High-speed rail accessible! Escape the crowds at this hidden gem: Huanghuagou Mini Train through a Ghibli-style summer

🌅 **Morning: Huitengxile Grassland·Pastoral Symphony in the Clouds**
- **07:00-08:30** Depart from Ulanqab city
Drive/private car to Huitengxile Grassland (~1.5hrs), enjoy windmill arrays and morning-lit grass waves en route.
- **08:30-12:00** Immersive grassland experience
- **Huanghuagou Scenic Area** (¥235 ticket includes mini train + cable car): Ride the viral grassland train through flower seas. The 4pm slot has best lighting, but mornings offer crowd-free photo ops.
- **Horseback riding & archery**: Choose licensed herder teams (negotiate to ~¥50-100/lap), safely experience lasso-style galloping.
- **Hidden gem**: Spot marmots near cable transfer streams, tie prayer scarves at sacred cairns (free scarves, circle odd times).

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🌋 **Afternoon: Ulanhad Volcano·Mars Landing**
- **12:30-13:30** Lunch·Authentic grassland flavors
Try **braised lamb** at Chahar Right Back Banner (recommend Baiyin Laoshanjie, ~¥60/person) or head straight to volcano camps for BBQ.
- **14:00-17:30** Volcano Geopark (free entry)
- **No.6 Volcano (South Alchemy Furnace)**: Rent spacesuits (bargain to ¥80/hour) for intergalactic photos against black-red lava fields.
- **No.5 Volcano (Central Alchemy Furnace)**: Scramble to summit (wear grippy shoes!) for panoramic views of No.6, prime drone spot.
- **No.3 Volcano (North Alchemy Furnace)**: 10-min stair climb to iconic red phone booth.

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🌌 **Evening: Sunset & Return**
- **18:30-19:30** **Chase sunset on Volcano Road**
The stretch between No.5-6 offers golden-hour shots, transforming grass into amber hues with perfect silhouettes.
- **20:00** Return to city
Grab vacuum-packed "Jining Old Ma Halal" beef jerky (HSR-friendly) as souvenirs en route.

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🍖 **Foodie Radar: Must-Eats**
- **Ice-boiled lamb**: Volcanic rocks boil tender meat, served with wild chive dip (try "Zecheng Ice Lamb" downtown).
- **Mongolian breakfast tea**: Salty milk tea + cheese curds + roasted millet fuels all day.
- **Avoid**: Overpriced tourist "hand-grabbed lamb" sets—opt for herder's fresh-slaughtered feast (¥298/whole sheep feeds 6).

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⚠️ **Pro Tips: Avoid Pitfalls**
1. **Attire**: Huge temp swings (25°C day/10°C night)—pack windbreaker + down vest; volcanic dust masks recommended.
2. **Transport**: Private cars (~¥500/car for city→grassland→volcano loop) or rent SUVs (roads manageable).
3. **Photography**:
- Milky Way settings: ISO3200 + 20s exposure + f2.8 (highlight volcanoes with torches).
- Outfits: Bright dresses/jackets—avoid green tones.
4. **Eco-rules**: Don't take volcanic rocks! Pack out all trash.