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Gegentala Grassland is to the north of Hohhot, within
the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is the largest and a unique
Mongolian scenic spot bearing the Mongolian ethical features of
China. In Mongolian 'Gegentala' means a summer resort or the place
of grazing in summer. On the grassland, the weather is cool and
the natural scenery is fascinating. With thriving grass and abundant
water, the green of the grassland reach out as far as your eyes
can see. Colorful wild flowers and flocks of sheep that look like
masses of cloud make the scene absolutely beautiful.
Besides the scenery of Gegentala Grassland, visitors can also taste
traditional Mongolian food and take part in local activities. While
listening to the melodious toasting songs and appreciating traditional
Mongolian dances, visitors have the opportunity to taste kumiss,
roasted whole sheep and shouba rou (boiled mutton eaten with hands).
In traditional Mongolian clothes, visitors can take part in horse
race, wrestling and archery which have been popular in Inner Mongolia
for thousands of years. At night, people sit around bonfires singing
and dancing to their hearts' content. After one day's travel, the
Mongol ger, which means home in Mongolian, provides accommodation
for the tourist. All these experiences give visitors the true feeling
of what life is like on the vast grassland.
To enrich the tourist experience, modern facilities, such as night
clubs and luxurious Mongol gers, have been established. Every July
or August when flowers are in full bloom and sheep and horses are
in their best condition, a tourism festival called Nadam Fair is
held (Nadam Fair means entertainment and amusement in Mongolian.
It is a traditional grand meeting and also an annual gala event
for the Mongolian). This period is also a favorable season for travel.
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