Day 1 Beijing★Assembly Day
All day
On the day of the full-day activity, you will travel to Beijing on your own. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will need to provide your "China-Travel Note + Name" to check in. Early arrivals will have the entire day free to move around.
Recommended travel:
1. Tiananmen Square - National Museum - Palace Museum - Beihai Park - Shichahai
2. Temple of Heaven - Summer Palace - Old Summer Palace - Lama Temple
3. Universal Studios - Bird's Nest
Urban transportation:
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.
B Railway Station: There are 5 railway stations in the city, among which Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station are high-speed railway stations. It is recommended to choose high-speed railway as the main transportation to Beijing.
Food recommendations:
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)
Day 2 Beijing → Huapiling → Duolun
·morning
After breakfast, we'll set off northwards for our autumn grassland adventure! Our onboard guide will help you get acquainted with the surrounding area, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable journey.
Around noon, we arrived at Huapilingling, which is located at the junction of Chongli in the lower dam area and Zhangbei in the upper dam area in Zhangjiakou, Hebei. It got its name because of the thousand-acre birch forest on its shady slopes. It is the starting point of the eastern section of the Grassland Sky Road.
We'll enjoy a light hike of approximately two hours here. The autumn colors here are magnificent. The thousand-acre birch forest on the shady slopes transforms into golden leaves, contrasting beautifully with the lush pine forests on the sunny slopes. Oaks, maples, and other vegetation also form a vibrant, vibrant mountain landscape. Terraced fields cascade along the mountainside, planted with crops like oatmeal. When the wheat matures in autumn, the golden waves ripple in the wind, complementing the mountain landscape beautifully. Atop the mountaintop, white wind turbines slowly rotate, creating a stunning blend of modernity and nature alongside the vibrant forests and golden terraces. With luck, you might even spot cattle herders grazing their cattle on the hillside.
·afternoon
After the light hike in Huapiling, we continued to Duolun.
Duolun is located in the central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, at the southern end of Xilin Gol League. Driving through the area offers a breathtaking landscape of grasslands and mountains. The roadside scenery is varied, with vast expanses of grassland dotted with cattle and sheep, and other times, rolling hills. As you approach Duolun, you'll notice an increasing number of lakes and wetlands.
We will stay in Duolun County tonight and everyone can dine freely in Duolun County.
Kind tips:
1. A light hike covers about 4 km, with a cumulative ascent of about 500 meters. It's not too tiring, but Huapiling is at a high altitude and has relatively low temperatures, ranging from 5-18°C in September to 0-12°C in October. Wear fleece or a jacket, and wear good non-slip hiking shoes. Mountain winds can be strong in autumn, reaching force 4-5 on some sections, so be careful to avoid the wind and maintain your balance.
2. There may be no refueling points during the hike, so please bring a thermos with hot water. You can also prepare a bottle of functional beverage such as Pocari Sweat for energy. Choose light and easy-to-carry food such as beef jerky, protein bars, chocolate, etc., so that you can quickly replenish your energy during breaks.
Day 3 Duolun → Shilisha River → Balanggang → Arus Mountain → Hunshandake Sandy Land → Jingpeng
·morning
After breakfast, we changed to an off-road vehicle and officially started our journey through the secrets of Duolun!
In the golden autumn season, the clear river meanders, reflecting the colorful golden willows and red maples on the banks. The gravel on the river bank glitters in the sun, as if covered with a layer of broken gold.
We transformed ourselves into "treasure hunters" in Shilisha River, bending down to pick up the natural agates scattered on the colorful river beach, embarking on a "gem" discovery journey full of surprises.
Afterwards, we ascended to the commanding heights of Balanggang. Gazing out into the distance, the magnificent autumn scenery of the "Hundred Miles of Elm River" unfolded before our eyes like a painting scroll! A breathtaking palette of earthly colors formed. The winding river weaved through it like a silver chain, and in the distance, the outline of the Hunshandake Desert glowed warmly in the autumn sun.
At noon, we will arrange a cozy farm lunch to taste the authentic autumn flavor and feel the warmth of the farm.
·afternoon
After lunch, we continued our journey and stood on the top of the Arus Mountains surrounded by autumn colors, holding a cup of steaming and fragrant Makino coffee.
