Cowboys and aliens just part of life of the prairie

A performance inside Honggeerbao, a fortress-cum-theme park at Xilamuren. [Photo by Matt Hodges/shanghai star]

Where to go, where to stay

Midsummer and early fall are the best times to travel to Inner Mongolia because of the cool weather. This period coincides with the Nadam Fair, usually held for a few days between July and August. It serves as a showcase for nomadic customs like horse racing, shooting and wrestling.

The Shangri-La Hotel is offering a five-day grasslands promotion until Sept 15 that includes much of the itinerary listed in the accompanying story and four nights at its two properties in Baotou and Hohhot for 20,888 yuan ($3,330) for two people. The other night is spent in a deluxe yurt at Meng Gu Ren Shengdi. Three-day packages start from 11,888 yuan.

For those on a lower budget, both Shangri-La properties can customize Mongolian cultural trips as part of their "Holiday in Style" package, which starts from 999 yuan per night. The deal includes buffet breakfast at the Xin Café, full use of the pool and gym, and a $50 F&B credit voucher.