The Angming festival of Tongliao City, held every year in October, is the most prominent event of the year. The sight of autumn leaves painting the town in vibrant shades of gold, orange and red is extra magical. The soft, chilly autumn winds hear the mingling sounds of the coyotes as they celebrate the day the sun shines the longest above the grasslands.
In the warm corners of town, ornate yurts, woven and hand-crafted tents and cozy tents. Beyond the tidy perimeter of the village, the eagle hunts and horseback riders, bustling in the rays of the sun. The soft, welcoming sounds of the koholu and shanz, Tibetan and Mongolian violins blend with the gently sweet aroma of fried bread and rich spiced tea sooth the bustling of the world, lending the day a soft, warm, peaceful sense of calm.
The Great Open Lands of Tongliao Span Out Before You
Just like the name suggests, Tongliao serves as the center of Inner Mongolia well known for its untamed grasslands and beautiful landscapes. Get away from the city and its noise for some fresh air as the grasslands in the autumn season provide perfect escapism. As the temperature drops, the colorful fields of the steppe burst alive with colours, resulting in nature's masterpiece. This season serves as the ideal time for hiking, horse riding, and photography.
For many visitors, the grasslands are the first and sometimes the only experience of the Mongolian steppe. Free and untamed as nature intended, the steppe is enchanting in autumn when the tall grass and its golden hue ripple and sway in the breeze. Dotted with traditional Yurts and Mongolian herders, the old world hills and valleys glimmer in gold during autumn, creating an incredible picturesque scene.
People interested in trying authentic Mongolian culture can appreciate the opportunity in Tongliao. The region has been known for its Mongolian yurts or the felt tents that Mongolian nomads used to inhabit. These forms of lodging allow bordering cultures to feel the region's culture and areas while enjoying the hospitality of the area much more intensely.
Cultural Festivals and Activities in Autumn
The people do not only appreciate the region for its grand scenic views. The people appreciate the culture that is rich within the region. During this season, Mongolian culture comes to life with festivals and events focused on the local harvest and regional customs. The "Cream of the Crop Festival," or "Naadam Festival" is the biggest harvest celebration in the region. While the festival usually occurs in summer, with some other areas, it is celebrated in conjunction with the harvest festivals in fall.
While Tongliao is a grand place to visit, it is still an even better place to experience archery, horse racing, and even Mongolian wrestling. These forms of wrestling are essential to Mongolian culture, most of the time, the "Naadam Festival" and other nomads of the region celebrate the culture with music, dance and other sporting activities. The festivals serve a glimpse of the life in the area, combining the beauty of the landscape and the dedication of the people.
If you want to learn more about the customs and history of Inner Mongolia, Tongliao Museum is a must-visit. The museum features the cultural history of the Mongolian nation, highlighting the region's evolution with exhibits of traditional clothes, ancient items, and more. There's a way to explore the local culture and history that is both interesting and educational.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities in Tongliao
During Fall the brilliant Tongliao scenery is a perfect cover for several outdoor activities. Fall's chill and blue skies make grassland hiking a wonderful and unforgettable adventure. Among these are the Keshiketeng Grasslands Natural Park and the Daqingshan Nature Reserve, both of which are well-known hiking and nature walking areas that afford sweeping views of the region.
For a more exhilarating experience, galloping over a saddle on the endless grassland is a Mongolian custom that is perfect for the dipped fall temperatures. Here, during autumn, you can embrace the glorious steppe as you ride together with the herders and cattle.
Through the autumn months, it's possible to engage in birdwatching in Tongliao due to the presence of migratory bird species. For birdwatching lovers who are interested in wildlife, the southward migrating birds which are considered to be rare can be spotted in the marshes and grasslands close to the region.
Getting to Tongliao City
Tongliao is in close range to other important Chinese cities and has great air travel connections due to having an airport, Tongliao Ordos Airport, which serves both regional and domestic flights. From the airport, visitors can take buses or taxis to the city's focal point, and begin exploring the area. If visitors are already located in Inner Mongolia, access to Tongliao is possible through other bus and train routes.
They can also be accompanied by other local tour guides who provide their services for exploring the rest of the territory, which includes exploring the area's grasslands, cultural and historic sites. Many of the visitors to Tongliao do so in the spirit of a bigger tour encompassing region of Inner Mongolia's other cities, including Hohhot, Baotou and many others.
Best Time to Visit
In my opinion, one of the best places to marvel at nature is the region of Tongliao, which can be seen any time of the year. However, the warm, golden hues of the landscape seen during the autumn months of September to November are simply extraordinary. During fall, visitors can take full advantage of the area's numerous outdoor sports, cultural events, and natural beauty.
Where to Stay
Accommodations in the region of Tongliao includes the captivating experience of yurts, slated for individuals who want to experience the nomadic lifestyle, and hotels for individuals who prefer a more comfortable experience, which are all easily accessible in the region. Yurts are culturally enriching, while hotels tend to provide serviceable items and itineraries like restaurants, wifi, and other nearby attractions.
Conclusion
Explorers looking for a taste of the majestic Untouched Plains coupled with the captivating history of Inner Mongolia, Tongliao is at the center of it all. From open grasslands to warm autumn hues, the area is rich with cultural aspects that can easily cater to any inquiring traveler. For anyone looking to have an adventurous bike ride, or anyone fascinated with the Mongolian culture, Tongliao, located in one of the most picturesque regions of China, guarantees to leave a traveler in awe.