8-Day Tour Of Beijing, Huitengxile Grassland And Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

Exploring Beijing, Huitengxile Grassland, and Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum in 8 Days: An In-Depth Review

This 8-day private tour offers a balanced mix of China’s imperial grandeur and Mongolia’s sprawling natural landscapes. From the historic walls of Beijing to the windswept plains of the Huitengxile Grassland, and finally to the legendary Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, it’s designed for travelers eager to experience diverse environments and cultures in one trip.

What we love most about this experience is the seamless combination of culture and natural beauty, supported by attentive guides and comfortable logistics. The inclusion of hotel stays, entrance fees, flights, and private transport means you’ll be able to focus on soaking in the sights without worrying about the details.

A possible consideration is that the itinerary involves quite a bit of travel, including flights and long drives, which might be tiring for some. Also, the pace is fairly full, so travelers looking for a more relaxed or slow-paced experience may want to plan some downtime.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to both Beijing’s imperial history and Mongolia’s vast steppe landscapes, especially those comfortable with a busy schedule and transportation between destinations.

Key Points

Diverse Destinations: Combines urban exploration, grassland adventures, desert activities, and historical sites.
All-Inclusive Package: Hotel, entrance fees, flights, guides, meals—everything except tips and some flights—are included, making it straightforward to budget.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides in both English and Chinese add depth and context to each site.
Authentic Experiences: Visitors get to see traditional performances, Mongolian culture, and natural landscapes firsthand.
Active and Relaxing: Mixes sightseeing, cultural activities, outdoor adventures, and leisure, offering something for most interests.
Great Value: The cost covers a lot of ground and key experiences, providing good value for the diverse experiences packed into 8 days.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival and Airport Transfer

Starting at Beijing Capital International Airport, your transfer to the hotel sets a comfortable tone. Since the airport pickup is included, you avoid the stress of navigating public transport or taxis after a long flight. This is particularly valuable for first-time visitors or those arriving late.

Day 2: Beijing’s Imperial Heart and the Great Wall

The tour kicks off with The Forbidden City, the largest preserved imperial palace complex in China, dating back over 700 years. The guided exploration along the central axis from south to north offers a clear understanding of its historical significance. Visitors often remark on the size and grandeur—it’s truly a city within a city, filled with corridors, halls, and gardens.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its well-preserved structure and less crowded environment. The walk along the wall offers sweeping views of the mountains and valleys, perfect for photos. An added highlight is the Chinese tea ceremony at a local tea house, where you can relax and appreciate China’s sophisticated tea culture.

Day 3: Journey to Inner Mongolia

A domestic flight takes you from Beijing to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. The guide meets you in Mongolian dress—a small detail that adds authenticity to your experience. The transfer and check-in are smooth, giving you the afternoon to acclimate or explore the city.

Day 4: Huitengxile Grassland Adventure

The highlight of this day is visiting the Huitengxile Grassland, often called a “flowerland” for its vibrant natural scenery. The welcome drinking ceremony offers a taste of local customs, setting a friendly tone. The landscape is dotted with wind turbines, symbolizing sustainable energy efforts, and the expansive views are perfect for photos.

You can opt to ride horses, watch Mongolian horse racing and wrestling performances, or just soak in the scenery. The evening features a bonfire party and dinner—great for mingling and experiencing local entertainment.

Day 5: Cultural and Historic Insights

Back in Hohhot, you’ll visit the Inner Mongolia Museum, which showcases everything from dinosaur fossils to space explorations, reflecting the region’s diverse natural history. The Generals Government Office and Dazhao Buddhist Temple deepen your understanding of local governance and religious traditions. Many reviews mention guides’ ability to make these sites come alive, blending historical facts with engaging stories.

Day 6: Kubuqi Desert and Xiangshawan

Traveling to the Kubuqi Desert, one of China’s largest deserts, offers a different kind of landscape—sand dunes, camel rides, and even sand surfing for the adventurous. The cable car ride over Xiangshawan brings spectacular views of the shifting sands, creating perfect photo opportunities. The activities here, including motor cars and zip lines, add an adrenaline rush.

Day 7: Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum and Mongolian Culture

The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is not just a burial site but also a cultural park, featuring exhibits and statues dedicated to the legendary leader. Visitors often appreciate the chance to learn about Mongolian history in a setting that feels both reverent and lively.

In the afternoon, the tour visits Erdos, known for its Mongolian wedding parks and city squares, showcasing traditional architecture and contemporary Mongolian lifestyle. These sights add a fun, vibrant layer to your understanding of modern Mongolia.

Day 8: Departure and Farewell

A relaxed morning with breakfast before being transferred to Ordos Airport, ready for your onward journey. The included transfer simplifies your departure, allowing you to focus on your trip memories rather than logistics.

The Value of This Tour

This journey packs in a surprising amount of variety—urban history, natural landscapes, desert adventures, and cultural insights—making it a smart choice for travelers who want a comprehensive look at China and Mongolia in one trip. The included flights and accommodations mean fewer surprises on the budget front, and the guides’ expertise can help you truly connect with each site.

While the itinerary is full, it’s well-structured, with enough downtime to enjoy each experience. The private group setting means personalized attention, and the hotel standards ensure comfort even after long days of exploring.

The price point of $3,200 per person reflects the all-inclusive nature, covering transportation, entrance fees, meals, and expert guides. For those interested in authentic experiences that blend history, culture, and natural beauty, most will find this worth the investment.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who thrive on a full schedule of sightseeing and culture. It’s perfect for those comfortable with flights and long travel days, and who want a guided, hassle-free trip. History buffs, nature lovers, and anyone curious about Mongolian traditions will find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Beijing wanting to explore beyond the city walls, or travelers eager to see Mongolia’s landscapes without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves. The inclusion of cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, and scenic views elevates it above a simple sightseeing trip.

FAQs

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour begins with pickup from Beijing Capital International Airport, making your arrival smooth and fuss-free.

Are hotel accommodations included?
Yes, you stay in 5-star hotels throughout the trip, ensuring comfort after busy sightseeing days.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel stays, entrance fees, domestic flights from Beijing to Hohhot, private transport, meals (dinners and lunches), and guide services in both English and Chinese.

Are meals provided?
Yes, five dinners and five lunches are included, giving you a taste of local cuisine and traditional Mongolian dishes.

What about transportation between sites?
You’ll travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, which provides convenience and comfort throughout the trip.

Can I expect knowledgeable guides?
Yes, guides are well-versed in the sites’ background, often sharing engaging stories and cultural insights. Some reviews highlight guides’ efforts to make history come alive.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, activities like horse riding at Huitengxile Grassland are optional and may incur extra charges.

How is the pace of the tour?
It’s quite full, with daily site visits and travel. Travelers should be prepared for a busy schedule, but it offers a comprehensive experience.

What should I consider before booking?
Be comfortable with flights, long days, and outdoor activities. Also, check for physical comfort with walking or standing during site visits.

To sum it up, this 8-day tour offers an impressive balance of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, all wrapped into one well-organized package. It’s particularly suitable for travelers eager to explore China’s imperial sites alongside Mongolia’s vast grasslands and deserts without the hassle of independent planning. With knowledgeable guides and a comfortable setup, it promises a memorable journey through some of Asia’s most iconic landscapes and traditions.