Overview
Baotou is the largest city in Inner Mongolia and serves as a gateway to the grasslands and desert regions of western China. The city offers a unique blend of grassland culture and heavy industry, earning it the nickname "Steel City of the Grassland." Visitors can experience authentic Mongolian culture including horseback riding, archery, and traditional festivals like Naadam Congress and Grassland Music Festival, while also learning about China's rare earth industry at the country's only rare earths museum.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Museums
Before you go
Culture
Baotou blends Mongolian grassland culture with industrial modernization. Traditional activities include horseback riding and archery. Major festivals include Naadam Congress and Grassland Music Festival.
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the primary language. Mongolian is also spoken by the local Mongolian population. English signage is limited outside major hotels.
Money
Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in the city. Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller establishments may be cash-only.
Transport
Baotou has an airport with domestic flights, two railway stations (East for Donghe, main station for western districts), and a long-distance bus station with routes to Beijing, Hohhot, and Ordos.
Weather
Baotou has cold, dry winters (January: -16°C to -3.7°C) and warm summers (July: 18.2°C to 30.2°C). Summer is the wettest season. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures.
