Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Explore the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, a region more than five times the size of Germany. Take in the stunning scenery and experience the tranquility of this unique landscape. (2:10)
- Tip 2Visit the traditional yurts of the nomadic Mongolians and learn about their unique lifestyle and customs. Immerse yourself in their culture and hospitality. (7:30)
- Tip 3Attend the Nadaam Festival, the Mongolian Olympics, to witness exciting horse racing, archery, and wrestling competitions. Experience the vibrant energy of this cultural event. (15:32)
- Tip 4Indulge in the delicious street food at the Nadaam Festival, sampling flavorful meat kebabs and other local delicacies. Explore the culinary side of Inner Mongolian culture. (17:38)
- Tip 5Witness the intense and traditional wrestling matches at the Nadaam Festival. Observe the skill and strength of the Mongolian wrestlers and the cultural significance of this sport. (20:15)
Explore the hidden gem of Inner Mongolia with Drew Binsky as he journeys into China's most isolated region. Experience the unique blend of Mongolian and Chinese cultures, witness traditional wrestling matches, and savor authentic Mongolian cuisine. Discover a land of vast grasslands, stunning landscapes, and resilient people preserving their heritage amidst modernization.
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This documentary follows Drew Binsky's journey into Inner Mongolia, a remote region of China where Mongolian culture is vibrant yet threatened by modernization and assimilation. Drew's mission is to experience the local culture firsthand, sharing meals, hearing stories, and attending a traditional wrestling match. He highlights the unique aspects of this region, which feels vastly different from other major Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
Drew's journey begins with a flight to Tongliao, where he's met by his local friend, Qinggele. The landscape is stunning, a stark contrast to Drew's desert homeland, and the journey itself is an adventure, with cows and horses peacefully crossing the roads. He arrives in Qinggele's village, a peaceful place connected to a family shop, where he learns about the challenges of growing up in such a remote area, experiencing extreme temperature swings and a stark contrast between the traditional life and the influence of modern technology.
Drew spends time with Qinggele's grandmother, learning about her life under the one-child policy and the hardships of raising a large family in a less developed region. He shares a hearty Mongolian meal with the family, experiencing the rich flavors of local cuisine. The next day, Drew and Qinggele explore the countryside on motorcycles, visiting Mongolians living in traditional yurts. They discuss the impact of modernization and the challenges of preserving their nomadic culture. Drew even gets to ride a horse for the first time, experiencing the close bond between the Mongols and their animals.
The highlight of Drew's trip is attending the Nadaam Festival, a traditional Mongolian Olympics. He participates in the festivities, dressed in traditional clothing, and experiences the excitement of horse racing and wrestling. He even meets an American who has been living and training in Inner Mongolia for years. Drew highlights the intense competition and the deep cultural significance of the event. Throughout his journey, Drew emphasizes the friendliness and hospitality of the Mongolian people, their resilience, and their commitment to preserving their unique culture in the face of change. He concludes his trip with a message of cultural preservation and thanks Qinggele for sharing his experience.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was it like growing up in Inner Mongolia?
- A: It was pretty comfy, fresh air, pretty calm. Horse riding. The seasons are really different here, like, wow, it's very cold. It's like -30 sometimes in the winter. And then in the summer it's like pretty hot, like 30, sometimes 40 sometimes.
- Q: How has technology changed Inner Mongolia?
- A: Before, people maintaining Mongolian traditional culture, but nowadays text is literally hacking their brain. It changed... Literally changed a lot.
- Q: What's your opinion on the Mongolian people?
- A: I think Mongolian people are really respectful. They're really welcoming to outsiders. Like, in other parts of the world, they're not always that, you know, hospitable. I think it's just, like, a peaceful life up here. That's what I think.
- Q: What is Nadaam?
- A: It's like their annual version of the Olympics and each region in both Mongolia and Inner Mongolia adds its own twist. The most common sports are horse racing, archery, and wrestling. And the competition is quite fierce.
- Q: What's your message to the world?
- A: My message to the world is like, cherish your culture. Culture makes people unique. Protect your culture. Don't regret when you lose it.
