Crossing Grasslands and Deserts: An Unconventional Family Trip to Inner Mongolia

Meta Description: Discover an unconventional family trip to Inner Mongolia with our Chifeng travel guide. From Yulong Sand Lake to Ulanbutong grassland, this 5-day itinerary covers deserts, hot springs, and stone forests. Perfect for families seeking adventure.

Introduction: Why Chifeng for Your Inner Mongolia Family Adventure?

Every August, our family tradition of summer travel takes us somewhere new. This year, we set our sights on Inner Mongolia—a vast, untamed region that had remained a blank spot on my travel map. While many travelers flock to Hulunbuir for its iconic grasslands, a local friend redirected us to Chifeng, a hidden gem in central Inner Mongolia. With deserts, hot springs, stone forests, and grasslands all within reach, Chifeng promised a diverse, family-friendly adventure.

This Chifeng travel guide shares our five-day itinerary, private driver tips, and honest reviews of attractions like Yulong Sand Lake, Qingshan Geopark, and Ulanbutong grassland. Whether you're planning a family trip to Inner Mongolia or seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations in China, this guide has you covered.

Why Choose Chifeng for Your Inner Mongolia Vacation?

Chifeng sits in central Inner Mongolia, bordering Hebei Province. Unlike the more famous Hulunbuir, Chifeng offers a mix of landscapes: deserts, grasslands, hot springs, and geological wonders. It's also surprisingly accessible—Shenzhen has direct flights (with a layover), and the region is a popular self-driving destination for Beijing families.

What Makes Chifeng Unique for Families?

• Diverse landscapes: Sand dunes, grasslands, stone forests, and hot springs in one trip.
• Kid-friendly activities: Sandboarding, camel rides, and dune buggies.
• Affordable travel: Cheap local food and reasonable accommodation.
• Less crowded: Fewer tourists than Hulunbuir, especially in Hexigten Banner.

Private Driver Guide: The Smartest Way to Explore Chifeng

Hiring a private driver in Chifeng was the best decision we made. Compared to renting a car, a local driver knows the roads, attractions, and best places to eat and sleep. After a day of sightseeing, the last thing you want is to drive yourself.

Our Private Driver Experience

• Driver: Local from Chifeng, recommended by a friend.
• Vehicle: 7-seater, spacious for 3 adults and 2 kids.
• Cost: 600 RMB/day + fuel and tolls. Driver covers his own meals and accommodation.
• Extra fee: 500 RMB for dropping us off in Chengde (instead of returning to Chifeng).
• Total (5 days): 4,355 RMB (about 870 RMB per person).

Five-Day Chifeng Itinerary Overview

Pro tip: Each day's drive is short (max 4 hours), making this itinerary relaxed and kid-friendly.

Day 1: From Shenzhen to the Desert – A Rainy Surprise

We woke up at 4 a.m. for a 6 a.m. flight from Shenzhen to Chifeng (layover in Zhengzhou). By 11:30 a.m., we landed at Chifeng's tiny airport. Our driver, Mr. Gong, was waiting.

First Stop: Wudan Town for Local Food

We stopped in Wudan Town for lunch. The driver recommended duijia (a local meat pastry). For 5 people—5 bowls of wonton soup, 6 duijia, and fried noodles—the bill was just 54 RMB. Incredible value.

Yulong Sand Lake: Container Hotel with a View

We checked into a container hotel inside the Yulong Sand Lake scenic area. The room had a floor-to-ceiling glass wall facing the desert and lake. Despite rain, the kids grabbed sandboards (30 RMB, unlimited time) and laughed uncontrollably on the wet sand.

Evening surprise: The hotel gave us free passes to the outdoor hot spring (rain ruined the plan), but a local music festival and fireworks show over the desert made up for it.

Yulong Sand Lake Travel Tips

• Entrance fee: 80 RMB (half-price for students).
• Container hotel: Lake-view double room ~600 RMB. Family rooms add 200 RMB for an extra bed.
• Breakfast: 58 RMB/person, generous buffet.
• Activities: Sandboarding, dune buggies (140 RMB/person for 20 minutes), camel rides (100 RMB for 20 minutes).

