History of Xilingol
Xilingol League was the birthplace of Mongolian culture in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). In the middle of the 13th century, Kublai Khan, the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, founded Xanadu or Shangdu (the upper capital) on the Jinlianchuan prairie of Xilin Gol, where the Mongolian cultural relics are completely preserved, including the site of Xanadu, the Beizi Temple and Hui Zong Monastery, which bears an inscription written by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The site of Xanadu is listed as a world cultural heritage. 

What to see in Xilingol?
Its terrain slopes downward from the south to the north. Low mountains and hills in the southern and eastern regions of Xilingol are offshoots of the western extension of the Daxing'anling Mountains and the eastern extension of the Yishan Mountains. The land is flat in the northern and western regions with some hills and lava mesas scattered around. Xilingol is the nearest pasturing area to the Beijing and Tianjin areas. Grand grasslands, relics of dinosaur and ancient residence of Kublai are main attractive scenic spots in Xilingol. Here lists top attractions in Xilingol. 

Xilingol Grassland	Site of Xanadu	Beizi Temple
Jinlianchuan Grassland	Dinosaur National Park in Erenhot	The Gateway of Erenhot Scenic Spot
Ulgai Grassland	Ujumchin Prairie

With rich ethnic customs, Xilin Gol League is known as the home of both Bokh, or Mongolian wrestling, and “long tune”. In 1957, the Wulan Muqi Art Troupe was born here, which was praised as the Artistic Light Cavalry of the Grasslands by Zhou Enlai.    

When to visit Xilingol?
Xilingol enjoys a typical temperate semi-arid continental climate featuring strong wind, aridity and chilliness. Spring and autumn are short, and winter is long. There is no summer heat, and annual average temperatures are around 0 - 3ºC. Recently, sandstorms have occurred more frequently in spring and autumn. Therefore, June to August is the best season to visit Xilingol.

How to reach Xilingol?
By Air
Erenhot Saiwusu International Airport  is located near Saiwusu Town, Erenhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, about 27 kilometers southeast of Erenhot City and 32 kilometers from the Mongolian border. The airport has opened flights to/from Beijing, Ulanqab and Hohhot.    Xilinhot Airport is situated in the western part of the city of Xilinhot, operating daily flights to Beijing, Hohhot and Halaer (center area of Hulunbeier City) as well as some provisional tourist flights to other big cities. 

By Train
The four railways in Xilinguole stretch to the capital city of Inner Mongolia and to almost all the vital towns inside the league, connecting the railway system in Outer Mongolia. There are also three national highways and eight provincial highways that make up the backbone of its road transportation. 

By Bus
Xilinhaote Bus Station is the transportation hub of Xilingol. It is located on Nadamu Da Jie. Near the railway station at the junction of provincial highways No.101 and 207, the western station mainly operates buses to places inside Inner Mongolia.

Xilingol Travel Tips
1. Special Local Products: Mongolia mushroom, Russian olive, mutton, beef.
2. Food and Drink: People living in the pasture area of Inner Mongolia like eating mutton and dairy. For drinks, they like Mongolian milk tea, yoghurt and koumiss (fermented milk).
3. Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0479-8237932
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China Xilinhot Branch: 6, Tuanjie Da Jie, Xilinhot City 
China Post Xilingol Branch: Xilin Dajie, Xilinhot City