Life advice: You must visit Ulan Butong to enjoy the autumn oil painting scenery

🍂 Autumn in Ulan Butong is like a palette spilled by the gods! From late September to mid-October, the grasslands change from green to yellow and then to red, the birch forests glow golden and translucent, and horse herds run through the morning mist. Every snapshot looks like an oil painting, perfect for photography enthusiasts~

Must-visit spots

1️⃣ Hama Dam

The top autumn hotspot! Wooden houses scattered on the hillside, fences, and golden birch forests. When the afternoon light shines obliquely, the layers of light and shadow are breathtakingly beautiful, like stepping into a fairy tale world~

2️⃣ Princess Lake

The birch forest around the lake turns completely golden, the lake reflects the blue sky and trees. Whether shooting morning mist or sunset, every photo looks like a postcard~

3️⃣ Film and TV Base

Filming location for "My Fair Princess" and "Wolf Totem." Golden haystacks dot the grassland, distant mountains are covered in colorful forests, perfect for capturing epic "wilderness" shots~

4️⃣ General’s Pond

Ancient battlefield site, lush water plants in autumn, horses grazing by the lake. When the morning mist rises, it looks like an ink painting. Horseback riding up the slopes is super thrilling~

5️⃣ Five-Color Mountain

The name fits perfectly! The mountain is dyed red, yellow, and orange by maple and birch trees, like a spilled paint bucket. Hiking up offers a panoramic view~

6️⃣ North Valley

The border between grassland and birch forest, with swirling autumn morning mist. Horses and cattle graze on golden grasslands, and the changing light and shadow are magical~

7️⃣ Panlong Canyon

A winding stream at the valley bottom, with birch and pine trees changing colors on both sides. In autumn, it looks like a golden dragon. Hiking or horseback riding deep inside is very healing~

8️⃣ East Valley

A hidden gem but stunning! Dense birch forests with the ground covered in fallen leaves. Sunlight filters through the leaves, giving photos a natural soft light filter~

Food recommendations

🍖 Hand-held Meat

Freshly slaughtered lamb, boiled in clear water without seasoning, dipped in chive flower or wild chive sauce. The meat is tender and free of gamey taste, a must-eat on the grassland!

🥟 Mongolian Dumplings

Filled with lamb or beef, thin skin and large filling. Bite into one and the juice bursts out. Perfect with milk tea for ultimate satisfaction~

🍲 Guocha (Pot Tea)

Savory milk tea with fried rice, milk skin, and dried beef, cooked in an iron pot. One bowl warms you up completely~

🥛 Milk Tofu

Fresh milk fermented and dried in the sun, sweet and sour with a milky aroma. Delicious eaten directly or soaked in milk tea, highly addictive as a snack~

🍗 Roasted Whole Lamb

A whole lamb roasted over fire, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Tearing it apart to eat is very hearty, great for group dining~

🥧 Dried Crabapples

Locally dried crabapples, sweet and sour, very appetizing. You won’t be able to stop eating them while binge-watching shows~

Transportation

✈️ Plane: Fly first to Chifeng Yulong Airport, then charter or carpool to Ulan Butong (about 3 hours)~

🚗 Self-drive: About 6 hours from Beijing, the scenery along the way is beautiful, but the grassland roads are slippery in autumn. Four-wheel drive + snow chains recommended~

🚌 Bus: There are buses from Chifeng to Ulan Butong, but they are infrequent. Chartering a car is recommended (about 500 RMB/day)~

Tips 📝

✅ Late September to mid-October is the best viewing period. Check leaf-fall times in advance to avoid missing the peak~

✅ Large temperature difference between morning/evening and noon. Bring down jackets and scarves, wear a windbreaker or thin sweater at noon~

✅ Wear bright colors (red/yellow/white) for photos on the grassland to stand out, avoid colors similar to the grass~

✅ Choose a reputable horse ranch for riding. Don’t wear slippers or long skirts to avoid falling~

✅ Bring a power bank; low temperatures drain phone batteries quickly. Carry extra camera batteries too~

✅ Respect Mongolian customs: don’t step on the threshold when entering a yurt, and accept a khata scarf with both hands~