Last weekend, I had no plans to go out, but just then, a friend wanted to get some fresh air and head towards Inner Mongolia. I had never been there before, so I decisively joined the trip to Inner Mongolia. The journey mainly relied on renting a car for a road trip, because Inner Mongolia is truly vast.
On Saturday morning, we took the high-speed train and arrived at the Ulanqab Station, where we picked up the rental car.
![乌兰察布站](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/0063822A-2BA5-4F3C-85DF-67775A3EFE21_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713154880)
The drive was actually quite long, but it had a unique charm for us. At this time of year, the grasslands of Inner Mongolia haven’t yet grown their grass, giving it a feel similar to driving through the deserts of the American West.
![乌兰察布](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BE6EE53A-A451-40E9-8C67-2572DE8E3B00_1_105_c-1024x576.jpeg?v=1713154971)
In the afternoon, we arrived at the Dahongshan area in Siziwang Banner, Ulanqab, our first destination. We spent two hours there enjoying the spectacular scenery. Interestingly, we also came across a new car being featured in a commercial shoot at this location.
![大红山](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/61BD97A4-D564-436B-BC23-A89BE46A0B40_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713155052)
The small Changan car we rented was quite fitting for the environment, and it looked impressively dominant in photos.
![大红山](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/C0E5E7B0-6998-41D9-9AF6-59D4437E8C97_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713155101)
cool~
![大红山](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2F43F0CE-EC57-4E37-A3AE-02A04C4372D5_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713155146)
That evening, we reached Erenhot, a border city where Mongolia is just next door. The next day, we went to have a look at the national border gate, but it was closed due to a sandstorm warning and we couldn’t go in for a visit.
![二连浩特](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/371698AA-13E8-4531-A6B2-4872B6952708_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713155235)
Afterwards, amidst the strong winds and sandstorms, we hurriedly visited the Rulai Shen Zhang and the Wulan Hada Volcano Group. The touring experience was not very pleasant; the wind almost made us dizzy. If you plan to visit Inner Mongolia, don't be like us; make sure to prepare appropriate clothing and check the weather forecast in advance.
![二连浩特-如来神掌](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1D3BDA15-4F49-4B02-B08A-57DD2CF7BD00_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713155348)
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After leaving Erenhot and entering the territory of Ulanqab, there was much less dust, but the wind was still very strong and my clothes were inadequate against it.
![乌兰哈达火山](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/222CC2D8-FEAD-4840-AF72-CFA66C597847_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713155390)
Finally, we had dinner in Ulanqab and I would recommend trying the local specialty, Bai Da's mutton and camel meat pies, which were excellent!
![](https://jdzhao.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/10EEABBD-7DF4-4D1A-B0E3-18327C24FC13_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1713155465)