Explore Baotou through three distinct themes: city and regional history at the museum, industrial history at Baotou Steel, and outdoor activity on the urban Saihan Tala grassland. When planning your trip, it helps to consider which perspective you would like to explore in more depth.
The Baotou Museum: History, Art and Education
The Baotou Museum was established in December 1998 and is classified as a national first-class museum. It presents the cultural heritage and development of civilization in the western part of Inner Mongolia. Its scope therefore extends beyond Baotou’s history to include other cultural themes from the region.
Six permanent exhibitions focus on different subjects. “九原长歌——包头古代历史文化陈列” covers Baotou’s ancient history and culture; “西北巨埠——包头近现代史陈列” its recent and modern history; and “北疆明珠——包头当代史陈列” the city’s contemporary history. They are joined by “史话石说——内蒙古古代岩画陈列” on the ancient rock art of Inner Mongolia, “鹿城往事——包头民俗文化展” on Baotou’s folk culture, and “菩提工巧——内蒙古唐卡艺术陈列” on the thangka art of Inner Mongolia. City history, folk culture and art are thus presented alongside regional themes.
The museum offers six types of educational and study activities. These include training for young museum guides, archaeology and restoration activities, traditional clothing programs, a treasure hunt and a museum night. A 2024 report by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism states that the museum holds an average of nearly 300 themed educational activities a year. This range gives you different ways to engage with the museum beyond its exhibitions.
Industrial History in Baotou
The Baotou Steel Industrial Tourism Area focuses on the steel company’s history and technology, presenting its development over more than 70 years. In 2006, the State Council designated the area a “national model site for industrial tourism.” A combined visitor route pairs explanations in exhibition halls with tours of production lines and visits to industrial heritage sites. The experience therefore includes both interpretive exhibitions and insights into production lines and industrial landmarks.
The “Baomian 1958” exhibition hall offers another way to explore industrial history. With an authentic industrial atmosphere, it recreates the setting of a cotton mill in the 1950s and preserves the memories of several generations of Baotou’s older residents. The focus here is on the history of a mill and the memories of the city’s residents.
Saihan Tala: Outdoor Activity on the Grassland
On the urban Saihan Tala grassland, you can cycle across the meadows or explore on foot. You may encounter sika deer in the forest. Saihan Tala offers another perspective on Baotou: instead of exhibitions and industrial history, the focus here is on outdoor activity and the chance to observe wildlife.
Choose a Hotel Based on Your Travel Interests
Consider which themes will shape your stay and which you would like to include as additional experiences. This priority gives your search for a hotel in Baotou a clear connection to your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Ordos, Ulanqab, Xilin Gol, Hinggan, Wuhai, Hulun Buir, Hohhot, Alxa.
For the broader travel overview: Inner Mongolia.
