When I feel like I need to go soul-searching, part of me wants to run away. To go exploring. To search and see the wonders of the world. I never realized how much of a calming feel moving around makes me feel. I’m not the type that likes to stay put in one given place, but rather enjoys the change of scenery and even company. I like change, but it all depends on where it comes from. It’s one of those things.
A week or two ago, Leena and I decided to visit Ordos. It’s a city not too far from Hohhot, an hour and a half by train to be exact. It’s not a place many people would expect to visit frequently unless they had some type of business poking their nose there. It’s called “Ghost Town” for a reason. But for the sake of getting away from the usual grind and everyday life, it’s a rejuvenating getaway and one I can enjoy with my good friend who lives there.
There may not be much to see in this city, although I’ve come to find there are hidden gems in the most unknown and quiet places – and that’s what I found here.
About Ordos
For those who’ve never heard of Ordos and are new to learning about China’s vast cities, here’s a little about the city.
- “Ordos” in Mongolian means “a place with many palaces”.
- Ordos is located in Inner Mongolia, China, and is one of the 12 major subdivisions of the region.
- It was reported that Ordos was named “China’s Ghost City”, due to the incomplete development and the lack of inhabitants.
- Some of Ordos’ known attractions are Kangbashi New District, Ordos Museum, Ordos Zoo, Ordos Water Park, and some more listed here.
- Ordos is also greatly known for its beautiful grasslands and deserts.
Best time to visit
The climate in Ordos is generally described as cold semi-arid. The winters are long, cold, and very dry, and summers are very warm and somewhat humid. There are frequent sandstorms during the springtime and low rainfall throughout the year. The best time to visit is between May and October. Although, if you’re looking for the most comfortable weather, late August will be the best time to visit.
Getting around
If you’re wondering how to travel to Ordos, not to worry, the city has both an airport and a railway station. The airport (Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport) has many direct flights to and from major Chinese cities, while the Dongsheng railway station runs between Baotou – Xi’an, and Hohhot – Jungar – Ordos.
Plane ticket (Beijing to Ordos oneway): ~500RMB ($77-$80)
Railway ticket (Beijing to Ordos oneway): ~120RMB ($19)
Traveling within Ordos City, the best way to get around will be by foot, taxi, or bus, from experience. If you plan to stay within the city center, I’d recommend on foot. You can literally walk the whole urban area of the city in a couple of hours. And if you’re a little more adventurous and would like to see more of the countryside, I’d recommend hiring a taxi for the day or finding services for long-distance buses. Taxi fare will begin at roughly 8 RMB (~$1.25). Public buses are also a good option to get around the city, with the cost only being 1 RMB (0.15 cents) per ride.
Estimate travel time (taxi): (8km = ~30 RMB or 5mi = ~$5)
Where to stay
Like many small cities in China, Ordos will have restrictions on non-Chinese passport holders staying in hotels. For this reason, it’s always important to contact the hotels even if they are shown on whatever booking website you found them on. I’ve experienced multiple instances where I’ve already booked my stay, arrived at the hotel, and was turned away. It’s nothing personal, just that they don’t have licensed documents allowing foreigners (for a lack of a better word) to book their stay. Here’s a rough list of hotels you may have an easier time staying in. Prices will range, but most will be from $30/night and above.
Some hotels in Ordos that will allow non-Chinese citizens:
Holiday Inn Express Ordos Dongsheng
Taihua Jin Jiang International Hotel
Shuangman Fuyuan International Hotel
What to do
If you’re interested in how to spend a weekend in the so-called “Ghost Town”, continue reading. Just remember, some of the most unknown and distant places can be the most enlightening to the soul.
Day 1
Explore Kangbashi New District
If you’re adamant to know how and why Ordos is a “Ghost Town”, you’ll understand why after visiting this newly developed area about 40 minutes away from Ordos City.
