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At Guyuan Dam, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the reservoir, take boat rides, and walk along the dam's observation decks. The surrounding natural environment is perfect for picnics, nature walks, and birdwatching. The area also offers opportunities for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Guyuan Bashang Grassland is located at the southern tip of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, outside the ancient Great Wall. It forms a tripod with Fengning Bashang, Weichang Bashang, and Zhangbei Bashang. From here, you can experience the grassland scenery of the northern frontier. Key attractions include Jinlian Villa, located 50 kilometers from Guyuan County and 230 kilometers from Zhangjiakou. At an altitude of 1,800 meters, the villa covers a total area of 60,000 mu and is a natural wild botanical garden outside the Great Wall.
Gushui Fuyuan Resort, located 5 kilometers east of Guyuan County, covers approximately 30,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres), including over 12,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres) of water surface. The area's vast lakes, the rugged Tanshan Mountains, and the boundless natural grasslands have attracted emperors, generals, and scholars throughout history to explore and admire its boundless beauty. The scenic area boasts intact tree burial towers and numerous ruins of imperial palaces from the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties.
In May, tens of thousands of swans will inhabit Swan Lake, making it a great place to escape the heat in summer.
Grassland Lake
Prairie Lake, known as the "Pearl of the Great Wall," boasts a unique plateau landscape formed by the interweaving of grasslands, rivers, and lakes. In the summer, the scenic scenery of Prairie Lake is characterized by a gentle breeze, silky water, blooming flowers, flocks of wild ducks, seagulls, and ospreys, and herds of cattle, horses, and sheep dotting the vast, emerald green grasslands, creating a breathtaking scene of the Great Wall.
Dressing Room
It is the only well-preserved historical relic on the Bashang Grassland that is highly regarded by experts. Its unique shape and style are quite distinctive. It was built during the Northern Song Dynasty specifically for Empress Xiao to dress up, hence the name "Empress Xiao's Dressing Building."
Lightning Lake
The dam is divided into three parts: the dam head, the dam middle and the dam tail. At the dam tail you will see a beautiful pool of water, which the locals call Lightning Lake.
Jinlian Villa
Jinlian Mountain Villa, built in Jinlianchuan, covers 60,000 mu. Opened in 1995, it is a natural tourist summer resort, attracting visitors with its unique green and eco-tourism offerings. The villa boasts dozens of scenic areas and hundreds of attractions, most of which are natural landscapes untouched by human intervention. Each attraction boasts a bold style, unique atmosphere, and a unique charm, making it a truly unique sight in the northern part of the Great Wall.
Recommended play time: 3-5 hours
Grassland Free
Shandian River Wetland Park is 30 yuan, Wuhua Meadow is 80 yuan, and the off-road holy land Laozhanggou is free.
All day
Guyuan Dam is a critical part of the local water management system, providing flood control and irrigation for the surrounding regions. The dam also plays an important role in generating hydroelectric power, making it a significant infrastructure project in Hebei Province.
Guyuan Dam is located in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transportation options are limited, so it's recommended to hire a car or use a taxi service to reach the dam.
The dam is accessible year-round, with the best times to visit being during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are most scenic. The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak seasons or public holidays. Tickets can be booked online 1-2 days before your visit.
To fully explore Guyuan Dam and its surroundings, about 2-3 hours are needed. This includes walking along the dam, enjoying the views, and taking a boat ride if desired.
The main highlights include the dam itself, the observation decks with panoramic views of the reservoir, and the surrounding nature trails. The reservoir area is particularly scenic and offers a peaceful environment for relaxation.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it's advisable to arrange them in advance.
The best viewpoints are along the observation decks of the dam, offering sweeping views of the water and surrounding landscape. The sunrise and sunset hours provide the most stunning photography opportunities.
Start with a walk along the dam's observation deck to enjoy the panoramic views. Then, explore the surrounding nature trails or take a boat ride on the reservoir. If time permits, visit the nearby park areas for a more relaxing experience.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Guyuan Dam. The best experiences are during the day, especially for scenic views and nature walks.
Guyuan Dam can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are early weekdays, especially in the off-season (winter and late autumn).
Facilities include public toilets, water stations, rest areas, and small kiosks selling snacks and drinks. There are also a few local restaurants nearby that offer traditional dishes.
The main areas around the dam are accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, some of the nature trails might be challenging for those with mobility issues. The dam's observation decks and surrounding areas are suitable for all visitors.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Cash is still useful for small purchases, but digital payments are preferred.
There are a few local restaurants offering simple, traditional Chinese meals near the dam. For a wider selection, Zhangjiakou city has various dining options, including both local and international cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the local restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but can be found in Zhangjiakou city.
There are several guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Zhangjiakou, with more luxurious options available in the city center. Some accommodations may offer transport services to and from the dam.
Nearby attractions include the Zhangjiakou Ski Resort and the scenic areas of the Xishan Forest Park. These can easily be combined into a day trip.
There are a few souvenir shops near the dam selling local crafts, snacks, and traditional Chinese items like tea, pottery, and souvenirs made from local materials.
After visiting the Guyuan Dam, taxis or ride-hailing services like Didi are the best options for continuing your trip to other destinations in Zhangjiakou or beyond.
