Wulanhada: It began like a scene from a Western – a long empty road, the wind rushing through my hair, horses and cows grazing in the distance, and a landscape that felt both ancient and untouched. By the time I reached the blackened outskirts of Wulanhada, I couldn’t quite tell if I was in Inner Mongolia or on another planet. Beneath my feet, the earth was black and rough, as though scorched by fire in a forgotten age. If someone had told me I would feel like a cowgirl, sip salty milk tea, don an astronaut-like suit and stand on the rim of an ancient volcano – all in one day – I probably would have laughed in disbelief. But that’s exactly what happened during my visit to the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark in Inner Mongolia, China.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the journey took about two hours by road from Ulanqab city centre, winding through vast open grasslands, sleepy villages, and long, meandering roads. The scenery was so tranquil, it felt as though time itself had slowed down. As we got closer, the lush
green plains gave way to stark, rugged terrain – a sure sign that we were entering a landscape forged by fire and lava millions of years ago. Wulanhada is home to more than 30 volcanoes, but only eight of them are the main stars of the geopark. The volcano visited is known as the Grand Am Volcano – or simply, Geopark No. 6.
The local tourism team has added a fun and unexpected twist to the experience – visitors can rent white or pink astronaut suits and pose against the black lava landscape. It really feels like stepping onto another planet! Cen Haixin, Director of Culture and Tourism for Chahar Right Wing Rear Banner, mentioned that as of May 7 this year, 49,000 tourists had visited the site. Last year, tourism brought in around US$3.7 billion, and during the recent May 1 Labour Day holiday, the area made US$135 million in just a few days.
Most of the tourists are from China – over 98 percent, in fact. Cen noted that international visitors are slowly increasing, thanks in part to China’s visa-free policy f
or selected countries. As visitors walk around the crater rim, Volcano No. 5 in the distance is pointed out – the best preserved of them all. Cen emphasized the importance of environmental protection, stating, ‘It’s beautiful and quiet. That’s why we have stopped all development and private car access here for the past 10 years. We want to protect the environment and the green vegetation.’
To visit the site, travelers must arrange for designated transport, as private driving is not permitted within the protected area. But Wulanhada is more than just volcanoes; it is a full countryside experience. On the way to the volcano, visitors can stop at a small stall to try freshly roasted potatoes and have a taste of Inner Mongolian milk tea – a salty, buttery drink served warm, distinct from Malaysia’s sweet ‘Teh Tarik.’
A magical moment occurs when seeing wild horses galloping freely across the grasslands, with camels nearby, calmly chewing grass and watching curiously. It’s a moment that does not need filters or
edits. Cen explained that Wulanhada is promoted through media and the warm welcome of the local people. ‘Our volcanoes are peaceful, beautiful, and unique. Each one is different. Here, you can experience nature, adventure, and calmness all in one place,’ he said.
Certainly, Wulanhada surprises in every way. It is where ancient volcanoes meet modern tourism, where nature is powerful but also deeply peaceful. Whether drawn by science, the scenery, or the sense of escape, this hidden part of Inner Mongolia leaves a lasting impression. The geopark covers an area of over 65 square kilometers, showcasing diverse landscapes, from grassland volcanoes to dramatic lava formations. The best part is that entry is completely free. Wulanhada is not just a destination; it is a discovery.