2026 Bashang Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

The Qiansongba virgin forest in Fengningba on the first day of Jingbei is a must-see for tourists. There are large tracts of virgin forests - larch, wild willow, and tens of thousands of original spruce. A rich forest treasure house! It is said that this is the largest spruce forest in the north of China, with an average age of 280 years. The ancient trees are towering and lush, and the negative oxygen ions in the air are very high and very fresh. Prairie, forests, lakes, free clouds, grazing cattle, long roads like ribbons, squatting forward, sitting on the hillsides full of wildflowers, the scenery in front of them, like oil painting Here is the Qiansongba virgin forest on the first day of Jingbei. Summer vacation here is very pleasant, from the spruce forest of Qiansongba to the hillside where camel stone is full of wildflowers, to the village in the Valley of Lovers. At dusk, the old sheep screamed in the warm light of the hustle and shouted a long tune, and went home with the flock.

Tired of the city noise? Escape to Bashang for the weekend. Tianma Flying Town really surprised me. Unlike traditional grassland attractions, it blends vast prairies with European fairy tale charm. With all-in-one dining, lodging, and entertainment, it’s perfect for families, couples, and friends. Step into the fairy tale grassland park, where vast fields of colorful flowers bloom. Hobbit houses, candy-themed wooden cottages, and windmills dot the green meadows. Every photo looks like a painting, and light-colored outfits stand out even more. The Russian-style street features giant nesting dolls and vintage carriages, creating a strong atmosphere. Walking here feels like being in a foreign town. The town’s biggest highlight is the aviation flying camp, a rare low-altitude flight experience base in Bashang. At dusk, take a hot air balloon ride and slowly rise above the flower fields, cottages, and endless grasslands. The sunset bathes the land in a romantic glow. For thrill-seekers, powered hang gliding and powered paragliding are available, with certified instructors providing one-on-one guidance. Even beginners can safely enjoy the experience, soaring high above the Bashang mountains and windmill grasslands for an exhilarating flight. ⚠️ Flight activities depend on weather and wind conditions. Strong winds or rain will cause cancellations. Please check the weather before your trip. The park offers a variety of exciting shows. Don’t miss the free Tianma stunt car show, featuring drifting and stunt racing with an impressive live atmosphere. During the day, fairy tale NPCs parade and interact, with lively character performances. At night, the grand bonfire party begins, filled with singing, dancing, and laughter. Look up to see the starry grassland sky, and if you’re lucky, catch the light and fireworks show for an unforgettable atmosphere. Family fun is worry-free here, with many attractions like the carousel, rainbow slide, grass sledding, archery, non-powered playground, and bumper cars. Kids can run wild and release their energy. We recommend staying at the Tianma Hotel inside the park. You’ll be right next to all the play areas, so there’s no need to rush back and forth. Enjoy a relaxed pace. At night, savor authentic grassland cuisine, including roasted whole lamb and local specialty dishes. With a comfortable 17℃ summer in Bashang, spend your days watching flowers and flying, evenings enjoying stunt shows, and nights singing and dancing around the bonfire. No need to visit multiple spots—enjoy a one-stop grassland vacation. Highly recommended for a short trip north of Beijing.

Trip.com travel photography|Fengning Tianyue hotel✨ a hidden Tiffany blue gem hotel in the mountain city On a business trip or vacation in Fengning, I found a high-quality hotel that exceeded expectations. The overall Tiffany blue theme design makes for amazing photos and a fully satisfying stay experience💙 🏨【hotel environment|atmosphere is on point】 The lobby has a grand high ceiling, classic black-and-white checkered floor tiles paired with fresh Tiffany blue decor, crystal chandeliers, vintage trendy carts, and an art photo wall. Every corner is perfect for photos. At the entrance, you’ll see a cute delivery robot full of tech vibes. The public area sofa lounge is quiet and elegant, great for photos while waiting to check in. 🛏【room experience|the view is stunning】 Booked a scenic king room. The space is spacious and bright, decorated with a light luxury style. The bedding is clean and soft, very comfortable to sleep in. The extra-large floor-to-ceiling window offers a direct view of the rolling mountains, capturing the mountain city scenery. Sunlight fills the room during the day, creating a great atmosphere. The furniture is fully equipped with exquisite craftsmanship, making washing up and relaxing very comfortable. 🍽【breakfast restaurant|variety and quality】 The buffet breakfast area is clean and tidy. The dishes are carefully homemade, including hot dishes, cold appetizers, fruit, and authentic local staples. There’s a wide selection and rich flavors to start your day full of energy. 📍Location and transportation: 【short self-drive within 1 hour|core attractions】 1. Fengning Bashang grassland: 20-minute drive. Horse riding, grassland hiking, sunset watching, camping on the grass, and shooting grassland photos. The grass is lush in August and September, with a strong day and night atmosphere; 2. Dahan Palace: 25-minute drive. A Mongolian-style scenic area with immersive grassland folk customs and equestrian shows, perfect for families with kids; 3. Jingbei first grassland: 30-minute drive. Popular windmill hill and endless grassland, perfect for drone and travel photography. Wildflowers bloom along the way in autumn; 4. Lightning Lake: 30-minute drive. An inland grassland lake with fishing, cycling around the lake, and watching the sunset by the water. The night scene atmosphere is excellent; 5. China horse town resort: 1-hour drive. A popular grassland summer resort and horse culture-themed destination with group performances and immersive experiences. 【food exploration|nearby dining】 County commercial area (8-minute drive): The entire food street in the county has iron pot stews, charcoal-roasted whole lamb, local beef and lamb hot pot, and specialty youmian noodle restaurants clustered together. You can enjoy authentic Bashang flavors for about 60–100 per person. There are plenty of barbecue spots for late-night snacks, just a few minutes’ drive away. Shopping and souvenirs 1. Hotel street shops: Bashang specialties like grassland milk tablets, milk skin, beef jerky, wild mountain mushrooms, hazelnuts, suitable for gifts or personal use; 2. Fengning county agricultural market: 10-minute drive. Fresh beef and lamb, farm dried goods at lower prices. You can buy ingredients to take home on your self-drive return. Leisure and entertainment 1. Grassland activities: Nearby grassland offers ATV riding, horseback riding, archery, grassland bonfires, and farmhouse KTV; 2. County leisure: County cinema, foot massage and chess rooms, tea houses are all available for relaxing after grassland activities; 3. Family fun: Nearby farms for seasonal fruit and vegetable picking, great for kids to experience rural life. Travel tips 1. The Bashang area has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket even in late summer. The grassland has strong UV rays, so be sure to use sun protection; 2. The hotel is less than a 3-hour drive from Beijing. Located in the core area of Fengning county, it’s centrally positioned for all major grassland attractions. You don’t have to stay in remote grassland guesthouses with mosquitoes and poor facilities. Staying at Tianyue hotel in the county offers convenient dining and lodging. You can explore the grassland during the day and return to the hotel to rest at night, the best of both worlds; 3. Grassland rooms are in high demand during peak season. This hotel offers a full range of room types and convenient parking, making it the top choice for self-driving trips to Bashang. Overall, the cost performance is excellent. Tianyue hotel remains the first choice when returning to Fengning! 💡Summary: Whether for self-driving travel or business trips, this hotel is highly recommended. It has great looks, solid facilities, and a quiet, comfortable environment. It’s a rare quality hotel in Fengning and a great choice for visitors.

Weekend escape from Beijing activated! 🚗 A 2.5h self-drive directly to Fengning Tianma Flying Town, check into the European castle hotel🏰 within the scenic area, and enjoy a hassle-free vacation experience. ✨ [Dreamy castle stay experience] · Red-roofed, retro European-style building complex; every casual shot looks like a blockbuster from a European town📸 · Premium lobby color scheme, great ambiance in the lounge area, and a super smooth check-in process👌 · Couple's honeymoon room💏 | Family suite👨‍👩‍👦 | View king room🛏️ · Open the window and enjoy the endless grassland🌱. Who understands the happiness of being woken up by the morning sun! 🌈 [A fairy tale world right downstairs] The Fairy Tale Grassland scenic area is right below the hotel. Here's your play guide👉 🏰 Colorful fairy tale castle complex 🌸 Super large dreamy flower sea 🎈 Romantic hot air balloon experience 🎆 Bonfire party + fireworks show 📸 Numerous popular photo spots Spend the day exploring and taking photos, chase the grassland sunset in the evening🌄, and watch fireworks light up the night sky✨. The itinerary is relaxed and unhurried. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 [Suitable for] 💑 Couples | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with kids | 👯 Friends An all-inclusive, one-stop experience for a worry-free and enjoyable trip! 💡 [Practical tips] 📍 Address: Datan Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province (within Fengning Bashang Grassland) 🚗 Transportation: 2.5h self-drive from Beijing, super convenient 🏨 Accommodation: Highly recommend staying within the scenic area to avoid traveling back and forth ⏰ Suggested itinerary: 2 days and 1 night is just right 🌡️ Summer experience: Average temperature 20℃+, a great place to escape the summer heat! 📸 Photo tips: Light-colored outfits photograph better. Still wondering where to go this summer? Come and discover this hidden gem in the Beijing suburbs! 🥰

