Uzumqin

It is a typical small Inner Mongolian town with mostly new buildings, some of them quite soviet in style. It is very close to the south eastern borders of the country Mongolia and does not see a lot of tourists. It's likely that some of the locals will get interested and come up to talk to you and wish you welcome.

There are buses from Xilinhot and Beijing.

By foot, since it's so small, or by taxi if you want to travel a longer distance.

The beautiful countryside and the Mongolian culture.

• Uzumqin Homestay - Stay with a native Mongol family in the remote countryside, just by the border to Mongolia proper. Sleeping in a yurt by night, exploring the stunning countryside by day. Herding the semi-wild horses on a moped is a thrilling experience. If you prefer relaxing there is plenty of opportunity for that: endless fields of grass, the softly rolling hills of the steppe and the lakes and wildlife offer a tranquil surrounding. Contact in advance and your Mongol host family will see if there is any festival or other activities which could be matched to your visit. The homestay is located close to Uzumqin and pickup at the central buss station can be organized, followed by a trip out into the steppe on small dirt roads. Contact on email uzumqinhomestay@gmail.com

There are shopping opportunities along the main road, where you will find things such as saddles, high quality wool-clothes, traditional Mongolian dresses, traditional jewelry. The products are of course made in China, but not in the usual sense of the word: rather than cheap factory goods of dubious quality, they tend to be very well made - they're made to be used.

It's easy to find small restaurants. Mostly Mongolian and Chinese dishes. Mongolian food puts a lot of emphasis on meat and diary-products. All of course from their own farm! Tourists with specific needs or preferences do best to bring their own food.

Mongolian tea and Baiju (strong alcoholic beverage) are two local drinks.

There are some small hotels, as everywhere in China.