'''Hohhot''' (___a____; ''H?hehaote'') is the capital of Inner Mongolia, and part of a metropolitan area with a population of around 2.5 million.
Understand
Although Hohhot has only been the capital of Inner Mongolia since 1947, it has taken on the role with ease and with a rapidly growing population (currently at around 1.6 million) it has begun to challenge Baotou as the region's industrial and economic powerhouse. Despite the fact that only around 11% of the city's population are indigenous Mongols, Mongolian Buddhism (an offshoot of Tibetan Buddhism) continues to thrive and Mongolian culture is actively preserved. As a new capital, the city lacks an abundance of historical and tourist sites. However, it is still definitely worth visiting if in the area. The city is at its greenest and most pleasant in Spring and early Summer.
Get in
By Plane
Hohhot Baita International Airport (IATA: HET) is Inner Mongolia's main airport. Located one hour outside of Hohhot, regular flights are available to Beijing, Chifeng, Guangzhou, Hailar, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Wuhan, Xian, and Xilinhot.
International flight are available to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
By Train
Hohhot is connected to the following cities by rail: Baotou (2 hrs), Beijing (11 hrs), Datong (5 hrs), Erenhot (11 hrs), Yinchuan (10 hrs), Moscow and Ulaanbaatar
The Beijing to Hohhot overnight train is K89. K89 departs at 21:00 and arrives at 07:20. The K90 from Hohhot to Beijing departs at 21:23 and arrives at 07:20 (cost is ~$24USD for a hard sleeper).
Trains 4652 and 4653 run between Hohhot and Erlian. The train leaving from Hohhot departs at 22:00 and arrives at 06:08 (cost is between ~$11USD for a hard sleeper).
By Bus
The long distance bus station is located next to main train station
There are regular bus services to the following cities: Baotou (2 hrs), Beijing (8-11 hrs), Datong (4 hrs), and Dongsheng (3 hrs).
Get around
See
'''Da Zhao Temple''' (______). The oldest Buddhist monastery in the city - constructed in 1579. A 2.5 meter silver statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is among the temples most precious treasures.
'''Inner Mongolia Museum''' (__________?). Exhibitions of the flora and history of Inner Mongolian.
'''Temple of the Five Pagodas''' (______: ''Wutasi'') An Indian style temple constructed in 1732. Famous for its frescos of 1,500 carved figures of Buddha.
'''The Great Mosque'''. The oldest and largest mosque in the city - built in 1693.
'''Tomb of Princess Zhaojun''' ((___N__). The resting place of Han princess who voluntarily married a nomad chief to secure peace. She is attributed with the ability to perform miracles. Take bus No. 6 from the muslim quarter and switch to bus No. 44 that will take you there. Fare is 1 yuan each.
'''Xilitu Zhao''' (________), 112 Danan Street, Yuquan District. The largest Buddhist temple in the city and main seat of Buddhism in Inner Mongolia.
Do
'''Da Zhao Temple festivals''' - Songjing Da Fahui (8th-15th of the 1st and 6th lunar months), Songbalin (14th day of the 1st and 6th lunar months), Liang Dafo (15th day of the 1st and 6th lunar months), and Mani Hui (14th-17th day of eighth lunar month).
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid range
Pinnacle Hotel. hao Wu Da Road. 0471)4316688.
Yunzhong Hotel Hohhot. 7 West Zhongshan Rd., Hohhot. 0471)6968822. 0471)6962236.
Splurge
Inner Mongolia Hotel. est Wulanchabu Rd. Hohhot. 0471)6964233. 0471)6961479.
'''Inner Mongolia Jin Jiang International Hotel''', 119 Hulun South Road, Saihan District, Hohhot, Reservations Contact: 86-21-61226688 Ext. 7800. This five-star hotel in Hohhot brings guests to a new level of luxury, offering almost 1000 rooms with relaxing amenities, event venues and catering services, and recreational facilities. [http://www.innermongoliahotel-hohhot.com Inner Mongolia Jin Jiang International Hotel_fs official website] accepts online reservations.
Get out
'''The Grasslands'''. Mongolia's history is linked to its grasslands. Recommended places near Hohhot are: Xilamuren (80 km north), Huitengxile (120 km west) and Gegentela (150 km north).