Autumn in Hebei really understands travelers 🍁 Jinshanling Great Wall, Baiyangdian, Saihanba, and Zhangshiyan—four places with four distinct autumn vibes. It's better to pick one and explore it deeply than to rush through all of them. 💰 Budget reference (per person) · Budget-friendly: 800–1,200 CNY. Stay in city hostels or affordable guesthouses in the old town (50–70 CNY/night per person), take intercity buses within the province, and bring your student ID for half-price admission tickets · Comfortable: 1,500–2,500 CNY. High-speed rail + local chartered car/rental, stay one night in a guesthouse near the scenic area · Visit all 4: 3,500–4,000 CNY. We recommend splitting this into two trips: one for northern Hebei (Jinshanling + Saihanba) and one for central/southern Hebei (Baiyangdian + Zhangshiyan) 💡 Autumn attractions in Hebei are spread out. It's about 805 km from Saihanba to Zhangshiyan and 537 km from Baiyangdian to Saihanba. Don't try to visit all four in one go; it will be exhausting · ----- 🏔 4 stunning destinations: how to choose Jinshanling Great Wall | Luanping, Chengde The best-preserved section of the Ming Great Wall, featuring dense watchtowers and thick walls, personally supervised by Qi Jiguang. Hike a section at dawn when the sky brightens and the mountain ridges look like an ink painting. The combination of autumn colors and the Great Wall is a photographer's dream 📸 Saihanba | Weichang, Chengde Formerly the Mulan Paddock, now a forest and grassland. A touch of gold in September, a layer of red in October. Forest, grassland, and morning mist—with the warm light, you don't even need to adjust your lens 🌲 Baiyangdian | Xiong'an, Baoding A water town in North China. Take a boat through the reed marshes, where boatmen will pick lotus pods and leaves. The lotus flowers have faded in autumn, but the reeds are golden and flocks of water birds gather, creating a unique, vast beauty 🛶 Zhangshiyan | Zanhuang, Shijiazhuang The vertical cliffs and stone pillars are spectacular. Admission tickets start from 64.6 CNY. Red leaves and the giant echo wall are the hidden aces of autumn 🍁 · ----- 🗺 Recommended routes Route A: 5-day northern Hebei autumn tour (Jinshanling + Saihanba) D1 High-speed rail from Beijing to Chengde, visit the Mountain Resort + night tour of Erxianju Night Market D2 Drive to Jinshanling in the evening to watch the sunset, stay at the foot of the Great Wall D3 Sunrise at Jinshanling > hike the highlights > head north to Saihanba in the afternoon D4 Full day in Saihanba (National Scenic Highway No. 1 + Yudaokou Grassland) D5 Return trip or head to downtown Chengde Route B: 4-day central/southern Hebei tour (Baiyangdian + Zhangshiyan) D1 Arrive in Baoding, visit the Zhili Governor's Office + try a classic donkey meat burger shop D2 Morning at Baishi Mountain (stunning red leaves in September), head to Baiyangdian in the afternoon D3 Boat tour of Baiyangdian, head to Shijiazhuang in the afternoon D4 One day at Zhangshiyan (red leaves + echo wall) · ----- 🍜 Must-eat list for autumn · Chengde: Start the morning with a bowl of he-le noodles or oat noodles mixed with garlic sauce for a tangy wake-up call; for lunch, try stewed chicken with mushrooms served with coarse grain flatbread; take some Pingquan beef jerky for the road · Bashang: Oat noodle rolls with lamb soup. If a whole portion of hand-grabbed lamb is too much, order half. Enjoy milk tea and milk skin for dessert · Baoding/Baiyangdian: Donkey meat burger (satisfying for 10+ CNY per person), Baiyangdian salted duck eggs with rich, oily yolks, and Huaimao pickles · Shijiazhuang: Beef zhaobing (beef soup with flatbread), Zhengding braised liver, and ganglu baked flatbread · Zhangjiakou direction: Chaigoupu smoked meat, smoked using traditional cypress wood methods, ready to eat sliced ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night in Bashang is 10°C+, so bring a light windbreaker. There are many mosquitoes in Baiyangdian, so remember to take precautions · ----- ✨ Pro tips · Get on the wall at 5:00 AM at Jinshanling for the softest light and fewest crowds · Saihanba's forests are ablaze with color from late September to mid-October—if you miss it, you'll have to wait a year · Stand at a specific angle at the Zhangshiyan echo wall and shout; the echo can circle three times · We recommend taking a small boat in Baiyangdian at dawn or dusk; the light filtering through the reeds is truly stunning Autumn in Hebei is half Taihang Mountain scenery, half Great Wall and grassland life. Don't rush this autumn—you'll regret it if you do 🍂

The top choice for a short summer escape in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, Tianma Flying Town in Fengning Bashang truly exceeds expectations! It combines a fairy tale grassland, flying camp, charming streets, and live entertainment all in one. With everything from dining and lodging to activities in one place, it’s perfect for families, friends, and couples alike. The most photogenic spot is the fairy tale grassland area, where vast fields of seven-colored flowers spread across the prairie. Colorful candy houses, hobbit huts, and windmills are scattered around, creating a dreamy palette. Light-colored outfits look amazing for photos here, making every shot feel like a painting. The Russian-style street features giant nesting dolls and vintage carriages, adding an exotic vibe that’s perfect for strolling and exploring. During the day, there are stunt car shows and a non-motorized playground where kids can run and play freely. At night, a bonfire party with lively music and dancing creates a great atmosphere with the evening breeze. The park has plenty of hotels and restaurants, serving whole roasted lamb and local grassland specialties. Staying inside the scenic area means no long commutes, making the trip much more relaxing. No need for long-distance travel—you can enjoy the grassland scenery, fairy tale photo spots, and unique flying experiences all in one place. The well-developed facilities make it ideal for a weekend getaway. Highly recommended for a relaxing vacation in Bashang! Finally found the hidden fairy tale world in Bashang! The fairy tale grassland in Tianma Flying Town is perfect for photos. The biggest surprise is the candy house with its colorful walls and round decorations, like it came straight out of a storybook. Kids won’t want to leave, and friends will get amazing shots. The whole park is full of popular photo spots: hobbit huts, colorful windmills, vast flower fields paired with the open grassland, and blue skies with white clouds as the backdrop. Every spot looks like a painting. Besides the candy house, you can stroll on the grass, chase clouds, and enjoy the cool Bashang breeze, escaping the city heat. It’s great for a short summer trip. Highly recommended for families with kids. Children get excited seeing the candy house, running, jumping, taking photos, and admiring the flowers without getting tired. For those who prefer quiet, just sit on the grassland and watch the clouds drift over the distant mountains. For photo lovers, light-colored clothes match perfectly with the candy house colors, and afternoon light makes for soft, beautiful pictures. ⚠️ Tips for your visit ✔️ The candy house is in the fairy tale grassland area and easy to find by following the signs after entering the park ✔️ Bashang has a big temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket even if it’s warm during the day ✔️ UV rays are strong on sunny days, so remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent ✔️ Half a day is enough to explore, and you can combine it with other town attractions for a well-paced trip No need to travel far. At Tianma Flying Town, you’ll find grasslands, flower seas, and sweet candy houses to fulfill a simple fairy tale dream. Perfect for family trips or outings with friends, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Honestly, I didn't have high expectations, but the 39-yuan admission ticket included a free milk tea—who could resist that kind of ritual? It wasn't just some instant powder mix; it was a proper hot milk tea from the scenic area. Holding it in my hands, feeling the warmth, and taking a sip while standing in the forest with the autumn breeze blowing—it was pure comfort. Let me start with where this place is: Datan Town, Fengning Bashang, Chengde, Hebei. It's not far from Beijing, the kind of place you can just head to on a whim for the weekend. We drove there, and it got cooler the further we went. By the time we arrived, we had to put on our jackets. The tail end of summer was completely gone at Bashang, and everything was full of autumn vibes. The first thing to do after entering the scenic area is to stroll around Tianjing Lake. This lake is truly stunning. The water is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding colorful forest, blue sky, and white clouds. I stood by the lake in a daze for several minutes. You can also pick golden potentilla by the lake. If you're bringing kids, you can try the traditional tea-roasting experience. My child was excited the whole time, asking, "Why do we need to roast these leaves?" and "Can we drink that flower?" As a mom, I'd love a dozen more activities like this where they can learn while playing. Then, you must go to Yunting! Climbing up to overlook the entire autumn scenery of Bashang, with layers of gold, red, yellow, and green spreading out—that sense of vastness is something you only understand when you see it with your own eyes. We also took a sightseeing vehicle on the Cloud Sky Road straight to the top of the forest. The view at the end—I'd call it the "best viewing spot in Bashang." Just holding up your phone, you can snap a wallpaper-worthy photo. Families with kids should definitely go to the Forest Ranch. There are alpacas, deer, ostriches, yaks, and camels. My child fed them carrots the whole way and laughed the loudest when being chased by an alpaca. The Secret Market is also very interesting. NPCs dressed as elves pop up on the road to interact with you. There are 18 forest-themed photo spots. Even my husband, who usually hates taking pictures, asked me to take several for him. When you're tired from playing, there are go-karts and rainbow slides to burn off some energy; both adults and kids can enjoy them. The bonfire party and light show in the evening are the main events. The performers sing and dance, and everyone dances around the fire together. That lively atmosphere is incredibly healing. Finally, let's talk about the cost. If you don't stay overnight, you can have a great time for 120–200 yuan per person. For 300 yuan, you can basically experience all the activities, and the various package tickets are very cost-effective. Our admission ticket was 39 yuan and included a milk tea, so it was basically a free visit and a free drink. We really won big on this one. This is a limited-time autumn treat; if you miss it, you'll have to wait another year. The colorful forest in golden September is at its peak right now. If you want to go, hurry up—don't wait until all the leaves have fallen and you're left regretting it. 📍Shenxiangu Colorful Forest International Tourist Resort

