Day 1 Beijing (Airport/Station Pickup) → Fengning★Assembly Day
All day
The first day is the gathering day in Beijing, and we will check in at Fengning Hotel:
1. Beijing South Railway Station: Please gather before 14:00 and arrive at the designated location on time (please refer to the group staff for details)
2. Terminal 2 of Beijing Capital International Airport: Please gather before 15:00 and arrive at the designated location on time (please refer to the group staff for details)
Tourists from all regions will meet at the designated meeting point in Beijing at their own convenience. After checking in at the Fengning Hotel front desk, please provide your "China-Travel Note + Name" information. You will then be free to explore at your own leisure. Please exercise due caution during this free time.
Transportation in Beijing:
Airport A: Capital International Airport/Daxing International Airport. Capital International Airport is closer to the city center, and there are buses/subways/coaches from the airport to the city center.
Train Station B: There are five train stations in Beijing, including Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station, which are high-speed rail stations. High-speed rail is recommended for public transportation to Beijing. (Guests arriving at Beijing Railway Station or Beijing West Railway Station should meet at Beijing South Railway Station on their own.)
Recommended things to do in Beijing:
Ancient palaces and mansions with red walls, yellow tiles, painted buildings and carved beams; local snacks such as bean juice, sausage, fried tripe, fried liver, etc.; alleys and markets with "deep courtyards" and "a pipe lighting up the setting sun"... Of course, in addition to feeling the rise and fall of history, modern landmarks such as the National Grand Theatre, the Water Cube, and the Bird's Nest are equally charming.
Recommended Beijing cuisine:
A. Traditional Beijing Cuisine: Nanmen Hot Pot (Temple of Heaven), Siji Minfu Roast Duck (Qianmen Langfang Ertiao):
B. Other snacks: Haiwanju (Zengguang Road), Menkuang Hutong Centennial Luzhu (Qianmen Store), Baodu Feng (Langfang Ertiao Store), Yinsan Douzhi (Temple of Heaven Store)
Kind tips:
Arrive at Fengning Hotel around 18:00. After checking in, you can explore the city on your own and try the local food.
2. Fengning County has a rich and diverse food culture. Roasted whole lamb, hand-held meat, lamb hot pot, etc. are very good. Local oatmeal products and other local specialties are also worth a try.
Special Arrangements:
1. To avoid the National Day crowds, the first night of the group on October 1st and 2nd will be directly accommodated at the Xiongkulu Wild Luxury Tent Hotel. You need to gather in advance - Beijing South Railway Station: before 13:00, Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 2: before 14:00. Please arrive at the designated location on time;
2. We will arrange a light luxury camp dinner for everyone in the evening, but the driving distance is long and the dinner time is late, so it is recommended that you prepare some fruits and snacks for consumption on the road.
Day 2 Fengning → Yuanshangdu Museum → Tiangesi Nomadic Home → Zhenglan Banner
·morning
After breakfast, depart for the Xilin Gol Grassland, once home to numerous nomadic peoples. The Xiongnu, Xianbei, Turkic, and Mongolian peoples left their mark here, creating a splendid nomadic civilization. Seven hundred years ago, the Yuan Dynasty rose from this grassland. Genghis Khan's cavalry set out from here, conquering mountains and rivers, writing a magnificent chapter in history.
Our first stop was the Yuan Shangdu Museum, which displays the construction, layout, palace architecture and splendor of Shangdu, reflecting the collision and fusion of nomadic and agricultural civilizations and the highly inclusive "dual" urban model. When we stepped into the museum, it was as if we had embarked on a cultural journey through time and space. In the interweaving of history and reality, we deeply understood the profound cultural heritage of the Xilingol grassland.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to the Zhenglan Banner Ranch. We'll first check in at the Shangdu Lake Luxury Hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the scenery. After a short rest, we'll head to the Tianges Nomadic Home, where we'll become apprentices and help fellow nomad Bayar build a yurt, exploring the mysteries of this "movable home." Bayar will also treat us to a "pure Ximeng mutton meal," and Mongolian intangible cultural heritage performers, including khoomei and horse-head fiddle. During our time here, we'll chat with the ranchers or simply relax on the grassland, watching the livestock forage and the sunset, truly enjoying the tranquility of nomadic life.
