Inner Mongolia is among the largest and least densely populated provinces in China. It is also among the flattest, with a topography that varies from sweeping grasslands to a desert that stretches for thousands of kilometers. It is a land where up until recently, most people lived nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles, oriented around sturdy, makeshift tents known as Yurts, and even sturdier horses.

Some of the more important – or more interesting – aspects of Chinese history involve Mongolia. The great wall was originally built to keep out Mongolian invaders. Genghis Khan, one of the most infamous of these invaders, was born in what is now Inner Mongolia. Originally a remote trade outpost, Beijing is only what it is today thanks to the Mongols’ decision to make it the capital of their fledgling Yuan dynasty. “Hutong” is also in fact a Mongolian word, referring to the alleyways in Beijing where some people still live.

While the traditional nomadic culture of Inner Mongolia has largely vanished, the rich history, language, and culture of the region has survived, and students on our flagship Inner Mongolia program will have 5-6 full days of activities to learn more about them. The first day will be spent in the city of Hohhot, with a scavenger hunt at the provincial museum – one of the best of its kind in China – followed by a Mongolian cooking lesson. The next two days will be spent in the Xilamuren Grasslands doing cultural activities (archery, traditional yurt building) and a bike ride. Afterwards, we will head to the edge of the steppe for a beautiful hike, before heading to the Kubuqi desert, to ride camels, do a desert survival challenge, and camp in tents. The trip will conclude with an impactful service project, whereby students will contribute to the “Green Wall” by planting trees at the edge of the desert.