Against the majestic backdrop of the Ulanhad Volcanic Cluster, Northern Starlight Guesthouse nestles like a starlit haven in Niuming Village, Chayouhouqi—adjacent to the "most Mars-like" volcanic park on Earth. Its 2024 Nordic-style architecture merges with rolling grasslands, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame volcanic silhouettes and seasonal wonders: wildflowers in spring, starry summers, golden autumns, and snowy winters. Inside, 21 warm-toned rooms offer modern comforts—disposable amenities, WiFi, 24-hour service—paired with a complimentary breakfast to greet your day. Nature lovers can enjoy free horseback rides/KTV, or bespoke hikes to volcanic craters, followed by grassland barbecues (198 RMB) under endless skies. Pet-friendly and family-welcoming, it balances tranquility with adventure: explore lava trails, chase windmills by car, or photograph the Milky Way arching over ancient volcanoes. Here, every stay is a journey where earth’s grandeur meets heartfelt hospitality.
"We went all the way from ”Baotou-Hohhot-Ulanqab”, the most satisfying and cost-effective hotel on the trip:
1. The hotel is very close to the north gate of Ulanhada Volcano Scenic Area (more than 2 kilometers), which is very convenient for tourists who choose to take a sightseeing car. We are driving into the scenic spot by car (the scenic spot stipulates that the south gate can enter and exit the north gate), and it is very convenient to drive there.
2. The homestay is a courtyard homestay. I personally like the decoration style. There is a small yard outside the room on the second floor. After washing, it is very comfortable to blow the natural wind to see the moon [smiling]
The hardware facilities are very new and only opened in August last year. Especially the bathroom, the wet and dry separation sink is large enough, the hot water is particularly powerful, and the mattress is very comfortable. After a good rest, I have the strength to go to the volcanic scenic spot/Huiteng grassland for a day.
3. The top floor terrace can take pictures of very beautiful sunsets and sunsets, and you can also set off fireworks (the boss sells fireworks at a cheap price! For example, more than 500 fireworks during the Chinese New Year in Chongqing actually cost 150, which is outrageous). The boss will organize a bonfire party when there are many people. In addition, it is recommended that friends who want to experience the yurt stay can stay for one night after entering the grassland, and choose to stay in a homestay/hotel with more complete facilities for the rest of the time. We live in a yurt in Huiteng Grassland (with separate bathroom, the price is higher, but the bathroom facilities are also at the level of urban hotel chains).
4. I highly recommend his roast leg of lamb, unlike the kind that can be served on the table soon after eating around other scenic spots. ”charcoal fire roasted fresh leg of lamb”, it takes more than two hours to roast, we can't help it when we listen to this. In fact, the taste did not live up to our waiting, the meat entrance is crispy and very chewy. Be sure to set in advance! Especially people who want to eat roasted whole lamb friends, have to make an appointment one day in advance, the boss needs to find the herdsmen to kill now.
Finally, I especially emphasized: the hotel owner is super good, is a local entrepreneurial youth, a little ”sloppy” honest person; frankly, there are really not many such businessmen, and the sincerity is very moving: silently help us carry our luggage; I heard that there was no smoke at night and immediately drove me to buy cigarettes; Help us buy discount tickets for the scenic spot; the guests said that they could send it to the scenic spot and agreed..."