As night falls, our first bonfire party begins on the ranch. Tianges and his family welcome our guests with the warmest and most passionate grasslands tradition. Hand in hand, we sing and dance, as if we can touch the starry sky, and fully immerse ourselves in the vibrant grassland night.
Tonight, we stayed by the lake and fell asleep peacefully in the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, accompanied by the starry sky and the melodious chirping of insects, bringing this beautiful day to a perfect end.
Kind tips:
1. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing, avoiding thin or tight clothing, to ensure freedom of movement. We recommend adding or removing clothing as the weather changes, and taking sun protection measures to ensure ease of outdoor travel.
2. The campsite has a bonfire party. If it cannot be held normally due to weather or force majeure, we hope everyone will understand.
Day 3: Zhenglan Banner → Ulan Butong (Off-road vehicle crossing: Xilin Gol Grassland - China-TravelNote Private Camp - Hunshandake Sandy Land - Ulan Butong Grassland)
·morning
After a good night's sleep, if you can rise early, why not step out of your room and stroll to the lakeside to wait for sunrise? Before sunrise, the sky begins to glow a faint pale pale. Gradually, the color deepens, turning light blue, then dark blue, and then a rosy glow appears, slowly painting half the sky red. As the sun slowly rises, golden light casts a shimmering golden light on the tranquil lake, shimmering the ripples as if draping the water in a golden veil. Strolling along the lakeside, the gentle breeze caresses the freshness of the morning dew and the moistness of the lake water intertwine, and every breath is filled with the gift of nature.
After breakfast, we'll depart by car, then transfer to an off-road vehicle for a journey into the secrets of the grasslands! This is a secret grassland that 99% of people have never visited. Crossing the Xilin Gol and Ulan Butong grasslands, you'll enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. Nearby, you'll see vibrant colors, while nearby, you'll see herds of cattle and sheep. Enjoy the tranquility and vastness of the autumn grasslands.
Arrive at China-TravelNote Bashang Pastoral Camp at noon, where we have specially arranged for you to enjoy the wild luxury pastoral banquet on the cloud. In the embrace of the grassland, you can taste exquisite delicacies and enjoy a leisurely and relaxing vacation.
·afternoon
After lunch, a grassland sports carnival will begin. Experience the joy of nomadic life with pot-throwing, archery, and wrestling. Reminisce about childhood with rope skipping, tug-of-war, kangaroo jumping, and the viral frisbee experience. Or, take photos in Mongolian attire and feel like a true master of the northern frontier. After a restful moment, China-TravelNote has thoughtfully prepared a Mongolian-style afternoon tea (Mongolian snacks, seasonal fruits, and milk tea) for a delightful afternoon.
After having fun, we will continue our journey, cross Yushu Nuanshui, follow the tour leader to offer sacrifices to Aobao and pray for blessings on Aobao Mountain, and then arrive at the Hunshandake Sandy Land, where grassland and desert meet. We will experience the thrill of sand sliding and feel the joy of rolling sand waves.
Afterwards, we will go to Hongshan Military Horse Farm. For convenience, we will stay in a hotel in the town tonight and enjoy dinner at our own convenience in the town.
Kind tips:
1. China-TravelNote: The private campsite is located in the heart of the grasslands. Please pay attention to protecting the environment. Transportation of supplies is also very inconvenient. Tourists are also advised to be frugal when eating and not waste.
2. The sandboarding experience will be arranged in the Hunshandake Sandy Land (not a scenic area). Please do it according to your ability and pay attention to safety. If there are any policy issues, the experience will be cancelled.
