Photography is permitted in courtyards but restricted inside halls.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–17:00
🎫 Admission: ¥40 (combined)
📍 Kulun Banner, 80km south
Jarud Grassland is Tongliao's premier grassland destination, offering the classic Mongolian steppe experience — rolling green hills dotted with white yurts, herds of horses and sheep, and endless horizons under crystalline skies. Unlike heavily commercialized grasslands closer to cities, Jarud maintains authentic nomadic traditions. Families still practice seasonal migration with their animals. Visitors can stay in traditional yurts, enjoy horseback rides across the steppe, witness milking demonstrations, and feast on roasted lamb under star-filled skies. July and August bring the Nadam Festival with wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions. The remote location (150km from Tongliao) ensures a genuine experience away from tourist crowds.
Info: 🕐 Best Time: June–September
🎫 Admission: Free (yurt stay ¥200-500)
📍 Jarud Banner, northwest of Tongliao
Located closer to downtown Tongliao (40km), Zhurihe offers accessible grassland experiences for travelers with limited time. The area hosts large-scale Nadam Festival events each July, attracting thousands of spectators for traditional Mongolian sports competitions. Year-round activities include horse riding, archery, and ATV tours across the steppe. The resort area features modern yurts with private bathrooms, a significant upgrade from basic conditions at more remote locations. Sunset over the grassland, with horses silhouetted against golden light, makes for iconic photographs. The on-site restaurant serves excellent hand-held meat and milk tea.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–18:00
🎫 Admission: ¥30
📍 40km north of Tongliao
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.