Past the greenest pastures

The stone forest in the Ashihatu Geological Park in Chifeng. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Vast views make driving the best way to discover the region," Wei says.

"The route is the longest of its kind. It connects deserts, prairies, lakes, rivers and mountains. It links superb natural and cultural elements."

Routes that require three to five days have also been developed.

Six campsites will open this month along the 500-kilometer "Khorchin culture avenue".

Another traces the warpath of Genghis Khan (1162-1227).

It covers Xanadu, the fabled summer palace of Genghis Khan's grandson and the Yuan Dynasty's (1271-1368) founder, Kublai Khan. It tacks on the Hinggan League and Erdos－a Mongolian border city built on one of China's most important dinosaur fossil-excavation sites.

An eco tour across Hulun Buir, Manzhouli and Arxan Mountain offers grasslands, wetlands, water and Russian culture.

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Visitors can engage Mongolian tribes, explore the Argun River and experience Russian influences at Shiwei town, Inner Mongolia's northernmost point.

A Xilingol and Chifeng tour features Mongolian tribes and historical sites－plus grasslands.

Another tour across Erdos, Bayannur, Wuhai and Alxa features prairies plus the Yellow River, red-sandstone formations and deserts.

Hulun Buir will host a Mongolian music festival on the grassland on June 16.

Cities will also stage Nadam activities, including the autonomous region's capital, Hohhot, which will also host an art festival dedicated to Mongolian attire.

The Mongolian Nadam festival features three feats－wrestling, archery and horse racing.