Live Your Best Lives
It's coming, it's coming! Bringing the seven-day National Day holiday with it! So, the question is, will you spend the holiday in a popular domestic tourist destination? Will you spend the holiday sprawling? Will you spend it splurging on a quiet trip abroad? Maybe you'd rather stay home, watch some TV, and become a sleepy otaku? Perhaps you have another option: spend the National Day holiday in Saihanba!
Don't want to be a tourist? No problem! This area is small and vast enough to find your own little corner.
Don't have a plan and can't get a ticket? No problem! Here, you can just go on a whim. The scenery along the way is simply breathtaking.
Feeling lazy and don't want to walk? No problem! You can even drive around without walking. The scenery along the way is beautiful enough to satisfy you without even visiting any of the attractions.
Don't want to spend too much and end up broke when you get home? No problem! Here, for just 600-700 RMB per person, you can enjoy grasslands, wetlands, lakes, forests, sunrises and sunsets, and more.
My impression of autumn is that it is calm and peaceful, always golden, silent yet full of smiles, bringing satisfaction and peace. Saihanba embodies the autumnal atmosphere I have always dreamed of.
Here, you can watch the sunrise from the lake in the early morning, and then gallop all the way on the wild road. The savanna on the roadside flashes by frame by frame, and the setting sun hits the wheat-colored reeds in the wetland. On the top of the mountain, you can watch the stubborn sun finally set reluctantly, and the crimson sunset releases the last afterglow of the sun.
We returned to the town at night and met up with a few good friends. We drank milk tea, ate barbecue, and talked about interesting things in our recent lives. We returned to the B&B in the forest farm and went to bed early. When we woke up, it was a new and bright day.
Saihanba, located in Weichang County, Chengde City, Hebei Province, bordering Inner Mongolia, is one of the four major scenic areas of Mulan Weichang. These include Saihanba National Forest Park, the Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area, the Hongsongwa Nature Reserve, and the Hongshan Military Horse Farm (also known as the Ulanbutong Grassland).
Saihanbacheck the details
Saihanba National Forest Park, the largest forest park in northern China, is located in the Bashang area of Chengde. During the Qing Dynasty, it was part of the "Mulan Hunting Ground," a renowned imperial hunting ground. The park features six distinct landscapes and is known as "the source of water, the home of clouds, a world of flowers, an ocean of forests, and a paradise for rare birds and animals." It is a national first-class tourist resource, boasting unique "ecological, royal, and folk customs." July and August are the best time to visit Saihanba and enjoy photography. Located at the intersection of the Inner Mongolia Plateau and the mountainous terrain of northern Hebei, the area boasts a complex terrain and vegetation: mountains and plateaus intertwine, rolling hills and meadows stretch across the landscape, rivers and lakes crisscross, and forests and grasslands intertwine. The vast forests and expanses of natural grassland seamlessly blend into a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The Manchu, Mongolian, and Han ethnic groups live together, blending their cultures and creating a rich tapestry of ethnic customs. Enjoy Manchu and Mongolian cuisine, participate in folk customs, and explore the region's rich ethnic heritage.
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If you are driving from the vicinity of Beijing, you can navigate directly to Saihanba National Forest Park. The system will automatically generate several routes. We think the most cost-effective one is along the route of Jingjia Road > National Highway 111 > Yuke Highway.
This road has four major advantages. First, the toll on this road is relatively low. The toll for the entire road section is 25 yuan, while the toll for the route taking the Daguan Expressway is four or five times that of this road. Secondly, this road is shorter than the other roads, 20-50 kilometers shorter. It also takes less time. Although it is not a full-length highway, the speed limit on the national highway is not much different from that on the highway, there are relatively fewer vehicles, and the speed is not slow. Most importantly, the scenery of this road is super beautiful, and the scenery along the way alone is pleasing to the eye!
Since we didn't take public transportation, we found some information online for your reference. If you need more information, please call the relevant station. Option 1: From Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station, take a direct bus to Yudaokou and Saihanba Scenic Area (Beijing - Yudaokou Ranch - Saihanba (Mechanical Forest Farm)). Note that there is only one bus per day, and the fare is 99 yuan. After getting off, you can rent a car to explore the area. Liuliqiao Bus Station phone number: 010-83831716. Option 2: From Sanyuanqiao or Liuliqiao, take a bus from Beijing to Weichang. From Weichang, take a shuttle bus to Saihanba, or rent a car. Option 3: Take the train to Siheyong Station and then rent a car.
Within the four scenic areas of Mulan Weichang, a combined ticket for Saihanba and Yudaokou is 130 yuan (students can enjoy half-price tickets), a combined ticket for Saihanba, Yudaokou, and Hongsongwa is 150 yuan, and a separate ticket for Ulanbutong Grassland is 120 yuan. Cars are allowed, and the entrance fee is per person; there are no additional car fees. Please bring your ID card (students are required to bring their ID card) and provide your license plate number when purchasing your ticket.
