Just got back from Baotou, really don't recommend visiting in June!

Hey friends👋! Just wrapped up my Baotou trip and I'm still immersed in the grassland breeze🌬️ and delicious food aromas! Stayed up late compiling this ultimate guide📜 with all the must-know tips + food map to help you avoid pitfalls👇! 💡Why Visit? Baotou hides northern China's romance💕! Vast grasslands, desert landscapes, authentic cuisine - you can gallop on horseback or enjoy city walks, perfect for both adventure seekers and chill travelers!🥳 🗺️Travel Guide 🌿Xilamuren Grassland OMG! Xilamuren Grassland instantly took my breath away😭! Endless green like a spilled palette🎨, with herds of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely🐂🐑 - my photos had everyone asking for the location📸! ✅Must-dos: • Horseback riding🐎 across the grasslands - feel the wind rush past your ears! Negotiate prices with handlers first💰 (usually ¥100-150/hour). • Sunset watching🌇 - orange hues painting the grassland create magical vibes! • Evening bonfire parties🔥 - dance💃🕺 with locals and feast on roasted lamb (book ahead)! ⚠️Tips: Strong UV🌞 - wear sunscreen and hats🧢; big temperature drops at night require jackets🧥! 🏜️Xiangshawan Desert Desert lovers rejoice🌵! The "singing sands"🎵 feel wonderfully soft underfoot. Awesome activities👇: • Camel rides🐫 through dunes - become a desert explorer! • Exciting dune buggies🏍️ - stress relief at high speeds! • Instagrammable Lotus Hotel📷 - its white architecture looks straight from a fairytale! 🎫Tickets: Combo tickets (¥200-300) including cable car and activities offer best value. 🏞️Wudangzhao Area The surrounding nature is breathtaking! Rolling mountains⛰️ and clear streams💧 perfect for hiking and picnics🍱. Spread a mat on the grass and snack in the breeze - pure bliss😌! 🍜Foodie Heaven! Must-try Baotou Delicacies😍 🍲Shaomai (Not regular shaomai!) Baotou's breakfast soul food! Thin wrappers bursting with lamb and scallion filling🥟, best paired with brick tea🍵. Find old street-side shops - a steamer (¥20-30) fills you up! 🥩Hand-grabbed Lamb Pure carnivorous joy! Tender, juicy lamb dipped in leek flower sauce🌶️ is toe-curlingly good! Huge portions (¥50-80/person) - best shared. 🥟Iron Pot Noodles Instant addiction! Noodles soaked in spare rib and bean broth🍲 with melt-in-mouth potatoes🥔 - ultimate comfort food! Small pot (¥30-50) feeds 2-3. 🍨Millet Tea Soup Ritualistic snack! Hot water poured over millet flour, topped with brown sugar and nuts🍯 - sweet winter warmer! Street stalls sell for ¥5-10. 🛏️Accommodation 1. City stay👉Gangtie Street area offers convenience🚇 with malls and food streets. Chain hotels ¥150-300; unique B&Bs ¥200-400. 2. Grassland experience👉Stay in yurts⛺ under starry skies✨, waking to birdsong! ¥150-300 - check hygiene beforehand. 🚗Transport 1. Flights✈️ to Baotou Donghe Airport - taxis to downtown cost ¥20-30. 2. Road trips👉Well-maintained scenic routes🌄! Hiring a car for grasslands/desert costs ¥300-500/day - bargain! Baotou delivers amazing fun and food😋 - grab this guide and go explore!