
The Bashang Grassland is located in the northern part of Hebei Province and the southern part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is the natural grassland closest to Beijing, also known as the No. 1 Grassland in Northern Beijing. It is also the royal hunting ground of successive dynasties in China.
Bashang is a geographical concept, specifically referring to the area formed by the sudden rise of grassland. The best preserved one today is the Bashang grassland in Ulan Butong. Currently, the concept of "Bashang grassland" mostly refers specifically to Ulan Butong.
Bashang Grassland, a flagship itinerary of China-TravelNote, has been meticulously crafted over the past decade. Its private ranches, pastoral camps, and buffets offer a unique experience for grassland travelers. Unlike the typical grasslands of windswept grass and shimmering cattle and sheep, Bashang Grassland offers a relaxing and relaxing retreat in summer, autumn, and winter, and is a photography paradise. The classic Windows XP desktop was filmed on Bashang Grassland. Films such as "My Fair Princess," "The Legend of Miyue," and "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" were also shot here.
The Bashang Grassland has a temperate monsoon climate with long winters and mild summers, which are cool and pleasant. The winter and summer are clearly divided, and the weather is different from morning to evening.
After the snow melts in May, the flower season arrives. Wolfsbane, azaleas, and nasturtiums bloom across the mountains, continuing throughout the summer until late August.
The temperature in July and August is only around 18-20 degrees Celsius, making it the first choice for tourism, leisure, summer escape and vacation in northern China.
With the arrival of autumn in September, the dam turns from emerald green to autumn yellow, and the colorful forest area is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. This is also the time when lambs have just grown into sheep, and food lovers can come and taste the roasted whole lamb.
Unlike urban life, grassland culture offers opportunities here, including horseback riding and archery, donning traditional grassland costumes and becoming a dashing grassland man or a lively grassland woman. Participate in grand obo worship and sheep-opening ceremonies, share kumis with grassland residents, enjoy authentic roasted whole lamb and flower cakes, and enjoy bonfire parties at night, experiencing the endless possibilities brought about by the collision of diverse cultures. Those who enjoy adrenaline sports can also try paragliding, horseback riding on the Bashang grasslands, four-wheel drive motorcycle rides on the Bashang grasslands, archery and bouncing trapeze artists, and more.
Recommended play time 1-2 days
120 yuan/person
All day
Bashang Grassland is historically significant as a border region between farming and nomadic cultures. It has long served as pastureland for Mongolian herders and is known as a strategic location where ancient dynasties interacted with nomadic tribes. Today, it represents the rich cultural heritage of Mongolian traditions and is one of the most famous grassland tourism destinations in northern China.
There is no general entrance fee for the grassland itself, but certain scenic spots or cultural performances may charge a fee (usually between 30–100 RMB). Tickets can be purchased onsite or via local travel platforms.
Advance booking is not required for the grassland itself, but it is recommended to book accommodations, horse riding, and festival activities in advance during peak summer season.
Some local scenic spots may offer discounts for students, children, or seniors, but the grassland itself is freely accessible.
Visitors should carry a valid ID card or passport for hotel check-ins. No special vaccination certificates are required.
The grassland is open all year round. However, winter can be extremely cold, and many tourism services may close between November and March.
Most visitors spend 2–3 days exploring the grassland to enjoy horseback riding, photography, and cultural experiences. A day trip is possible but rushed.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some agencies in Beijing or Chifeng may provide English-speaking guides upon request.
No strict restrictions, but drones may require permission in some protected zones. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting local families.
For general grassland access, no ticket is required. For individual scenic spots, re-entry depends on local management rules.
Night experiences include stargazing, bonfire parties, and Mongolian folk performances rather than light shows.
The grassland is spacious and rarely feels crowded, but July and August weekends attract the most tourists. Visiting on weekdays offers a quieter experience.
Facilities include yurts, small restaurants, toilets, and souvenir shops near tourist centers. In remote areas, facilities are limited.
The open landscape is accessible, but activities like horseback riding may not be suitable for everyone. Elderly and children can enjoy cultural shows and camping.
There are no restrictions, but the natural terrain is uneven, making strollers and wheelchairs difficult to use outside developed tourist zones.
Not commonly available; visitors should keep belongings with them or leave them at hotels.
Wi-Fi is not widely available in the grassland, but some tourist camps and hotels provide access.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted, though carrying some cash is advisable for remote areas.
ATMs are available in Chifeng City and larger towns, but not in remote grassland areas. Visitors should prepare cash in advance.
Vegetarian and halal options are limited but possible; visitors should confirm with restaurants in advance. Meals mostly feature meat and dairy.
No strict dress codes, but modest clothing is appreciated when interacting with locals. Avoid stepping on or pointing feet at the hearth inside yurts, as it is considered disrespectful.
Yes, during summer the Naadam Festival is celebrated with wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Bonfire parties and cultural performances are also common in tourist camps.
The grassland is associated with tales of Genghis Khan and nomadic warriors. It is also known as a place where farming and nomadic lifestyles historically met and clashed.
The landscapes of Inner Mongolia grasslands have inspired films and documentaries about Mongolian culture, though Bashang itself is more famous among photographers for its unique scenery than mainstream films.
Bashang Grassland embodies Mongolian pastoral traditions, nomadic lifestyles, and ancient borderland culture between agricultural and nomadic societies. It remains a living representation of Mongolia’s heritage.
The grassland is generally safe. Scams are rare, though visitors should confirm horse-riding prices and tour services clearly in advance. Natural hazards like sudden weather changes are the main concern.
First aid is available in larger tourist camps and nearby towns. Medical facilities are limited in remote areas, so travelers should carry basic supplies.
Night visits are safe in organized camps, but traveling alone in remote areas is not recommended. Off-season visits (winter) can be extremely cold, so visitors should be well-prepared.