Aug 24 live report from Fengning Bashang! Escape Beijing's 40°C heat, depart Friday night for an overnight drive, and perfectly cover Datan horseback riding, Daliu Bacha, Seven-Color Forest, Lightning Lake, plus a grassland bonfire and fireworks! Easy, relaxed pace, great for first-time drivers to copy the itinerary 🌿 🚗 Trip basics Route: Beijing→Fengning Datan Town (3.5–4h, Jingcheng Expressway to G95, exit at Datan) Itinerary: depart Friday night→full day Saturday→Sunday morning visit Lightning Lake, return in the afternoon Accommodation: the area's top homestay, Nalan Tianye Homestay, brings the whole grassland into the room, 3 minutes from Seven-Color Forest and 12 minutes from China Horse Town, super convenient. 📅 Detailed itinerary Day 1 Fri|Overnight drive to the grassland 6:30 PM depart Beijing after work. Pack snacks and drinking water. 10:00 PM arrive at the homestay to check in and rest. Go to bed early to recharge for the next day's activities. Day 2 Sat|Horse riding + hidden gem + forest + bonfire and fireworks 8:00 AM breakfast at the homestay. 8:40 AM morning horseback ride at the ranch 🐎 (1.5h) The morning grassland mist creates an atmospheric vibe, with few people and soft light—great for photos! Beginners can choose a led-horse service and stroll along the meadow for a therapeutic experience. In peak season, reference price CNY 80–120 per hour. The homestay stable provides full protective gear and is safe and reliable. 10:30 Check in at a free, off-the-beaten-path spot [Daliu Bacha] (2h) A pristine grassland river valley with birch forests, streams, and herds of cattle and sheep. Wildflowers cover the area in July. You can take epic roadside photos, wade in the shallows, and it's completely free with no entrance fee. 12:00 PM lunch in Datan Town. Must-try dishes: hand-held mutton, youmian wowo (oat buns), Bashang fiddlehead ferns, served with golden lotus tea to cut the grease. About CNY 60 per person to be satisfied. 1:30 PM visit [Seven-Color Forest Park] (admission CNY 118, 3.5h) A forest-style summer retreat. Birch boardwalks, fairytale treehouses, and a glass viewing platform are super photogenic. You can also feed deer and ride the little forest train. It's shaded throughout, so no sun exposure and straight-out-of-camera photos. 5:30 PM return to the homestay to rest, put on a thick jacket. 7. 00 PM grassland dinner, recommended roasted leg of lamb or whole roast lamb. 8. 30 PM bonfire party begins ✨ Sing and dance around the bonfire. The homestay provides small fireworks, and looking up you'll see a sky full of stars—the atmosphere is amazing! Night temperatures drop very low. Be sure to wear a windbreaker to stay warm. Day 3 Sun|Lightning Lake + return to Beijing 8:30 AM depart after breakfast for [Lightning Lake] (admission CNY 30, 2.5h) In the early morning the lake is calm with mirror-like reflections, perfect for photos! You can walk the lakeside trail, play in the shallows, or try lakeside horseback riding and cycling around the lake. 11:30 AM simple farmhouse lunch by the lake. 1:00 PM depart on time to avoid Sunday evening highway rush into Beijing, arrive around 5:00 PM.

Tired of the city's sweltering heat and noise? Escape the city this weekend and unlock a 2-day in-depth self-driving tour of Fengning Bashang Grassland! Check off grasslands, forests, wetlands, cloud-top sunsets, and the carnival at China Horse Town all at once. It's a one-stop shop for dining, accommodation, and fun. No exhaustion from rushing, just the relaxation and healing of the mountains and wilderness. Perfect for short trips from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Tested and approved—no pitfalls here. Follow this guide for a stress-free trip! ✅ The biggest surprise of this trip was the accommodation! We stayed at Qiyi Xingshe Loft View Suite the whole time, which completely changed my perception of grassland homestays. The loft layout is airy and spacious, with plenty of room—perfect for family trips, girls' getaways, or family vacations. The split-level design offers great privacy. The best part is the panoramic view window; open it, and you're greeted by endless grassland and mountains, with blue skies, white clouds, and green fields in full view. After a long day, return to the room, sit by the window, and watch the clouds drift by. In the evening, you might even catch a gentle sunset. Enjoy stunning grassland views without even leaving your room. The clean and comfortable environment doubled the happiness of our trip. 🌞 Day 1: Mountain Roaming, Cloud-Top Sunset, and Bonfire Whole Roasted Lamb Carnival Drive to Fengning Bashang and watch the scenery change from city buildings to vast grasslands. The breeze hits your face, instantly washing away all fatigue. After checking in and settling our luggage, we officially started our first day of this rejuvenating grassland trip. In the afternoon, we headed straight to the East Mountain Peak of Yunzhong Grassland, the best spot for sunset views in Bashang! Driving slowly up the winding mountain road, the altitude increases, and the view opens up, as if you're driving into the clouds. Once at the top, you're surrounded by endless alpine meadows, lush green grass, and refreshing evening breezes. Every photo you take looks like a professional grassland shot. The most anticipated moment was the sunset at the East Mountain Peak! As the sun slowly set, golden light covered the entire grassland. The clouds were dyed in gentle shades of orange-pink and gold, and the distant mountains layered upon each other with shifting light and shadows—the atmosphere was incredible. Standing on the peak, feeling the breeze and watching the sunset fade, all worries were smoothed away by the mountain wind. It's the kind of ultimate romance you never see in the city. As night fell, the grassland carnival officially began! The pre-booked whole roasted lamb arrived—the skin was golden and crispy, sizzling with oil, while the meat inside was tender and juicy with no gamey taste. Paired with a special dipping sauce, every bite was full of flavor. With local home-style dishes and refreshing cold appetizers, it was an authentic grassland feast. After eating and drinking our fill, the lively grassland bonfire party started right on time! The roaring bonfire lit up the night sky. Everyone held hands, sang, danced, and played around the fire. The evening breeze carried the scent of the festivities, and even strangers felt like friends, filled with laughter. With a starry night sky and a gentle breeze, the mix of festive energy and romance is exactly what a summer night on the grassland should be! 🌤️ Day 2: Forest Secret, Wetland Stroll, Sky Road Drive, and China Horse Town Carnival Wake up naturally in the fresh grassland air. Open the window to see the morning light over the mountains—so cozy and relaxing. After breakfast, start the second day of immersive exploration to unlock different natural scenery and local vibes in Bashang. First stop: Colorful Forest, a natural fairy-tale secret in Bashang! Unlike the open grassland, this place is lush with layers of birch and pine forests. The forest is dense with vegetation, fresh air, and plenty of negative oxygen ions—a natural oxygen bar. Stroll along the wooden boardwalks, where light and shadow filter through the leaves, creating beautiful scenes at every step. There are many hidden photo spots, perfect for taking forest-style travel photos. The forest is named "Colorful Forest" because of its rich, layered colors across different seasons. Walking through it feels like stepping into a secret wonderland. Leaving the Colorful Forest, drive to the hidden gem, Yangchanghe Wetland. It's quiet and uncrowded, with stunning, pristine natural scenery. Winding rivers weave through the grasslands and trees, with lush aquatic plants, clear water, and green grass. Cattle and sheep graze leisurely. As the breeze blows, the plants sway gently, and the water sparkles. There's no noisy crowd, just peaceful tranquility. It's a great place for a slow walk, taking photos, and immersing yourself in the gentle quiet of the grassland wetland—perfect for relaxing and clearing your mind. In the afternoon, start the Baili Sky Road self-driving tour! A must-do in Fengning Bashang, the winding mountain road connects grasslands, forests, valleys, and flower fields, with scenery that changes and improves at every turn. Driving along the mountain roads in the clouds, with rolling green mountains on one side and vast grasslands on the other, the view is incredibly expansive. There are observation decks along the way where you can stop anytime to take photos, enjoy the breeze, and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery where "the car travels through the landscape, and the person travels within a painting." The driving experience is top-notch. The last stop of the trip: the carnival feast at China Horse Town! This is a popular spot in Bashang with a great atmosphere. You can watch exciting equestrian performances and feel the passion of galloping on the grassland. There are tons of trendy amusement rides and parent-child interactive activities that both adults and kids will enjoy. The streets are full of life, with specialty shops and popular photo spots. Immerse yourself in the grassland horse culture and enjoy a lively carnival moment to wrap up this trip perfectly. 📝 2-Day Trip Summary & Travel Tips In just two short days, we unlocked grassland sunsets, forest secrets, wetland breezes, Sky Road driving, bonfire roasted lamb, and the China Horse Town carnival. It was a perfect mix of activity and relaxation, with a comfortable pace that didn't feel rushed. Staying in a loft view homestay, lying down to watch the grassland scenery, eating authentic grassland food, and visiting all the core attractions—this is the best way to do a short weekend trip. ✨ Complete Travel Tips (Must-read for beginners): 1. Clothing & Weather: The temperature difference between day and night at Bashang Grassland is huge. Even if it's cool and sunny during the day in summer, it gets very cold in the evening and on mountain tops. Be sure to bring a light windbreaker/hoodie and long pants. The UV rays are very strong, so be sure to prepare sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing to avoid sunburn. 2. Driving Conditions: The overall road conditions of Baili Sky Road are smooth, and family cars are perfectly fine, but there are many winding mountain roads. It is recommended to drive slowly and be cautious when passing other vehicles. There are scattered observation decks along the way; do not park on the side of the road randomly. Look for designated parking spots for safety and better photo opportunities. 3. Food & Entertainment Reservations: During peak season, there are many tourists. Be sure to book the whole roasted lamb and bonfire party with your homestay in advance. This not only avoids waiting for a table but also allows you to finalize dining and activity times, perfectly connecting your sunset and night view itinerary for a better experience. 4. Accommodation Recommendation: Highly recommend the Qiyi Xingshe Loft View Suite! The room type is spacious and airy, and the loft structure is suitable for families, friends, and group trips, offering great privacy. The biggest highlight is the panoramic view window. You can overlook the entire grassland while lying in bed or sitting by the window. Watch the morning light at sunrise and the sunset glow in the evening—you can enjoy beautiful scenery without running around. It's clean, tidy, and offers great value. 5. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: For the sunset at the East Mountain Peak of Yunzhong Grassland, it is recommended to reach the top 30 minutes early to grab the best viewing spot. Yangchanghe Wetland is suitable for slow walks and taking photos; try to avoid the strong light at noon, as the light is softer and better for photos in the morning and evening. Allow enough time for China Horse Town; check the performance schedule in advance to avoid peak times and not feel rushed. 6. Essentials: The evening breeze on the grassland is cool and dry, so you can bring lip balm and hand cream. The wind on the mountain top is strong, so bring a windproof jacket. Carry mineral water and small snacks with you, as there are few supply points along the self-driving route, making it convenient to replenish your energy at any time. Escape the city and head to the mountains. The wind is gentle, the scenery is healing. This trip to Fengning Bashang is worth every effort 💛

