Baotou

Baotou (Chinese: 包头 Bāotóu, Mongolian: ᠪᠤᠭᠤᠲᠤᠬᠣᠲᠠ Buɣutu qota) is a city on the Yellow River (Huáng Hé) in Inner Mongolia. The metropolitan area has a population of over two million.

Understand

Located in the western part of the Central Mongolia Autonomous Region, Baotou is a modern, industry-led city situated on the banks of the Yellow River and backed by the Yinshan Mountains. Rich in mineral resources and strategically located, Baotou has become an important economic center in Inner Mongolia and is known as the “Steel City of the Grassland”. The city has a long history and has been an important area for nomadic herders since ancient times, but nowadays it is a fusion of grassland scenery and modernization, with beautiful natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

The largest city in Inner Mongolia, Baotou used to be an arid region inhabited by Mongolian herders and their sheep. The town that has since grown up has four main parts

• Donghe — the old part of town and lies to the east
• Qingshan — part of the new city
• Jiuyuan
• Kunqu (Kandulun) — major part of the new city and is the main shopping and entertainment area with all the western restaurants near Baobaidalou (a large walking street and shopping area)

The new city is bisected by Gangtie St, a large road that goes from the east in Qingshan to the west in Kunqu.

Climate

Baotou Climate Map

1. Spring (March-May)

• Features: Spring sees rapidly rising temperatures but is windy and dry, with occasional sandstorms.
• Temperature: Daytime temperatures usually range from 10°C to 20°C, but there is a significant temperature difference between day and night.
• Tips: Take precautions against wind and dust and stay hydrated.

2. Summer (June-August)

• Features: Summers are warm with concentrated rainfall but remain relatively dry and comfortable.
• Temperature: Average temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C, with highs occasionally exceeding 30°C.
• Tips: Ideal for outdoor activities, but be cautious of brief heavy rainstorms.

3. Autumn (September-November)

• Features: Autumn is sunny and pleasant, with gradually cooling temperatures, making it one of the most comfortable seasons.
• Temperature: Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, with cooler mornings and evenings.
• Tips: Perfect for travel and outdoor exploration, but be prepared for colder weather.

4. Winter (December-February)

• Features: Winters are cold and dry, with minimal snowfall, but occasional strong cold fronts can cause sharp temperature drops.
• Temperature: Average temperatures hover around -10°C, with extreme lows dropping below -20°C.
• Tips: Dress warmly to prevent frostbite, and enjoy the unique winter landscapes of the grasslands.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Baotou Donghe Airport (Baotou Erliban Airport, Baotou Hailanbu Airport, 包头东河机场, 包头二里半机场, 包头海兰泡机场, BAV  ^IATA) (Despite being across the tracks from the east railway station, it's a 4km walk. Airport "buses" (white vans) will take you anywhere in Baotou for ¥22, but if you're going to Donghe a taxi will be cheaper. This airport is planned to be the terminus of a metro line that will reach the east railway station in two stops before turning west to reach the rest of the urban area.), ☏ +86-0472-4616100. Has flights from major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, Xi'an, and Yulin, as well as Ulaan Bataar and a few other international destinations. (updated Nov 2018)

By train

There are two main train stations. There is high-speed rail but only inside Inner Mongolia (1hr to Hohhot). A night train to Beijing takes about 12 hours and ¥110-150 (seat) or ¥300-450 (soft sleeper).

• 2 Baotou East station (包头东站). Main station for Donghe. (updated Nov 2018)
• 3 Baotou Station (包头站). Main station for the western part of town. (updated Nov 2018)
• 4 Baotoudong Railway station (包头东站), No.32 Nanmenwai Street, Donghe District, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia, ☏ +82 0472-12306. (updated Sep 2024)

By bus

• 5 Baotou Long Distance Bus Station (包头长途客运总站). Destinations include Beijing (about 10 hours), Dongsheng (about 3 hours), and Hohhot (about 3 hours) (updated Nov 2018)

