Mongolia without a yurt

The famous steppes of Mongolia, flying into Chinggis Khaan International Airport.

Visitors can feel the history and culture of Mongolia through the traditional architecture.

Hotel Blue Sky is the latest skyscraper to emerge from this Soviet-era style landscape. The extraordinary design, like a giant ship's sail of glass in the center of the city, is the latest member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

Opened in January 2012, the 200-room Blue Sky is the first world-class hotel to grace this city and caters to those who prefer luxury over roughing it in a circular tent.

Situated on Peace Avenue opposite the central Sukhbaatar Square, the hotel would look completely out of synch if not for the Louis Vuitton store across the street that opened just a year earlier.

Blue Sky Lounge, which occupies the top two floors of the tower, has become the hippest place in town to enjoy a cocktail and unwind with spectacular views of the city.

It is fair to say nobody travels to Mongolia for the food, but luckily the hotel houses five different restaurants to cater to palates from different corners of the world.

Signature Restaurant offers the best of European dining, fine wine and delicious deserts. Le Seoul serves up some Korean treats, Zen offers classic Japanese dishes cooked in front of you in an open kitchen.

Cantonese dishes, some with a Mongolian twist, are offered at Jade Palace, and Seasons is an all-day diner and grill that serves a buffet-style breakfast in the mornings.

The city offers a plethora of cultural sites to visit during the day. If it is real life you are looking for, just take a walk down Peace Avenue and you will stumble onto something amusing. More than 60 percent of the country's population lives in Ulan Bator.

For a slice of history, check out the Bogd Khan Museum or the National History Museum, or head to Gandan Buddhist monastery and feed the thousands of pigeons that flock around this ancient site. Wearing a hat is advised.

To truly witness Ulan Bator in all its glory, head out on a weekend night where wild men and pretty girls party the night away, although this is probably best not done alone.

Metropolis is the happening place for young affluent Mongolians, which means wearing white to display their cleanliness.

Bricks is another hotspot. The bruising doormen at these establishments offer an instant reminder that fighting is another favorite pastime in Mongolia, so try not to step on anyone's toes.

Ulan Bator may not have the charm and elegance found elsewhere in Asia, but behind the wind-chapped faces, gray walls and drunken souls, there's an inner beauty that is hospitable, warm-hearted if not a little slurred.

Contact the writer at leehannon@chinadaily.com.cn.