Gegentala Grassland
Gegentala Grassland which mean "summer resort" in Mongolian, is located 145 kilometers north of Hohhot, the Inner Mongolian Capital. Gegentala Grassland consists of wonderful steppe scenery including vast prairie landscape, unique local culture and Mongolian traditional lifestyle.
Gegentala Grassland has relatively cool weather and a peaceful natural scenery. 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 amazing. Local herdsmen and their families will eagerly to share knowledge about their customs and habits. Most of tourist that visiting the Gegentala Grassland consider to stay for 1-2 nights in the yurt (Mongolian traditional tent). At those nights, the visitors will experience the unity with steppe atmosphere and Mongolian traditional culture at close quarter.
Besides the beauty scenery of Gegentala Grassland, tourists may taste the local cuisines such as roast lamb, roasted whole sheep and shouba-rou (boiled mutton eaten with hands). Meanwhile the brave visitors might get a chance to be part of horse ricing, wrestling and archery, the three most popular Mongolian traditions. At night, tourists can gather around a bonfire and listen to folk songs and watch folk dances.
The best time to visit the Gegentala Grassland is during July-August, where the Nadam Festival be held in the steppe. Nadam Festival is the most famous entertainment in Inner Mongolia, a traditional grand event and greatest annual meeting of Mongolian. At those periode, the flowers are in full bloom, the flocks are in their best conditions and temperatures are mild enough.