I. Basic information (Bashang · Ulan Butong) 📍Location: Hexigten Banner, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia (Hongshan Military Horse Farm), right next to Saihanba, Hebei (one river spans two provinces) ✅One-sentence distinction: · Saihanba (Hebei): Tens of thousands of acres of man-made forest, for forests and lakes; · Ulan Butong (Inner Mongolia): Hilly grasslands + birch forests, the core area for autumn photography on the Bashang plateau, filming location for "My Fair Princess" 🎫Admission: 120 yuan/person, valid for 3 days, allows multiple entries; Toad Dam (Hamaba) is 30 yuan separately; free for those aged 60 and above, free for those under 1.2 meters II. Best time to enjoy autumn in September (most important) 1. Sept 1–Sept 14 (early autumn): Grass is a mix of yellow and green, birch trees are just starting to turn yellow, fewest crowds, lowest accommodation prices, colors are lighter 2. Sept 15–Sept 25 (preferred golden period)

I just returned from Chengde, and let me tell you the truth: the scenery here is truly beautiful, but for those who don't do their homework, they'll spend a lot of money and walk until their legs give out. Don't stay right at the entrance of the scenic area, don't trust the "free guides" soliciting at the entrance, and don't try to visit all eight Outer Temples. Follow these three tips, and you'll have won more than half the battle on your trip. 😮‍💨 I took the high-speed train to Chengde South Station on Friday evening (just over 1 hour from Beijing Chaoyang). Exit the station via the official taxi stand. The metered fare to the Huoshenmiao area in Shuangqiao District was just over 30 yuan. Absolutely ignore the illegal taxis that approach you asking, "Miss, going to the Summer Resort? I'll give you a good price," only to quote 80 yuan. 🚕 Where to stay? Listen to me: stick to the walking distance of Nanyingzi Street / Huoshenmiao / Lizheng Gate of the Summer Resort in Shuangqiao District. I stayed at a chain hotel an 8-minute walk from the Summer Resort. A clean standard room was 220 yuan per night. A similar room right at the scenic area entrance would be 350+ yuan and noisy facing the street. The advantage of the Shuangqiao District area is: you can stroll into the Summer Resort at 7:50 AM, half an hour earlier than tour groups, and capture reflections of the Misty Rain Tower without crowds. Downstairs, there are lamb soup restaurants where locals eat, and it's a 10-minute walk to the Erxianju Night Market in the evening. For ordinary office workers or those traveling with parents, don't pay double the room rate just to "see the Summer Resort from your window." It's really not worth it. 🏨 Day 1: Don't try to see everything at the Summer Resort; the palace area + lake area + mountain tour bus is enough. Enter right when it opens at 8 AM. First, walk through the palace area from Lizheng Gate (the nanmu beam in the Hall of Simplicity and Sincerity is worth seeing), then head straight to the lake area. The Misty Rain Tower is the prototype of Shufangzhai in "My Fair Princess." The morning light is soft, so photos won't be backlit. Don't eat inside the Summer Resort at noon. Exit through Dehui Gate to the residential area, and a bowl of Pingquan lamb soup + a baked flatbread for 25 yuan will fill you up. In the afternoon, definitely take the mountain sightseeing bus (60 yuan). Don't try to hike the mountain area; the mountain area of the Summer Resort accounts for 70% of the entire park, and you'll exhaust yourself walking it. The bus stops at "Ermadao," where the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the golden roof of the Mini Potala Palace. This is the most worthwhile photo spot in all of Chengde. After the mountain tour, visit the Rehe Spring in the plain area. The light is soft around 4 PM, and photos at the Lotus Embankment are stunning. 🌷 Day 2: Pick only two of the Eight Outer Temples: Puning Temple + Putuo Zongcheng Temple. You don't need to enter all eight Outer Temples; the architecture is largely similar. In the morning, go to Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Mini Potala Palace). The red platform and golden roof are best for photos after 3 PM. Wear a solid-colored long dress, not a floral top. The admission ticket is 80 yuan (or a joint ticket with Xumi Fushou Temple). A single ticket for Puning Temple is 60 yuan. Inside, the 20-meter-tall wooden Guanyin with a thousand hands will make people automatically speak in hushed tones. If people at the temple entrance try to sell you "blessed prayer beads" or "destined Buddha amulets," just shake your head and walk away; don't stop. 🙏 If you have time in the evening, watch the "Grand Ceremony of Kangxi" live-action performance (buy tickets in advance on the official account, starting from 268 yuan). If you're too lazy to watch, go back to Yuanbao Street for a Manchu hotpot, or order sliced meat and Nansha cakes at Xin Qianlong Restaurant on Nanyingzi Street. An average of 80 yuan per person will get you a decent meal. Day 3: Just view Hammer Peak from afar, save the cable car money and eat a bowl of Tuo. The ticket for Bangchui Mountain (Hammer Peak) is 25 yuan, and the cable car is 50 yuan one way. My actual experience: the mountain shape looks better when photographed from afar across the Wulie River. If you actually take the cable car up, there's just a stone pillar at the top, and it's so sunny in summer you can barely open your eyes. Save this morning for the Chengde Museum (free, reservation required). It's air-conditioned and has a concentrated collection of artifacts. After seeing the Summer Resort, you'll understand the context. At noon, eat fried wantuo for 5 yuan, almond tea for 8 yuan, and freshly cut donkey rolls at Erxianju. Before leaving, buy a box of donkey rolls as a souvenir from Tongli Pastry, which is more practical than the ginseng and deer antler at the scenic area entrance. 🌰 Here are a few common pitfalls that I've experienced for you: · The Summer Resort ticket is 130 yuan. Buy it with your real name on the official mini-program; there are no on-site ticket windows. Don't trust scalpers' "internal tickets." · Joint tickets seem to save money, but you won't visit the minor attractions. Buying individual tickets for the highlights is actually more economical. · Boat rides and mountain tour buses inside the Summer Resort are charged separately. The mountain tour bus is worth it; you can skip the boat ride. · "Unofficial guides" at the high-speed train station and Summer Resort entrance who say "30 yuan for a fast pass" are all scams. An official audio guide costs 20 yuan. · During peak season in July and August, weekend room rates double. Book at least 10 days in advance. · Wear athletic shoes! Wear athletic shoes! Wear athletic shoes! There are many steps in ancient buildings, and high heels or sandals will make you regret it. I've calculated the average cost per person for this trip: round-trip high-speed train 200+ yuan, two nights accommodation 440+ yuan, tickets (Summer Resort 130+ Mini Potala 80+ Puning 60+ mountain tour bus 60) 330+ yuan, food for three days approximately 240+ yuan, city taxis and buses approximately 80 yuan. One person can have a very comfortable trip for just over 1,200 yuan. You can experience the essence of Chengde without even going to the grasslands. My biggest feeling upon returning is that Chengde is not a city that immediately blows you away; it's slow. In the morning, the lamb soup steams; at noon, you hear cicadas under the Summer Resort's corridors; in the evening, the wind from the Wulie River carries a hint of pine. What ordinary people's lives lack is this kind of "unhurried" half-day. Don't treat it as a checklist task; treat it as staying at a relative's house for two days, and you'll get it right. 🌿 Are you going to Chengde for the Summer Resort or the grasslands recently? Are you staying in Shuangqiao District or directly in Bashang? Chat in the comments, and I'll help you check if your itinerary has any pitfalls 👇

