A woman milks a cow on the Wulagai grassland, which covers more than 5,000 square kilometers but has a population of only about 24,000. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Herds in the distance look like white spots scattered along the vast green backdrop of mountains. Walking along the zigzagging Wulagai River - the 300 km river is among the longest in Inner Mongolia - the trek seems to be less rocky than it actually is. However, be prepared for a tough journey. You might even wish that the spirit of Genghis Khan will offer you more strength.

If you are not good at sporting activities, you can at least watch others play.

For example, Nadaam, a traditional festival of the Mongolian ethnic group, features archery, horse racing, and bokh (Mongolian wrestling) and will surely be an exciting experience.

After that, don't hesitate to reward your rumbling stomach with a banquet. The hospitable locals will prepare roasted lamb plus fine kumiss, which is made from horse milk in Mongolian yurts. Horood, a kind of dairy tofu, also is a must-try, though its chewy texture might remind you of gum at first bite.

You also might consider a soothing stretch while lying in the grass. Just close your eyes and savor these moments away from all that is annoying.