Kangbashi is quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Developers have attempted and envisioned the new district to become a futuristic metropolis, although the lack of human presence has made it very difficult to move forward with much of the plans. Much of the newly built condominiums and beautifully structured buildings are abandoned, streets are largely vacant with few cars, and yet that doesn’t stop people from visiting. Over the last couple of years, it has gained popularity and attraction among people, and hopefully, with time it’ll grow as it was envisioned.
It’s actually the best place to explore the urban landscape of Inner Mongolia nowadays. The design of the urban area is very scientific and artistic. You’ll find all kinds of beautifully crafted structures and some of the many highlights are the local museums, libraries, squares, theaters, and more.
Fill your mind at the Ordos Museum
The Ordos Museum is a history museum located in Kangbashi. The museum is a comprehensive landmark integrating the collection, display, and research of history and culture in Ordos city. It was completed in 2011, and constructed to be a 440,000 square-foot rock-like design. The design was inspired by the nature of the Gobi desert located in Ordos.
You’ll notice the very modern theme throughout the newly developed city and the artistic approach that was made to create it. It’s absolutely fascinating and worth the visit.
Watch the musical fountain show
After a long day visiting the Ordos Museum, you can enjoy the world’s largest musical fountain also in Kangbashi. Constructed in a little over a month, the fountain has a maximum spray height of 209 meters.
You’ll find crowds of people walking, eating, laughing, and dancing, throughout the large perimeter. It’s a wonderful place to spend an evening after a day at the museum. And to top off your evening, you also have the chance to witness the nightly light show hosted by the city of Kangbashi. It’s very enjoyable and a complete work of art.
Day 2
Visit the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan
Roughly an hour and a half away from Ordos is the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan. The Mausoleum is a temple dedicated to commemorate and worship the deceased ruler. The scenic site is a must to get a closer understanding of the history and culture of the journey of Genghis Khan and the Mongolian people.
It was said that during Genghis Khan’s journey, he passed by Ordos and marveled at the beauty of the land. He had told his subordinates to burry him in Ordos. When death came, his coffin was carried to Ordos, although the exact burial location remains unknown.
Admission Tickets: Peak Season (20th April – 10th October) 170RMB/person; Off-season (11th October – 19th April) 150RMB/person
Visit the Genghis Khan Square
Genghis Khan Square is yet another attraction located in Kangbashi. On your way back from the Mausoleum, I’d recommend making a quick stop here. It’s another piece of history and work of art in memory and honor of Genghis Khan and his legacy. You will find many statues that relay stories of the ruler and his followers. The square is also a nice place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery of the city.
Halal Restaurants
The one thing every Muslim, or at least most, will wonder about. Are there any halal restaurants? Do not fret, indeed there are. You will have a better chance to find Muslim-owned restaurants in the city center of Ordos, along with one or two in Kangbashi. The farther you go out of the city, you’ll likely have less of a chance.
My recommendation when locating halal restaurants via a map APP is to search halal in Chinese – 清真 (qing-zhen).
Recommendations when visiting
- If you feel limited on time, I’d recommend contracting a taxi for your trip. This way, if you were to travel far out of the city, you wouldn’t have issues finding transportation to get back.
- I would visit the sights in the order I’ve listed – start your trip a little relaxed by touring around the city to get a feel, then move on to the deeper stuff 😉
Highlights & takeaways
- This whole trip reminded me of how vast this world and us as humans are. We encompass so many traits that have been passed down for generations, and though we may not be aware of them, they shape our identity and what makes us who we are.
- Seeing new places and meeting new people will always be my reminder that, I am indeed my ancestors wildest dreams.
- During our trip to the Mausoleum, Leena and I were ambushed by a family who insisted we take a picture with them. One of the men literally attacked our shoulder and placed himself in the middle and posed for the camera. Stories for days.
Bucket list for next time…
- Wulan Living Buddha Mansion
- Salawusu Scenic Area
Thank you, Ordos for teaching me a little bit more about the world.
What are some historical gems you’ve found around the world that were also hidden in a rather unknown place?
Stay boundless xxx
