Zhaojun Tomb

Zhaojun Tomb is situated nine kilometers (approx. 6 miles) away from Hohhot, on the plain extending from the northern bank of the Dahei River. Also called 'green tomb' after the green grass that grows on it, the tomb is listed among the eight most popular scenic spots in Hohhot. The tomb is a large man-made earthen mound, which is 33 meters (approx. 108 feet) high. It was built to commemorate a great woman named Wang Zhaojun, who was one of the four most beautiful ladies in ancient China, and who sacrificed herself for the unity of China by marrying Khan.

In front of the tomb, bronze statues of Wang Zhaojun and her husband (Khan), depict a vivid picture of them riding horses and talking to each other intimately. The statues are the symbol of the friendly relations between the Han nationality and the Hun nationality, which was greatly promoted by Wang Zhaojun.

Behind the statues, there are several steles displaying the praises bestowed upon Wang Zhaojun. Among them, the stele marked with the poems of Dong Biwu (a modern revolutionary and a politician) is the most notable one.

Behind the steles, stone stairs and a stone platform are connected with the Zhaojun Tomb. Upon the stone platform you can find a pavilion. The pavilion offers tourists a good position from which to overlook the scenery surrounding the tomb and the far away Mt. Yinshan.

Recently, the tomb area has been developed to include cultural facilities such as a Reception Room, Exhibition Room and Painting and Calligraphy Room. The tomb has now become one of the key cultural relics under the jurisdiction of Hohhot.

The tomb is famous for its spectacular scenery. The summer months are mild, and the wild flowers and grasses grow in abundance, creating a beautiful natural picture together with the towering green trees. When autumn comes in September, unlike grasses which shriveled and yellow at this time of the year, the grass growing on the tomb is still green and vigorous.

Xilamuren Grassland

Having visited many historic sites and climbed several famous mountains, are you eager to experience grassland life? Thus Xilamuren Grassland should be a good choice!

Lying about ninety kilometers (about 56 miles) north of Hohhot, Xilamuren Grassland is the first grassland tourist attraction opened in Hohhot. Xilamuren, which means 'yellow water' in Mongolian, is also known as Taihe after Puhui Temple, a Lama temple built in 1769 in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The best time to visit the grassland is in summer and autumn. At this time of year, the pleasant climate, the blue sky and white clouds, the rolling grass, the wandering flocks and herds, the passionate herdsmen and their Mongolian food will undoubtedly leave you with a deep impression. During the Nadam Festival held every summer, tourists can enjoy a series of different activities, including camel riding, horse racing, wrestling, archery, a camp fire party and singing and dancing. You can even take part in some of the competitions that you are interested in. A big surprise is probably waiting for you!

Don't hesitate to pay a visit to Xilamuren Grassland. It won't disappoint you!

Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si)

Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si), which is also called Jingangzuo Sheli Baota, is located in Hohhot City. As there are five small dagobas on the pedestal of the pagoda, it is named Wuta Si. Wuta was originally a building of the temple constructed during 1727-1732. Now the temple has disappeared, but the pagoda has remained.

The pagoda is 16 meters high (about 51 feet) and it is composed of three parts: the base, the seat and the top (five dagobas). The lower part of the seat is inlaid with inscriptions of Diamond Sutra written in Mongolian, Tibetan and Sanskrit. The upper part is niches holding gold-plated statues of Buddha. The body of the pagoda is glazed in greens and yellows.

On the northern wall of the pagoda, three sculptures are inlaid. The Mongolian Astronomical Map is the only one labeled in Mongolian so far in the world and it is of great importance to scientific research.

Compared with other pagodas, Five-Pagoda Temple is unique in at least two aspects: its special structure, pagodas over pagoda, and the green and yellow colored glazes on the short eaves and tops of pagodas. Those make Five-Pagoda Temple quite special, a treasure of Hohhot City.