Travel Inner Mongolia: Ultimate Cycling Adventure in Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia is a vast land that attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Cycling in Inner Mongolia is particularly popular as a great way to get close to nature and experience local customs. This article will take you on an ultimate cycling tour in Inner Mongolia to explore those fascinating attractions and routes.

Plan your Inner Mongolia road trip

Best time to visit: The ideal time to cycle in Inner Mongolia is from late spring to early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the scenery is most vivid.

Route planning: Plan your cycling route in advance. Popular routes include Hohhot to Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia Grasslands and Baotou to Gobi Desert. Each route has unique attractions and challenges, so choose a route that suits your interests and fitness level.

Accommodation: Inner Mongolia offers a variety of accommodation options, from traditional yurts and guesthouses to modern hotels. For a truly immersive experience, consider staying in a yurt on the grassland. Many local families offer yurt accommodation, giving you a real sense of nomadic life.

Packing the essentials: Pack your luggage for your cycling trip. Essentials include a sturdy bicycle, helmet, cycling gear, camping equipment (if you plan to camp), and plenty of food and water. Don't forget to bring a good map, a GPS device, and a first aid kit.

Recommended Cycling Routes

Hulunbuir Grassland Loop

Hulunbuir Grassland Loop is one of the most classic cycling routes in Inner Mongolia, with a total length of about 600 kilometers. The route passes through grasslands, forests, and lakes, and the scenery along the way is breathtaking. Cyclists can enjoy herds of cattle and sheep on the grasslands, scattered yurts, and pristine natural landscapes. Summer is the best time to ride, when the grasslands are most lush, and riding under blue skies and white clouds is like being in a moving painting. This route is perfect for those seeking Inner Mongolia nature travel

Arxan National Forest Park  

Located in Xing'an League, Arxan National Forest Park is another paradise for cycling enthusiasts. It is known as the "Switzerland of the East" because of its dense forests and numerous lakes. Cycling in Inner Mongolia’s Arshan is mainly carried out in mountainous areas, and you can enjoy magnificent canyons and primeval forests along the way. The entire route is about 70 kilometers long, with good road conditions, suitable for intermediate and advanced riders. During the ride, you may wish to stop and take a rest by the lake to feel the tranquility and harmony of nature.

Ulanbutong Grassland  

Located in Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, Ulanbutong Grassland is a natural landscape that integrates grasslands, lakes, sand, and wetlands. It was once the royal hunting garden of the Qing Dynasty and has a profound historical heritage. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for cycling in Ulanbutong Grassland. Riders can gallop on the grassland and feel the vastness and magnificence of the grassland. In addition, you can also participate in grassland cross-country, horseback riding, archery, and other activities to deeply experience Mongolian culture. This location is ideal for Inner Mongolia outdoor activities.

Xiangshawan Desert Adventure

Xiangshawan is located in Ordos City and is named because the sand makes a sound. The sand dunes here are continuous, and the desert landscape is unique. It is a good place to experience desert adventure. Cycling in Inner Mongolias Xiangshawan allows you to feel the vastness and mystery of the desert. Activities such Sandboarding, sand sliding, and desert camel riding can allow riders to fully experience the fun of the desert. During the ride, pay attention to sun protection and hydration. At the same time, you can try to ride a desert off-road vehicle to feel the thrill of galloping in the desert.

 

Cycling Precautions

Safety first: Be sure to obey traffic rules during the ride, pay attention to road conditions and weather changes. Maintain an appropriate riding speed and rhythm to avoid excessive fatigue.

Sun protection and hydration: The climate in Inner Mongolia is dry, so you must replenish water and sun protection measures in time during the ride.

Respect local culture: Respect local customs and ethnic beliefs during the ride, and do not touch or destroy ethnic cultural relics at will.

Protect the environment: Pay attention to environmental protection during the ride, do not litter, and do not destroy grass and vegetation.

Reasonable itinerary arrangement: Arrange the itinerary reasonably according to your own physical strength and riding experience to ensure a safe and smooth trip.

 

The cycling trip in Inner Mongolia is an unforgettable adventure. It not only allows you to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture but also allows you to challenge yourself and surpass your limits during the ride. Come to Inner Mongolia to start your ultimate cycling trip!

There are more projects waiting for you to explore in Inner Mongolia. Please read the article for other tourist projects：

• Guide | The Best Travel Route from Beijing to Inner Mongolia: Inner Mongolia Grassland Exploration Tour
• 2025 Inner Mongolia Hulunbeier Travel Tips: Best Season + Pit Avoidance Route + Depth Tour Recommendations
• Explore the Majestic Beauty of Inner Mongolia Grasslands
• Huitengxile Grassland, Inner Mongolia: Top Attractions & Travel Tips
• Best Inner Mongolia Travel Itinerary: Hohhot, Grasslands, Volcanoes and Xiangsha Bay