About
Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region in northern China. It sits on the edge of the great grasslands, and for many visitors it serves as the natural starting point for exploring the open steppe and the nomadic culture that has shaped this part of the country.
What the city offers
- A base for trips out onto the grasslands, where the landscape opens into wide, rolling pasture.
- A window into Mongolian traditions, from customs and dress to the everyday rhythms of herding life.
- Dairy products, which the city is known for, giving a taste of local food that differs from much of the rest of China.
Planning a visit
Hohhot works well as a stop for travellers who want to combine city life with time in the countryside. The city itself is a practical place to rest, eat and arrange onward journeys, while the surrounding grasslands provide the quieter, more expansive experience many people come to Inner Mongolia for.
The city's name appears in Chinese as 呼和浩特 and in Mongolian script as ᠬᠥᠬᠡᠬᠣᠲᠠ, a reminder of the mix of cultures that defines the place. Visitors interested in the region's heritage will find that the Mongolian language and traditions remain part of the city's identity.
If you are considering Hohhot, think about whether you want a short visit focused on the city and its food, or a longer stay that takes you out to the grasslands. Either way, the city offers a clear and worthwhile entry point into Inner Mongolia.