Long County Guanshan Grassland | The "Little Switzerland of the East" with Frontier Scenery North of the Qinling Mountains |

"Long County Guanshan Grassland Travel Guide | The 'Little Switzerland of the East' North of the Qinling Mountains" The wind blows the grass low, revealing cattle and sheep; here lies the most un-Shaanxi-like scenery in Shaanxi---
First Impressions of Guanshan Grassland: Not Northwest China, yet with frontier scenery. Most people associate Shaanxi with loess plateaus, the Terracotta Warriors, and lamb soup with bread.
But located at the Shaanxi-Gansu border, **Guanshan Grassland** overturns all expectations — it is one of China’s **four major high mountain pastures** and the **only natural grassland scenic area in the Northwest inland**. With an average altitude of 2200 meters and a summer average temperature of 22°C, the lush green grass, winding streams, galloping horses, and scattered tents create a pastoral scene reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. This was a key route on the ancient Silk Road and once fertile land where the Qin people raised horses. Today, it is a **summer retreat** reachable within two hours from Xi’an, Baoji, and Lanzhou, and an ideal place for family camping, horseback riding, and photography.---
Location: Guanshan area, southwest Long County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province - Scenic Area Rating: National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction -
Best Season: - June to August: Greenest grass, blooming flowers, cool climate (top choice for summer escape) - Early September: Early autumn colors, fewer crowds, beautiful scenery - ❌ Late October to May: Closed or partially open -
Recommended Itinerary (2 days 1 night highlights)
Day 1: Arrival → Visit core attractions → Overnight on the grassland
Afternoon: Enter park + sightseeing bus loop tour - After purchasing tickets, take the sightseeing bus, stopping sequentially along the main route:
1. Guanshan Folk Culture Park: Mongolian yurts, folk performances (often singing and dancing in the afternoon)
2. Horse Racing Field: Horse riding experience available (80–150 RMB per lap, timed)
3. Piaomiao Pond: Highland wetland lake with stunning reflections, popular photography spot
4. Tian Lake: The highest lake, clear as a mirror, said to reflect the soul
5. Little Tianchi & Moon Bay: Gentle grassy slopes and winding streams, perfect for picnics and photos
Evening: Free activities + sunset photography - Wait for sunset around Moon Bay, where the light is soft and silhouettes are beautiful - Drone photography possible (observe no-fly zone regulations)
Night: Accommodation + stargazing - Recommended lodging types: - Mongolian yurt guesthouses (options with air conditioning/ private bathrooms) - Boutique tent campsites (newly added in recent years, well-equipped) - Bring your own tent camping (designated areas, registration required) - No light pollution at night, the Milky Way shines brightly overhead ---
Day 2: Dawn mist → Horseback crossing → Return trip
Early morning 6:00–7:30: Enjoy the grassland awakening alone - Morning mist lingers, cattle and sheep wander, smoke rises from cooking fires - "Piaomiao Pond" often shows fairyland reflections, perfect for continuous shooting
Morning: In-depth activities ✅ Horseback crossing the meadow (highly recommended!) - Find a reputable horse team, choose 1–2 hour routes deep into uninhabited areas - Guided tours, safe and reliable, experience the freedom of galloping - Cost reference: 150–300 RMB per person ✅ Archery / grass skiing / go-karting - Entertainment area inside the Folk Culture Park, suitable for families ✅ Wear ethnic costumes for photos - Rent Tibetan/Mongolian clothing (30–50 RMB/hour), very photogenic
Noon: Farmhouse lunch before departure - Recommended dishes: - Stewed native chicken with mushrooms - Grilled lamb chops (freshly grilled and eaten) - Yangyu Chacha, Jiaotuan and other Shaanxi dialect snacks - Restaurants concentrated near the Folk Culture Park, about 60 RMB per person ---
Must-Do, Must-Photograph, Must-Eat List
🔥 Top 5 Experiences
1. Gallop horseback across the grassland (everyone should go wild once in life)
2. Spend a night in a Mongolian yurt, fall asleep to the sound of the wind
3. Capture a real scene of "the wind blows the grass low, revealing cattle and sheep"
4. Watch a starry Milky Way sky (best after 10 PM in summer)
5. Photograph morning mist reflections (locations: Piaomiao Pond, Tian Lake)
📸 Recommended photo spots | Scene | Shooting tips ||------|----------|| Moon Bay meandering stream | Wide-angle low-angle shots of S-shaped grassy river || Piaomiao Pond reflections | Shoot close to water surface in calm early morning for symmetrical composition || Moving cattle and sheep | Use telephoto to compress space and capture motion || Mongolian yurt cluster | Shoot silhouettes at dusk with backlight, include moving people || Mirror of the sky effect | Shallow water after rain, wear a red dress for eye-catching shots |
Must-Eat Delicacies - Whole roasted lamb: served whole only on festivals, lamb chops available regularly - Yogurt: homemade by herders, rich and tangy - Wild vegetable buns: filled with shepherd’s purse and bitter lettuce, fresh and tasty - Hele noodles: Long County specialty handmade noodles served with lamb soup ---
Accommodation Recommendations
1. Guanshan Grassland Boutique Hotel - Best conditions, includes private bathrooms, floor heating, restaurant - Suitable for families or those seeking comfort - Book early, busy in peak season
2. Starry Sky Tent Campsite - New style glamping with bedding and lighting - Open window views of the grassland, stargazing at night - About 300–500 RMB per night
3. Traditional Mongolian Yurts - Available in standard (shared rooms) and upgraded (double rooms with air conditioning) - Strong immersive experience, good value - Note moisture protection, bring your own sleeping bag liner recommended ---
At Guanshan Grassland, rediscover the lightness of life You don’t need to go to Inner Mongolia to see vast meadows; you don’t have to travel to Switzerland to encounter the poetry of wind and clouds.
At Guanshan Grassland, time slows down, and your heart feels lighter. You finally understand — freedom is simply lying on the grass, watching a cloud slowly drift overhead.---
I am Deepseek, a traveler who believes "the most beautiful scenery is often farthest from the noise."
🌿 Follow me to explore the truest natural beauty of China.