Site of Xanadu

A Traveler’s Guide to the Inner Mongolian Steppe: Exploring the Sites of Kublai Khan

Welcome to the vast and breathtaking landscapes of the Inner Mongolian steppe, the legendary setting where Genghis Khan’s grandson, Kublai Khan, built his magnificent summer capital. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about exploring this fascinating region, rich in history and stunning natural beauty.

A Bit of History:

  • Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty and grandson of Genghis Khan, was a visionary leader who united China after his grandfather’s conquests.
  • He established Shangdu, also known as Xanadu, as the capital of his empire during his reign (1260-1294).
  • Shangdu served as a temporary capital for the Mongol Empire. The “city” was not a permanent structure but a large complex of palaces, temples, and other buildings built in the 13th century by the Mongols, reflecting their nomadic lifestyle.

Understanding the Location:

The Mongolian steppe is vast and stretches across much of the country. While Shangdu itself might be gone (though its ruins remain), its legacy lives on in the form of historical sites and cultural experiences that can still be enjoyed today.

Getting Around:

  • By Plane: While there are no airports directly in the historic city of Shangdu, you can fly into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and take a connecting flight to the nearest airport for further travel into Inner Mongolia.
  • By Train:

Trains are a convenient way to travel long distances within Inner Mongolia. You can reach major cities like Hohhot and Ulaanbaatar by train.

  • By Bus: Buses connect many towns and cities across the steppe, making them a good option for exploring the region.

Planning Your Trip:

Must-See Sites:

  • The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan: While technically not in Shangdu (it’s located near the city of Xian, the historical capital of the Yuan dynasty was a major hub during his time)
  • The Ruins of the Ancient City of Xanadu: Located near the Shangdu Archaeological Site, these ruins offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the remnants of the Mongol summer palace.

Historical Context:

For centuries, the Mongolian steppe has been home to nomadic cultures, renowned for their horsemanship and intimate connection with nature. This vast landscape played a pivotal role in the history of the Yuan Dynasty, founded by Kublai Khan in the late 13th century. The location you’ll be visiting, near the ruins of the ancient city of Xanadu, was once a bustling center for trade, culture, and diplomacy during this era.

Exploring Beyond:

  • Hohhot: This modern city offers a blend of history and contemporary life with attractions like the Dazhao Temple and the Inner Mongolia Museum.
  • Ordos Desert: Explore the ancient nomadic routes and experience the vastness and beauty of the desert landscape.

Best time to visit:

The ideal time to explore the Mongolian steppe is during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for a comfortable climate and stunning scenery.

Summer: The weather can be extremely hot, making it less enjoyable for sightseeing. Winter: Temperatures drop significantly, and snowstorms can make travel difficult or even impossible.

Spring and Autumn: These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies for exploring the historical sites.

Important Tips for Travelers:

  • Respectful attire: When visiting temples or religious sites, dress modestly with clothing covering your shoulders and knees.
  • Photography etiquette: Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially monks and nuns.
  • Learn basic Mongolian phrases: Even a simple “Sain baina uu” (hello) and “Bayarlalaa” (thank you) will go a long way in showing respect for the local culture and facilitating communication.

Planning Your Trip to the Ruins of the Summer Palace:

  • Timing is key: The best time to visit the summer palace is during the cooler months:

    • Spring (April-May): Enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
    • Fall (September-October): Witness the vibrant autumn foliage against the backdrop of the historical setting.

  • Travel options:

Consider exploring the surrounding area for a richer experience:

  • The Great Wall: The Mongolian steppe region is home to some impressive sections of the Great Wall, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to explore this iconic structure.

Planning Your Trip to the Ruins of Shangdu:

  • Accessibility: Remember that the capital of the Mongol Empire is a complex with multiple sites spread across a wide area. While you can access most of the ruins near the “site” itself, it’s important to research specific transportation options for each site you wish to visit, as some may be more remote and require local transport or hiking.

  • Accommodation:

    • Camping: Consider camping in the vicinity of the Ruins of the Mongol Empire (if allowed) for a truly immersive experience.
    • Gers: For a unique experience, stay in a traditional Mongolian ger, also known as a yurt, near the historical site.

Accommodation and Activities:

The Mongolian Steppe:

  • Location: The vast expanse of the Mongolian steppe is a sight to behold. It’s located across much of the country, but the “ancient” nature of the city means it’s not a bustling tourist destination.

  • Accessibility:

  • Local Experiences:

    • Visit the ruins: While you’re close to the historical heartland of the Mongol Empire, consider visiting a nearby ger camp and experiencing traditional Mongolian life.

Gers:

These are mobile dwellings that offer a unique experience. You can learn about the “traditional” lifestyle of the Mongols while staying in a ger near:

  • The Shangdu Ruins:

Accommodation:

  • Hotels: While gers are the traditional accommodation, the area around the ancient capital is now developing and you can find hotels and guesthouses nearby.