Day 2: Sand Lake, Green Mountain, and a Thunderstorm on the Cable Car

After a rainy night, the morning air was fresh. We climbed the sand dunes again—the damp sand made walking easier. At the top, the view was breathtaking: a vast desert dotted with bizarre rock formations.

Dune Buggy Adventure

The women and kids tried the dune buggy (140 RMB/person for 20 minutes). It was thrilling—careening up and down 70-80 degree slopes. Deep in the desert, we realized how enormous this sandy expanse was.

Qingshan Glacial Erosion Geopark

In the afternoon, we visited Qingshan Geopark, a stunning area of glacial erosion formations. The cable car ride was interrupted by a thunderstorm, but the views were worth it. This is one of the most unique geological wonders in Inner Mongolia.

Day 3: Stone Forests and Hot Springs

Day 3 took us through Huanggangliang Forest Park and Ashatu Stone Forest—a surreal landscape of towering rock pillars. We stayed in Reshuitang, a town famous for its hot springs. The hotel had private hot spring baths, perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking.

Ashatu Stone Forest Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: Morning for fewer crowds.
• Photography: The stone pillars are most photogenic at sunrise.
• Nearby attractions: Baiyinaobao for more rock formations.

Day 4: Ulanbutong Grassland – The Iconic Inner Mongolia Experience

Ulanbutong grassland is a popular destination for self-driving tourists from Beijing. While the scenery is beautiful, we found the roadside views more impressive than the paid scenic area.

Grassland Activities

• Horseback riding (negotiable price)
• Grassland hiking
• Local Mongolian cuisine (try roasted lamb)

Honest review: Ulanbutong is worth visiting, but don't expect untouched wilderness. The best grasslands are along the road from Jingpeng to Ulanbutong.

Day 5: From Grassland to Chengde

Our final day was a 300 km drive to Chengde, a historic city in Hebei Province. We explored the Chengde Mountain Resort (a UNESCO World Heritage site) before heading to Beijing.

Chengde Travel Tips

• Must-see: Chengde Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples.
• Food: Try local Hebei specialties like donkey meat sandwich.
• Accommodation: Downtown Chengde has many affordable hotels.

FAQ: Planning Your Family Trip to Inner Mongolia

1. When is the best time to visit Chifeng?

Mid-to-late August is ideal. The weather is warm but not scorching, and the grasslands are lush. Avoid late September when temperatures drop significantly.

2. Is it safe to travel with kids in Inner Mongolia?

Yes. The region is safe, and locals are friendly. Stick to well-known attractions and hire a private driver for convenience.

3. How much does a private driver cost in Chifeng?

Expect to pay 600-800 RMB per day for a private driver, plus fuel and tolls. The driver covers their own meals and accommodation.

4. What should I pack for a Chifeng family trip?

• Clothing: Layers (evenings are cool), rain jacket, comfortable hiking shoes.
• Essentials: Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, reusable water bottle.
• Kids: Sand toys, snacks, and a first-aid kit.

5. Can I visit Chifeng without a private driver?

Yes, but it's less convenient. Public transportation is limited, and attractions are spread out. Renting a car is an option, but a private driver saves time and stress.

Internal Linking Suggestions

• [Link: Best family-friendly destinations in China]
• [Link: How to plan a self-driving trip in Inner Mongolia]
• [Link: Top 10 things to do in Chifeng]
• [Link: Guide to Chinese hot springs for families]
• [Link: Chengde travel guide – UNESCO sites and local food]

Conclusion: Why This Inner Mongolia Itinerary Works for Families

This Chifeng travel itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. From sandboarding at Yulong Sand Lake to soaking in hot springs at Reshuitang, every day brings something new. The private driver made logistics effortless, and the diverse landscapes kept both kids and adults entertained.

Ready to plan your own family trip to Inner Mongolia? Start by booking a private driver and packing for unpredictable weather. For more tips on traveling with kids in China, check out our [family travel guides].

Call to Action: Have you visited Chifeng or other parts of Inner Mongolia? Share your experiences in the comments below! And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more off-the-beaten-path travel guides.

Note: This article is based on a real family trip in August. Prices and availability may vary. Always confirm details before booking.