Wow! My first trip to Zhangbei Grasslands was absolutely stunning! (Includes travel guide)

Zhangjiakou boasts abundant tourism resources, featuring both vast grassland scenery and profound historical cultural relics. Here's a 3-day travel itinerary:

Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration
🌸Morning: After arriving in Zhangjiakou, head to Qiaoxi District to visit the "First Gate of the Great Wall" at Dajingmen Great Wall. Climb the watchtower for panoramic city views and feel the vicissitudes of history (entrance fee about ¥25).
🌸Afternoon: Stroll through Zhangjiakou Fort, an ancient architectural complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties where you can explore old Shanxi merchant banks and experience past prosperity (free admission). Then visit Wucheng Street to try local snacks like oat flour nests, Shao Nan Bei, and sugar twist pastries.
🌸Evening: Enjoy the night view along Qingshui River and savor hotpot lamb at time-honored restaurants like Xiangyuanlou.

Day 2: Grassland Scenery Tour
🍀Full day: Charter a car or drive to the western section of Grassland Sky Road (Yehuling to Bailong Cave area) for less crowded, stunning views. Must-visit spots include Jiguan Mountain viewpoint for sea of clouds photography, Bailong Cave windmill farm's picturesque grassland scenery, and Shirenbei Geological Park's basalt columnar joints. Enjoy local specialties like hand-grabbed lamb and sand onion scrambled eggs at farmhouse restaurants.
🍀Evening: Return to downtown. If time permits, experience night tours at Qinghe Film Studio where movies like "The Battle at Lake Changjin" were filmed.

Day 3: Folk Culture Experience
🥰Morning: Take a 1.5-hour ride to Nuanquan Ancient Town for the spectacular Dashuhua fireworks performance (check schedule in advance) showcasing intangible cultural heritage. Then visit Xigubao Wengcheng and climb Yuhuang Pavilion for town views.
🥰Afternoon: Explore Shangshuzhuang Ancient Village with well-preserved Ming Dynasty stone dwellings and "Yongluo Fort". Book DIY workshops for Yu County paper-cutting with inheritors of this traditional craft.
🥰Evening: Conclude your trip with local specialties like Yu County jelly noodles and yellow rice cake with pickles at ancient town restaurants like Gucheng Shaguoju.

🇨🇳With extra time, consider visiting Thaiwoo Ski Resort, Jimingyi Ancient Post Town, Luanhe River Scenic Area, or seasonal activities like Chongli skiing or Zhangbei Bashang Grassland tours.

Post by Carter Samuel Sam | Jul 5, 2025