  • Ger Camps: For a more authentic experience, consider staying at a nomadic ger camp close to the historical site. You’ll be able to see how these nomadic structures work in practice. **

Accommodation:**

  • Mongol Steppe Adventure Tours:

These companies offer tours and experiences that include visits to the historical sites of the Mongolian steppe and opportunities to stay in traditional ger camps and interact with the local people.**

Tours:

  • The Mongol Ger Camp Experience:

Many tour companies offer “Ger Camping” experiences. This is a great option for tourists who want to experience staying in a traditional ger, perhaps even offering horseback riding tours of the region. **

Things to remember:

  • Visa requirements: Check the visa regulations for Mongolia and ensure you have the necessary travel documents before arriving.
  • Local currency: The Mongolian currency is the Tugrik (MNT). Make sure to exchange your currency into Tugriks before you arrive, as it’s generally difficult to exchange foreign currency outside of major cities.

Travel Tips:

For a traveler’s guide, you should consider:

  • Packing for the Mongolian climate: Pack layers of clothing to prepare for the changing weather conditions.
  • Respecting local customs: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and dress appropriately.
  • Learning some basic Mongolian: This will be helpful for interacting with locals.

Transporting a traveler’s guide:

  • Bring cash: Many ger camps and smaller vendors in the “historical” region may not accept credit cards.
  • Pack snacks and water: While you can find food and drink at the camps, it’s always a good idea to have some provisions on hand.
  • Consider a car service:

For a comfortable journey:

The Mongol Ruins are located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which is a vast and diverse region. You’ll need a local guide for this part of the trip. Dress appropriately:

Layers are key in the Mongolian climate, even in summer. The weather can change rapidly, so it’s best to be prepared for anything.

  • **Check your gear: **Make sure you have a good flashlight or headlamp, as many parts of the historic site will be dark.

  • Be aware of your surroundings:

Respecting the environment:

Tourists are encouraged to follow responsible tourism practices in the “historical” ruins area, such as “Leave No Trace” principles.

Travelers should:

  • Pack for all types of weather: The Mongolian climate is harsh and unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers.
  • Use designated trails:

Do not wander off the paths and damage delicate plant life or disturb archaeological sites. *

  • Stay on track:

  • Respectful behavior: Staying mindful of local customs and traditions is crucial for a positive and respectful travel experience.

  • Pack a guidebook: This is important for learning about the history of the region, as you’ll be interacting with a site of historical significance.

Things to consider:

  • Travel Insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance before embarking on any activities at the “historical” sites.
  • Weather: The weather in the “historical” regions can be unpredictable, so check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

For a more immersive experience, tourists can:

  • Visit the nomadic communities: Many people who live on the Mongolian steppe are part of nomadic families. Learn about their traditions and way of life.
  • Learn to ride a horse:

Experience the thrill of riding across the steppes and exploring the vast landscape like a true Mongol.**

Travel Tips for staying in the “historical” location:

  • Bring a translator app: This can help you communicate with the locals, who may not always speak English.
  • Respect the wildlife: The Mongolian steppe is home to many animals. Be careful and avoid disturbing them.

Mongolian Cuisine:

The Mongol Empire’s historical regions are known for their traditional cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the nomadic tradition of using whatever ingredients were available.**

Tips for a “traditional” experience:

  • Visit the local markets:

This is a great way to see and taste the fresh produce and ingredients that are used in authentic dishes.

  • Learn about Mongolian food culture:

Many of the ger camps offer activities and experiences related to the Mongol Empire, such as archery lessons or traditional archery competitions.**

Enjoy the experience:

  • Explore the local markets:

Experience the local markets, where you can find fresh produce and meat from the region.

  • Sample dairy products: The Mongolian steppe is known for its delicious dairy products.

Accommodation Options:

  • Gers: Stay in a traditional ger (Mongolian yurt) for a unique cultural experience.
  • Hotels and Ger Camps:

Choose a location and accommodation that fits your idea of “traditional” travel. *

  • Stay at a hotel: Opt for a hotel with traditional Mongolian architecture and decor to immerse yourself in the culture.

Remember:

This is just a starting point for planning your trip. Be sure to do further research on the specific sites you are interested in visiting, as they may have unique opening hours, entry fees, or travel requirements. *

“You can experience the traditional Mongolian way of life by staying in a ger camp and participating in activities like herding sheep, learning archery, or even riding horses.”

Respect for the Environment:

  • Pack out everything:

Practice “Leave No Trace” principles by packing out all trash you generate.

  • Stay on designated trails:

Avoid trampling vegetation and disturbing wildlife when exploring the ruins.

Food and Culture:

  • Stay in a ger camp: If you’re looking to experience the Mongolian steppe culture, staying at a traditional ger camp is ideal!

These are just some of the many things you can do to make your trip more enjoyable and meaningful.

Remember to always research local customs and regulations before traveling to a new location. **

  • Cultural Exchange: Many “Gers” offer immersive experiences for travelers, allowing them to learn about and participate in traditional activities like archery and falconry.

Enjoy the Journey!

Leave your comments below if you have any questions or need further information."

Enjoy these experiences and be sure to respect the local culture and environment.