Call from the Ancient Times——Xilamuren Grassland

In May 2021, the heavens were still crying every day, just like in April...

And I was utterly fed up with this gloomy, damp weather. I wanted to see bright sunshine, I wanted to see blue skies and white clouds. So I set out on a journey once again.

I knew full well that in May, the grassland would not offer green and romantic scenery to soothe my soul.

But still, I chose to come to the Xilamuren Grassland because I knew there was the warmth and culture of the nomadic people I longed to experience, and clouds that seemed almost within reach...

It was precisely because I had been to the Hulunbuir Grassland a few years ago, deeply moved and attracted by its warmth and culture, and infatuated with its blue skies and white clouds, that I once again set foot on Inner Mongolia.

On May 17th, we left home at 7 a.m. Our flight was originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m., but it was delayed until 8 p.m. before we could take off.

Although we had lost our patience waiting,

But because we knew that due to bad weather in recent days, many flights were delayed or even canceled,

(This is the most sumptuous meal I've ever had on a plane. I took a picture mainly because it tasted quite good.)

So we were very grateful to have arrived safely at Hohhot Baita Airport.

Life is full of unexpected situations. Try not to complain. When things are resolved smoothly, be grateful for the luck...

On May 18th, after breakfast, we set off towards the depths of the Xilamuren Grassland.

Seeing the sun after so long truly lifted our spirits!

Along the way, as far as the eye could see, the vast, boundless land, due to recent rain, had already turned green. From the car, we could see tiny yellow, purple, and white flowers flashing by.

Watching horses and sheep leisurely grazing on the grassland, and watching the yurts come and go, my heart was already soaring over this grassland.

Finally, the car stopped at Tenggeli Tara.

When we got off, we drank the welcome wine and then found our respective yurts.

After dropping off our luggage, we took a walk around and quickly started taking photos. Here, apart from the pastures, there was nothing but pastures. At this time when green and yellow meet, all we could feel was desolation.

The weather was excellent, with blue skies and white clouds. The well-arranged yellow yurts dotted the boundless grasslands, creating a unique scenery of this prairie.

This time, we took many photos near the yurts, because last time on the Hulunbuir Grassland, we didn't take any photos by the yurts, and we didn't want to leave that regret again.

Occasionally, we saw small wildflowers just sprouting, giving a glimpse of spring's hope...

Lunch was very sumptuous, accompanied by song and dance performances. I really loved this unique Mongolian culture on the grassland.

After lunch, we rested. At 2:30, we went horseback riding. My two companions were sleeping, but I couldn't sleep, so I went alone to the pasture behind the yurts to take photos.

Suddenly, dark clouds pressed down, giving a sense of oppression, but it didn't actually rain...

Apart from the yurts, the desolation awaiting spring seemed too bleak. I could only crouch by a patch of withered grass to take a few small-scale shots.

When it was time, we went horseback riding.

The horse I rode was quite handsome, with a shiny black coat.

But despite its good looks, it liked to follow closely behind another horse.

If that horse trotted, it would trot too; if that horse stopped, it would stop immediately. It followed closely all the way, quietly guarding, as if the vastness of this grassland matched the depth of its love.

I watched it spread its love across this boundless grassland, now leisurely strolling, now trotting happily.

Xiao Hong and Sister Lihua were left far behind.

At that moment, it was pacing slowly, and I sat leisurely on its back, gazing at the endless pasture.

In the distance, on a small hill, stood an obo.

I love this kind of boundless place. One glance reveals clarity, purity, yet depth...

Suddenly, the wind picked up, dark clouds gathered, and yellow sand danced wildly in the wind, in obvious waves. My eyes could barely open. At that moment, a profound awe for nature arose in my heart.

The horses immediately started trotting. After several jolts, my bottom ached. When we returned to the destination and dismounted, the weather turned sunny again.

The weather in Inner Mongolia is truly like a child's face, changing without warning.

So here, in one day, you can experience all three seasons: spring, summer, and winter.

It was still early before dinner, so we went to the pasture behind the yurts again to continue taking photos.

Although the pasture wasn't green and couldn't be considered beautiful scenery, we still happily took pictures.

Compared to the Hulunbuir Grassland, the activities here were somewhat limited. There, we tried archery, go-karts, and fed lambs at a herdsman's home. Here, there was only horseback riding.

But we jumped around to take photos, hopping up and down countless times without getting tired. This vast grassland is truly a great place to let your spirits soar...

The evening feast, the "Zhama Banquet" (the first banquet under heaven), was the highlight of the day.

This magnificent yurt was the venue for the banquet.

The Zhama Banquet is a unique Mongolian celebration feast featuring whole beef or whole lamb. "Zhama" in Mongolian refers to a whole animal with the hair removed, meaning after slaughtering cattle or sheep, they are scalded to remove hair, gutted, and then roasted or boiled for serving.