Get around

1. Grassland Scenery and Natural Attractions

• Recommended Itinerary for Baotou 3 Days Tour: Day 1 Dangerous Baotou, choose high speed train or train to arrive at Baotou East Railway Station or take a flight to Baotou Airport (about 23 kilometers away from the city center, which can be reached by airport bus or cab). It is recommended to stay in the city center hotel, convenient for subsequent travel. After a short break in the morning, take a taxi ride or bus to Baotou Museum, grassland culture, nomadic history of rare earth industry. Understand to go to Beiliang Red Army Revolutionary Memorial Hall, feel the red history and revolutionary spirit. Evening walk or bus to local restaurants, traditional air-dried beef and dairy products and hand-picked mutton and other specialties of Inner Mongolia. The next day car rental is recommended to travel, first to Maoming Grassland on the outskirts of the city (about 40 minutes drive), experience grassland activities such as horseback riding and archery, and enjoy a Mongolian specialty breakfast. In the afternoon, drive to JiuFeng Mountain or Rare Earth Grand Canyon to enjoy the music of the mountain and canyon scenery, lens lens to remember. On the third day with the main line of culture and nature, drive to Wudangzhao (about 1 hour drive), a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery, quiet and solemn, suitable for sightseeing and meditation. Then go to Nanhai Wetland Park, stroll along the wetland trestle, enjoy the flocks of migratory birds and quiet Manhattan. Return to the city and end the tour in Baotou.

See

Sculpture in Baotou

• 1 Baotou Museum (包头博物馆), 25 A'erding Street, Hondlon District (昆都仑区阿尔丁大街25号) (bus nos. 1, 22, 42, 43, 52, C2), ☏ +86 472 5317616. 09:30-16:30 (winter), 09:00-17:00 (summer), no entry in last 30 minutes. Free. (updated Nov 2022)
• 2 Baotou Rare Earths Museum (包头稀土博物馆), Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, 36 Huanghe Avenue, Jiuyuan District (九原区黄河大街36号包头稀土研究院) (take bus no. 43). China's first and only rare earths museum. (updated Nov 2022)
• Northern Weapon City (兵器公园). An outdoor park with a collection of mainly artillery pieces manufactured by hometown arms maker Northern Heavy Industries Group. ¥8. (updated Oct 2020)

Outer districts

• 3 Wudangzhao Lamasery (五当召; Wǔ​dāng​zhào​) (50 km northeast of Baotou, buses from the East Bus Station will take you there in two hours, or it's a 75 minute drive. You may also find minibuses in front of the east railway station around 08:00, or you can take bus 7 to Shiguai (石拐), then take a minibus or taxi the rest of the way for ¥30.). 08:00-18:00. Largest and best preserved Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Inner Mongolia. ¥60. (updated Sep 2019)
• 4 Guyang County Section of the Great Wall (50 km northeast of Baotou in Guyang County (固阳县; Gù​yáng​xiàn​)). 
• 5 Shiguai District Section of the Great Wall (30 km east of Baotou in Shiguai District (石拐区; Shí​guǎi​qū​)). 
• 6 Nanhai National Wetland Park (南海湿地景区, 包头黄河国家湿地公园). 08:00-21:00. A protected wetland, scenic area, amusement park, and final approach route for the airport. ¥20, no ticket sales after 18:30. (updated Nov 2018)
• 7 Shiramuren Grassland (希拉穆仁草原（召河）), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Dalhammao Ming'an Union Flag (located in the southeast of Baotou City Dalmao Flag), ☏ +86 14747294777. 24hour. Day and night temperature is larger, midsummer night, also cool like autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, feel the prairie culture ¥80. (updated Sep 2024)

Do

In Baotou, you can experience a rich variety of experiences: enjoy the natural beauty of the Maoming Grassland and the South China Sea Wetland, visit historical and cultural sites such as Wudangzhao, and learn about the grassland culture and the development of the rare earth industry. Here you can listen to the natural scenery of the grassland, such as the Grand Canyon of Rare Earths and the grassland of Jufeng Mountain, as well as the convenience of life in a modern city, appreciate the authentic cuisine such as air-dried beef, and experience horseback riding, archery, and other grassland activities, and appreciate the unique flavor of the grassland. In addition, Baotou also organizes a wealth of festivals, such as the Naadam Congress and Grassland Music Festival, in the lively square to feel the unique charm of grassland culture.

