Summer is a prime time to explore Inner Mongolia's vast grasslands, when they are at their most verdant, but the region offers more than pretty prairies

Summertime paints the Inner Mongolia autonomous region's true hue - green - in its greatest array of shades.

But there's more to the palette that colors the area during this season, such as blanched deserts and cerulean lakes, as well as human elements that tint its cultural tapestry like archery, horse racing and wrestling.

Ethnic Mongolians herd horses on Xilingol's grasslands in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Photos Provided to China Daily

A camel caravan makes its way through the Xiangshawan desert in Erdos.

The stone forest in Ashihatu Geological Park, Chifeng.

Inner Mongolia's topography is crumpled to conjure mountains. In some spots, the Earth's crust is torn to make volcanoes bleed to shape scabs and scars on our planet's skin.

Hulun Buir's grassland is among the country's best preserved, and is at its peak between June and September. Travelers ride horses on the grasslands, fish on the rivers, or boat on Hulun Lake.

Erdos' Xiangshawan offers deserts sprinkled with oases, where Mongolian culture thrives. The Tengger Desert is the fourth biggest in the country, and hundreds of lakes reflect its thousands of dunes.

Meanwhile, Mongolian scotch pines prickle Hailar's national forest.

Tourism authorities are working to let people know that while the region has become synonymous with grasslands, it offers much more.

"We're launching the Prairie Plus development strategy to offer multiple experiences and change stereotypes about Inner Mongolia," says Wei Guonan, the regional director of tourism.

The plan involves driving routes and products with themes such as folk customs.

A roadtrip itinerary that traces the north from Hulun Buir to Alxa connects Inner Mongolia's main attractions.

"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 are also to open soon along the so-called Khorchin culture avenue, which stretches 500 kilometers.

Another route traces the warpath of Genghis Khan (1162-1227). It covers Xanadu, the summer palace of the warrior's grandson, Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It tracks 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 also offers grasslands, wetlands, water and Russian culture.

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

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

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

Family tours offer chances for parents and children to bond while milking cows and shaping sand sculptures.

Routes designed for the elderly also offer blood-glucose and fat monitoring while visiting Yulong Sand Lake and practicing tai chi. Really.

Ma Hui from Beijing hopes to return this summer after enjoying her visit in July last year. She plans to drive across the vast Hulun Buir grasslands.

"I saw some of my friends' photos. They were just beautiful," she says. "Inner Mongolia looks its best in summer."

Plus, its clement climate offers respite from boiling Beijing.

Ma says she enjoyed the cooler weather while exploring Gonger's grasslands and Chifeng city's Yulong Sand Lake, set in tremendous terrains studded with yurts and livestock.

She joined a bonfire party with toasts, songs and dances. "People were hospitable. It was relaxing to see the stars over the prairie."

And it's exciting to see what sunrises promise, plus deliver - beyond the grasslands, that is.

Contact the writers through yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn

New seasonal itineraries

Modern prairie tour: Erdos, Kangbashi, Hohhot

The route crosses prairies and unique geological wonders along the Yellow River as well as deserts

Driving: Hailar, Manzhouli and Hinggan League; Manzhouli, Ergun, Shiwei, Enhe, Linjiang, Genhe, Yakeshi and Hailar

Driving farther, going further: Hulun Buir Grassland, Greater Hinggan, Mohe, Qiqihar, Zhalong, Zhalantun, Chaihe, Arxan and Hulun Buir grasslands

Driving across borders: Manzhouli, Chita, Ulan, Ude, Irkutsk (Lake Baikal), Olkhon Island, Hailar, Manzhouli, Xin Barag Right Banner and Choibalsan

Great Khingan ecological route: Hulun Buir, Manzhouli and Arxan

Farming and nomadic culture: Erdos, Bayannur, Wuhai and Alxa

Family vacations: Xilamuren grasslands and Xiangshawan

(China Daily European Weekly 07/15/2016 page21)