
Located in Datan Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Hebei Province, the First Road in Northern Beijing stretches across Fengning Dam, the premier grassland in northern Beijing. The scenery here is vibrant and diverse throughout the year. Home to the largest spruce forest in northern China, it is a natural eco-tourism destination that integrates mountains, forests, grasslands, wetlands, and farmland.
Semi-temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate
Suitable for all seasons
No tickets required
The First Road in Northern Beijing, located in Chengde, Hebei, was historically an important transportation route connecting Beijing to the northern regions. It features scenic landscapes, historic architecture, and cultural heritage sites, reflecting the region’s traditional and strategic significance.
It is located in Chengde, Hebei Province, north of Beijing. Visitors can take a train or bus from Beijing to Chengde, then local taxis or tour buses to reach the road. Walking or cycling along certain stretches is also popular for sightseeing.
The road is open year-round as it is a public route. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for mild weather and scenic views, avoiding the peak summer heat and winter cold.
There is no entrance fee for the road itself. Some nearby attractions or historical sites along the road may have separate tickets, purchasable on-site or via local tourism websites.
For the road itself, no booking is required. For nearby paid attractions, booking a few days in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
2–4 hours are typically sufficient for a casual walk or cycle. A full day is ideal if visiting multiple historical sites and scenic spots along the road.
Guided tours may be available through local travel agencies, usually in Mandarin. Private tours with English-speaking guides can sometimes be arranged in advance.
Start from the main northern entry point, walk or cycle along the road, stopping at notable temples, bridges, and scenic viewpoints, and end at the southern exit near Chengde city center or a nearby attraction.
The road itself is primarily for daytime sightseeing. Some nearby historical sites may offer evening light displays or special cultural performances seasonally.
The road is generally quiet, with fewer visitors on weekdays and outside public holidays. Peak tourist seasons may bring more visitors, especially near nearby historical sites.
Basic facilities such as restrooms and small eateries are available near popular spots and villages along the road. Rest areas with benches are sporadic along the route.
Some sections of the road are paved and suitable for elderly and children. Accessibility for disabled visitors may be limited in uneven or hilly areas; plan accordingly.
Cash is useful for small eateries or local shops along the road. Larger attractions may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Vegetarian options are limited but available in some local restaurants; vegan and halal options may be scarce and require prior inquiry.
Souvenir shops are mainly near Chengde city and major temples, offering items like traditional crafts, postcards, local snacks, and cultural artifacts.