Buy

1. Local Specialties

• Beef and Lamb Products: Baotou
• Dairy Products: Inner Mongolia’s dairy products, such as cheese, milk tablets, and milk tea powder, make excellent gifts.
• Oat Flour: Made from oat millet, oat flour and its dishes (like oat noodle rolls) are traditional specialties of the region.
• Mongolian Specialty Foods: Items like air-dried meat and "shouba" meat (handheld lamb) showcase authentic grassland flavors.
• Local Alcohol: Inner Mongolian liquors, such as baijiu or fermented mare’s milk, offer a distinctive taste.

2. Ethnic Handicrafts

• Mongolian Clothing and Accessories: Scarves with ethnic patterns, hats, and traditional Mongolian robes make for unique cultural souvenirs.
• Leather Goods: Handcrafted leather products, including bags and belts, are made from high-quality cowhide or sheepskin.
• Grassland Crafts: Items like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), miniature yurts, and ethnic ornaments are rich in grassland culture.

3. Local Brand Products

• Yili and Mengniu Dairy Products: As key production hubs for these famous brands, Baotou offers fresh and authentic dairy products.
• Bronze Cultural Memorabilia: Known for its bronze culture, Baotou has a variety of art pieces and souvenirs related to this heritage.

Eat

Try Mongolian hot pot with mutton, especially in the winter. Any mutton dish is worth trying as they raise sheep up in the mountains.

• 1 Little Sheep Restaurant (小肥羊大厦; Xiǎo​féi​yáng​ Dà​shà​), 9 Wulandao, Kun District (昆区乌兰道9号; Kūnqū​​ Wū​lán​dào​) (near Baotou Hotel), ☏ +86 472 5137998, fax: +86 472 5115998. This is the flagship restaurant of this world wide hot pot chain. 

Drink

"Dayao Jiabin is a popular carbonated beverage brand from Inner Mongolia, known for its rich flavors, especially its classic orange soda, and its strong connection to grassland culture, making it a regional symbol and a favorite drink for pairing with hearty meals like barbecue."

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Baotou Golden Snail Hotel (包头金蜗牛酒店; Bāo​tóu​ Jīnwō​niú​ Jiǔ​diàn​​), D1 Pedestrian St, Jiuyuan District (九原区步行街D1; Jiǔyuánqū Bù​xíng​jiē​). Small rooms with free internet. No breakfast available. Listed rates for doubles from ¥159, discounted from ¥95. 
• 2 Hengwei Holiday (Qingshan Branch) (包头恒为假日酒店 (青山分店); Bāo​tóu​ Héngwéi​jià​rì​ Jiǔ​diàn (Qīng​shān​ Fēndiàn​)​​), 8 Gangtie Ave, Qingshan District (青山区钢铁大街8号; Qīng​shān​qū Gāng​tiě​dà​jiē​​), ☏ +86 472 2885588. Rooms with free internet. Restaurant and cafe available. Listed rates for doubles from ¥168, discounted from ¥113, including breakfast. 

Mid-range

• 3 Qingshan Hotel Baotou, 1 Yingbin Rd, Qingshan District, ☏ +86 472 3331199, fax: +86 472 5156001. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 
• 4 Tianwaitian Hotel Baotou (天外天酒店), 50 Hudemulin Avenue, Qingshan District(青山区呼得木林大街50号), ☏ +86 472 3137766, fax: +86 472 3131771. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 

Splurge

• 5 Shangri-La Hotel Baotou (包头香格里拉大酒店; Bāo​tóu​ Xiāng​gé​lǐ​lā​ Dà​jiǔ​diàn​), 66 Minzu East Rd, Qingshan District (青山区民族东路66号; Qīng​shān​qū Mín​zú​dōng​lù​​), ☏ +86 472 5998888, fax: +86 472 5998999, slbt@shangri-la.com. Large rooms with free internet, satellite tv, minibar, coffee equipment, safe, bathrobes and hair dryer. Business center, currency exchange, ticket office, night club and indoor swimming pool available. Chinese and Western restaurants as well as room service. Listed rates ¥1,688-2,286, breakfast ¥101 but included for more expensive rooms. 

Go next

• Desert resorts and whistling sand dunes are about 50 km south of the city in Dalad Banner, part of Ordos City