These scenic areas are accessible by car, allowing you to park wherever parking is permitted. Tickets may be checked at checkpoints along the way, so remember to bring your ticket. Ticket holders have three days of entry to the scenic area, but please note that this isn't a full 72 hours; it expires at midnight on the third day. For example, if we arrived at 3 PM on the 13th, our ticket would have expired at 12 PM on the 15th. If you want to enjoy the area longer, it's best to arrive earlier.
Due to the large area of the scenic area, many places are not included in the online map, and there is no signal in many places in the scenic area, making it inconvenient to search. Therefore, we bought a scenic area map at the ticket office for 20 yuan. The map shows a relatively complete range of attractions, which can be used as a reference for everyone.
You can also follow the road signs, but if you are not familiar with the road, you may miss some attractions if you only look at the signs.
The scenic area is very large, and most of it is undeveloped. Many attractions only have a simple parking lot, and a few large attractions have restaurants. Most restaurants and hotels are concentrated in places like the Mechanical Forest Farm and Yudaokou Ranch.
There are also some resorts scattered in other places, but they are relatively few and not as lively as the town at night. There are no lights on the road after dark and there are relatively few people. I am a timid person, so I personally prefer to stay in the town.
Accommodation can be booked online. A typical farmhouse costs around 100 yuan per night, while a hotel might cost around 300-400 yuan. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing accommodations, consider whether the farmhouse or hotel has air conditioning or heating. Even though most places have electric blankets, without air conditioning or heating, it can still be quite chilly at night. This can be especially tempting to stay in bed until noon, especially after waking up from a warm bed.
As for eating out, all kinds of meals will be more expensive than outside, especially some local specialties, which are more expensive, so everyone should be careful to distinguish. If two people simply eat stir-fried dishes, a meal will cost around 100 yuan. You can also choose some set meals on websites such as Meituan.
The breakfast is very affordable, cheap and delicious. Many times, you may be playing on the road at noon, so you can just have a few bites and then sit down to have a good dinner.
Now, let's get to the most pressing question: how much money we spent! After factoring in all the odds and ends, my classmate Zhen and I spent less than 1,400 yuan for four days, which is a little over 600 yuan per person, and we were very satisfied. If you're traveling by car, this is a good reference.
/clothes/
Saihanba is located at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters, with a significant temperature difference between morning and evening. The temperature is relatively lower during the day, so be sure to bring warm clothing, especially in the evenings and early mornings, when it can be chilly. Even during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a fleece layer is essential, and a light down jacket is highly recommended for sunrise viewing.
I would like to remind you again that when choosing a hotel, you should check whether it has heating and air conditioning.
/Sunscreen/
Also because of the high altitude, the ultraviolet rays will be very strong, so remember to apply sunscreen. It is best to bring a sunscreen spray for easy reapplication. Hard sunscreen such as umbrellas, hats, and masks are also essential.
/Schedule/
If you want to see special sights, plan your time accordingly. Many are only visible for a few minutes or even seconds, and if you miss it, it's a shame. Especially if you want to see the sunrise and sunset, be sure to arrive early! Pay attention to the sunrise and sunset times. It's better to arrive a little early than late, as it's a shame to miss out on seeing nothing for just a few minutes!
/Driving Tips/
There are cattle, sheep, horses and other small animals grazing in Saihanba, so you will often see horses grazing on the roadside and animals crossing the road. To ensure safety, when riding on the road, you must pay attention to see if there are any small animals crossing the road, especially in the evening and at night when the light is dim.
Speed limit
There are strict speed limits and photo cameras on the roads. I saw some friends not paying attention and got tickets when they came back, so you must be careful not to speed.
Oil volume
In addition, Saihanba is a vast area, and gas stations are not as dense as in cities, so everyone should remember to pay attention to the amount of gas.
Network and Navigation
Also, you should check the navigation in advance. Sometimes the car navigation may not be accurate when there is no network. You can check the route in advance when there is a network and save it by taking a screenshot.
Saihanba is incredibly beautiful in autumn, but also fragile. Dry grass is more likely to catch fire, so remember to watch out for fire and preserve this limited-time autumn beauty.
Seven Star Lake
Don't miss this spot if you want to watch the sunrise. The lake is misty in the early morning, and the sun shines on the reeds and the mirror-like surface. Just thinking about it is both peaceful and beautiful. Even if you don't watch the sunrise, Qixing Lake is full of vitality and sunshine in the morning, giving people endless hope.
Sun Lake
If Qixing Lake is suitable for the morning, then the evening must be reserved for Sun Lake. The golden sunlight shines on the lake and reeds, strong but not scorching. The sunset and Sun Lake complement each other so well.
