Live Your Best Lives

5-Day Muyebashan Hiking Tour | Daqingshan & Ulanbutong

D1

Day 1 Across the country → Beijing → Luanping

All day

This morning we will gather and take high-speed trains or planes to Beijing, the capital of our country.

We will arrange a pick-up at the airport/station for everyone; then everyone will take a bus to Luanping.

Tourists who arrive a day in advance can explore Beijing on their own.

When talking about the imperial capital, most people's first impression is the palaces of ancient emperors and generals, with red walls and yellow tiles, painted buildings and carved beams, the fusion of courtyard houses and high-rise buildings, and authentic Beijing snacks such as bean juice, sausage, fried tripe, fried liver, and ma xiao.

As the heart of China, this seemingly small city on the map not only carries thousands of years of history and culture, but also vividly displays various modern art coordinates.

Let's experience the old Beijing hutong charm of "a pipe lighting up the setting sun" in the imperial capital; explore the historical ups and downs of "Prince Gong's Mansion, half of the history of the Qing Dynasty"; experience the artistic explosion of 798 where cultures collide; and feel the decline of the empire and the cultural gap beneath the ruins...

Driving distance: about 200km, 3.5h

Notes: 1. Meeting place:
Beijing South Railway Station 12:00, Beijing Capital Airport 13:00 (Team members arriving at Beijing Railway Station or Beijing West Railway Station please go to Beijing South Railway Station to meet up. Due to different arrival times of trains, team members arriving early please wait a little)
2. Transportation instructions:
Beijing West Railway Station: 12 kilometers from Beijing South Railway Station, about 40 minutes by subway, about 30 minutes by taxi, about 30 yuan
Beijing Railway Station: about 14 kilometers from Beijing South Railway Station, about 40 minutes by subway; about 30 minutes by taxi, about 40 yuan

D2

Day 2 Luanping → Saihanba → Ulan Butong (Welcome Ceremony with Dismounting Wine)

·morning

Hiking Information

Hiking route: Saihanba hiking;

Hiking distance: about 8KM;

Hiking time: 4-5 hours;

Meal information: It is recommended to bring your own meals;

Luggage information: Travel light and bring the essential items for the day of hiking.


Today's itinerary

After breakfast, we boarded the Saihanba bus, checked our gear, and warmed up before embarking on our hike. We journeyed through Saihanba's lush forests, a scene resembling a splash-ink painting spread across the grasslands.
Here, pine trees swayed like a sea, green grass stretched to the sky, spruce trees towered over the sun, and the lake reflected the heavens. Every step we took, we savored the grandeur and profoundness of "thousands of acres of pine waves brimming with the desert, thousands of towering peaks shrouded in mist and clouds," while also experiencing the wildness and spirit of "suddenly spotting a deer in the deep forest, startled by the wind." It felt like weaving through a verdant maze woven by heaven and earth, each step amplifying the epic of nature.

·afternoon

We arrived at the hike's end point around noon and returned to the transfer point. Lunch followed, and we set off for the Ulan Butong Grassland. Along the way, we admired the European-style scenery of rolling hills and meadows, vast forests, and herds of cattle, sheep, and horses. Upon arrival at the hotel, Mongolian women and men, dressed in their finery, offered us a "dismounting wine," a testament to the warm hospitality of the grassland people. After checking in and resting briefly, we enjoyed dinner in the town, followed by a bonfire evening.


Tips:
1. Groups of 10 or more will receive a complimentary secret roasted lamb leg.
2. The bonfire party is a complimentary event. If you have fewer than 20 people or if it rains, it will be canceled or postponed and held together with other China-TravelNote groups. The tour leader can adjust the schedule based on the specific circumstances of the day.
3. Before June 15th and after September 15th, there is a grassland fire ban period. The "fire party" will be changed to a "song and dance party."

Driving time: about 240km, 4h

D3

Day 3: Wulanbutong → Donggou-Panlong Gorge Hiking → Jingpeng

·morning

Hiking Information

Hiking route: Donggou-Panlong Gorge hike;

Hiking distance: about 17KM;

Hiking time: 6-7 hours;

Meal information: It is recommended to bring your own meals;

Luggage information: Travel light and bring the essential items for the day of hiking.


Today's itinerary

After breakfast, we took a bus through the ancient battlefield of Ulan Butong Grassland. The leader explained the precautions on the way. After arriving at the starting point of the hike, we sorted out our equipment. After warming up, we began to follow the leader to measure the grassland with our feet.

[Donggou] In summer and autumn, the herds are more concentrated, and there are many varieties of trees with rich colors. It is a famous photography spot in the Ulan Butong Scenic Area. We hiked all the way to enjoy the magnificent grassland scenery.

At noon, deep in the grassland, choose a suitable place to enjoy the outdoor picnic carefully prepared by China-TravelNote. After lunch, drink some water and continue hiking.

·afternoon

In the afternoon, we continued walking through the grassland. Hiking on the Bashang grassland in summer offers a unique and refreshing experience. We headed to today's destination, Panlong Canyon. The Panlong River meanders through the bottom of the gorge, and the riverside and gorge slopes completely present a pristine natural scenery. There is abundant water and grass here, and animal husbandry is well developed. If you are lucky, you can even catch the scene of the herdsmen's cattle and sheep returning home at dusk!

After sunset we arrived at the Sutra Shed to rest.

Driving time: about 145km, 2h

Notes: 1. Today's hike is quite long, so please be mindful of your walking pace.
2. Please ensure your vehicle is with you, so please pack light. Avoid stepping on the herders' private pastures during the hike to avoid unnecessary trouble.
3. The period before June 15th is a grassland fire prevention period, so smoking and any other use of fire outdoors is strictly prohibited.

D4

4th Tianjingpeng → Qingshan Ice Morus → Chifeng

·morning

Hiking Information

Hiking route: Qingshan Glacier Hiking;

Hiking distance: about 10KM;

Hiking time: 3-4 hours;

Meal information: It is recommended to bring your own meals;

Luggage information: Travel light and bring the essential items for the day of hiking.


Today's itinerary

After breakfast, we set off by car for the Qingshan Glacier, deep within the Keshiketeng Banner grasslands and nestled in the eastern Yinshan Mountains. The glaciers here bear witness to Quaternary glacial relics, while rock paintings featuring deer and hunting scenes attest to the ancient beliefs of northern peoples. There are no cookie-cutter man-made attractions or prescriptive commercial receptions here. Upon arrival, we gathered our gear and began our hike.

·afternoon

At noon, we'll find a suitable spot for lunch, sharing our packed snacks. After a short rest, we'll continue our journey, wandering through a rare series of glacial moulins, resembling works of art sculpted by time. The peaks, forests, and unusual rocks are lifelike, creating a natural museum of unusual rocks. The rarely visited Daqing Mountains boast diverse vegetation and picturesque scenery throughout the year, making them a paradise for both flora and fauna. We'll enjoy the scenery as we ascend the sparse woods and meadows surrounded by these unusual rocks.

After the hike, proceed to Chifeng for check-in.

Driving time: about 180km, 3h

D5

Day 5 Chifeng → Jinshanling Great Wall → Beijing

·morning

Hiking Information

Hiking route: Jinshanling Hiking;

Hiking distance: about 8KM;

Hiking time: 3-4 hours;

Meal information: It is recommended to bring your own meals;

Luggage information: Travel light and bring the essential items for the day of hiking.


Today's itinerary

After breakfast, head to Jinshanling Great Wall and arrive around 11:00

The Great Wall here winds and twists, undulating and cascading, with towers of various shapes. Its breathtaking, dangerous, unique and special features are the essence of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, worthy of the reputation of "The Great Wall, Jinshan is the only one that stands out." Asian "flying man" Ke Shouliang once successfully flew over the Jinshanling Great Wall on a motorcycle.

After about 30 minutes, we ascended the Jinshanling Great Wall. Under the sun, a golden dragon coiled itself atop the mountain, slowly telling stories of ancient history. The China-TravelNote team was the only ones there, so you could shout, run, jump, and pose on the wall, instantly feeling like you had the entire wall to yourself.

·afternoon

The hike ended at noon and we returned by bus.

After lunch, we will return to Beijing by bus and disband, arriving near the Sanyuanqiao subway station in Beijing around 18:00 (convenient for going to the airport and train station).

Note: On the day of disbanding, we will disband near Sanyuanqiao subway station/Beijing South Railway Station, and everyone will go to the airport or train station on their own.

Q1: Is the hike strenuous? Do I need trekking poles? What camping gear should I bring? Are there any moisture-proof mats and sleeping bags provided?

A1: Grassland hiking is different from regular mountaineering or desert hiking in that it's relatively flat with minimal ups and downs, so the intensity isn't high. In the past, a seven-year-old child walked the entire trail without a support vehicle. Trekking poles can sometimes be helpful, but they can also be quite cumbersome. For those with regular exercise and hiking experience, they're not necessary.

We will provide national standard double tents and moisture-proof mats, but sleeping bags are personal belongings and you need to bring your own. Generally, a sleeping bag of around 0 degrees Celsius is sufficient in summer.


Q2: Can I use Alipay or other mobile payment methods wherever I go? Do I still need to bring cash?

A2: Most of them support mobile payment such as WeChat and Alipay, but the grassland conditions are limited, so you still need to prepare some cash, such as for meals, buying fruits on the way, and participating in horseback riding (horse riding fee is 200-400 yuan/person, please refer to the itinerary for specific details) and other self-funded activities.


Q3: Meals are generally not included during the trip. Is it convenient to eat? How much does each meal cost?

A3: Northern China has a very generous portion size. A family of three will usually order two dishes, but larger groups can order more. The cost is 30-50 RMB per person per meal (depending on your budget). Since we attract customers from all corners of the globe, and their tastes vary, China-TravelNote encourages you to explore local cuisine to your own tastes, so meals are not included. On the Bashang Grassland in Ulan Butong, you can try different restaurants every day. Since dining options are limited, most meals will be at lunchtime, so you can choose simple dishes like noodles and dumplings.


Q4: What is the weather like on Bashang Grassland? What should I do if it rains?

A4: The grassland sky is like a child's face. Its characteristic is its unpredictability. You can witness sunrise in the east and rain in the west on the grassland. But grassland weather also has another characteristic: its rapidity. Rain can quickly clear up, and with luck, you might even see a double or triple rainbow. Of course, be fully prepared when you're out and about. It's recommended to bring rain gear just in case.
If you encounter rain, the tour leader will decide whether to change the itinerary based on the intensity of the rain. Generally, even light rain will still allow you to proceed with the itinerary. If you encounter heavy downpours, rest at the hotel before departing and wait for the rain to subside before setting off again. If you encounter heavy downpours on the grassland, you can rest in the yurts at the China-TravelNote campsite.


Q5: What's the best outfit for visiting the Bashang Grassland? Looking at travelogues, I see photos of people wearing down jackets and short sleeves.

A5: The average summer temperature on the Bashang Grassland is around 20-25°C, with a significant difference between morning and evening. Another factor is perceived temperature, which refers to the body's perception of heat and cold. For example, some people are sensitive to cold, while others are resistant to it. Everyone's perceived temperature is different. Simply put, for summer grasslands, dress primarily for spring and autumn. If you're sensitive to cold or traveling with children or the elderly, bring a thick coat for sunrises and stargazing. Women can bring a scarf or shawl for both photo opportunities and warmth. Regular jeans and comfortable sneakers are sufficient for bottoms; sandals are not recommended (they can easily sprain your ankle and attract mosquitoes). Generally, if you have a fleece jacket, you can wear it.
Note: Mosquitoes are common on the grasslands in summer, so bring mosquito repellent or patches.


Q6: What are the adult and children's prices for Bashang Grassland?

A6: Please refer to the "Fee" section for details and carefully read the inclusions and exclusions. Child rates apply to children under 1.4m, without occupying a bed, breakfast, or entrance fees.

1. If a child is around 1.4m tall, they can register based on whether they need to occupy a bed (a family of three only needs one room and can register 2 adults and 1 child. Tickets need to be paid in advance).

2. If your child is over 12 years old and taller than 1.5 meters, we recommend you quote the adult rate. (If a family of three only needs one room, you can quote three adults and get a refund of the room difference. This way, the child doesn't occupy a bed or breakfast, but does include the entrance fee. The discounted entrance fee difference will be refunded to the tour leader according to the scenic area's policy.)
Note: The hotel's bed and breakfast are bundled together. Breakfast is included if you occupy a bed, but not included if you don't. If you do not occupy a bed and need breakfast, please pay for it according to the hotel's regulations. Please contact the hotel front desk for specific prices and pay in cash.


Q7: Can I check in later on the day of the Beijing meeting? If I arrive in Beijing early, can I stay at the designated meeting hotel?

A7: The first day is a full-day gathering day. Simply check into the designated hotel that evening. Hotel information will be provided via text message sent three days in advance. Please contact customer service if you require advance information on the meeting hotel. Since summer is peak season in Beijing, hotel availability is limited. Group rooms are typically reserved six months in advance, with adjustments made later based on the number of participants. Furthermore, group rates generally require a minimum of 10 rooms. Therefore, it's not possible to book hotels at negotiated rates during the summer. We recommend booking through major hotel booking platforms for better value.

Bashang is a geographical term specifically referring to a region formed by a sudden rise in grassland, where the climate and vegetation have shaped the grassland into a meadow-like steppe. Located at the junction of the North China Plain and the Inner Mongolia Plateau, Bashang rises steeply, forming a terraced shape, hence the name "Bashang." Its average altitude is approximately 1,800 meters. Bashang boasts clear skies and refreshing air, offering a refreshing summer without the heatwave. Grassy lawns abound, flocks of sheep swarm like clouds, horses gallop, and peaks cluster around the dam edge, surging clear waters. The dam-connecting area is densely forested, offering a wealth of mountain delicacies and game. Looking around, the lush green meadows are dotted with a dazzling array of wildflowers. Vast expanses of birch forests, adorned with jade-like beauty, cast dappled shadows through their layered branches. The beautiful Shandian River flows silently by your side, like a jade belt. Herds of cattle, horses, and sheep graze in groups, while the herders' rough singing and crisp whip cracking, blending with the melodious chirping of birds, add infinite vitality to the simple grassland. It is truly a grassland scene with "vast sky, vast wilderness, cattle and sheep visible in the wind blowing the grass."

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