I realise we haven't actually had the winter holidays yet, but I have a friend coming from Germany in summer and he needs to book his tickets now, so ...
He has 2 weeks holidays. I have plotted a VERY tight couple of itineraries for us that would include the Yushu Tan Horse Festival. But I also thought he might enjoy Naadam Festival in Mongolia. This is easy to get to from Xi'an. But once that is over, what other things might be fun in Inner Mongolia? He hasn't done much horse trekking or camel riding, but I figure it wouldn't kill him!
I have been to Baotou and the singing Sands, plus the Xilamuren Grasslands. Less touristy places would be better.
He went back to Germany on the Trans-Siberian Rail - but that was in winter.
Nei Mengguren - your input would be greatly appreciated.