Sitting in a comfortable outdoor chair, a captivating scene unfolds before your eyes: Duolun Lake, like a giant sapphire, nestled amidst a sea of vibrant mountains. Its deep, tranquil waters reflect the cascading, blazing autumn forests on its shores.
After experiencing the tranquility of lakes and mountains, let's plunge into the embrace of the desert. Crossing the Hunshandake Desert, a blend of grassland and desert, one of China's ten largest sandy lands, we'll admire the unique landscape of rolling dunes dotted with vegetation. Along the way, we'll experience the thrill of sandboarding and the thrill of rolling sand waves.
After a great time, we continued heading north. Outside the car window, the flowing golden meadows, the pastures dotted with cattle and sheep, and the occasional golden birch forests were like a long shot in a movie, extending the autumn of Duolun to the distance.
Arrive at Keshiketeng Banner (Jingpeng) in the evening and check in.
Kind tips:
1. The space at the top of Arus Mountain is limited. If a private car takes up space, Makino Coffee will arrange for you to go to the sandboarding site on the edge of Hunshandake Sandy Land. Please understand.
2. The all-day off-road vehicle crossing will pass through grasslands and sandy areas, which is quite strenuous. You can prepare some fruits, water and snacks in advance in case of emergency.
3. If there are strong winds, the desert section will be very windy and sandy. Please bring a headscarf and sunglasses. Tourists carrying cameras should protect them properly.
4. Compared with the city, the hotel conditions on the grassland are more limited. Please understand.
Day 4: Jingpeng → Dari Lake → Gongger Grassland (Dada Line) → Huanggangliang (Rehe Line) → Reshuitang
·morning
After breakfast, we set off by off-road vehicle. This morning, we arrived at Darinor Lake, known as the Pearl of the Grasslands. This is the second largest freshwater lake on the Inner Mongolian grasslands, with 238 square kilometers of water as vast as the sea. China-TravelNote will arrange a private route to traverse the vast grasslands and enjoy a close-up view of Darinor Lake.
Afterward, we'll join China's version of Route 66 (the Dada Line), stopping and starting along the way for an immersive experience of the autumn grasslands, reminiscent of an oil painting! Admire the vast expanse of Gongger Grassland and take photos of the winding, undulating grassland road...
A special group meal is arranged at noon to taste the local specialty Huazi fish.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we drove onto the Re-A-A Highway. Unlike the vast expanse of the Da-Da Highway, this highway offers a layered beauty of alternating grasslands and dense forests. Half forest, half alpine meadow, it blends grassland, mountains, river valleys, lakes, jungle, and sandy lands, creating a rich and unique landscape that is truly spectacular. We crossed Huanggangliang National Forest Park and descended, appreciating the majestic sunset over the western mountains along the way.
Arrive at Reshuitang in the evening, which is famous for its hot springs. Stay at a hot spring hotel tonight. Tourists can experience the hot springs on their own and wash away the fatigue of the journey.
Kind tips:
1. In the morning, take the route across the west bank of Darinor Lake to enjoy the grassland and lake up close, but do not enter the scenic area;
2. The temperature in Huanggangliang Forest Park is relatively low in autumn, so please bring a coat with you in case of emergency.
3. The hot spring is in the room, and each room has two bathtubs, so you can enjoy the private hot spring experience without leaving home;
4. The off-road driving distance is long, so it is recommended to buy some fruit snacks to eat on the way.
Day 5 Reshuitang → Xilamulun Grand Canyon → Birch Valley → Toufeng Valley → Nanjing → Ulanbutong (Bonfire Party)
·morning
After breakfast, we headed south along the Jingwu Line to the Xilamulun Grand Canyon, passing the Xilamulun Bridge. Along the way, we admired the various shapes of the rivers in the canyon, walked through the transition zone between grassland and forest, and specially arranged an exciting and interesting riverbed wading section.
After that, we arrived at [Huamugou National Forest Park]. Our first stop was Tiantaiyong Village, a small village on a tributary of Xilamulun River, known as a sand oasis. Looking down from the hillside, the village was filled with curling smoke, surrounded by winding water, and withered vines and old trees scattered on the mudflats, making the whole picture particularly artistic.
Our second stop is Hamaba, where the vibrant, layered colors of autumn are truly captivating. Golden birch forests dot the high slopes, ochre-red meadows interspersed with grass that hasn't completely withered, and the cattle and sheep appear particularly beautiful in the sunlight. Passing Hamaba Reservoir, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the wooden plank road, watching the gently rippling waters of Jinchan Lake, golden-rimmed floating leaves, and their reflections shattered into tinsel.
