Description: The 2-day route from Hohhot to Baotou is a golden itinerary of Inner Mongolia, featuring both natural scenery and historical places of interest, which covers Hasuhai Sea, Meidaizhao Old Village and Wudangzhao Temple.

Meidaizhao Old Village, Baotou

On the first day, take a regular bus from Hohhot Bus Terminal (Address: No. 17, West Station Street; 0417-6961611) to Hasuhai Sea for approximately 1 hour.  Hasuhai is located to the south of Daqing Mountain, Taosihao Village, Tumote Left Banner (Telephone: 0471-8312288; Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Admission Fee: RMB 5.00).  It is famous for its clear and uncontaminated water, and it's always regarded as "West Lake north of the Great Wall."  The tourist region is divided into folk village, religious activity district, zoological and botanical garden, ethnic event region and other various regions that blend Mongolian flavor wtih modern atmosphere.

In the afternoon, it is recommended that you visit Meidaizhao Old Village by riding the regular bus from Hohhot to Baotou.  Meidaizhao Old Village is situated in Tumote Right Banner, 50 kilometers from the East River District of Baotou city (Telephone: 0472-8850012; Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 17:30 pm; Admission Fee: Y 20.00).  Meidaizhao Old Village is the only existing architectural complex that combines residence and temple, where people and Buddha live together.  Meidaizhao Lamasery, with its unique artistic and historical vlue, lies nestled in this village.  In the evening, you are advised to stay in Tumote Right Banner village in order to experience the authentic Mongolian lifestyle.

On the second day, spend the morning exploring this Old Village further.  If you have a strong interest in architecture, it will not let you down, as it was built in the Han style of Central China together with elements of Tibetan and Mongolian construction.

Wudangzhao Temple, Baotou

After lunch, take a bus to Wudangzhao village, Shiguai District, Baotou city, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of the downtown area.  There, you will visit Wudangzhao temple (Telephone: 0472-8711529; Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 17:30 pm; Admission Fee: Y 45.00), the only intact lama temple in Inner Mongolia.  It is a famous shrine of Tibetan Buddhism on a par with the great Potala Palace in Tibet and Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai.  The most attractive aspect of the lamasery is its spectacular Tibetan style architecture, along wtih countless Tibetan sutras and art treasures, especially Buddha sculptures made of gold, silver, copper, wood and clay, as well as precious murals.

After two days' sightseeing and spiritual enjoyment, you should nourish your body as well by enjoying the delicious local food.  The flavorful snacks will delight your palate.  A favorite is Cooked Arahat Pearl.  This edible "pearl" is made from mashed chicken with egg.  After being boiled and fried, the tempting food is decorated with slices of mushroom, bamboo shoots and carrot in a riot of color, which serves a feast for both your eyes and your stomach.  Accompany this with a cup of Mare's Milk Wine to alleviate your travel fatigue.  Mare's milk contains 9 times more vitamin C than regular milk and has less fat.  The brewing process of mare's milk wine also reduces the proportion of sugar.  Therefore, mare's milk wine has great value in food therapy, being of benefit to patients suffering from tuberculosis, gastric mucosa or diabetes.

There are plenty of regular buses that can take you to the downtown area of Baotou; take some snacks and find a local hostel to lodge.