How to get to Erenhot

When planning a journey to Erenhot, you are setting off for a vibrant border city in Inner Mongolia, often referred to as the "City of Dinosaurs" due to the abundance of ancient fossils discovered here. This destination serves as a vital northern gateway to China and surprises travellers with its blend of boundless steppe landscapes and thematic architecture.

Before your trip, it is important to know how to reach this unique location: the developed infrastructure allows you to choose the most convenient route, whether it be a flight, a train journey, or a road trip by car.

For travellers who value efficiency, a direct flight is the optimal choice. The city is served by Erenhot Airport (ERL), which connects this border point with other regions of China and neighbouring Mongolia. The terminal is conveniently located relative to the city limits, allowing you to begin your exploration of Erenhot shortly after landing.

Alternatively, you may fly into one of the neighbouring major cities if the flight schedule is more suitable. The nearest major aviation hub is located in Hohhot, approximately 300 kilometres to the south; flights via Xilinhot or Baotou are also available. Such a journey will require an additional transfer, but it offers the opportunity to see more picturesque corners of Inner Mongolia on your way to the destination.

Erenhot plays the role of a significant transport hub: it is a major railway junction and a border crossing on the route from China to Mongolia. The station is famous for the technical stopover of international trains to change the wheelsets, a necessity due to the difference in track gauge between the two countries.

Travellers can easily reach the city by train. There are routes connecting Erenhot with Beijing and the capital of the autonomous region — Hohhot. By choosing this mode of transport, you gain the opportunity to enjoy authentic views of the Inner Mongolian steppes even before arriving at your destination.

Bus travel is an excellent way to reach this border city while observing the changing landscapes of Inner Mongolia. The most popular service departs from Hohhot: comfortable coaches cover the distance of about 390 kilometres in an average of 5–6 hours. Equally convenient is the route from the city of Xilinhot, which is located approximately 340 kilometres away, taking about 4 hours along the steppe roads.

If you plan your trip from the industrial centre of Baotou, be prepared for a longer journey lasting 7–8 hours, as you will need to cover more than 500 kilometres. The roads in this part of China are generally in good condition, ensuring a smooth ride that allows tourists to immerse themselves in the region's atmosphere before arrival.

Travelling by car through China offers a chance to witness the boundless steppe expanses and experience the freedom of movement. The most popular route leads from the administrative centre, Hohhot: the 390-kilometre distance along a modern highway can be covered in 4–5 hours. The journey from Xilinhot will take slightly less time — about 4 hours to drive 340 kilometres whilst admiring the scenery of Inner Mongolia.

If Baotou is chosen as the starting point, the road ahead is longer — over 500 kilometres, requiring 6–7 hours. The highways leading to Erenhot feature high-quality asphalt, making driving less tiring. Long-distance taxis can be quite expensive due to the significant distances, so many tourists prefer to rent a car to independently plan their stops and travel time.

A journey to Erenhot is an immersion into a unique atmosphere at the crossroads of cultures and history. To ensure your trip to China is as comfortable and seamless as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations considering the specific nature of this border city.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the region is sharply continental with strong winds. Summers are hot, but evenings can be cool, so a windbreaker is advisable. In winter, very warm clothes, a hat, and a scarf are essential, as temperatures drop significantly below zero. Be sure to bring moisturiser and lip balm — the air here is very dry.
2. Transport: Erenhot is a compact city, and many places of interest are within walking distance. For longer distances, it is most convenient to use taxis, which are very affordable here. We recommend preparing cards with the names of your destinations in Chinese beforehand to show to the drivers.
3. Finances: The main currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). You can exchange Dollars or Euros at banks, but the procedure may take time. International cards are generally accepted only in large hotels. The most convenient payment method is via mobile apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, which work even in small shops; cash is also widely used.
4. Health and Safety: The city is safe for tourists, but you should be attentive to the quality of drinking water — drink only bottled water. Due to the proximity of the desert, dust storms are possible, so having a mask or scarf may prove useful. Pharmacies are available, but pharmacists rarely speak English, so it is better to carry a basic medical kit with you.
5. Communication: English is not widely spoken in Erenhot. The main languages of communication are Chinese (Mandarin) and Mongolian. Before your trip, be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone with voice input and photo text recognition capabilities — this will be your main assistant.
6. Local Etiquette: The local residents are friendly but reserved. It is customary to greet people with a slight nod or a handshake. When handing over money, business cards, or gifts, use both hands — this is a sign of respect for the other person. Tipping is not customary in restaurants; it is usually not included in the bill and is not expected.
7. What to Avoid: Erenhot is an important border point, so strict regulations apply here. Categorically avoid photographing military sites, police stations, border facilities, and security personnel. This can lead to serious problems with the authorities and the confiscation of your equipment.
8. Additional Tip: The city is famous for its palaeontological finds. Be sure to set aside time to visit the theme parks and museums dedicated to dinosaurs. This is the calling card of the area, and it is here that you can find the most original souvenirs in the form of ancient reptiles.

By following these simple practical tips, you can avoid everyday difficulties and focus on exploring the vibrant culture of Inner Mongolia. Proper preparation will make your stay in the city pleasant and memorable.