After 3 days in Ulan Butong, my spending perspective was shattered

Guys! Horseback riding, gazing at grasslands, chasing sunsets in Ulan Butong—3 days felt like stepping into a Hayao Miyazaki anime, and I spent half of what I expected?! The prices in this "Little Grassland near Beijing" are incredibly friendly, completely refreshing my spending outlook 🌿 Must-save guide!

Why You Should Go

Who can resist a 22°C summer + endless grasslands?! In July, Ulan Butong is lush green to the horizon, with wildflowers forming a colorful carpet. Freshly squeezed yogurt for 10 yuan, horseback riding for 50 yuan/hour—watch herds of cattle and sheep, photograph the starry Milky Way. Perfect for students and healing-seekers—just go for it!

Transport Guide

🚗 Self-drive: 5 hours from Beijing. The Chengde-Weichang highway is smooth, with the last 100 km being scenic grassland roads (absolutely stunning).
🚌 Chartered car: Services available from Chifeng Station/Weichang County (~800 yuan for 3 days). Drivers double as guides—super convenient.
🚙 Park transport: Best to drive in (120 yuan ticket, valid for 3 days). No public transport inside the grasslands—horseback or off-road vehicles are the highlights.

Itinerary

**Day 1: General’s Lake - Princess Lake**
Morning: Visit General’s Lake, the ancient battlefield of "Kangxi vs. Galdan." In July, the lake mirrors the grasslands—breathtaking. Camel rides available (30 yuan/lap).
Noon: Enjoy hand-grabbed lamb with milk tea—freshly cooked at a herder’s home, incredibly fragrant.
Afternoon: Photograph birch forest reflections at Princess Lake. Wildflowers in July make it perfect for picnics.
Evening: Stay in a yurt, join a bonfire party (free!), and dance the Andai.

**Day 2: Saihanba - Seven-Star Lake**
Morning: Trek through Saihanba’s forest sea. In July, the pine waves are cooling. Ride the forest train (40 yuan) and breathe in the fresh air.
Noon: Try oat noodles with lamb soup—a carb-loaded delight.
Afternoon: Stroll along Seven-Star Lake’s wooden walkways—seven interconnected lakes feel like a fairyland.
Evening: Chase the grassland sunset—every phone snap is wallpaper-worthy.

**Day 3: Panlong Gorge - Return**
Morning: Explore Panlong Gorge’s winding streams. In July, cattle and sheep drink by the river—scenes straight out of a Windows desktop.
Noon: Savor roasted lamb leg—crispy outside, tender inside, perfectly seasoned.
Afternoon: Buy cheese and beef jerky as souvenirs before heading back.

Must-Visit Spots

1. **General’s Lake**: In July, witness the "grassland-reflecting water" miracle. Sunset shots of horse herds are magical.
2. **Princess Lake**: Legend says it’s where Kangxi’s daughter groomed. July brings birches, wildflowers, and lake waters—a triple visual feast.
3. **Saihanba Forest**: Avg. 20°C in July. Driving through is therapeutic—squirrels might beg for snacks!
4. **Seven-Star Lake**: Free! July’s lush waters attract flocks of waterbirds. Walk the central wooden path.
5. **Panlong Gorge**: Hidden gem! July’s babbling streams are ideal for hiking. Try fresh milk at herders’ homes (5 yuan/bowl).
6. **Film Base**: *My Fair Princess* filming site. Rent Mongolian robes (30 yuan/hour) for photos with grassland backdrops.
7. **Hundred-Grass Ovoo**: Prayer flags abound in July. Circle it clockwise three times for blessings. Sunrise views are epic.

Local Eats

1. **Hand-Grabbed Lamb**: Bone-in lamb boiled in water, dipped in salt—super fresh. July lamb isn’t gamey. ~50 yuan/person.
2. **Milk Tea**: Salty! Pair with milk curd and fried rice. Herders brew it fresh (10 yuan/pot, refillable).
3. **Roasted Lamb Leg**: Crispy outside, tender inside, spiced with cumin. ~100 yuan/leg (feeds 3).
4. **Yogurt Pancake**: Soft and tangy (5 yuan). Perfect breakfast with milk tea.
5. **Oat Noodles**: Handmade honeycomb texture, soaked in lamb soup (15 yuan). Filling!
6. **Milk Curd**: Fermented herder’s specialty. Sweetened with sugar—refreshing (8 yuan/small bowl).

Accommodation

1. **Grassland Yurts**: ~80 yuan/person. Sleep on a *kang* bed—stargazing is crystal-clear (120 yuan with private bathroom).
2. **Saihanba Homestays**: Wooden cabins, ~100 yuan/person (meals included). Hosts make wild herb omelets.
3. **Red Mountain Ranch Inn**: Near horseback riding spots. Doubles from 150 yuan—watch horses trot out at dawn.

Tips

1. **July’s temperature swings!** Shorts at noon, jackets at night.
2. **Choose licensed ranches for horseback riding!** Avoid roadside guides. 50 yuan/hour with trainers is safer.
3. **Sunscreen + bug spray!** UV rays can burn; repellent is a must.
4. **Don’t trample wildflowers!** Some are herders’ crops. Crouch for photos to protect vegetation.

Ulan Butong’s summer is pure therapy! Three days covering grasslands, forests, and lakes—low cost, high relaxation. Tag your travel buddy and go!