The broad sweep of the Mongol Empire brought wealth to many. Typically, long years of economic and political stability followed in the wake of their advances. Following Mongol invasion of the western regions of China, the once-crumbling "Silk Road" was re-established bringing unprecedented riches to silk, rug, silver and spice merchants. But the movement of armies and traders may also have introduced the bubonic plague to Europe, resulting in the death of at least a third of that continent's population, forever changing the Western World's political and cultural histories.

• The City of Ulaanbaatar: It wasn't until 1924 that Ulaanbaatar received its name. Meaning "red hero" after Damdin Sukhbaatar, a war hero who, with the help of the Soviets, helped wrench the country from Chinese rule, Ulaanbaatar is by far the biggest city within hundreds of miles. It's also the coldest national capital in the world, due to its elevation, climatic region and latitude. But the summers, when Let's Travel China's in town, are ideal with generally warm and sunny days and cool nights. Though much of the city's architecture reflects the Soviet-era's monumental, almost chilling "ambiance," the contents of those buildings often reflect the essence of the Mongolian culture.
• Naadam Festival: In a city where the summer season is short and precious, all the stops are pulled for this singular celebration. (Not incidentally, your Let's Travel China tour is scheduled to arrive in town just as the party begins!) The centuries-old festival originated around competitions which pitted the athletes' abilities in three important skills: horse riding, archery and wrestling. The historic success of Mongolia's Army is often attributed to their prominence in these same skills. Of course, the event long ago morphed into a much bigger event. Think "New Years, the Super Bowl, the Fourth of July and the Rose Parade" and you've got an idea of the kinds of sports, pageantry, and celebrating that goes on during this long festival. Although the festival is observed throughout the country, it is here, in Ulaanbaatar in early July, where most of the partying takes place!
• National Museum of Mongolian History: Opening in 1991, the historical scope of the museum's collection runs from Stone Age to Space Age. Stone tools dating from 750,000 B.C. are on view as are artifacts of Gurragcha Jugderdemidiin - Mongolia's astronaut who traveled to space aboard Russia's Soyuz 39 mission in 1981.
• Natural History Museum: Despite the almost overwhelming size and complexity of the museum, it's the two dinosaur skeletons excavated from the Gobi Desert that spotlight the treasures within this rambling building. One's a 50-foot tall flesh-eating Tarbosaurus; the other is a 25-foot-high Saurolophus - a herbivore. Also on hand are meteorites, stuffed and embalmed animals and other flora and fauna of the region. The museum's halls are often dark and eerie - making for the perfect setting for these antiquities!
• Winter Palace of Bogd Khan: Built between 1893 and 1903, this was the winter residence of Mongolia's last Khan: Bogd Khan. Gifts from foreign dignitaries, stuffed animals (Bogd had a thing for rare and unusual species), costumes and scrolls are exhibited within the palace; the grounds include temples and gift shops. This winter palace was spared during the Russian takeover in the 1920's; the summer palace wasn't so fortunate and was destroyed.
• Gandan Monastery: Here you'll find the largest standing Buddha is Asia, some 80 feet tall. It's the largest temple complex in all of Mongolia and portions date from 1810. Buddhism was supressed during the Soviet era, particularly under Stalin. But since the 1990s the religion has staged something of a comeback.
• Sukbaatar Square: Here's where Damdin Sukhbaatar, the "red hero" from which the city took its name, is honored. The square includes a statue of Sukhbaatar astride his horse, as well as his mausoleum. Surrounding the big square are prominent government buidings.
• Zaisan Memorial: High atop a hill just south of the city center, this memorial salutes Russia and its soldiers - but also tips its hat to Mongolia's native son, Cosmonaut Gurragcha Jugderdemidiin. But most make the trek (there's a lot of walking to get up to the monument) for the expansive views of the city below.

• Chinggis Khaan Hotel
  No. 10 Tokyo Street
  Ulaanbaatar - 49, Mongolia
  Tel: (976) (11) 313380
  Fax: (976) (11) 312788
  4-Star - 194 rooms
  This modern (1995), 10-story hotel is was the first 4-star property within the city. Offering Mongolian, Chinese and European restaurants - as well as a full breakfast buffet, this full-service hotel also provides a shopping arcade, a pub, a fitness center, free Internet service and Wi-Fi access, as well. Its location near the city's center provides easy access to local attractions.
  For a link to a Chinggis Khaan Hotel site click here.