Live Your Best Lives
Before discussing Wulan Butong, I need to introduce and popularize the term "Bashang Grassland." The Bashang Grassland, primarily located in Hebei and the Inner Mongolia region north of Hebei, is divided into Weichang Bashang (Mulan Weichang), Fengning Bashang, Zhangbei Bashang, Guyuan Bashang, and the Grassland Sky Road. The Wulan Butong Bashang Grassland in Mulan Weichang offers the most scenic views. It's also relatively far from Beijing and less frequently visited.
Ulan Bu, commonly known as the "Hongshan Military Horse Farm," is located at the southernmost tip of Keshiketeng Banner in Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, across the Tuligen River from Hebei Province. This small village now attracts thousands of tourists and photography enthusiasts from all corners of the world. While the name may be unfamiliar to you, it has served as a filming location for numerous film and television productions, from the summer classic "My Fair Princess" to the historical drama "The Legend of Miyue" and the yet-to-be-aired "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace."
The Ulanbutong Bashang Grassland, also known as Weichang Bashang, is located in Xiaohongshanzigacha, Ulanbutong Sumu, Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (isn’t it a particularly awesome string of geographical terms?).
In ancient times, this was the battlefield where Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty fought against Galdan, leader of the Dzungar tribe of western Mongolia. It's often called a Feng Shui location, a battleground for military strategists since ancient times. Also, since the Liao Dynasty, it's been a summer retreat and hunting spot for the Liao emperors. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, it became the world's largest imperial hunting ground, the site of the Mulan Autumn Hunt, and was known as the "Mulan Hunting Ground."
Today, the Ulanbutong Bashang Grassland has become a popular tourist destination. Summer and autumn are peak tourist seasons in Weichang Bashang, attracting countless visitors. In summer, the grasslands, with their blooming flowers, blue sky, white clouds, and lush green grass, resemble a fairytale world. In autumn, the vibrant colors and dazzling lights attract many photographers.
Of course, in addition to attracting many photographers to go there again and again to trace the light and shadow, many people also go to Bashang Grassland for fun. Whether it is a graduation trip, a family trip, or taking children to explore nature, Bashang Grassland is the best choice.
Tips:
Administrative establishment of Inner Mongolia:
League, also known as "Aimak" in Mongolian, was a Mongolian military and political unit that emerged during the Yuan Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, the League and Banner system was implemented in Mongolia, with leagues meeting at designated locations and becoming a social organization. Today, leagues are equivalent to prefecture-level cities. Examples include the Xilingol League, Xing'an League, and Alxa League.
Banners, or "tuk" in Mongolian, refer to tribal-based military and political units. Each banner had a banner chief or king, known as a zasak, who was granted the title by the emperor during the Qing Dynasty and passed down through generations. Banners today are equivalent to county-level administrative divisions. Examples include Keshiketeng Banner and Ejin Banner.
Sumu refers to an administrative unit between counties and villages. Generally speaking, towns are industrial areas, townships are agricultural areas, and sumus are pastoral areas. While these areas share similar administrative characteristics, their production methods differ. Currently, only Mongolia and China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have sumus, which are equivalent to township-level administrative units in China.
Gacha originally referred to a village, but now refers to an administrative unit in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which is equivalent to a village, also known as Ali.
From late May to mid-August every year is the summer flower season on the grassland. At this time, most parts of the country are under scorching sun, but here the temperature is just right, the grass is green, cotton-like clouds float in the blue sky, and the mountains and plains are full of wild flowers of various colors, especially golden lotus and wolfsbane are the most representative. There are also proud alpaca, shy sika deer, and cute grassland mice.
July 2014 was my first time visiting the Bashang Grassland. Before that, my impression of the grasslands was perhaps always the verse from the song "Chi Le Song": "The sky is vast, the wilderness is boundless, the wind blows the grass low, and cattle and sheep are visible." Only then did I realize that the grasslands are not only beautiful in their vastness. There is also another kind of beauty: the birch forests of the Bashang Grassland. Someone once told me that love letters written on birch bark are the most beautiful in the world, adding a touch of romantic charm to this birch forest.
Bashang is a great place to take children during summer vacation, enjoying the scent of fresh grassland grass, picking flowers, and conversing with nature. It's also a great place to relax alone, aimlessly roaming the grasslands for a few days. It's also a great option for bringing parents along, allowing them to experience the nourishing effects of negative oxygen ions.