3. The grassland is vast, and the off-road vehicle route is composed of various gachas or nomadic tribes. The off-road vehicle route will be adjusted according to the weather and on-site conditions of the day;
4. Offering sacrifices to Aobao is a sacrificial activity of the Mongolian people. You must turn three circles from left to right and make your wish. The gods will bless you to make your dream come true!
Day 4 Ulan Butong → Beigou Film and Television Base → Panlong Canyon → Xiongkulu Wild Luxury Tent Hotel
·morning
Early in the morning, we'll head to Beigou to watch the sunrise (optional). This grassland location is also a film and television location (famous TV series like "Wolf Totem," "The Orphan of Zhao," and "The Legend of Zhen Huan" have been filmed here). It's renowned for its unique, stratospheric morning mist. Capture the beautiful moment of the sun slowly rising over the grassland horizon with your camera before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we'll travel to Panlong Gorge, on the lower reaches of the Xilamulun River, for a grassland horseback ride (at your own expense). Under the guidance of a horseman, we'll deeply experience the thrill of backcountry riding. (Please read the China Travel Note Horseback Riding Guide carefully and be sure to exercise caution when riding.) Tourists who prefer not to ride can opt for a vantage point to admire the winding river in the canyon, towering birch trees, and the autumn scenery of the Bashang hills and grasslands.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we headed to Fengning Grassland, another hidden gem north of Beijing. This meadow-like grassland boasts an average elevation of 1,487 meters, boasting clear autumn skies. Due to its proximity to the capital, it's also known as "Northern Beijing's No. 1 Grassland." Here, clear waters flow, herds of cattle and sheep roam freely, and the garden-like scenery along the way is truly refreshing.
Today we stayed at Xiongkulu Tent Hotel, a secret place hidden in the valley, with nearly 800 acres of beautiful Bashang grassland, nestled between mountains and rivers, and stand-alone tent rooms dotted across the vast grassland. Staying in the guest rooms, you can feel "the mountains as soon as you open the door and the scenery as soon as you step out".
In the evening, we also specially arranged a light luxury camp dinner for everyone, where we drank and chatted happily and shared each other's happiness.
Kind tips:
1. As horseback riding is not something everyone is interested in, it is a self-funded activity. The reference fee is RMB 150 per person (approximately 1 hour, usually led by a horseman). In case of severe weather such as strong winds or rain that affect horse riding, the activity will be cancelled.
2. We will be staying in a special tent hotel tonight. There is still a certain gap between the warmth and hot water supply in the hotel and the city. If it rains, there may be a big temperature difference between day and night. You can bring a thick coat to keep warm before traveling.
Special Arrangements:
1. The fourth night of the October 1st and 2nd batch will be moved to the Mengma Hotel in Fengning China Horse Town. After checking in, you can move freely in the town and enjoy the random street performances.
2. Tonight will be a passionate night in Ma Town. There will be a fireworks show and a food street from October 1st to 5th during the National Day holiday.
Day 5: Kuru Tent Hotel → Beijing ★ Disbandment Day
·morning
We awoke naturally to the chirping of insects and birds. Sunlight shone across the golden grasslands, a tranquil yet not desolate scene. We eagerly breathed in the fresh air, each feeling a sense of peace and tranquility. A prairie breakfast made our holiday even more enjoyable. Afterward, we enjoyed a stroll through the sea of flowers by the river or some fun in the campground's recreational area. We departed for Beijing in due time.
·afternoon
Arrive at Beijing Shaoyaoju subway station around 3:30 pm and disperse (convenient for going to the airport and train station), then take the train or plane back to your departure point.
Kind tips:
1. Return flight: It is recommended to book flights after 19:00 (Beijing Capital Airport). For Daxing Airport, it is recommended to book flights after 20:00.
2. High-speed rail return: It is recommended to take a train after 18:00. If it is a holiday, please delay the return train appropriately.
