Xilinhot Airport

机About this airport

Xilinhot Airport serves the capital of Xilingol League in central Inner Mongolia. The Xilingol grassland has a strong claim to being the most representative of Inner Mongolia's original steppe landscape: less impacted by agricultural conversion and overgrazing than many areas in the southern and eastern parts of the autonomous region, it retains the rolling open character of the Mongolian plateau steppe.

Direct flights connect primarily from Beijing (approximately 1.5 hours) and some other Chinese cities [VERIFY: current routes and seasonal schedules — May 2026]. Summer frequency is higher to accommodate the grassland tourism peak season. Winter schedules are significantly reduced as most grassland tourism ceases.

From the airport, the Baiyinxile Grassland Scenic Area is approximately 30 km east — accessible by taxi or tour shuttle. The grassland experiences available here — yurt stays with Mongolian herding families, horseback riding across open steppe, Naadam festival experiences — are of high quality given the relative intactness of the landscape. The Mongolian Wild Horse Breeding Base near the city works with the endangered Przewalski's horse and is open to visitors.

June–August is the primary season for grassland visits. The Naadam festival, traditionally held in July and early August at venues near Xilinhot, includes the classic Mongolian three athletic events: wrestling (bökh), horse racing, and archery. Some festival events are specifically for tourism; others are competitive community events. The distinction matters — both have value but for different reasons.