Shangri-La Baotou

Singing Sand Ravine, a perfect scenic spot is famous throughout the world for its singing capable sand, back of the Kobqi which was reputed as the dragonhead of the desert, and got another name resonant “Yinken”. Singing Sand Ravine is 110 meters in height and 200 meters in width, 45 degrees in gradient with crescent topography creates a massive echoing sand wall. When you slide down from the top of the mountain, you will hear various sounds, sometimes like carillon, sometimes like insect’s worm. The sound is different for different speed and the number of the people. It is a marvelous, top-notch natural tourism resource. The transparent water in the desert ----the desert lake is 2 km from the crescent echoing sand wall, and it is small square sand that it is humid year in and year out. It was regarded as the “desert sweet fountain”. There are also horse or camel riding, desert surfing car and other interesting experience waiting for you. The mysterious phenomenon that the sand can sing attracts the tourists from all over the world to come and enjoy on it.

Xilamuren Grassland Resort is listed as a national tourist resort by the National Tourist Bureau of China. It is a typical altiplano prairie, with exuberant grass and vigorous wildflowers in summer and autumn. Situated southeast from Baotou, the grassland is also known as Zhaohe because of its long-history Lama Temple – Xilitu Temple. You can really enjoyed the calm and peaceful environment of this grassland.

Genghis Khan, "Khan of Khans", was the great leader of the Mongolians. At the end of the 12th century, he united Mongolian tribes and challenged other powers to expand his huge Mongolian empire, which eventually extended from South China to the Caspian Sea. In 1277, the Khan attacked the West Xia Kingdom (presently Ningxia) and encountered strong resistance. He died of disease and age. The great emperor was later buried secretly according to Mongolian custom. It is said that after the burial 2,000 men were slaughtered by some 800 soldiers who were in turn executed so that the location of the real tomb remains a secret. Genghis Khan's Mausoleum, rebuilt in 1954, 185 kilometers south of Baotou, is a mausoleum, in which only his clothing is buried in memory of the great leader. The 5.5 hectares mausoleum grounds include three giant yurt halls which house coffins of the Khan, his wife, his son and his generals. There are four sacrifice ceremonies held annually to commemorate the great hero and leader of the Mongolian people. The ceremony on March 21st of the lunar calendar is the grandest. After the ceremony, horse racing, archery and wrestling competitions are held as entertainment.