Tianma Flying Town | Objective Review ✅Advantages 1. Unique Features: One of the few formal low-altitude flight camps in Bashang, offering powered paragliding and hot air balloon rides for panoramic views of the grasslands. This is a rare feature in other grassland scenic areas. 2. Photogenic: The fairytale grassland area features Hobbit houses, candy houses, vast flower fields, and a Russian-style street—perfect for photos with friends or couples. 3. Excellent Nighttime Experience: Free stunt car shows, evening bonfire parties, and illuminated hot air balloons create a wonderful nighttime atmosphere. It's highly recommended to stay until evening. 4. Comfortable Summer Retreat: Average summer temperature is 17℃. One-stop shopping, accommodation, and entertainment. Hotels and fairytale restaurants are available within the scenic area, eliminating the need for back-and-forth travel. Family-friendly with numerous attractions: grass skiing, archery, animal interactions, carousel, etc. 5. Convenient for those driving, large parking lot, very close to Datang Town. ✨Who is it suitable for? ✔️Friends taking photos, couples on dates, families with children, short two-day/one-night getaways, those wanting to see stunt shows, and those wanting to experience low-altitude flights. 💡Best travel advice Prioritize staying one night. Spend the day exploring the fairytale grassland, taking photos, and enjoying the amusement park. Watch the sunset in the evening, and enjoy the stunt car ride and bonfire at night for the most complete experience. A one-day trip will be rushed. Buying tickets online in advance is more cost-effective. Call before departure to confirm if the flight attraction is open. In short: It's not a purely pristine grassland; it's a man-made fairytale-themed resort. Photography, performances, and nighttime activities are its strengths, while the flight attraction is its flagship activity. Staying one night will provide a far better experience than a rushed one-day visit. Tianma Flying Town | Objective Review ✅Advantages 1. Unique Features: One of the few formal low-altitude flight camps in Bashang, offering powered paragliding and hot air balloon rides for panoramic views of the grasslands. This is a rare feature in other grassland scenic areas. 2. Photogenic: The fairytale grassland area features Hobbit houses, candy houses, vast flower fields, and a Russian-style street—perfect for photos with friends or couples. 3. Excellent Nighttime Experience: Free stunt car shows, evening bonfire parties, and illuminated hot air balloons create a wonderful nighttime atmosphere. It's highly recommended to stay until evening. 4. Comfortable Summer Retreat: Average summer temperature is 17℃. One-stop shopping, accommodation, and entertainment. Hotels and fairytale restaurants are available within the scenic area, eliminating the need for back-and-forth travel. Family-friendly with numerous attractions: grass skiing, archery, animal interactions, carousel, etc. 5. Convenient for those driving, large parking lot, very close to Datang Town. ✨Who is it suitable for? ✔️Friends taking photos, couples on dates, families with children, short two-day/one-night getaways, those wanting to see stunt shows, and those wanting to experience low-altitude flights. 💡Best travel advice Prioritize staying one night. Spend the day exploring the fairytale grassland, taking photos, and enjoying the amusement park. Watch the sunset in the evening, and enjoy the stunt car ride and bonfire at night for the most complete experience. A one-day trip will be rushed. Buying tickets online in advance is more cost-effective. Call before departure to confirm if the flight attraction is open. In short: It's not a purely pristine grassland; it's a man-made fairytale-themed resort. Photography, performances, and nighttime activities are its strengths, while the flight attraction is its flagship activity. Staying one night will provide a far better experience than a rushed one-day visit.

📍Location: Dahan Palace, Fengning Bashang ⏰Duration: This morning, spent about 1.5–2 hours 🚗Transportation: Self-driving. It's very close to where I'm staying, just a few minutes away by car. There is a parking lot at the entrance, making it convenient to park. Arrived in Bashang today, and my first stop is Dahan Palace. The entire scenic area has a strong Mongol Yuan atmosphere, featuring expansive Mongolian-style palaces, archways, and many sculptures of historical figures. The grounds are very open, allowing you to overlook the grasslands from within the park—perfect for photos. Stroll slowly along the paths, admire the architecture and statues, and learn a bit about Mongol Yuan history. The UV rays in Bashang are very strong. Even if it's cloudy, be sure to wear sun protection. While the breeze is cool, the sun can still be quite intense on your skin. A quick tip: if you just want to see the grassland scenery, you can enjoy it from the roadside outside the scenic area. If you want to see unique architecture and explore cultural sites, you can buy a ticket to enter. You don't need to set aside a whole day; a morning visit is just right. After you're done, you can head off to the Bashang Grassland.

Bashang forest secret|Saihanba national forest park self-driving travel guide 📍Address: North of Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, Chengde City, core area of Mulan Weichang ⏰Opening hours: The park is open all day. Internal attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry to small attractions stops at 5:00 PM 🎫Tickets: Saihanba + Yudaokou combined ticket costs 130 yuan, valid for 3 days. Half price for students and seniors aged 60–69. Free admission for seniors over 70 and children under 1.2 meters with valid ID. Self-driving vehicles can enter the park directly ⏱Recommended visit: 2–3 days. Best time to visit is July–August for cool weather and flower seas, and mid-September to early October for golden autumn birch forests. Summer daytime temperature is around 22°C with a large temperature difference between day and night 🚗Transportation guide Self-driving is the preferred option. From Beijing, take the Jingcheng Expressway to the Daguang Expressway, exit at Weichang North, then take the Qisai route to reach the mechanical forest farm. Driving from Beijing takes about 5 hours, from Chengde city about 3 hours. Attractions inside the park are far apart, so self-driving offers high flexibility. Take the high-speed train to Chengde South Station, then charter a car to the park. Accommodation is best in the mechanical forest farm town, where dining and supplies are concentrated, convenient for watching sunrise and morning fog. 🚶Travel routes One-day tight route: Saihan Tower → Qixing Lake Wetland Park → Taifeng Lake → Birch Flat → Moon Lake Two-day classic loop: Day 1: Saihan Tower → Shanghai Memorial Forest → Qixing Lake Wetland Park, wait for sunset and morning fog in the evening Day 2: Taifeng Lake → Ten-Mile Gallery → Moon Lake → Source of Luan River. If time allows, visit Yudaokou scenic area ✨Key check-in spots Qixing Lake Wetland Park, with seven lakes arranged like the Big Dipper. Lakeside wooden boardwalk. Morning fog over the lake and forest reflections make it a prime photography spot. Sunrise and sunset offer excellent atmosphere. Saihan Tower, climb the observation tower to overlook thousands of acres of man-made forest on one side and old sandy land on the other, directly experiencing the Saihanba afforestation miracle with vast views. Taifeng Lake, a long and quiet lake surrounded by trees with a smooth surface, ideal for road check-ins and aerial photography. Birch Flat, a large area of birch forest with walking paths. Cool shade in summer and golden leaves in autumn make for great photos. Moon Lake, a circular grassland lake with open surroundings, perfect for leisurely walks and scenic views. Ten-Mile Gallery, along the road are forests, meadows, and windmills. Stop and take photos anytime to fully enjoy Bashang scenery. Shanghai Memorial Forest, a Saihanba afforestation memorial site to learn about the forest farm’s history, a red cultural spot. Source of Luan River, a boundary river wetland and the origin of the Luan River, with lush water plants and grassland wetland scenery. 💡Practical tips Large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, bring a thick jacket as mornings and evenings are cool. Dress for wind protection and warmth. Some areas have weak cell signal. Download offline maps in advance. Strong UV rays. Use sun protection. Supplies inside the park are scattered. Bring enough drinking water. Open flames are prohibited in the forest area. Do not trample the grassland. To see morning fog, get up early. Best time is 5:00–7:00 AM.