·afternoon
After enjoying the fun, head to Toufenggou, a paradise for off-road enthusiasts and photographers. In autumn, the trees in Toufenggou are a vibrant array of colors. The Panlong River meanders through the gully, and the riverbanks and slopes retain their pristine natural beauty, perfect for capturing both landscapes and portraits. Stroll along the riverside path and savor the tranquility of the gurgling water.
Then we went to Nanjing, a relatively small area that retains its original grassland style, with colorful red-leafed taro, birch forests, golden wheat fields, and occasional grazing sheep. Standing on the open grassland, we felt the tranquility and vastness of the grassland.
Arrive at Ulan Butong Hotel in the evening, check in and take a short rest. China-TravelNote specially arranges authentic northern dishes and secret roasted lamb legs for dinner.
After dinner, we attended a bonfire party: enjoy the wonderful singing and dancing performances brought by the grassland people and feel the wonderful grassland night!
Kind tips:
1. A team of 10 or more people will be given a free secret roasted lamb leg;
2. The bonfire party is a complimentary event. If there are less than 20 people or if it rains, it will be cancelled or adjusted to be held together with other China-TravelNote groups. The group leader can adjust the arrangements based on the specific circumstances of the day.
3. Before June 15 and after September 15, there is a fire ban period on the grassland. The "bonfire party" will be adjusted to a "singing and dancing party".
Day 6 Ulan Butong → Beigou Film and Television Base (Sunrise) → Gandan Camel City → Luanping/Chengde
·morning
Early this morning, we headed to Beigou to watch the sunrise. This grassland filming location ("Wolf Totem," "The Orphan of Zhao," and "The Legend of Zhen Huan" were filmed here) is renowned for its unique, stratospheric morning mist. We captured the beautiful moment of the sun slowly rising over the grassland horizon with our camera before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
·morning
In the morning, we will go to Gandan Camel City to explore the secret primitive Mongolian tribe, participate in a <Nomadic Migration-Celebration Ceremony>, and be an authentic Mongolian.
Since ancient times, nomadic peoples of the grasslands have lived wherever the water and grass flowed. Their homes are a horse-drawn cart, a yurt, and lush pastures. Here, we'll enjoy the fascinating traditional horse-drawn cart activities, the thrilling "Three Arts" (horse racing, archery, and wrestling), and fun interactive games. Sika deer, steppe wolves, and large-eyed camels also live here, allowing tourists to get up close and personal with these grassland spirits.
·afternoon
We will leave the Bashang Grassland in the afternoon. Passing the forest farm at the border of Hebei and Inner Mongolia, we will gradually say goodbye to the grasslands. In the evening, we will check in at the Luanping/Chengde Hotel and have dinner at our own leisure.
Kind tips:
1. Gandan Camel City is expected to cease operations on October 5th. The relevant batches of itineraries will then be rerouted to the Princess Lake Equestrian Show;
2. Since horseback riding/camel riding is not something that everyone is interested in, such activities are not included in the itinerary; reference cost: horseback riding is 150 yuan/person (approximately 1 hour, usually led by a horseman/camel driver), and camel riding in a nomadic tribe is 120 yuan/person (one-way).
Day 7 Luanping/Chengde → Jinshanling Great Wall → Beijing ★ Disbandment Day
·morning
After breakfast, we'll travel by bus to Jinshanling Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall boasts winding, undulating walls, boasting towers of varying shapes, complex structures, and densely packed terraces. Its breathtaking, treacherous, and unique character are the essence of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, earning it the reputation of "Jinshanling stands out among the ten thousand miles of the Great Wall." This section is the best-preserved section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. From September to October, the Great Wall is bathed in the enchanting colors of autumn, creating a captivating scene.
·afternoon
After enjoying the tour, we will return to Beijing by bus, arriving in Beijing at approximately 14:30 (disband near Sanyuanqiao subway station/Beijing South Railway Station).
Kind tips:
1. High-speed rail return trip: It is recommended to book a train after 16:30. If the return trip falls on a holiday, please delay the return trip appropriately.
2. Return flight: It is recommended to book flights after 17:30 (Beijing Capital Airport). For Daxing Airport, it is recommended to book flights after 18:30.