Guishan
When you come out of Sun Lake in the afternoon, you can go to see the sunset at Guishan Mountain. The Grand Canyon and Guishan Mountain are on both sides of the road. You can go there a little earlier, visit the Grand Canyon first, and then go to Guishan Mountain to watch the sunset and afterglow.
Large grassland
This isn't a typical tourist spot, but it has its own unique charm. The vast expanses of grassland on both sides of the road are refreshing, and once you step inside, you'll discover another world of its own.
Saihanba is a place where you can enjoy yourself as you please. You can choose to spend three days exploring all the attractions, or you can sleep in and find a beautiful spot to spend some time, take photos, and enjoy a moment of peace and leisure. You can have a leisurely day, or a full week.
Depart from Beijing——Weichang County
The first day is mainly on the road, and the journey is long. If you drive directly to Saihanba, it may be evening or even night. The combined ticket can only be used for three days, so it is not very cost-effective. You can drive to Weichang County on the first day to rest for one night. The scenery along the way is super beautiful.
Weichang County - Saihanba (Qisaimen Ticket Station) - Moon Lake - Yanming Lake - Sun Lake - Yudaokou Ranch - Mechanical Forest Farm
Leaving Moon Lake, we headed straight for Yanming Lake. The sun was already setting, the colors vibrant but not scorching. Not far away, amidst the clumps of grass, an RV campground and a tent camp stood by the lake.
Then we followed the road to Sun Lake. Autumn had arrived, and the wetland park was filled with unparalleled autumn colors. The reeds that had faded to wheat color could no longer obscure the mirror-like lake.
Walking on the wooden bridge, this fairy-tale-like beautiful scene makes people's mood instantly become happy, and they can't help but spin and jump on it like a child.
The grass becomes increasingly green, and sometimes I feel dazed, thinking that I am bathing in the sunset on the African grasslands.
Going further in, you will see plank roads extending deep into the lake. The red plank roads contrast with the green lake water, making you want to stop here.
The birch forests and reeds complement each other, and the fallen leaves and white tree trunks all over the ground create a winter atmosphere.
In the evening, the sky was tinged with pink, and the rosy clouds spread across the sky. Cars on the road stopped to take pictures, as if we were driving on a highway in the American West instead of Hebei.
Mechanical Forest Farm - Golden Lotus Reflecting the Sun - Erlongquan - Mulan Autumn Hunting Cultural Park - Colorful - Taifeng Lake - Luanhe River Source - Qixing Lake Wetland - Mechanical Forest Farm - European Style Garden - Large Grassland - Ruyi Forest - Yadai Mountain - Miyue Lake - Taoshan Lake - Grand Canyon - Guishan Mountain - Mechanical Forest Farm
On both sides of the road from Wucaiban to Taifeng Lake, dense forests flashed by from time to time, and the leaves were covered with morning rime, but I didn't go down to take pictures. From time to time, I saw some horse farms and pastures scattered on the side, and I could stop anywhere to take a big road movie.
In the early morning, the surface of Taifeng Lake was covered with steam, adding a touch of fairyland to this jungle world. It was so beautiful that it seemed unreal. Standing next to it, I became a fairy who owned a fairy lake! Following Taifeng Lake to the source of the Luan River, also known as Jie River, I took a look. It was very similar to the pictures on the Internet, but I didn’t take any photos.
Seven lakes, large and small, dot the vast wetland park, resembling the Big Dipper. Ducklings swam in the lakes, catching fish. Nearby, a wooden windmill nestled among the grass. Amidst such stunning scenery, it felt a pity not to witness the sunrise over Seven Star Lake.
We passed Ruyi Forest and headed towards Yadai Mountain. Once we reached it, we realized it was just a small hill, so we didn't go up. Miyue Lake and Taoshan Lake weren't particularly impressive compared to other similar attractions, so we just glanced at them and left. The scenery along the way, however, was breathtakingly beautiful.
We planned to watch the sunset at Turtle Mountain to end our trip. The roadside scenery was as beautiful as ever, and since it was still early, we took a couple of laps around the Grand Canyon nearby.
The sunset glow of Guishan Mountain. At this moment, there are only us and the distant sunset glow on the top of Guishan Mountain. Maybe it is a kind of luck.
There is a bright and round moon hanging in the sky, and there is a big windmill nearby. Everything is so beautiful and quiet, as if it is a world in a fairy tale.
Mechanical Forest Farm—Beijing
You can get up early to watch the sunrise at Shenlongtan, or you can sleep until you wake up naturally and then return.
Walking on the National Scenic Avenue No. 1, the scenery along the way is still as beautiful as ever. Cows and sheep are eating grass on the roadside. A song "Ordinary Road" is playing, and my heart is still immersed in the boundless autumn colors.
