Eerdun Aobao
A cluster of aobao cairns (the Thirteen Aobaos) on the hill behind Beizi Temple, Xilingol's most famous aobao worship site: from the summit you can overlook all of Xilinhot and grassland stretching to the horizon; sunset is the city's best viewing time
Visitor info
- Opening hours
- All day
- Ticket
- Free
Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.
A cluster of aobao cairns (the Thirteen Aobaos) on the hill behind Beizi Temple, Xilingol's most famous aobao worship site: from the summit you can overlook all of Xilinhot and the grassland stretching to the horizon, and sunset is the city's best viewing time. According to records, an aobao worship ceremony is held every year on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month, with lamas chanting sutras and herders circling the aobao clockwise three times to pray for blessings — a living sample of grassland faith. The Mongolian tradition of romance at the aobao, sung in the folk song 'Meeting at the Aobao' (Aobao Xianghui), shares one lineage with this worship culture; the viewing platform and mani poles with prayer flags are the signature sights.
Getting there: Hike to the summit via the trail on the hill behind Beizi Temple
Photos
More in Xilinhot
- Beizi Temple
One of Inner Mongolia's famous Tibetan Buddhist temples and the largest ancient architectural complex in Xilingol: halls unfold along a central axis against the southern slope of Eerdun Taoligai Aobao Hill; painted columns and gilded dharma wheels are the highlights, and at its peak the monastery reportedly had over a thousand monks (according to records)
- Xilingol Grassland
One of the most representative tracts of China's temperate grasslands: according to records, the Xilingol National Grassland Nature Reserve was established in 1985 as China's first grassland-type nature reserve
- Xilin River Nine Bends (Jiuquwan)
The best viewing spot for the Xilin River's snaking chain of linked bends across the grassland: climb up for a distant view and the river winds through nine linked bends like a ribbon unfurled, while at sunset the water reflects light in a "Golden River" spectacle—a regular fixture in Xilingol tourism photos
- Pingdingshan Volcanic Cluster (Flat-Top Mountain)
A wonder of Quaternary volcanic relics: dozens of volcanic hills have rounded, uniformly level tops as if sliced by a knife, hence the name Pingdingshan (Flat-Top Mountain); reportedly formed from volcanic plateaus and lava landforms through uplift and erosion
- Mongolian Khan City (West Ujimqin Banner)
A grassland culture tourism park (4A-rated) styled after Yuan-dynasty khan tents: the Khan's Golden-Top Grand Tent is the landmark building, with welcome toasting ceremonies, bonfire parties and "Three Manly Skills" experiences as the main activities, plus overnight stays in traditional yurts