Gegentala
Grassland is to the north of Hohhot, within the Inner
Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is the largest and a unique
Mongolian scenic spot bearing the Mongolian ethical features of
China. In Mongolian 'Gegentala' means a summer resort or the place
of grazing in summer. On the grassland, the weather is cool and
the natural scenery is fascinating. With thriving grass and abundant
water, the green of the grassland reach out as far as your eyes
can see. Colorful wild flowers and flocks of sheep that look like
masses of cloud make the scene absolutely beautiful.
Besides the scenery of Gegentala Grassland, visitors can also
taste traditional Mongolian food and take part in local activities.
While listening to the melodious toasting songs and appreciating
traditional Mongolian dances, visitors have the opportunity to
taste kumiss, roasted whole sheep and shouba rou (boiled mutton
eaten with hands). In traditional Mongolian clothes, visitors
can take part in horse race, wrestling and archery which have
been popular in Inner Mongolia for thousands of years. At night,
people sit around bonfires singing and dancing to their hearts'
content. After one day's travel, the Mongol ger, which means home
in Mongolian, provides accommodation for the tourist. All these
experiences give visitors the true feeling of what life is like
on the vast grassland.
To enrich the tourist experience, modern facilities, such as
night clubs and luxurious Mongol gers, have been established.
Every July or August when flowers are in full bloom and sheep
and horses are in their best condition, a tourism festival called
Nadam Fair is held (Nadam Fair means entertainment and amusement
in Mongolian. It is a traditional grand meeting and also an annual
gala event for the Mongolian). This period is also a favorable
season for travel.