Many people think that the grasslands in the golden September are all withered and yellow grass, without any highlights, but the Ulan Butong grassland is the only one that is different. In early September, the military horse farm begins to slowly change color, from lush green grass to golden fields. The birch forest in autumn is the most worth looking forward to. She is like a graceful girl, with straight and handsome white trunks and golden leaves dancing like butterflies.
In October, the autumn wind blows, the leaves fall, and the ground is covered with golden yellow. Visiting Ulan Butong at this time is a completely different scene. Generally speaking, from mid-September to the National Day holiday, Bashang is at its peak of splendor. The mountains and forests are dyed in a vibrant color, and the colorful scene is breathtaking.
Autumn on the Ulan Butong grasslands is like straight roads stretching as far as the eye can see, seemingly reaching the horizon. Hills blanketed in red and yellow, shimmering with color, their atmosphere vibrant and festive. The maroon grass and golden birch leaves, the rolling hills, lead you like a fairytale into the endless horizon. In autumn, Ulan Butong attracts photographers from around the world, snapping away like crazy. Sunrise over Beigou, the herdsmen returning to Hamaba, sunset over Wucai Mountain... You can see cameras blaring here, rows of photographers braving the biting cold, just to capture the most beautiful moments.
In winter, Ulan Butong is like a fairy tale world of ice and snow covered with white snow. The surroundings are silent. The scenery of the north is thousands of miles of ice and snow. It may be a good choice to come here to find the long-lost winter childhood.
Many people's first thought of visiting the Snow Towns of Northeast China, Harbin, or Wusong Island in winter is that they wouldn't consider the Bashang Snowfields of Inner Mongolia. I used to think so, too, until the winter of 2015, when I first set foot on this magical land. The snow-covered landscape resembled a fairytale. As my off-road vehicle entered Saihanba Forest Park, the road was lined with towering, straight trees (presumably conifers and cypresses), a vast expanse of white. I even had the good fortune to glimpse a snow-white fox. Perhaps it was out foraging due to the cold, but it didn't stay long before disappearing, making one wonder if it had ever appeared.
There are no famous snow mushroom houses here, but there are snow buns in Xiaohetou. There is no colorful ice sculpture kingdom in Harbin, but there are small and exquisite ice lanterns. The rime here is even more spectacular and beautiful than the one I saw on Wusong Island in 2012.
For most people, Ulan Butong is still a niche destination and is not as famous as Hulunbuir. Many people also say that it is Beijing's back garden and has been visited by many people, but for us in the south, Ulan Butong is still a little unfamiliar.
Both Yudaokou and Saihanba offer access to the Mulan Enclosure Area (Wulanbutong Grassland), one via the South Gate (Yudaokou) and the other via the East Gate (Saihanba). As the saying goes, many roads lead to Rome, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Of course, if you only pay for one entrance fee to enter both areas, this offers excellent value for money. If you navigate directly to "Wulanbutong Township," most map navigation will automatically take you to Saihanba Forest Park, which is Route 1. However, there's a detour via Dahekou, saving you the entrance fee.
To summarize:
Route 1: Saihanba Line (about 460 km)
Beijing-Chengde Expressway - Exit Weichang North or South - Longtou Mountain - Qipan Mountain - Saihanba National Forest Park - Jiehe River - Ulan Butong
Route 2: Yudaokou Line (about 500 km)
Beijing-Chengde Expressway - Weichang North or South Exit - Yudaokou Scenic Area - Saihanba National Forest Park - Jiehe River - Ulan Butong
Route 3: Dahekou Line (about 560 km)
Beijing-Chengde Expressway - Exit Weichang North or South - Yudaokou Archway - Dahekou - Jueweiba Village - West Station of Wulanbutong Scenic Area Ticket Office - Yuanbaoshan - Wulanbutong
Route 4: Datan-Duolun Line (approximately 480 km)
Beijing - Huairou - Take the Fengning Expressway - Get off at Datan - Exit Duolun South - Dahekou - Jueweiba Village - West Station of the Wulanbutong Scenic Area Ticket Office - Yuanbaoshan - Wulanbutong
Tips:
1. Routes 1 and 2 require two entrance tickets: Saihanba Forest Park (130 yuan/person) and Ulan Butong Scenic Area (120 yuan/person). The prices are the same in summer and autumn. Of course, in winter, due to the small number of tourists, there is basically no one selling tickets. Of course, it does not mean that the tickets are free directly. It can be said that it depends on luck.
