Life advice: You must visit Ulan Butong once in winter

Winter in Ulan Butong is a true snowy fairy tale❄️ The snowfields here are even more magical than Altay, with fewer crowds than northern Xinjiang. The endless forests and snowy plains, rime-covered lakes along the way feel like stepping into a movie scene.
-
Why recommend visiting Ulan Butong in winter❓
✔️Fewer people, beautiful scenery: Compared to popular Northeast China and northern Xinjiang, there are fewer tourists here. Winter in Ulan Butong feels especially peaceful and spacious, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility of the snowfields.
✔️High cost performance: Ulan Butong generally does not charge entrance fees in winter, and hotels and prices offer great value.
✔️Long snow season: The snow cover here lasts up to five months, vast and boundless.
✔️Convenient transportation: Only 450 kilometers from Beijing, with direct high-speed rail access, more convenient than many tourist spots far in the Northeast.
✔️Diverse activities: Not only snow viewing but also experiencing Mongolian culture, winter sports, and photography.
-
Winter experiences:
💯Snowland fun: Playing with snow tubes, ice spinning tops in the northern snow village, and even trying water freezing in mid-air.
💯Mongolian cultural experience: Wearing colorful winter Mongolian robes, participating in fire worship ceremonies and bonfire parties, feeling the passion and boldness of the grassland people.
💯Ice off-road driving: Riding off-road vehicles across the snowfields, every acceleration boosts adrenaline, a winter-only speed and thrill.
-
Itinerary guide:
Day 1⃣: Gather in Beijing in the afternoon and depart for Chengde
·
Day 2⃣: Chengde - Yudaokou - passing Saihanba - Nomadic Culture Experience Park
Along the way, you can already see the forest sea and snowy plains of Saihanba
·
Day 3⃣: Nuanshui River - Demon Realm sunrise - Toufeng Valley - Nanjing - Northern Snow Village - Baijia Wopu - Eagle Nest Valley sunset
Nuanshui River sunrise: A dreamy scene with mist over the river surface, truly like entering a "demon realm"
Toufeng Valley: Recommended shooting spot by China National Geography, with straight white birch forests lining both riverbanks
Northern Snow Village + Baijia Wopu: Here you can have snowball fights, build snowmen, and ride snow tubes
Eagle Nest Valley sunset: Watch herders drive cattle and sheep home and enjoy the sunset
·
Day 4⃣: Xiaochetou sunrise - Luan River First Lake ice drifting - Gubei Water Town
Xiaochetou sunrise: Branches covered with rime, as the sun rises, the sky slowly turns pink and orange, very romantic
Luan River First Lake ice drifting: Experience the thrill of ice off-road driving
·
Day 5⃣: Gubei Water Town - Simatai Great Wall - Disband in Beijing
Simatai Great Wall: Overlooking the entire Gubei Water Town and surrounding mountain scenery
-
😘What to wear: Winter temperatures in Ulan Butong average around -20℃. Prepare thick, warm down jackets, windproof jackets, thick thermal underwear, ear-covering cotton hats, sunglasses, cold-proof gloves, and thick scarves.
👀Skincare and moisturizing: Northern winters are very dry, be sure to bring moisturizing body lotion, face masks, and face cream. A thermos is also essential.
🚖Transportation advice: If driving yourself, be sure to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The grasslands are windy in winter, often with whiteout conditions, and heavy snow can easily trap cars.