🌿 Day 1 Chengde|Imperial Gardens + Spectacular Live Show Morning: Take a high-speed train to Chengde South Station and check in upon arrival. Lunch: Enjoy local specialties 🍜 Afternoon: Visit the Mountain Resort, a masterpiece blending northern and southern garden styles, where ancient architecture and natural landscapes reflect the Qing Dynasty's multi-ethnic integration. Evening: Stroll along Yuanbao Street, a Qing Dynasty-style architectural complex where royal culture meets modern trends. Admire the pavilions, opera stages, and musical fountains ✨ Watch "The Kangxi Ceremony," the world's first large-scale outdoor live performance of royal culture, set against real mountains with stunning sound and light effects, depicting the legendary life of Emperor Kangxi 🏔️ 🐎 Day 2 Chengde → Ulan Butong|First Glimpse of Autumn on the Grasslands Morning: Depart for Mulan Weichang, passing through Saihanba National Forest Park, a vast man-made forest with larch, birch, and spruce trees 🌲 (approx. 3.5-hour drive). Noon: Check into the hotel, have lunch, and rest. Afternoon: Explore Hamu Valley, where golden birch, orange oak, and evergreen pines create a painter's palette 🎨. Capture "Horses Crossing the River" at Tian Tai Yong, with backlit shots of galloping horses splashing water; and "Hundred Cattle Scene," a serene pastoral view 🐂. End the day at Hama Dam for sunset, where two mountains frame a winding clear river, blending nature and local culture 🌅. Dinner: Enjoy the specialty meal "Mongolian Tales" 🍖 📸 Day 3 Iconic Photography Spots|Galloping Horses + Herds in Motion Early Morning (4:30 AM): Head to General's Paozi to capture the sunrise, with white horses galloping through the water against a glowing backdrop 🐎💦. Visit Yangshubei for wide-open views of grazing cattle, sheep, and horses, evoking a tranquil pastoral scene 🐑. Explore the vibrant autumn colors of Wucai Mountain, with its layered secondary forests 🍂. At Yeyahu, enjoy the misty morning views, where the clear lake reflects the sky and surrounding landscape 🦆. Noon: Return to the hotel for lunch and rest. Afternoon: Visit Princess Lake, where golden birch trees stand by the water, their reflections creating a seamless blend of sky and lake 🏞️. At the Wild Riding Camp, witness the "Herds in Motion," with galloping horses kicking up dust, their flowing manes backlit dramatically 🐎🔥. Dinner: Indulge in a buffet of traditional hotpot with lamb 🍲. 🍁 Day 4 In-Depth Photography|Morning Mist + Deer Sanctuary Early Morning: Capture the sunrise at Aobao Tu, where the folds of hills and birch trees play with light and shadow in the morning mist 🌄. At Toufenggou, admire the meandering Panlong River, surrounded by undulating mountains and vibrant autumn hues 🏔️. Visit Nan Jing's expansive pastures, where golden birch, Mongolian oak, and linden trees create a colorful, oil-painting-like landscape 🖼️. Noon: Lunch and rest. Afternoon: Explore the Royal Deer Sanctuary, where hundreds of sika deer roam freely among golden birch forests, their antlers glowing in the backlight like a fairytale scene 🦌✨. At Xiaohekou, golden trees reflect in clear waters, creating a poetic grassland view 💧. From Baijia Wopu's vantage point, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the grasslands, with golden birch, rolling hills, and dynamic light and shadow 🌾. Dinner: Relax and unwind. 🏯 Day 5 Ulan Butong → Gubei Water Town|Northern Water Town + Majestic Great Wall Morning: Travel to Gubei Water Town (approx. 4.5-hour drive), a northern water town at the foot of the Great Wall. Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with gray brick buildings, take a boat ride on the serene waters, and admire the red ivy-covered walls and golden ginkgo leaves 🍂. Noon: Lunch in the water town. Afternoon: Climb the Jinshanling Great Wall, known as the "most beautiful section of the Great Wall," with dense watchtowers and well-preserved original features. In autumn, the ancient gray walls are surrounded by vibrant red and yellow foliage, creating a stunning contrast 🏯🍁. Evening: Enjoy the night view of the water town, with thousands of lights reflecting on the river. From afar, the silhouette of the Great Wall on the mountain ridge blends with the ancient town, creating a magical atmosphere 🌃. 🚄 Day 6 Jinshanling → Beijing|Perfect Ending Morning: Depart from Jinshanling to Beijing West Station (approx. 2.4-hour drive), concluding a delightful journey ✨. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation in Ulan Butong Soxing Hotel (Ulan Butong Scenic Area Branch) Located in the heart of the Ulan Butong Scenic Area, offering unparalleled convenience for photography and exploration. 🛏️ Cozy and comfortable rooms combining grassland charm with modern amenities. 🍽️ A wide range of dining options, including Mongolian cuisine and home-style dishes. 💁 Attentive and thoughtful service, making it an ideal choice for photography groups and family trips. In the golden autumn of the grasslands, stay at Soxing Hotel and immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of the prairie 🍂🐎.

