Inner Mongolia Grasslands: Culture, Food & Landscapes

Gorgeous Grassland of Inner Mongolia 🛖 I S2, EP103

Destination:ChinaProvince:InnerMongoliaCity:Ujimuqin
Gorgeous Grassland of Inner Mongolia 🛖 I S2, EP103
Little Chinese Everywhere2024-12-1425 min

I am travelling through Inner Mongolia where the Daxinganling Mountain Range ends and the vast grassland starts. This area is poorly inhabitated. I rarly see houses or yurts, mostly they have very big lands. The feeling is just incredible traveling through this region.

I then reached Ujimuqin, in the middle of Ujimuqin Grassland. I met some incredibly nice people, tried some authentic Mongolian food, and tried some traditional clothes.

It's funny because at Chinese Highschool I learnt a lot about the region but never had the chance to travel there.

Join me on this trip through Inner Mongolia's vast Grasslands

--- Little Chinese Everywhere
December 14, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 1:20Mongolian Grassland
  3. 8:23Mongolian Snack
  4. 15:25Ujimuqin City - Mongolian History
  5. 20:28Mongolian Lunch

Little Chinese Everywhere explores Inner Mongolia's stunning grasslands, encountering nomadic culture and breathtaking landscapes. An unforgettable journey filled with unique experiences and heartwarming moments.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Always check the distance to the nearest gas station, especially when traveling through vast and remote areas like Inner Mongolia's grasslands. Fuel stops can be far apart. (3:55)
  2. Tip 2When riding a motorcycle or bicycle on open roads, be prepared for strong winds, especially near large trucks. Shift to the emergency lane to avoid turbulence. (5:16)
  3. Tip 3Keep your windshield clean! Dead bugs can significantly impair visibility, especially on long rides through rural areas. (7:49)
  4. Tip 4If you plan to travel to Tibet, avoid visiting during winter. Limited mobile reception and harsh weather conditions can make the trip challenging. (12:31)
  5. Tip 5Budget-friendly accommodation is available even in remote areas of Inner Mongolia. You might even get a free upgrade! (15:32)
  6. Tip 6Consider visiting Inner Mongolia during the summer to experience the Naadam festival and see many people dressed in traditional Mongolian clothing. (18:33)
  7. Tip 7Traditional dairy products in Inner Mongolia are unique and worth trying. The yogurt is sparkling and has a tangy flavor. (22:29)

Embark on a breathtaking journey with Little Chinese Everywhere through Inner Mongolia's expansive grasslands, a region where the Daxinganling Mountain Range yields to endless meadows. Witness the vastness of the landscape, where ranches stretch for kilometers, and meet the welcoming locals who share their unique culture and traditions. From the warmth of a traditional Mongolian meal to the surprising discovery of a $1 haircut, this episode is filled with authentic encounters and unexpected moments that will leave you wanting more. Explore the blend of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han cultures, and discover the history behind the Mongolian script. This adventure showcases the beauty of Inner Mongolia's vast grasslands and the resilience of its people.

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Gorgeous Grassland of Inner Mongolia 🛖 I S2, EP103

This episode of "Gorgeous Grassland of Inner Mongolia" follows Little Chinese Everywhere's journey across the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, a region where the Daxinganling mountain range transitions into seemingly endless plains. The scale of the land is immediately apparent; every 45 kilometers or so, a single family owns a ranch, marked by a gate leading to a small house and a massive expanse of land.

Little Chinese Everywhere rides along the G331 national highway, near the China-Mongolia border, observing nomadic herders and their cattle. The journey to Dongwuqi (or Dong-wu-zhu-mu-qing-qi, as Little Chinese Everywhere notes, place names in Inner Mongolia are very long!) involves navigating 308 kilometers of varied terrain, from forested areas to open grasslands. The transition from forest to grassland is vividly described, showcasing the dramatic change in landscape.

The vastness of the grassland is a recurring theme. The traveler notes the feeling of openness and freedom, contrasting it with the smallness of everything from a drone's perspective. The wind is strong, and the journey involves challenges like finding gas stations (the nearest one is 120 km away!), and navigating traffic with large trucks. The sheer scale of the landscape is emphasized, a feeling of endlessness and freedom unlike anywhere else in China.

Little Chinese Everywhere interacts with local people, experiencing their hospitality and trying traditional Mongolian food and drinks. The traveler shares a meal, trying a homemade yogurt, horse milk liquor, and a savory milk tea. Conversations with locals reveal insights into their daily lives, highlighting the isolation and self-sufficiency required for living on the vast ranches. The use of solar panels for power and the reliance on infrequent trips to town for supplies are discussed.

The cultural aspects of Inner Mongolia are explored. The traveler learns about the Mongolian language, trying out greetings and words of thanks. The unique dairy products, such as sparkling yogurt and dried curd, are described, along with traditional clothing and the prevalence of tailor shops. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism and its history in the region is also discussed. The traveler visits a Lama Temple and reflects on the blend of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han cultures, noting similarities in their nomadic past, clothing, and diets.

Little Chinese Everywhere's journey concludes in East Ujimuqin, where they find a surprisingly large hotel room. The episode ends with reflections on the trip, expressing regret for not visiting Hohhot or experiencing Naadam, but also looking forward to future explorations of Inner Mongolia's vast grasslands and Gobi Desert.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's it like to live on a ranch in Inner Mongolia?
A: It's a pretty isolated life! You stay on the ranch most of the time and only go to town for haircuts, food, or gas. It can be quite lonely, but also peaceful.
Q: What's the horse milk liquor like?
A: It's not high in alcohol. The taste is similar to Chinese baijiu, strong and spicy. It's made from pure horse milk, and one bowl cleans you from the inside!
Q: What was the most surprising thing you found?
A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!

Inner Mongolia Grasslands: Culture, Food & Landscapes

I am travelling through Inner Mongolia where the Daxinganling Mountain Range ends and the vast grassland starts. This area is poorly inhabitated. I rarly see houses or yurts, mostly they have very big lands. The feeling is just incredible traveling through this region. I then reached Ujimuqin, in the...

Inner Mongolia Grasslands: Nomadic Culture & Endless Horizons

Little Chinese Everywhere journeys through Inner Mongolia, where the Daxinganling Mountain Range meets the expansive grasslands. The sparsely populated region offers a unique travel experience, with vast lands and few dwellings. The traveler recounts a personal connection to the area, recalling learning about the region in high school. A visit to Ujimuqin, nestled within the Ujimuqin Grassland, included interactions with friendly locals, sampling authentic Mongolian cuisine, and trying on traditional clothing. This Inner Mongolia adventure showcases the beauty of the grasslands and the rich Mongolian culture.

Attractions in this video: Ulaanbaatar, Daxinganling Mountain Range, Ujimuqin Grassland, Lama Temple