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It’s hard to explain why 60% of registered tourists choose Bashang Grassland as their first long-distance trip. How magical is this China-TravelNote flagship route?
The so-called "Bashang" actually has nothing to do with dams. It is a geographical term, referring to the area formed by the sudden rise of grassland. Its unique climate and vegetation form meadow-type grassland, so it is called Bashang grassland.
It now generally refers to the area from 100 kilometers north of Zhangjiakou to 100 kilometers north of Chengde, collectively known as the Bashang area.
Bashang Windmill/Picture @Photo.net
Every summer, warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean reaches Bashang, already at its weakest. As it penetrates deeper into the Inner Mongolian Plateau, it weakens even further. Consequently, despite receiving only about 400mm of annual rainfall, Bashang is one of the wettest grasslands in Inner Mongolia.
Advection fog on the Ulan Butong grassland
The most notable feature is the presence of forests, also known as sparse woodland grasslands. Large tracts of forest, or miniature woods, are interspersed between the vast expanses of grassland, making everything seem less monotonous.
The Bashang Grassland has an average elevation of 1,400-1,800 meters, with an average temperature of around 20°C in July and August. It has been a popular summer resort since ancient times. The ruins of Yuan Shangdu, located on the banks of the Shandian River, served as the imperial summer capital during the Yuan Dynasty. It's no exaggeration to say that summers in Bashang are comfortable even without air conditioning.
Most notably, the Bashang Grassland is easily accessible, reaching it in just half a day's drive from Beijing. Known as Beijing's "back garden," it's a much more cost-effective option during peak tourist season compared to the extensive transportation options in Hulunbuir and Xinjiang.
Spend less money and you can experience the uncompromised grassland style. The sky is vast, the wilderness is boundless, horses are galloping, cattle and sheep are everywhere, prayer flags are flying on the oboo, and yurts in the distance are occasionally integrated into the painting. The traditional Chinese impression of the grassland is confirmed one by one on the dam.
In accordance with China-TravelNote's consistent style, different from the travel methods of traditional travel agencies, we do not just visit things in a hurry, but go deep into the heart of the grassland and immerse ourselves in the grassland culture.
China-TravelNote has an outdoor spirit ingrained in its DNA. A trip to the grasslands is a must-do. This year's grassland hiking routes have been carefully planned in advance: grass, sand, hills, woods, pastures, rivers... The terrain is diverse and never boring.
Then, it wouldn’t be too much to camp in the depths of the grassland. After the hike, you can have a roasted lamb camping dinner at the private campsite exclusively for China-TravelNote - Bashang Pastoral Campsite, sing and dance around the campfire, and then fall into a deep sleep with your head resting on the grassland and your body covered by the starry sky. It is hard to imagine a more pleasant camping experience than this.
Another way to experience the grasslands in depth is to traverse them in an off-road vehicle. While hiking allows you to fully experience the grasslands, an off-road vehicle allows you to go further and experience unprecedented excitement.
Journey from the Ulan Butong Grassland, across the Hunshandake Sandy Land, to the "sea-like lake" of Darinor Lake. Shoot road trips along the Dada Line, the most beautiful grassland highway, and experience the exhilarating off-roading experience of the vast western China. A full-day or multi-day trip offers a thrilling off-road experience.
If we were to choose an animal that best represents grassland culture, the horse would undoubtedly be the one. How can a nation on horseback be without horses?
During the few days' journey, you can ride horses on the Ulan Butong grassland, galloping or strolling leisurely. The passion and leisure of the grassland are all under your control.
Even for a leisure trip, we didn’t want to take the beaten path. During the breaks in the trip, we also prepared an exquisite non-overnight camping music afternoon tea at the China-TravelNote private campsite.
There's also the upgraded "Wild Luxury Pastures and Clouds Banquet," offering authentic grassland flavors without sacrificing character. Alternatively, you can visit a hidden, primitive Mongolian tribe and participate in a nomadic migration celebration, experiencing the life of a true Mongolian.
Under the blue sky and white clouds, among the green grass, just let yourself go and take a quick photo, and it will be a blockbuster for your circle of friends.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, a trip to the Bashang Grasslands is a worthwhile option. A quick online search reveals countless stunning grassland photos, showcasing the magnificent landscapes of the mountains and rivers amidst the shifting light and shadow. The moment you click the shutter, you'll feel a surge of creative satisfaction.
After visiting Bashang dozens of times, I can say that this is the ultimate way to play in this beautiful prairie, without exaggeration. Come to Bashang this summer to escape the heat!
