This fabulous courtyard palace is the former home of the local prince, the Alashan Qin Wang. A well-restored, Qing-era complex of buildings and courtyards, the palace has photos of the last prince (1903–68) and his family, plus some of their personal effects, but it's the splendid traditional layout and architecture that steals the show.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.55 MILES
This superb museum affords a fascinating insight into Alashan and Mongolian culture. English captions are sporadic, which is a shame, but there's a wealth…
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20.12 MILES
The most significant sight in Helan Shan is these ancient rock carvings dating from 1000 to 10,000 years ago. Over 2000 pictographs depict animals, faces,…
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26.48 MILES
This wacky film studio is where famed Chinese movies like Red Sorghum and many Hong Kong classics by Stephen Chow, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Tsui Hark…
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13.5 MILES
Once one of the most magnificent monasteries in Inner Mongolia, Guǎngzōng Sì has a stunning setting in the Helanshan mountain foothills 38km south of…
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18.42 MILES
This park is a good place to start exploring Helan Shan. The 5km northbound trail is quite challenging in parts and takes you to the highest point in the…
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0.12 MILES
The original Mongol town of Bayanhot was centred on this 18th-century temple. Completed in 1742, it once housed 200 lamas; around 30 are resident here now…
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0.55 MILES
Half of town decamps to this high point at sunset for some astonishing views (if the weather obliges) and spectacular evening fountain shows. Beyond the…
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18.94 MILES
About 10km west of the Helan Shan rock carvings are these pagodas. You can’t climb them, but they’re an impressive sight against the backdrop of the…
Nearby Inner Mongolia attractions
0.12 MILES
The original Mongol town of Bayanhot was centred on this 18th-century temple. Completed in 1742, it once housed 200 lamas; around 30 are resident here now…
2. Yingpanshan Ecological Park
0.55 MILES
Half of town decamps to this high point at sunset for some astonishing views (if the weather obliges) and spectacular evening fountain shows. Beyond the…
1.85 MILES
Detached and alone, this twin-spired, brick-built church is quite a sight as you head towards town from the long-distance bus station. Of recent…
2.55 MILES
This superb museum affords a fascinating insight into Alashan and Mongolian culture. English captions are sporadic, which is a shame, but there's a wealth…
13.5 MILES
Once one of the most magnificent monasteries in Inner Mongolia, Guǎngzōng Sì has a stunning setting in the Helanshan mountain foothills 38km south of…
6. Suyukou National Forest Park
18.42 MILES
This park is a good place to start exploring Helan Shan. The 5km northbound trail is quite challenging in parts and takes you to the highest point in the…
18.94 MILES
About 10km west of the Helan Shan rock carvings are these pagodas. You can’t climb them, but they’re an impressive sight against the backdrop of the…
20.12 MILES
The most significant sight in Helan Shan is these ancient rock carvings dating from 1000 to 10,000 years ago. Over 2000 pictographs depict animals, faces,…