Sumu Mountain - Ulanhada Volcano Two-Day Tour Guide

Autumn Color Feast: Enjoy the golden birch forest and larch-covered autumn mountains at Sumu Mountain, experiencing the charm of the "Little Xing'an Mountains beyond the Great Wall."
Mars Surface Experience: Explore the Ulanhada volcanic group, wear a spacesuit to take photos on the unique volcanic landforms, feeling like you are on an alien planet.
Grassland Starry Sky Camping: Optionally camp at the foot of the volcano and admire the vast Milky Way rarely seen in the city.
Mongolian Culture Experience: Taste authentic Mongolian cuisine, stay in grassland homestays, and feel the simple folk customs of Inner Mongolia.

🚗 Detailed Itinerary

🍂 Day 1: Sumu Mountain Forest Park

1. Morning: Head to Sumu Mountain
Depart from Ulanqab city center to Sumu Mountain Forest Park (about 1.5 hours by car).
It is recommended to leave early to arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds.
Sumu Mountain is the highest point in Ulanqab, with an elevation over 2000 meters. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so remember to bring a windproof jacket.
2. All day: Sumu Mountain Tour
After entering the park, you can choose to take the shuttle bus to near the summit, then walk down along the wooden plank road to save energy.
Main sightseeing areas:
Huangshiya Cliff: The highest peak of Sumu Mountain (elevation 2334.7 meters). From the top, you can see distant mountains and ancient Great Wall ruins.
Birch Forest Boardwalk: In autumn, the birch leaves turn yellow, creating a splendid scene. Walking through it, the fallen leaves rustle underfoot, full of fresh negative oxygen ions.
Bingling Valley: Even in other seasons, ice may remain here, cool and quiet.
If you have limited energy, you can just visit the core area of the park, which takes about 3-4 hours in total.
3. Evening: Head to the volcanic area
From Sumu Mountain, drive to accommodation near Ulanhada Volcano Geological Park (about 2.5-3 hours by car).
For dinner, you can choose to taste local specialties in Ulanqab city, such as Chahar hotpot or Lianying Shaomai restaurant’s shaomai, then continue your journey.
4. Night: Check-in and stargazing
Stay at a homestay near the volcano, such as the well-reviewed Cilexing Travel Homestay or Huazhu · Poetry and Mountain Homestay.
If the weather is clear, step outside at night to admire the vast Milky Way on the grassland, a rare sight in the city.

🌋 Day 2: Ulanhada Volcano Geological Park

1. Morning: Volcano No. 3 (North Refining Furnace)
After breakfast, start the volcano exploration tour by heading to Volcano No. 3 (North Refining Furnace).
This is the only volcano with a built walking plank road, making climbing easy and suitable for visitors of all ages.
From the top, you can look south to Volcano No. 5 and vast grasslands, with magnificent views.
At the foot of the mountain, there are popular photo spots like the red phone booth, don’t forget to check in.
2. Noon: Local lunch
You can eat at local herders’ homes in Zhongali Wusu Town near the volcano and stay in a Mongolian yurt to experience authentic Mongolian cuisine.
Or return to the homestay for meals. Some homestays like Cilexing Travel Homestay offer local dishes and Chinese food, and Huazhu · Poetry and Mountain Homestay also has its own restaurant.
3. Afternoon: Volcanoes No. 5, 6, and 4
Volcano No. 5 (Central Refining Furnace): This is the most well-preserved and spectacular volcano. The slope is steep with many small stones, very slippery, so wear anti-slip shoes and use trekking poles for safety.
Volcano No. 6: Due to excessive excavation, black volcanic ash is exposed, giving the strongest "Mars surface" feeling. This is a popular spot for taking photos in spacesuits, which can be rented here.
Volcano No. 4 (Black Brain Hill): There is a visitor service center here where you can rest and learn about volcanic geology.
4. Evening: Return trip
After visiting the main volcanoes, you can arrange your return trip. If time permits, stay a little longer on the grassland to enjoy the volcanic group under the sunset glow.

💰 Budget Estimate (per person)

Item Economy (CNY) Comfortable (CNY)
Transportation (fuel + tolls) 200-300
Accommodation (1 night) 150-250 (specialty homestay)
Meals (2 days) 150-200
Entrance Fees Sumu Mountain about 50 Volcano currently free
Activities 100-200 (spacesuit rental, etc.)
Total About 650

📝 Practical Tips

1. Transportation Advice
Self-driving is the best option. The volcanic group is connected by paved roads, accessible by regular cars.
The "Second Long Line" to the volcano has no streetlights, the road surface has potholes, and there are many large vehicles, so drive carefully at night.
2. Equipment Preparation
Clothing: The grassland and mountainous areas have large temperature differences between day and night. Even if autumn days are warm, mornings and evenings can be cold. Prepare thin down jackets or fleece, and windproof outerwear.
Footwear: Comfortable and anti-slip hiking shoes are essential, especially when climbing Volcano No. 5.
Protection: Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses (strong sun on the grassland, sun protection is important); insulated water bottle.
Others: Camera (a tripod is useful for star photography), power bank, common medicines.
3. Accommodation Recommendations
Camping Experience: If you want to experience grassland camping, you can choose a formal campsite near Zhongali Wusu Town, but autumn nights are cold, so prepare warm gear.

This two-day tour guide should help you fully experience the autumn forest sea of Sumu Mountain and the spectacular landforms of Ulanhada Volcano within a limited time. If you have more time, consider extending your trip to visit nearby sites like Huitengxile Grassland or Daihai Lake. Have a pleasant journey!