Overview
Erlian is a frontier city on the China-Mongolia border, serving as the primary rail crossing point between the two countries. The city is famous for its dinosaur heritage due to prolific fossil discoveries in the surrounding Gobi Desert region.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Transit Hub
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget hotels near the station cost ¥50-60 for a double. The Geely Hotel offers triples for ¥80 with WiFi and air-con. The Ruyi International Mansion is the top-end option from ¥330.
Connectivity
Chinese SIM cards (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) are widely available and work throughout the city.
Food
The Mongolian restaurant in the bus station serves authentic food with picture menus. Xilin Street comes alive with outdoor barbecue stalls after 19:30. Hui Muslim restaurants provide halal options.
Language
Mongolian is widely spoken by the local population alongside Mandarin. English is uncommon, especially at border crossings and on Mongolian-bound transport.
Money
Chinese yuan (CNY) is the local currency. Money changers at Central Market's east entrance exchange Mongolian tugrik. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside larger hotels.
Transport
Taxis charge a flat ¥5 within town or ¥10 to the border. Bus #1 runs ¥1 to the border. International buses to Mongolia (Zamiin-Uud) depart hourly from 二连国际汽车站 for ¥50.