2. Route 3 bypasses Saihanba and goes directly to Ulanbutong from Dahekou Township. It requires a ticket to Ulanbutong, which can be said to be very cost-effective.
3. Route 4 can be said to be the best route for self-driving. Huairou-Fengning takes the G111 National Highway, a national first-class highway. Along the way are scenic spots such as Yunmeng Mountain, Yanqing World Geopark, and Lamagoumen. It also passes through Fengning First Grassland. In summer, there are rapeseed fields on both sides of the road. Friends who drive by themselves can stop and take pictures at any time.
Maybe you haven't tried self-driving before, but you have the financial means, chartering a car is a good option. The distance between Beijing and Ulan Butong is approximately 450 to 500 kilometers, so the price is certainly not low. Here's a guide for you, using an average sedan (maximum seating for four people and two pieces of 24-inch luggage) as an example:
1. Beijing → Ulan Butong round trip (special car): 3600 (a total of four trips, all of which are picked up at Bashang, so there are 2 empty cars), you can stop as you like on the way, which is relatively free.
2. Beijing → Ulan Butong Round Trip (Shuttle Bus): 18:00-20:00 (There are two trips total. After arriving in Ulan Butong, you may need to pick up passengers and return to Beijing. This is similar to a private car shuttle service, so you'll be rushed and can't stop and go as you please.)
3. Weichang → Ulan Butong: An off-road vehicle will pick you up from Ulan Butong to Weichang for 600 one-way, 1000 round-trip (two trips will be empty). Alternatively, you can take a bus from Beijing to Weichang, which takes about 5 hours. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Besides self-driving and chartering a car, you can also reach Hongshan Military Horse Farm by train and car, or a combination of train and car. Because the Wulan Butong Scenic Area is across the river from Hebei Province, Weichang is a must-go for anyone heading to Wulan Butong. You can take a train to Weichang, then charter a car or bus from Weichang to Hongshan Military Horse Farm. Alternatively, you can transfer to Hongshan Military Horse Farm via Chifeng City.
Route 1: Beijing → Siheyong → Weichang County → Wulanbutong (Hongshan Military Horse Farm)
There is currently no high-speed rail/train station at Hongshan Military Horse Farm. The nearest station in Hebei Province is Siheyong Railway Station. From Beijing, take a train to Siheyong Station, then to Weichang County, and then take a shuttle bus from Weichang County to Hongshan Military Horse Farm.
1. There are three trains from Beijing to Siheyong. The most suitable one should be K1457, which leaves in the evening and arrives the next morning. You can stay on the train for one night, arrive in Siheyong early the next morning, find a place to have breakfast, and then take the 9:30 train to the racecourse.
2. Siheyong Railway Station is 15 kilometers away from Weichang County. There is a shuttle bus from the railway station to Weichang County. The fare is 5 yuan and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes.
3. From Weichang North Bus Station, take a bus to Hongshan Military Horse Farm. There are only two buses from Weichang County to Hongshan Military Horse Farm every day, departing at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. The fare is 30 yuan per person and the journey takes about 3 hours.
Route 2: Chifeng → Jingpeng Town (Keshiketeng Banner) → Ulanbutong (Hongshan Military Horse Farm)
Wulanbu is a township under the jurisdiction of Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City. It is 200 kilometers from Jingpeng to Hongshan Military Horse Farm, and the drive takes about 3 hours (there is no highway, but the scenery along the way is beautiful).
1. You can choose to take a train or plane to Chifeng City first. The following takes Beijing to Chifeng as an example.
2. Take a long-distance bus from Chifeng Bus Station to Jingpeng Town. Although there is a train from Chifeng to Jingpeng, the ride is too long and completely unnecessary. It is better to take a long-distance bus directly to arrive in about 3 hours.
3. Take a bus from Jingpeng Town to Hongshan Military Horse Farm. There are two buses from Jingpeng to Hongshan Military Horse Farm every day, departing at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. The fare is 30 yuan per person and the journey takes about 3 hours to reach Hongshan Military Horse Farm.
