Situated in the southeast part of Damao Banner and about 90 kilometers north of Hohhot, Xilamuren Grassland is the first grassland tourist attraction opened in Hohhot. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Situated in the southeast part of Damao Banner and about 90 kilometers north of Hohhot, Xilamuren Grassland is the first grassland tourist attraction opened in Hohhot. It is a 3A-class scenic spot.

Xilamuren means "yellow water" in Mongolian. It is also known as Taihe after Puhui Temple, a Lama temple built near the Xilamuren River in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Constructed in 1769 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, Puhui Temple was initially a resort of the Sixth Panchen Lama of Xilituzhao of Huhhot. With engraved beams and pictured purlins, the temple is ornate.

Xilamuren Prairie, a typical example on the plateau, is covered by green grass and fresh flowers every summer and autumn, making those seasons the best times to visit.

During the Naadam Festival held every summer, tourists can enjoy a series of different activities, including camel riding, horse racing, wrestling, archery, a campfire party and singing and dancing.

Although it is possible to visit one of the grassland areas in one day, it is far nicer to spend a night or two out here in a Mongolian traditional tent (or yurt). These yurts are made of compressed sheep wool, are windowless, smell of sheep, and are snug. The yurts are made from latticed wood frames, have thick, rug floors and are usually furnished with many blankets, low beds, quilts, pillows and hot water flasks. They were originally designed to be folded up and carried by camel, however nowadays most of them are more solidly built on concrete yards, in yurt type camps that have numerous yurts and usually a dining area, a washroom with occasional hot water and even electric light.