3 days ago
- Exploring Wulanhada Volcano, A Journey Into Inner Mongolia's Hidden Craters
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Beneath my feet, the earth was black and rough, as though scorched by fire in a forgotten age.
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.
It began like a scene from a Western – a long empty road, the wind rushing though my hair, horses and cows grazing in the distance, and a landscape that felt both ancient and untouched.
But that's exactly what happened during my visit to the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark in Inner Mongolia, China.
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.
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.
The scenery was so tranquil, it felt as though time itself had slowed down.
The journey took about two hours by road from Ulanqab city centre, winding through vast open grasslands, sleepy villages, and long, meandering roads.
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The place looked like the moon!
Wulanhada is home to more than 30 volcanoes, but only eight of them are the main stars of the geopark.
The place looked like the moon!
The volcano I 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!
I met Cen Haixin, Director of Culture and Tourism for Chahar Right Wing Rear Banner, who told me that as of May 7 this year, 49,000 tourists had already 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.
'We prepare carefully during the peak seasons to make sure everyone is safe and able to enjoy the scenery,' he said.
Most of the tourists are from China – over 98 per cent, in fact. Cen noted that international visitors are slowly increasing, thanks in part to China's visa-free policy for selected countries.
As we walked around the crater rim, Cen pointed to Volcano No. 5 in the distance – the best preserved of them all.
'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,' he said.
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A full countryside experience
To visit the site, travellers 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, we stopped at a small stall where I tried freshly roasted potatoes – soft, smoky and comforting.
I also had my first taste of Inner Mongolian milk tea – a salty, buttery drink served warm, with a rich taste that stays on your tongue.
Totally different from Malaysia's sweet 'Teh Tarik', which is still my all-time favourite.
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A magical moment
For the first time in my life, I saw wild horses galloping freely across the grasslands. Their energy was wild and powerful, like they belonged to the wind. Not far from them were a group of camels, calmly chewing grass and watching us curiously.
It was such a magical moment — the kind that does not need filters or edits. No camera could capture this. No words could do it justice.
At one point, I looked around at the open plains, the dusty road, the distant mountains and the endless sky. For a moment, I really felt like a cowgirl riding through some movie scene in the wild countryside.
When I asked Cen how they promote Wulanhada to the world, he said none other than media and also the warm welcome of the people from this place.
'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 surprised me in every way. It is where ancient volcanoes meet modern tourism, where nature is powerful but also deeply peaceful.
Whether you are drawn by science, the scenery or the sense of escape, this hidden part of Inner Mongolia will leave a lasting impression.
The geopark covers an area of over 65 square kilometres, showcasing diverse and magnificent landscapes, from grassland volcanoes to dramatic lava formations.
And the best part. Entry is completely free.
Wulanhada is not just a destination. It is a discovery.
-- BERNAMA
Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