Many people say that Bashang Grassland is Beijing's back garden, and this is absolutely true. If you choose a large city closest to Wulanbutong Grassland, it is Beijing. If you want to drive to Hongshan Military Horse Farm, then I suggest you go to Beijing from your departure point, then take a bus from Beijing to Weichang in Hebei, transfer, and then arrive at Hongshan Military Horse Farm. The specific route is as follows:
Route 1: Beijing → Weichang → Wulanbutong (Hongshan Military Horse Farm)
1. Beijing-Weichang County
At Beijing's Liuliqiao Long-Distance Bus Station, there are long-distance buses to Weichang County. The earliest bus departs at 5:40, and there is one bus approximately every hour. The entire journey is about 380 kilometers and takes about 7 to 8 hours. The ticket price is 113 yuan per person.
2. Weichang County - Wulanbutong (Hongshan Military Horse Farm)
From Weichang North Bus Station, take a bus to Hongshan Military Horse Farm. There are only two buses a day from Weichang County to Hongshan Military Horse Farm, departing at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. The fare is 30 yuan per person, and the journey takes about three hours. It's worth mentioning that the bus goes through Saihanba, saving you 130 yuan in entrance fees—enough to buy a meal.
Route 2: Chifeng → Wulanbutong (Hongshan Military Horse Farm)
Chifeng Yulong Airport is located in Yulong Village, Niuyingzi Town, Harqin Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 15 kilometers from downtown Chifeng. Officially operational on March 20, 2008, Chifeng Airport is relatively small, with limited flights. Alternatively, you can fly to Chifeng and then proceed to Chifeng Bus Terminal (approximately 16 kilometers). From Chifeng, take a bus to Hongshan Military Horse Farm (approximately 3-4 hours).
When traveling abroad, the Chinese have always adhered to the principle that "food is the primary need of the people." Many people ask me about food in Ulan Butong. Many worry about not being able to adapt to the grasslands, lack of food, or excessively expensive food... I think every first-time grazinger has these concerns. Of course, with the internet now so advanced, opinions abound. But today, I want to debunk a few myths and make your trip more reassuring.
Many people used to say that the grasslands were limited and had poor infrastructure, requiring you to bring plenty of food to avoid starvation in nomadic settlements like these. However, the grasslands, besides grass, also offer a wide variety of crops. Ulan Butong is a meadow-like grassland. On the way there, you'll see vast fields of rapeseed flowers, vast expanses of potato flowers (locals call them "yam eggs"), and a variety of vegetables, including carrots and white tea. Honestly, wherever there are people these days, there's no such thing as a deserted place; there's always a place to stay, unless it's uninhabited. However, vegetables are relatively expensive, as this isn't a plain where crops are grown extensively, but rather a grassland where livestock are raised.
The grasslands aren't overrun with cattle and sheep; while every household does have a dozen or so, they're not overcrowded. It's meat, after all, so how could it be so cheap? The only thing we can guarantee is that the mutton skewers are real mutton, not the rat meat you see in cities. The mutton skewers here are made directly from the lamb, freshly cut and grilled. If you like them, feel free to order more.
Many people have asked me if roasted whole lamb is particularly fancy. My answer: Not really, it's delicious. There are many different types of roasted whole lamb: those roasted over an open flame and those roasted in a braised oven (where you can't see the roasting process). The prices for each method are different, but the taste is equally good. Eating large chunks of meat, drinking wine, and sprinkling it with cumin is an absolute indulgence. If you're not in a large group, just order the leg of lamb. Some restaurants around the military horse farm will sell the leg of lamb along with the chops. Consider the number of people, but you'll probably end up with more than enough. So, order within your means, as we must avoid extravagance and waste. A roasted whole lamb typically serves 20-30 people. Men can order a large one, while women can order a smaller one. The price range is generally between 1,200 and 1,500 yuan.
Of course, there are many delicious foods on the grassland, such as roasted whole lamb, hand-held meat, cumin lamb, earthen hot pot, candied milk tofu... Just talking about it makes me drool. It is worth mentioning that the Mongolian milk tea here is salty and is paired with a variety of ingredients. I still recommend that you try it yourself.
Nowadays, people have better means and want to eat well and stay well when traveling, and hotels are a crucial part of that. When we visited Ulan Butong in the early years, the accommodations there probably left a bad impression. But now, while Ulan Butong's hotels still lack star ratings, they're no longer as shabby as they once were. However, the only thing that remains unchanged is that during the summer and National Day holidays, rooms are still hard to come by. So, I'd like to recommend a few hotels for you to choose from.
