Khoomei, the Mongolian throat singing tradition in which a single vocalist simultaneously produces multiple pitches through careful manipulation of the vocal tract, is one of the most distinctive musical practices in the world and Hohhot is one of the few places outside Mongolia proper where you can hear it performed by practitioners who have grown up in the tradition. The technique — which produces a haunting, overtone-rich sound that seems to come from somewhere beyond the human body — is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Several venues in Hohhot combine khoomei performances with dinner or drinks, typically alongside morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) music and traditional Mongolian song. The quality of the performance varies enormously: the best performers are genuinely skilled musicians who have spent years mastering the technique; the worst are beginners playing to tourists. The cultural performance restaurants near Dazhao temple area are the most reliable booking option; ask specifically whether the performers are accomplished khoomei practitioners or generalist folk musicians. The morin khuur is ubiquitous in even mediocre venues; true khoomei is rarer and worth seeking out specifically.