Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar Overview

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Planning a trip from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to China involves knowing the best times to visit, how to travel, and understanding visa requirements. This guide provides all the essential details you need for a successful journey to China.


Best Time to Visit China

Since China is geographically vast, the ideal time to visit depends on the regions you plan to explore.

Northern China (Beijing, Xi’an, Harbin)

  • Best Time: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
  • Why: The weather is mild and perfect for exploring iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
  • Winter (December to February): Cold, but ideal for winter sports and the Harbin Ice Festival.

Eastern China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou)

  • Best Time: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
  • Why: Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and the best time for sightseeing.
  • Summer (June to August): Hot and humid but a good time for coastal cities like Shanghai.

Southern China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Yunnan)

  • Best Time: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
  • Why: Mild weather, great for exploring cities and the natural beauty of Yunnan.
  • Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, but good for tropical experiences in Yunnan.

Western China (Tibet, Xinjiang)

  • Best Time: Summer (June to August)
  • Why: Perfect for trekking and exploring nature in Tibet and Xinjiang.

How to Travel from Ulaanbaatar to China

Flights from Ulaanbaatar to China

Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia’s capital) has several flight options to major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.

Flight Duration:

  • Ulaanbaatar to Beijing: Approx. 2-3 hours
  • Ulaanbaatar to Shanghai: Approx. 7 hours (direct or via a stopover)
  • Ulaanbaatar to Guangzhou: Approx. 6 hours (direct or via a stopover)
  • Ulaanbaatar to Hong Kong: Approx. 5-6 hours

Airlines Operating from Ulaanbaatar:

  • MIAT Mongolian Airlines: Offers direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
  • Air China: Regular flights to Beijing and other cities in China.
  • Sichuan Airlines: Flies to Chengdu.
  • Xiamen Airlines: Provides connections to Xiamen and Shanghai.

Transportation Options from Ulaanbaatar to Major Cities in China

1. Ulaanbaatar to Beijing:

  • By Air: The most efficient way is by direct flight (approx. 2-3 hours).
  • By Train: The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar to Beijing. The journey takes around 30 hours.
  • By Bus: Buses also run from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, taking about 36 hours.

2. Ulaanbaatar to Xian:

  • By Air: You can fly directly to Xi’an from Ulaanbaatar (typically involves a stopover in Beijing or Shanghai).
  • By Train: Take the Trans-Mongolian Railway to Beijing, then connect to a train to Xi’an (total travel time: approx. 40-45 hours).
  • By Bus: The bus trip is not commonly used due to the long distance.

3. Ulaanbaatar to Shanghai:

  • By Air: Direct flights available, taking about 7 hours.
  • By Train: Take the Trans-Mongolian Railway to Beijing, then connect to a train for Shanghai (approx. 50-55 hours).

4. Ulaanbaatar to Hong Kong:

  • By Air: Direct flights available (approx. 5-6 hours).
  • By Train: Take the Trans-Mongolian Railway to Beijing, then take a train or flight to Hong Kong (approx. 50-55 hours in total).

Main Cities to Visit in China

1. Beijing: The Capital of China

  • Must-See Attractions:
    • The Great Wall of China
    • Forbidden City
    • Temple of Heaven
    • Tiananmen Square
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)

2. Xi’an: The Ancient Capital

  • Must-See Attractions:
    • Terracotta Warriors
    • Xi’an City Wall
    • Big Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn

3. Shanghai: The Modern Metropolis

  • Must-See Attractions:
    • The Bund
    • Yu Garden
    • Shanghai Tower
    • Shanghai Disneyland
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn

4. Chengdu: The Land of Pandas

  • Must-See Attractions:
    • Chengdu Panda Base
    • Jinli Street
    • Wuhou Shrine
    • Sichuan Opera (Face Changing)
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn

5. Yunnan: A Diverse Region of Beauty

  • Must-See Attractions:
    • Shangri-La
    • Lijiang
    • Dali
    • Kunming (Stone Forest)
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn

6. Hong Kong: A Global City

  • Must-See Attractions:
    • Victoria Peak
    • Tian Tan Buddha
    • Hong Kong Disneyland
    • Avenue of Stars
  • Best Time to Visit: Autumn and Spring

7. Guangzhou: The City of Cantonese Culture

  • Must-See Attractions:
    • Canton Tower
    • Yuexiu Park
    • Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn

China Visa for Mongolian Citizens

Mongolian citizens need a tourist visa to enter China. Here’s how to get one:

Required Documents:

  1. Passport: Valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
  2. Visa Application Form: Available at the Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) or online.
  3. Passport-sized Photograph: A recent, color photo.
  4. Itinerary: Proof of accommodation and round-trip flight bookings.
  5. Financial Proof: Bank statements or other evidence of financial capacity.
  6. Travel Insurance: Some consulates may require you to have travel insurance.

Application Process:

  1. Fill out the Visa Application Form: Download it from the CVASC website.
  2. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed form and supporting documents to the nearest Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center.
  3. Processing Time: Generally takes about 4-7 business days.

Suggested China Tour Packages from Ulaanbaatar

1. Beijing & Xi’an Highlights (7-9 Days)

  • Destinations: Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City) & Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors, City Wall).
  • Best For: History and culture enthusiasts.

2. Yunnan Exploration (8-10 Days)

  • Destinations: Shangri-La, Lijiang, Dali, Kunming.
  • Best For: Nature lovers and those seeking a cultural experience in a less crowded region.

3. Shanghai & Chengdu Adventure (7-9 Days)

  • Destinations: Shanghai (The Bund, Shanghai Tower), Chengdu (Pandas, Sichuan Opera).
  • Best For: Urban and nature experiences in one package.

4. Hong Kong & Macau Tour (5-7 Days)

  • Destinations: Hong Kong (Victoria Peak, Tian Tan Buddha) & Macau (Casinos, Old City).
  • Best For: Shopping, entertainment, and cultural exploration.

Traveling from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to China is an exciting journey, and with the right preparation, your trip will be seamless and unforgettable. From the historical treasures of Beijing and Xi’an to the modern vibrance of Shanghai and the cultural richness of Chengdu, Yunnan, and Hong Kong, China offers a wealth of experiences. With direct flight connections, rail and bus options, and clear visa requirements, traveling between Ulaanbaatar and China is straightforward. Get ready for an adventure full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes!