Summer in Colorful Forest | The Bliss of 16°C, Who Can Resist?
by noahsapphire
Jul 29, 2025
📍 Destination Choice
In August, the Shenxian Valley Colorful Forest Scenic Area in Chengde City is an excellent choice for summer cooling and leisure. Located on the Bashang Grassland at an altitude of 1560 meters, the average summer temperature is only 16°C, making it a natural oxygen bar. The scenic area combines various landforms such as grasslands, forests, lakes, and hills, with a forest coverage rate of up to 80%, offering pleasant scenery. Additionally, there is a rich Manchu cultural experience here, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture.
🗺️ Itinerary Planning
Day 1: Nature Exploration and Cultural Experience
- Morning: After arriving at the scenic area, take a sightseeing bus into the Colorful Forest Scenic Area to enjoy natural landscapes like birch forests and larch trees. Along the way, you can experience the glass bridge "Steps on the Treetops" and feel the thrill of walking at high altitude.
- Noon: Dine at the Manchu specialty food street within the scenic area, tasting local specialties such as the Manchu Eight Bowls.
- Afternoon: Visit the Manchu Culture Exhibition Hall to learn about Manchu history and culture. Then head to the lakeside to admire the beautiful Tianjing Lake and experience the lakeside train.
- Evening: Stay overnight at a hotel within the scenic area or in Datanzhen Town.
Day 2: Leisure Entertainment and Natural Scenery
- Morning: Go to the water park to enjoy water activities. Alternatively, take a walk on the forest boardwalk and breathe fresh air.
- Noon: Have lunch within the scenic area and rest for a while.
- Afternoon: Head to the mountain trail for a challenge. Or choose to ride a camel through the primitive tribal uninhabited area to experience unique natural and cultural landscapes.
🚌 Transportation Arrangements
- Self-driving: Starting from Beijing, it takes about 3 hours by car, making it the preferred way to reach the scenic area. There is parking available within the scenic area for self-driving visitors.
- Public Transport: Currently, there is no public transportation directly to the scenic area; self-driving or chartering a car is recommended.
🏨 Accommodation Booking
- Within the Scenic Area: There are hotels such as Colorful Forest Hotel, Squirrel Inn, and 16 Degrees Hotel, all directly operated by the scenic area with complete facilities but relatively high prices. Squirrel Inn has a family-friendly theme, suitable for families.
- Datanzhen Town Accommodation: If the prices inside the scenic area are high, you can choose to stay in Datanzhen Town, where prices are more affordable.
🍔 Dining Plan
- Inside the Scenic Area: There is a Manchu specialty food street where you can taste authentic Manchu cuisine, such as the Manchu Eight Bowls and hand-held meat. However, dining prices inside the scenic area may be high, so ordering moderately is advised.
- Datanzhen Town: There are many restaurants in Datanzhen Town with relatively affordable prices, where you can enjoy local farmhouse dishes.
🧳 Essential Items to Prepare
- Clothing: The weather in Chengde in August is cool; it is recommended to bring long-sleeved clothes and a light jacket due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening.
- Sun Protection: The ultraviolet rays are strong in plateau areas, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- Rain Gear: The Bashang area has variable weather, so carrying rain gear is recommended.
- Other Items: Mosquito repellent, digestive tablets, stomach medicine, and other common medicines.
📝 Integrated Travel Plan
🌟 Chengde City Shenxian Valley Colorful Forest Scenic Area August Travel Plan 🌟
📅 Day 1: Nature Exploration and Cultural Experience
- 🚌 Transportation: Self-drive to the scenic area with convenient parking.
- 🏨 Accommodation: Stay at the Colorful Forest Hotel within the scenic area.
- 🌳 Morning: Take a sightseeing bus into the Colorful Forest Scenic Area to enjoy natural scenery and experience the glass bridge.
- 🍔 Noon: Taste local delicacies at the Manchu specialty food street.
- 🏛️ Afternoon: Visit the Manchu Culture Exhibition Hall and admire the Tianjing Lake scenery.
- 🛀 Evening: Rest at the hotel and prepare for the next day’s itinerary.
📅 Day 2: Leisure Entertainment and Natural Scenery
- 🏄♂️ Morning: Go to the water park to enjoy water activities or take a walk on the forest boardwalk.
- 🍔 Noon: Have lunch within the scenic area and rest briefly.
- 🐪 Afternoon: Ride a camel through the primitive tribal uninhabited area to experience unique natural and cultural landscapes.
- 🚌 Evening: Prepare for the return trip.
💡 Notes:
- Book tickets and accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
- Adjust activity plans according to the weather; if it rains, consider visiting indoor attractions.
- Dining prices inside the scenic area are relatively high; order moderately.
Wishing you a wonderful trip full of beautiful memories at the Shenxian Valley Colorful Forest Scenic Area in Chengde City!🌈🏞️📸
Post by Oliver Martinez | Aug 30, 2025



