We changed into the clothes of princes and princesses and entered the splendid yurt, eagerly starting to take photos.

Presenting a hada (silk scarf) is a noble etiquette of the Mongolian people, symbolizing purity, sincerity, loyalty, and respect. When presenting a hada, the giver bows and holds it with both hands to the recipient, who should also bow and accept it with both hands or bow and let the giver hang it around their neck, expressing gratitude.

After the prince and princesses took their seats in order, we began a visual, auditory, and gustatory feast, experiencing the noble status of royalty.

Here, I once again heard the call from ancient times—throat singing (Khoomei).

Khoomei is a unique singing technique where a singer uses only their vocal organs to produce two notes simultaneously. It is unparalleled among the folk songs of China's various ethnic groups.

Listening to this heavenly sound that has traversed thousands of years, you can feel the vastness and desolation of the grassland. It can transport your soul to the bleak desert and the mysterious sky, purifying your heart...

In addition to Khoomei, there were horse-head fiddles and other unique grassland ceremonial forms, along with wonderful song and dance performances, and roasted whole lamb.

This cart carried the roasted whole lamb.

In this atmosphere, everyone was fully immersed and enjoying themselves, almost forgetting to eat—though my mouth wasn't idle. I loved the fried yogurt: golden and crispy on the outside, with sweet and sour yogurt inside.

Later, some group members said they actually didn't get full, but they really enjoyed the atmosphere.

And it is precisely this atmosphere that is the real reason I love and come back to the grassland.

Because what we experienced tonight can only be experienced in the specific environment of the grassland...

After dinner, still relishing the experience, we returned to our yurts for a short rest.

Then the bonfire party began.

At the bonfire party, the aunties and uncles who often dance square dances became the stars of the dance floor, totally hyped up!!!

There were also people waving sparklers everywhere. Such a night was indeed beautifully willful.

But as a result, someone's clothes got burned, and that person kept pestering the other to pay for the clothes. I think these two people will have a more unforgettable memory of their Xilamuren Grassland trip than we do.

On May 19th, although the sun was shining brightly, we still had to wear padded jackets on the bus.

We left this grassland that brought us joy and headed for Xiangshawan (Sand Bay).

On the way to Xiangshawan, we first visited the home of Menggen Jiya in the Menggen tribe.

The small yurt was filled with little stools. They poured milk tea into their silver bowls and shared some Mongolian stories with us.

We all know the grassland is vast, but we have no concept of its extent.

Here, Jiya Qiqige told us that on the grassland, each person is allocated an average of 1,000 mu (about 164 acres) of pastureland, and the state provides subsidies based on the amount per mu.

That gives a rough idea of the vastness—still boundless, without edges.

Then we visited a silverware shop.

After leaving the Menggen tribe and having lunch, we arrived at Xiangshawan.

Xiangshawan is located at the eastern end of the Kubuqi Desert, between Ordos and Baotou. It is a 5A-level tourist attraction, featuring the Liansha Resort Island, which includes the first desert hotel known as the most beautiful building in Xiangshawan, as well as Fusha Resort Island, Yuesha Leisure Island, and Xiansha Leisure Island.

We came to Xiansha Island.

First, we took a cable car,

Then we took this kind of vehicle to enter Xiansha Island.

Xiansha Island is a leisure island themed around Zhang Guolao culture and desert culture.

I think it's more suitable for family trips with children, from bumper cars to roller coasters, various thrilling activities, desert exploration, zip-lining, surfing, swings, and track bikes.

First, we rode camels. The camels were really ugly now; it was said they were shedding their fur, so they were all bald and unattractive.

Then we went to the theater in the middle to watch a performance of the Chinese zodiac.

This is a theater in the desert, quite unique.

Although we had experienced some activities in amusement parks before, the experience in the desert felt slightly different.

The three of us screamed loudly, very shrilly. That's the feeling you want from a roller coaster...

This activity was the most fun for everyone, regardless of age or gender. Here, people like me with poor skills had even more fun...

Especially the moment of speeding across the desert—I mean the moment—made me feel like the whole world was under my feet.

That feeling made me feel so cool, even if just for a moment. But can I say that a moment can be eternity? Hehe...

On Xiansha Island, just have fun. Like a child, try every activity as much as possible, to rediscover a lost childlike heart.

But if we're just talking about desert scenery, I still think Mingsha Mountain is more beautiful. There, there aren't too many entertainment facilities; it's a simpler desert in comparison.

There, when you ride a camel, moving slowly and steadily with its rhythmic steps across that desolate land, you look out and see the scene of "a solitary smoke straight in the vast desert, and the setting sun round over the long river"—more profound, real, and poetic...

Two deserts, two different experiences.

While we were still looking for angles to take photos, suddenly dark clouds gathered, and the guide urged everyone to get back on the bus quickly.

To be honest, every time I see those oppressive dark clouds pressing down, I feel afraid. The wonders of nature are always awe-inspiring.