China-TravelNote Pastoral Hotel is located in Wulanbutong Township, Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. Nestled in the northwest of the town, it enjoys elevated terrain, with rooftop views overlooking the entire military horse ranch. Nestled deep within the grasslands, it offers exclusive views of the Bashang River. The two-story hotel features a central lobby designed as a unique China-TravelNote photography studio, offering high-quality photography workshops. The minimalist wooden architecture is adorned with a wealth of Bashang scenery photography. The hotel offers 22 family suites, allowing you to experience the tranquility and freedom of a former royal hunting ground while nestled in the heart of the Wulanbutong grasslands.
Guoerzi National Resort is a mature tourist resort in the Ulan Butong Tourism Development Zone, offering the most Mongolian-style accommodations, comprehensive facilities, and the best value for money, ensuring the most satisfied guests. From the scenic rooms, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the vast grasslands, blue skies, and white clouds, a gentle breeze that is truly refreshing. At night, the twinkling stars, the jade-like Milky Way, and the dazzling fireworks seem within reach...
Tianhe Holiday Hotel in Keshiketeng Banner is located in Hongshan Military Horse Farm, near the Lama Mountain Scenic Area, and offers beautiful surroundings. The spacious and bright guest rooms feature LCD TVs, 24-hour hot water, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, allowing you to access tourist information at any time.
Many people think that grassland tourism involves little more than traversing the grasslands or visiting scenic spots. Besides seeing herds of cattle and sheep and enjoying the company of numerous flowers and plants, it's relatively pure sightseeing. However, you're mistaken. After entering the Wulan Butong Scenic Area and purchasing your first ticket, you enter a completely open nature park, boasting a wealth of attractions suitable for all ages. A piece of news is crucial: the "world's first grassland Disneyland" has arrived in Wulan Butong: the China-TravelNote Bashang Pastoral Camp. Exclusively for China-TravelNote members, you can enjoy a high-end grassland buffet and experience a true grassland sports event. Of course, if you're up for a round of golf, grassland golf is a must-see.
Closing my eyes, my thoughts drift to the distant Bashang grassland in Inner Mongolia. On the vast grassland, there are exquisite curtains, romantic gauze, champagne, delicious fruit plates, tasty buns, hand-pulled lamb... The laughter and joyful chatter amidst the clinking of glasses have always lingered in my heart. After I come back, I will still think of that poetic dream and cannot forget it for a long time.
Before I went to Bashang Grassland, I never thought that I could experience a high-end buffet on the prairie. It was no longer a square grid of concrete, no longer a noisy restaurant. We raised our glasses together to toast the blue sky and white clouds, the vast grassland, and the lovely people around us.
There is a square green field with no end in sight and no spectator seats in sight; there are fun grassland sports games, including sand sliding, tug-of-war, kangaroo jumping, lucky balls, bumper balls... I didn't expect that playing football on a grassland without fences would be so exciting; I didn't expect that flying a kite on the grassland would only make me sigh that the string is not long enough; I didn't expect that there are so many recreational activities to enjoy on the grassland.
This is simply a grassland Disneyland, a paradise for children, and even adults can find the joy of childhood here.
Standard golf courses are extremely demanding, meticulously considering everything from climate, environment, soil, water resources, and even topography. So, in the city, perhaps you've worn white gloves and professional golf attire, sat in a golf cart, and chatted with a host of humorous, eloquent, and distinguished individuals about various business matters.
But I've always believed that this is a sport rooted in nature, and it should be practiced in the authentic natural world. Why not try it at China-TravelNote Bashang Pastoral Camp? Don't be bound by any formality; just swing your club, breathe freely, and have fun. The friends you meet here are not just business partners, but travel companions.
Growing up, my favorite TV show was "Animal World," and my favorite place to visit was the zoo. It seemed like no child could resist the joy animals bring. As I grew older, I grew dissatisfied with the animals confined to enclosures and longed to visit a safari park to experience the nature of animals in the wild. But that was limited to sitting on a sightseeing bus, carefully touching them under the guidance of staff.
I never imagined I could run with them across the vast grasslands. Get up close and personal with the sika deer, the spirits of the grasslands, hunt prairie mice with the locals, whisper to horses, hold lambs in my arms, and occasionally witness eagles soaring high in pursuit of their prey.
