Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area Travel Guide!

Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area is located in Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It is a 4A-level scenic spot in the Bashang Plateau region, famous for its pristine grasslands, wetlands, lakes, and forest landscapes. It is known as "the source of water, the hometown of clouds, the world of flowers, the ocean of forests, and the paradise of rare birds and beasts." Here is a detailed travel guide:

**1. Best Time to Visit**
- **April to October** is the best season to visit:
- **June to July**: The grasslands are lush and green, with cool weather, ideal for summer retreats.
- **August**: Wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors.
- **September to October**: The autumn scenery is enchanting, with colorful grasslands and forests, perfect for photography.

**2. Ticket Information**
- **Combo Ticket Price**: 60 RMB per ticket (includes Sun Lake, Grand Canyon, Turtle Mountain, and other attractions).
- **Discount Policy**:
- Half price for seniors over 60 from outside the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
- Free admission for children aged 6 and under or under 1.2 meters in height.
- **Opening Hours**: From July 8 to October 10, open from 5:00 to 20:00, ticket checking stops at 19:20.

**3. Transportation**
- **Self-driving**:
- Navigate to "Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area." It is about 400 kilometers from Beijing, approximately a 5.5-hour drive.
- Note: Yuke Highway is toll-free; if you encounter any road tolls, you can report to the police.
- **Public Transport**:
- First travel to Chengde City, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Weichang, and finally switch to the scenic area’s vehicles.

**4. Must-visit Attractions**
- **National No.1 Scenic Avenue**: A classic Chinese self-driving route with picturesque scenery along the way.
- **Taoshan Lake**: Known as the "Shangri-La of Northern China," with lake and mountain views like a fairyland.
- **Grand Canyon**: A group of canyons over 300 meters deep, majestic and imposing.
- **Sun Lake**: Surrounded by mountains on three sides, with lakeside boardwalks perfect for strolling and fishing.
- **Moon Lake**: A plateau lake shaped like a moon, combining grassland, forest, and lake landscapes.
- **European Style Garden**: Natural birch forest and grassland, ideal for photography.

**5. Recommended Routes**
- **One-day Tour**: South Gate → Tent Mountain → Taoshan Lake → Turtle Mountain → Grand Canyon → Sun Lake → Moon Lake.
- **Family/Elderly Route**: East Gate → Swan Lake → Family Lawn → Forest Mini Train (reduces walking).
- **Rainy Day Alternative**: Forest Museum → Indoor Deer Viewing Pavilion.

**6. Accommodation Recommendations**
- **Haoyu Xinghe Homestay**: Surrounded by grasslands, quiet environment, offers wild mountain vegetables.
- **Yudaokou Arcadia Grassland Resort Hotel**: Mongolian style, with bonfire parties.
- **Saihanba Best Junlan Resort Hotel**: Suitable for family vacations, with family rooms available.

**7. Food Recommendations**
- **Roast Whole Lamb**: Local specialty, crispy outside and tender inside.
- **Bashang Free-range Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms**: Wild mushrooms stewed with free-range chicken, fresh and fragrant.
- **Other Specialties**: Hand-held mutton, dried beef, Mongolian steamed buns, and Youmian Wozi (oat noodles).

**8. Notes**
- **Horse Riding Safety**: Dismount and walk on dangerous roads and downhill to avoid accidents.
- **Climate Preparation**: Large temperature difference between morning and evening; bring windproof jackets, sunscreen, rain gear, etc.
- **Cultural Respect**: Respect local Mongolian customs.
- **Return Time**: Return two hours before closing; last shuttle bus at 17:30.

Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area is an ideal destination for summer cooling and autumn photography, suitable for self-driving tours and deep nature experiences. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and avoid peak periods for a better travel experience.