An Ulan Hada Volcano tour offers travelers an extraordinary, otherworldly adventure that feels exactly like stepping onto the surface of Mars. Located on the vast Chahar Right Back Banner basalt plateau in central Inner Mongolia (Ulanqab), this spectacular geological wonder consists of a chain of extinct, dome-shaped cosmic craters. As the closest authentic volcano group to Beijing, booking an Ulan Hada Volcano tour is the absolute best way to experience raw geological majesty, hike pristine craters, and capture cinematic space-themed photography.
Ticket Prices and Entry Modes
Getting into the scenic area is highly convenient, with two main options tailored to your preferred style of travel:
- Self-Drive Entry (¥60): Drive your own vehicle or private rental car directly into the park. You can purchase your entry tickets smoothly at the main Visitor Center.
- Scenic Shuttle Bus (¥30): Park at the entrance and ride the official scenic shuttle. Tickets can be purchased conveniently online via a quick QR code scan at the entrance. Note: Travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and international tourists should purchase their entry tickets directly at the physical ticket office.
Traffic Update: The park’s main internal driving lanes currently support two-way traffic. However, special traffic control measures may be implemented during major national holidays. It is highly recommended to check official park updates or call the visitor hotline ahead of your trip.
Recommended Ulan Hada Volcano Tour Route
The most efficient way to navigate the park without backtracking is to enter via the North Gate and follow this continuous loop:
North Gate Entrance → Volcano No. 3 → Volcano No. 4 → Volcano No. 5 → Volcano No. 6 → Volcano No. 7 & 8 → Dinosaur Park → Lava River Station / North Gate Exit
(You can easily reverse or adjust this sequence depending on your specific entrance gate).
Top Highlights: Which Craters to Explore?
While there are over 30 volcanic vents across the basalt plateau, your Ulan Hada Volcano tour should focus primarily on the three most iconic craters: Volcanoes No. 3, 5, and 6.
Volcano No. 3 (North Liandandulu) – Best for Beginners
- Why Visit: Highly beginner-friendly and accessible. It features a well-constructed wooden walking plank path that allows you to hike to the peak smoothly and look directly down into a massive, jaw-dropping volcanic sinkhole.
- Bonus: Near the designated parking lot, you can visit the charming “Hundred Deer Park” to see local wildlife.
Volcano No. 5 (Zhong Liandandulu) – The National Geographic Icon
- Why Visit: Celebrated as the most structurally complete and perfectly preserved volcanic cone in the entire group. Its dramatic, weathered black rock walls look exactly like a National Geographic cover photo. If you are short on time and choose not to stop, you can easily capture a stunning panoramic view of this giant from the base of Volcano No. 6.
Volcano No. 6 (Nan Liandandulu) – The True Martian Surface
- Why Visit: This crater provides the ultimate sci-fi experience and serves as the absolute premier destination for renting space spacesuits for astronaut-themed photoshoots.
- Photography Tip: Switch your smartphone camera to the 0.5x ultra-wide lens to shoot from the bottom of the volcanic pit—this instantly maximizes the dramatic, lonely atmosphere of your photos.
- Adventure Tip: You can hire a local off-road vehicle or ATV for roughly ¥80 to ¥100 to drive you around the rugged back ridge straight to the Volcano No. 5 sinkhole lookouts.
Other Notable Stops Along the Route
- Volcano No. 4: A much smaller, heavily weathered crater. A quick drive-by view is sufficient.
- Volcanoes No. 7 & 8 (Jianshan): Two sharp, cone-shaped twin volcanoes sitting side-by-side. Local legends say you can hunt for real natural agates and crystals among the loose gravel paths at the base.
- Dinosaur Park: A highly family-friendly, interactive park featuring large replica dinosaurs. It is a fantastic spot for a quick photo stop if traveling with children.
- The Scenic Paths: Throughout your drive, you will see herds of local horses and cattle wandering peacefully against the stark black volcanic backdrop, offering fantastic spontaneous landscape photography opportunities.
Practical Travel Tips for Your Volcano Adventure
- 草原 Wind & Sun Protection: The Inner Mongolian plateau features intense, non-stop winds and high UV rays. Always bring a secure, windproof hat, sunglasses, heavy windbreakers, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Watch the Time: Because the volcanic field is vast and lighting drops rapidly after sunset, monitor your clock carefully. Avoid staying out too late in the remote corners of the park, as navigating the unmarked trails in pitch darkness can be highly challenging.