I wonder if the ever-changing weather in Inner Mongolia is one of the main reasons for the agility of the nomadic people...

Tonight, we stayed in Ordos.

We could finally take a good shower, because last night in the yurt there was no hot water.

On May 20th, after breakfast, we set off for the Buddhist Culture Expo Park.

This is a temple-palace complex combining Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han architectural styles, built for the 12th Ulan Living Buddha to study, live, and propagate the Dharma, as well as for many lamas and Buddhist devotees to learn, exchange, and promote Buddhism.

It bears witness to the deeds of successive Ulan Living Buddhas and is also a city's and a tribe's historical heritage.

It is grand and tranquil, bathed in Buddha's light.

When we entered this sacred and solemn place of meditation, a believer guide said, "You can walk slower to absorb more of the sacred energy here, which can purify your soul. After your visit, you can go to the prayer wheel corridor and turn the wheels for good luck."

After reverently paying homage, under the scorching sun, Sister Hua and I turned a section of the prayer wheels...

Over the years, I have visited many famous mountains and temples.

Although I am not a Buddhist,

I always carry reverence in my heart.

Whenever I have the fortune to stand at a Buddhist sacred site, when I bask in the moment of Buddha's half-smile, it feels as if the world has turned a thousand times, and my dusty heart has been washed and purified again and again. After letting go of those mundane troubles, I return to the same old life...

These photos were taken at Mengliang Ethnic Customs Park. The clothes were very beautiful and full of ethnic characteristics.

On May 21st, after breakfast, we headed to the legendary ancient Han tomb—the Zhaojun Museum.

Zhaojun's tomb is in the shape of an inverted bucket, towering high, looking like a mountain from afar.

Legend has it that every late autumn when the grass withers beyond the Great Wall, only on Zhaojun's tomb does the grass remain green, hence it is called the "Green Tomb."

Here, we met the most beautiful and proudest tour guide I have ever seen. She didn't give basic greetings like "Hello, welcome to..." but simply tossed her long hair and walked away, leaving us with a beautiful back. We were left looking at each other, not knowing what to do—should we stay? Or should we stay??? We didn't dare to ask...

After pondering for a while, we hurriedly chased after her beautiful back.

She was beautiful with a soft voice, but she walked and spoke very fast.

Finally, one group member couldn't help but say, "Here, all I heard was silence."

This remark made everyone laugh.

This most fashionable phrase perfectly expressed the sentiment of our entire group!

After lunch, because someone suggested that the itinerary had too few attractions, we were given an extra stop at the Inner Mongolia Museum before heading to the airport.

Located in the Xincheng District of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, the Inner Mongolia Museum was established in 2007. It is the only autonomous region-level comprehensive museum in the region and one of the earliest museums built in China's ethnic minority areas, classified as a national first-class museum.

Every museum is a place to collect, preserve, exhibit, and study objects representing natural and human cultural heritage. It is a cultural and educational institution that provides knowledge, education, and appreciation of collections to the public.

Actually, I think it's nice to just look around here. Even if I don't understand everything, I'm willing to stay a while. I feel that being immersed in such an atmosphere is a kind of cultivation...

On the second floor, in the Ancient World, there is a display of natural paleontological fossils, showcasing the vast changes in Inner Mongolia's ancient ecological environment from 3 billion years ago to 10,000 years ago.

This is one of the museum's treasures—the Chagan Nuur Dragon. It lived in the early Cretaceous period about 130 million years ago. It was about 26 meters long, with a height of 12 meters when raising its head. It was discovered in 1985 in Chagan Nuur (meaning "white lake" in Mongolian), Sonid Right Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, hence the name.

This is the largest dinosaur fossil I have ever seen.

We also found the most luxurious treasure—the Golden Crown of the Xiongnu King. It was unearthed in Ordos City.

The entire crown is mainly divided into two parts: the crown and the forehead band. The whole set of crown ornaments is magnificent, vividly depicting an eagle high above, overlooking scenes of wolves and tigers biting horses and sheep on the grassland. It should be the crown of the Xiongnu supreme ruler, the Chanyu, and is the only actual "Hu crown" found so far, very precious. We also saw a similar one at the Zhaojun Museum, but that was a replica.

I heard there is another treasure in the museum, but due to time, we didn't find it.

If you want to see everything in detail in the museum, it takes three to four hours.

We didn't have that much time, so we roughly looked at the highlights and then hurried to the airport.

The flight was delayed again, but we were still grateful to arrive safely at Changbei Airport that night.

Thus, the five-day trip to Inner Mongolia ended happily.

Every time I come to the great grassland, although I haven't seen the most beautiful scenery, I always feel that joy comes easily on the grassland.

I think, one day, I will definitely choose the most beautiful moment of the grassland to experience the most perfect grassland trip again...

Thank yourself for taking the steps!

Thank you, great grassland, for our joy!!!