Before I went, I was heartbroken by witnessing the grassland's transformation. The vast expanses of bare sand stung my eyes, yet I felt powerless to do anything. Upon arriving at the Bashang Grassland, I discovered that the desertified grassland could actually serve as a natural sand-slide course. The children's laughter and joy suddenly brought a sense of relief, as they had found another purpose, one that continued their joy.
The Most Beautiful in the World
Lyrics/Music: Hassan, Singer: Gege
The most beautiful grassland in the world
This is the Gonggor grassland of my hometown
The most beautiful lake in the world
It's by the Dari Lake in my hometown
The purest spring water in the world
Hot water spring from my hometown
The most beautiful scenery in the world
Standing on the top of Daqing Mountain
Xilamulun River
Pastoral songs resound in the white clouds and blue sky
The vast Huanggangliang forest
Boundless
Ulan Butong Ancient Battlefield
History appears before your eyes
The rocks of Ashhatu depict
Keshiketeng's reputation spreads across the world
It took 55 years for the builders of Saihanba Forest Farm to transform Saihanba from a desert sandy land where "yellow sand covered the sky and there were no trees for birds to roost" into "the source of the river, the hometown of clouds, the world of flowers, the ocean of forests, and the paradise of birds."
They heeded the Party's call, always bearing in mind their historical mission to restore and protect the ecology. This is how Saihanba came to be. This is the "Saihanba Spirit" championed by President Xi Jinping: "Green mountains and clear waters are more precious than mountains of gold and silver." Here, you'll find vast forests, vast grasslands, clear plateau lakes, and historical relics from the Qing Dynasty. The forests cover 1.06 million mu (approximately 1.06 million hectares) and the grasslands 200,000 mu (approximately 1.06 million hectares) are covered. The Manchu, Mongolian, and Han ethnic groups have long lived together here, blending their cultures and nurturing a rich folk culture. Autumn in Saihanba is undoubtedly at its most vibrant and colorful. A winding asphalt road connects Saihanba to the Ulan Butong Grassland.
While the origins of Hamaba's name remain unexplained, it's a treasured spot for photography, never tiresome and always fresh. The beauty of Hamaba can be best described in two words: "natural." Its geographical location, with a ravine sandwiched between two north-south mountains, runs a narrow, almost traversable river at its bottom. Within the ravine, scattered along the hillside, dozens of thatched cottages and newly built red brick and tiled houses nestle in the valley. The sounds of roosters crowing, dogs barking, and smoke curling from cooking fires create a quaint, rural atmosphere.
Tips:
Driving from the military horse farm to Hamaba, you can't miss the rapeseed fields along the way. Surrounding them is a flower-field celebration. The upright birch trees in Birch Valley aren't towering, but they still invite you to gaze up at the sky. Gazing out at the distant grasslands from Hamaba Reservoir creates a sense of paradise.
Ticket price: 30 yuan (If you are lucky and go early and return late, you may not need to pay for the ticket)
This is a poignant love story. Legend has it that when Emperor Kangxi's third princess Lan Qi Gege was forced to marry Galdan, she cried so much that her tears formed a lake when she passed through the Bashang grassland. This place was then called Princess Lake.
Tips:
Princess Lake tickets are free, and you can enter and exit as many times as you want with the Ulan Butong ticket. (Perhaps it is precisely because the tickets are free now that no one is taking care of the scenic area, it is relatively desolate. After all, the ticket used to be 30 yuan.)
Princess Lake has a wooden boardwalk that allows you to see the lake up close. Many people claim that walking along the boardwalk into and out of the lake means you've already been there. This isn't true. Before entering along the boardwalk on the left, you'll see a high pavilion from which you can overlook the entire lake. Then, follow the boardwalk into Princess Lake and walk the path around the lake. This gives you a different perspective on the beautiful lake and makes it a perfect spot for portrait photography!
This is a long ditch running from north to south. Because it is located to the north of the original field headquarters, spanning the military horse farm from north to south and stretching for more than ten kilometers, the locals usually call it Beigou.
Beigou is most famous for its sunrises. Climbing the hillside, you'll watch the distant sky slowly turn pale, a thousand-mile glow spread across the horizon. The moment the sun peeks out from the grassland horizon, a dazzling radiance appears. The morning mist, yurts, and grassland combine to create a breathtaking spectacle. I remember once setting off at 4 a.m., and the car lights along the way formed a brilliant line of scenery, like a necklace set against the dark grassland.