Four Cool Family-Friendly Destinations for Summer Retreat (June-August) ✌️ 🧊 Introduction The weather starts getting hot at the end of June 🔥, and kids can't stay home during summer vacation. Instead of forcing yourselves to brave the heat to visit tourist attractions, why not choose naturally cool destinations—forests, wetlands, bamboo forests, and grasslands 🌿? Temperatures are all in the low 20°C, perfect for short sleeves during the day and a jacket at night 🧥. The following four destinations offer experiences like chasing golden monkeys in a primeval forest 🐒, playing in lotus ponds on a small boat 🪷, boating and feeding deer in a royal garden 🦌, and trekking through bamboo forests to see pandas 🐼. Kids will have a blast, and adults won't have to sweat while taking care of them. 🌲 Shennongjia | A Nature Classroom in a 20°C Primeval Forest Shennongjia is nestled in the mountains of western Hubei Province. The average summer temperature is only 20°C. Vast primeval forests block out the heat, resulting in an incredibly high concentration of negative oxygen ions. Children from the city often remark that "the air is sweet." The most exciting place for children is Golden Monkey Ridge. Walking along the gentle forest trails, you might be lucky enough to spot wild golden monkeys leaping among the trees. Staff will explain the monkeys' habits, making it much more engaging than watching a documentary. At the deer park, you can feed the free-roaming deer. The baby deer are gentle and friendly; children squat down to feed them carrots, and the deer nuzzle their hands – a scene that adults and children alike find hard to leave. Dajiuhu Wetland is another world entirely. Take the scenic train around the lake. The lake reflects the blue sky and meadows, and black swans glide slowly through the reeds. Children can feed them bread. The wetland boardwalk is gently sloping, making it easy to push a stroller. The short hiking trail at Shennongding is densely shaded, with streams and wildflowers along the way, allowing you to learn about rare plants as you walk – like an outdoor biology lesson. A sightseeing bus connects all the core attractions within the scenic area, eliminating the need for driving or carrying heavy loads, making it easy for both the elderly and children to enjoy. In the evening, check into Pingqian Ancient Town. The temperature is cool, and the night market is bustling with activity. The light and nourishing medicinal dishes like Tianma chicken and cured pork ribs are perfect for children to enjoy while adults feel the mountain breeze, washing away the day's fatigue. As for food, Shennongjia's Tujia cuisine mainly features stews and steamed dishes, not too spicy, making it popular with children. Local specialties include cured pork stir-fried with wild vegetables, stir-fried potatoes with Zha Guangjiao (a type of chili), and lazy tofu, all available for a large meal for around 40-50 yuan per person. Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Pingqian Ancient Town or Muyu Town. There are many guesthouses to choose from nearby. Book a week in advance during peak season. Three days is just right to visit Jinhouling, Dajiuhu, Shennongding, and Luyuan – a leisurely pace. The temperature difference between day and night is significant in the mountains, so bring a light jacket for the children; short sleeves are fine during the day. 🪷 Puzhehei | 22°C Boat Trip into a Sea of ​​Lotus Flowers Puzhehei is located in Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The average summer temperature is 22°C, neither too hot nor too cold. June to August is the peak season for lotus blossoms, with over 30,000 acres of lotus ponds covering the water, pink and white flowers crowding together. Sitting on the boat, the view is like stepping into a painting 🎨. The most fun is taking a small willow-leaf boat through the lotus ponds 🚣. The boat is small, just right for a family. The boatman uses a bamboo pole to navigate through the lotus leaves, the splashing water feeling cool and refreshing. Children have water fights with other children on nearby boats 🔫, while adults lie at the bow watching the lotus flowers and blue sky. Laughter and the sound of water blend together – this is what summer should be like. The lake is relatively shallow, making it safer for children to play in the water, but remember to bring two sets of clothes as they'll definitely get soaked during water fights 👕. Besides the lotus flowers, the karst landscape of Puzhehei is also worth seeing. Climbing Qinglong Mountain offers a panoramic view of the entire lake area; the mountain isn't high and can be reached in half an hour. The summit provides a wide vista, encompassing peaks, lakes, and villages. Swan Lake Scenic Area has a migratory bird habitat, where children can get up close to egrets and moorhens—a peaceful and wild experience 🦆. The food is a hidden gem in Puzhehei ✨. Lotus leaf omelets are fragrant and crispy, and the colorful rice, dyed with natural plants, is a favorite with children. Lotus flower pastries are a local specialty dessert. There's also sour soup pig's feet and grilled wild fish—the flavors are tangy and spicy, appetizing but not overpowering; the clear soup version is perfect for children. Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Puzhehei Village or Xianrendong Village; guesthouses offer views of the lotus ponds right from the window. Two days and one night is just right. The first day is spent boating to admire the flowers and having a water fight; the second day involves climbing Qinglong Mountain for panoramic views and visiting Swan Lake. The pace is relaxed and not rushed. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun; Yunnan's UV rays are strong, so a hat and sunscreen are essential 🧴. 🦌 Chengde Bashang | 22°C Royal Summer Resort + Grassland Fun Chengde was the summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty emperors, a fact that speaks volumes. The Mountain Resort boasts an average temperature of 22°C, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and expansive lakes. Enjoy boat rides to admire the mountains, rocks, and pavilions, and children can even feed deer on the islands. This "royal summer retreat" experience is unique in China 👑. The Mountain Resort itself is a huge family paradise. You can boat on the lake to see lotus flowers, roam freely among sika deer and peacocks 🦚 in the mountains, and fly kites and run laps on the wide grasslands of the plains 🪁. Children under 12 years old can enter most scenic areas free of charge, saving a family of three several hundred yuan on entrance fees alone 💰. The colorful Tibetan-style architecture of the Eight Outer Temples is a fascinating subject for children, offering stories of ethnic integration during the Qing Dynasty that are far more engaging than textbooks. A two-hour drive north of Chengde lies the Bashang Grassland. Saihanba is a vast man-made forest with over 80% forest coverage, boasting incredibly fresh air. The Ulan Butong Grassland is even more expansive, offering horseback riding, grass skiing, and archery. Children riding horses across the grassland are so excited they'll tell their classmates for days. The shallow, flat shores of Shandian Lake provide a delightful spot for splashing and collecting stones. Watching the sunset over the grassland in the evening is a must, with the sky ablaze with color, and at night you can even see the Milky Way – a starry sky unlike anything you'll see in the city. As for food, Chengde's roasted lamb leg and hot pot lamb are must-try dishes, the meat tender and not gamey. Chengde cold noodles, sliced ​​pork, and Nansha cakes are local specialties that children love. The Mongolian yurt restaurants on the Bashang Grassland offer a unique experience of hand-pulled mutton and milk tea, a truly immersive experience 🥛. Accommodation suggestion: Spend one night in Chengde city to visit the Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples, and one night on the Bashang Grassland for horseback riding and stargazing. A three-day, two-night stay is just the right pace, avoiding rushing and fatigue. Families from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei can reach Chengde directly by high-speed rail in one hour, or by car 🚗. Be aware of the significant temperature difference between day and night on the grassland; a light jacket or windbreaker is essential. 🎋 Anji | A Cool World Amidst 22°C Bamboo Forests Anji, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang, is entirely covered by bamboo forests, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 70%. Summer temperatures are 6 to 8°C lower than in Hangzhou and Shanghai. Stepping off the high-speed rail from the city into the bamboo forest, the lush greenery blocks out the heat, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of bamboo 🍃, providing a moment of respite for both adults and children. The Bamboo Expo Park is a favorite among children. This place is home to giant pandas, a national treasure 🐼, whose leisurely munching on bamboo in the bamboo forest is incredibly soothing. Next door, there's a bamboo weaving workshop where children can make their own bamboo ornaments – a simple and fun intangible cultural heritage experience, and they can even take their creations home as souvenirs 🎁. The Anji branch of the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History is free to enter 🆓, offering a comprehensive collection of dinosaur fossils, marine life, and geological science exhibits, making it an excellent indoor option for families with children on hot days. Canglong Hundred Waterfalls is a water paradise 💦. The entire valley is filled with flowing streams, and gentle, shallow beaches are everywhere. Bring water guns and fishing nets for some fun and water activities. The shade of the trees completely blocks out the sun, allowing children to soak in the cool streams and catch small fish, while adults sit on nearby rocks enjoying the breeze – a cool and comfortable experience without getting sunburned or tired. Jialebi Amusement Park features a children's water playground, a steam train, and a rainbow slide 🎢 – a perfect way to burn off energy. During the summer holidays, there are also molten iron fireworks performances at night! 🔥 The molten iron is shot out, creating a shower of golden sparks that leave children mesmerized. Anji's cuisine is light and easy on the stomach, making it especially suitable for children. Bamboo rice is made by steaming glutinous rice wrapped in fresh bamboo tubes; the aroma of bamboo fills the air when the lid is opened. 🍚 White tea chicken is made by stewing local free-range chicken with Anji white tea, resulting in a clear and flavorful broth. Stir-fried bamboo shoot soup and dried bamboo shoot and old duck soup are local specialties, low in oil and spice, and loved by children. Accommodation Recommendation: Anji boasts abundant homestay resources, ranging from family-friendly themes to secluded bamboo forest retreats. Book three days in advance during peak season. A two-day, one-night stay is perfect: the first day includes visits to the Bamboo Expo Park and Natural History Museum, and the second day features canyon trekking and water activities at Canglong Waterfall – a relaxed pace. It's within an hour's high-speed rail journey from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, making it suitable for weekend getaways. Be aware that there are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so mosquito repellent is essential. 