Xilinguole Park, nestled against hills and beside water, seamlessly blends the vastness of grasslands with shimmering lake vistas, offering a rare ecological sanctuary within Hohhot city. At its heart lies the Xilinguole Lake, glistening like an emerald set amidst the landscape. Willow trees drape gracefully along the lakeshore, where swans and egrets rest peacefully. The gentle ripples reflect the white felt roofs of yurts, while the distant hoofbeats of herders and the haunting melodies of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) drift through the breeze. The grassland area is lush and vibrant, carpeted with wildflowers; visitors can gallop on horseback or sit quietly watching clouds pass, immersed in the boundless expanse evoked by the ancient verse: “The sky is vast, the wilderness endless.”
The core attraction, the “Grassland Ecological Zone,” features an observation deck offering panoramic views over the verdant plains—ablaze with wildflowers in spring and rippling with golden waves of grass in autumn. The “Mongolian Cultural Zone” showcases clusters of traditional yurts where guests can experience milk tea preparation, watch wrestling performances, and savor hand-held mutton, capturing the authentic charm of nomadic culture. On an island in the lake stands a classical-style pavilion, perfect for cooling off and enjoying scenic views.
This land was once sacred grazing ground for Mongolian ancestors, where Genghis Khan—the founder of the Mongol Empire—once led his legendary cavalry. Preserving the pristine ecology of the steppe, the park serves as a natural oasis for urban dwellers seeking respite from city noise. As the sun sets, the lake glows with golden light, and the soulful long songs of herders blend harmoniously with the city’s evening lights, painting a unique picture of “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.”