Tips:
According to the sunrise time, it is recommended to arrive early. First, you need to climb up the mountain, which takes about 20-30 minutes; second, you need to occupy a good camera position in advance.
It is 2,029 meters above sea level and is located in the northeast of Keshiketeng Banner, Inner Mongolia. It is the remnant of the Greater Khingan Range. It preserves the most complete form of Quaternary glaciers and is a typical valley glacier. On both sides of Huanggang Ridge, there are cirques, U-shaped valleys, horn peaks, terminal moraine embankments, lateral moraine embankments, streaked stone drifts and other glacial relics. It is known as the Ice Valley Forest Sea and is the best-preserved, most complete glacial landform and most scientifically valuable Quaternary glacial relic discovered so far.
I welcomed the first sunrise of the new year here in 2016. I vaguely remember that the temperature was minus 30 degrees Celsius, but the perceived temperature must have been even lower. My fingers were a little frozen when I was taking the shutter. Every time I got off the car, I could only stay for a few minutes and had to get back in the car to warm up before getting off to take pictures.
Located at the southern end of the Xilin Gol Grassland in central Inner Mongolia, it is one of China's ten largest deserts. Unlike typical deserts, it is dotted with numerous small lakes, ponds, and sand springs, which emerge from the sand and flow into small rivers. The abundant grasses and water here, along with the unique landscape and stunning scenery, have earned it the nickname "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall" and the "Garden Desert."
Tips:
Crossing this uninhabited area is impossible without a guide. It's only possible by off-road vehicle. Of course, if you're not familiar with the route, you might get lost. There's no signal, no people, and no drinkable water. It's recommended to rent a local off-road vehicle with a local driver and guide. Otherwise, don't venture into this area rashly.
The Daqingshan Mountains in Keshiketeng Banner are one of the nine zones within the Keshiketeng Banner Global Geopark. The scenic area boasts Inner Mongolia's first alpine cableway and is known as the "most picturesque stone in Inner Mongolia." Key attractions include the Quaternary glacial relic mortars, picturesque stones, peak forests, and alpine meadows.
Tips:
The entrance fee to Daqingshan is 80 yuan per person, the cable car is 40 yuan per person for a one-way trip, and 80 yuan per person for a round trip. A combined ticket for the scenic area is 120 yuan per person, which includes the entrance fee and the cable car round trip. I personally recommend purchasing the combined ticket. After the cable car, you need to take a round-trip scenic shuttle bus to Bingju and the alpine meadow, where you can overlook Outer Mongolia.
Dari Nur Lake, an inland lake on the plateau, translates to "sea-like lake" in Chinese. It is one of the four famous lakes in Inner Mongolia and the largest lake in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia. I first learned about Dari Lake through the Chinese fish in A Bite of China.
Thanks to its unique plateau climate, exceptional soda-salt water, and pristine, pollution-free environment, Dali Lake is home to abundant crucian carp and croaker (also known as Huazi fish), known for their tender flesh and rich in amino acids and trace elements. These fish are truly delicious, whether stewed or deep-fried. A must-try if you visit Dali Lake.
In spring, Dali Lake offers two spectacular sights: the migration of Chinese sturgeons and the flight of swans. The Chinese sturgeons swim upstream to reproduce, while flocks of swans gather and dance here – a spectacle not to be missed.
Dali Lake is divided into the South and North Banks. On the South Bank, you can ascend Mantuo Mountain for a panoramic view of the lake, or walk into the lake to watch the sunset. Therefore, we recommend visiting the South Bank. Tickets to the South Bank Scenic Area are 110 yuan (including shuttle bus). We recommend visiting in the evening, just in time for sunset.
Actually, it's not a lake, but more of a desert. You might not have heard of it, but you'll definitely remember the desert scene in the movie "Everything Grows," which was filmed here. The world-renowned "First Dragon of China," a symbol of the Hongshan Culture of the Neolithic Age, was unearthed here in 1971. This discovery traces the origins of China's 5,000-year history back over a thousand years, earning the scenic area the name "Yulong Sand Lake." The hotels at Yulong Sand Lake are a must-see; they're a unique mix of container hotels and tent hotels.
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