🦟 💡 Travel Tips📝 Common characteristics of the four destinations: average temperature 20-22°C, wear short sleeves during the day, and a jacket in the morning and evening. Mosquitoes are plentiful in mountainous and grassland areas, so bring mosquito repellent for children and a light long-sleeved jacket. For water-related destinations, pack two extra sets of clothes and non-slip sandals. June to August is peak season, so be sure to book guesthouses and attraction tickets online in advance. Travel with children at a slower pace; one main attraction per day is enough, and don't skip lunchtime rest 😴, a well-rested child means a quieter family. During summer vacation, avoid crowded tourist spots with your kids. Find a cool, small town to relax in, let the children run wild among the mountains, forests, lakes, and grasslands, and enjoy the cool 20°C breeze 🌿 Four Cool Family-Friendly Destinations for Summer Retreat (June-August)✌️ 🧊 Introduction The weather starts getting hot at the end of June 🔥, and the kids can't stay home during summer vacation. Instead of braving the heat to visit tourist attractions, why not choose naturally cool destinations—forests, wetlands, bamboo forests, and grasslands🌿? Temperatures are all just over 20°C, perfect for short sleeves during the day and a jacket at night🧥. The following four destinations offer fun experiences: chasing golden monkeys in a primeval forest🐒, playing in lotus ponds on a small boat🪷, boating and feeding deer in a royal garden🦌, and tracing streams in a bamboo forest to see pandas🐼. Kids will have a blast, and adults won't have to sweat while taking care of the kids. 🌲 Shennongjia | A Natural Classroom in a 20°C Primeval Forest Shennongjia is located in the mountains of western Hubei. The average summer temperature is only 20°C. Vast primeval forests block out the heat, resulting in an incredibly high concentration of negative oxygen ions🌬️. Children from the city exclaimed, "The air is sweet!" The most exciting place for children is Golden Monkey Ridge. Walking along the gentle forest trails, you might be lucky enough to spot wild golden monkeys leaping among the trees. Staff will explain the monkeys' habits, making the experience far more engaging than watching a documentary. At the deer park, you can feed the free-roaming fawns. The baby deer are gentle and friendly; children squat down to feed them carrots, and the fawns nuzzle their hands – a scene that adults and children alike won't want to leave. Dajiuhu Wetland is another world entirely. Take the scenic train around the lake, where the blue sky and meadows are reflected in the water. Black swans glide slowly through the reeds, and children can feed them bread. The wetland boardwalk is entirely flat, making it easy to push a stroller. The short hiking trail at Shennongding is densely shaded, with streams and wildflowers along the way. Learn about rare plants as you walk, like attending an outdoor biology class. The entire scenic area is connected by a sightseeing bus, linking all the core attractions. No need to drive or carry heavy loads, making it easy for both the elderly and children to enjoy the area. We checked into Pingqian Ancient Town in the evening. The temperature was cool, and the night market was bustling with activity. The local dishes, like Tianma chicken and cured pork ribs, were light and nourishing. The kids enjoyed hot soup while the adults felt the mountain breeze, completely washing away the day's fatigue. As for food, the Tujia cuisine in Shennongjia mainly features stews and steamed dishes, not too spicy, making it popular with children. Stir-fried cured pork with wild vegetables, stir-fried potatoes with chili peppers, and lazy tofu are all local specialties. A large meal can be had for around 40-50 yuan per person. Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Pingqian Ancient Town or Muyu Town. There are many guesthouses to choose from nearby. Book a week in advance during peak season. Three days is just right to visit Jinhouling, Dajiuhu, Shennongding, and Luyuan – a leisurely pace. The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is significant, so bring a light jacket for children; short sleeves are fine during the day. 🪷 Puzhehei | A Boat Trip into a Sea of ​​Lotus Flowers at 22°C Puzhehei, located in Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, boasts an average summer temperature of 22°C, perfect for its mild climate. From June to August, the lotus flowers are in full bloom, covering over 30,000 acres of ponds. Pink and white blossoms crowd together, creating a scene straight out of a painting from a boat 🎨. The most fun activity is navigating the lotus ponds in a small willow-leaf boat 🚣. The boats are small, just right for a family. The boatman navigates through the lotus leaves with a bamboo pole, the splashing water feeling refreshing. Children have water fights with kids on neighboring boats 🔫, while adults relax at the bow, enjoying the lotus flowers and blue sky. Laughter mingles with the sounds of water – this is what summer should be like. The lake is relatively shallow, making it safer for children to play in the water, but remember to bring two sets of clothes – you'll definitely get soaked during the water fights 👕. Besides the lotus flowers, Puzhehei's karst landscape is also well worth seeing. Climbing Qinglong Mountain offers panoramic views of the entire lake area. The mountain isn't high, taking only half an hour to climb. The summit provides a breathtaking vista, encompassing peaks, lakes, and villages. Swan Lake Scenic Area features a migratory bird habitat, allowing children to get up close to egrets and moorhens – a tranquil and wild experience. The food is a hidden gem in Puzhehei! Lotus leaf omelets are fragrant and crispy, while the colorful rice, dyed with natural plants, is a favorite with children. Lotus flower pastries are a local specialty dessert. There's also sour soup pig's feet and grilled wild fish, all with a tangy and spicy flavor that's appetizing but not overpowering. For children, the clear soup version is perfect. Accommodation Recommendation: Stay in Puzhehei Village or Xianrendong Village. Guesthouses offer views of the lotus ponds right from the window. A two-day, one-night stay is ideal. The first day can be spent boating and water play with the flowers, followed by a hike up Qinglong Mountain for panoramic views and a visit to Swan Lake – a relaxed and unhurried pace. Remember to protect yourself from the sun; Yunnan's UV rays are strong, so hats and sunscreen are essential. 🦌 Chengde Bashang | 22°C Royal Summer Resort + Grassland Fun Chengde was the summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty emperors, a fact that speaks volumes. The Mountain Resort boasts an average temperature of 22°C, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and expansive lakes. Enjoy boat rides to admire the mountains, rocks, and pavilions, and children can even feed deer on the islands – this "royal summer retreat" experience is unique in China 👑. The Mountain Resort itself is a huge family-friendly paradise. Boat trips on the lake to see lotus flowers, free-range deer and peacocks 🦚 in the mountains, and wide lawns in the plains perfect for kite flying and running laps 🪁. Children under 12 get free admission to most scenic spots, saving a family of three several hundred yuan on entrance fees alone 💰. The colorful Tibetan-style architecture of the Eight Outer Temples offers children a fascinating tale of ethnic integration during the Qing Dynasty, far more interesting than textbooks. A two-hour drive north of Chengde lies the Bashang Grassland. Saihanba is a vast man-made forest with a forest coverage rate exceeding 80%, offering air so fresh it's practically a lung-cleansing experience. Ulanbutong Grassland is even more expansive, offering horseback riding, grass skiing, and archery – kids will be thrilled after a ride across the grassland, telling their classmates for days. The shallow waters and gentle beaches of Shandian Lake provide endless fun for splashing and collecting stones. Watch the sunset over the grassland in the evening, with the sky ablaze with color, and at night you can even see the Milky Way – a starry sky unlike anything you'll see in the city. As for food, roasted lamb leg and hot pot lamb in Chengde are must-try dishes, the meat tender and not gamey. Chengde cold noodles, sliced ​​pork, and Nansha cakes are local specialties that kids love. At the Mongolian yurt restaurants on the Bashang Grassland, you can experience hand-pulled mutton and milk tea, a truly special experience. Accommodation suggestion: Stay one night in Chengde city to visit the Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples, and one night on the Bashang Grassland for horseback riding and stargazing. A three-day, two-night trip is just the right pace—not rushed, not tiring. Families from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region can reach Chengde in just one hour by high-speed rail, or conveniently by car. Be aware of the significant temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands; a light windbreaker or jacket is essential. 🎋 Anji | A Cool World in a 22°C Bamboo Forest Anji, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang, is entirely covered by bamboo forests, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 70%. Summer temperatures are 6 to 8°C lower than in Hangzhou and Shanghai. Stepping off the high-speed rail from the city into the bamboo forest, the lush greenery blocks out the heat, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of bamboo. Adults and children alike can breathe a sigh of relief. The Bamboo Expo Park is a favorite among children. Home to giant pandas, the sight of them leisurely munching on bamboo in the forest is incredibly soothing. Next door, there are bamboo weaving workshops where children can make their own bamboo ornaments—a simple and fun intangible cultural heritage experience, and they can even take their creations home as souvenirs. The Anji branch of the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History is free to enter 🆓, offering a comprehensive collection of dinosaur fossils, marine life, and geological science exhibits—a perfect indoor option for families with children on hot days. Canglong Hundred Waterfalls is a water paradise 💦. The entire valley is filled with flowing streams and gentle, shallow beaches; bring water guns and fishing nets for a fun-filled day of swimming and wading. The shade of the trees completely blocks out the sun, allowing children to soak in the cool water and catch small fish while adults relax on nearby rocks in the breeze—a comfortable and stress-free experience. Jialebi Amusement Park features a children's water playground, a steam train, and a rainbow slide 🎢—perfect for burning the midnight oil. During summer evenings, there's also a spectacular iron-sparkling performance 🔥, where molten iron is shot out, creating a shower of golden sparks that will leave children mesmerized. Anji's cuisine is light and easy on the stomach, making it especially suitable for children. Bamboo rice, made by steaming glutinous rice wrapped in fresh bamboo tubes, releases a wonderfully fragrant aroma when the lid is opened 🍚. White Tea Chicken uses local free-range chicken stewed with Anji white tea, resulting in a clear and flavorful broth. Stir-fried Bamboo Shoot Soup and Dried Bamboo Shoot and Old Duck Soup are local specialties, low in oil and spice, and loved by children. Accommodation Recommendation: Anji boasts abundant homestay resources, ranging from family-friendly themes to bamboo forest retreats. Book three days in advance during peak season. A two-day, one-night stay is perfect: Day 1 at the Bamboo Expo Park and Natural History Museum, Day 2 for Canglong Hundred Waterfalls (stream tracing and water activities) – a relaxed pace. It's within an hour's high-speed rail journey from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, making it suitable for weekend trips. Be aware of mosquitoes in the mountains and forests, so mosquito repellent is essential. 💡 Travel Tips📝 Common characteristics of the four destinations: Average temperature between 20-22°C; wear short sleeves during the day and a jacket in the mornings and evenings. Mosquitoes are more prevalent in mountainous and grassland areas, so bring children's mosquito repellent and a light long-sleeved jacket. For water-related destinations, pack two sets of clothes and non-slip sandals. June to August is peak season; be sure to book homestays and attraction tickets online in advance. Traveling with kids requires a slower pace. One main attraction per day is enough, and don't skip lunchtime naps 😴. A well-rested child means a quieter family. During summer vacation, avoid crowded tourist spots. Find a cool, small town to relax in, let the kids run wild amidst the mountains, forests, lakes, and meadows, and let yourself breathe in the cool 20°C breeze 🌿

Traveling to Fengning Bashang Grassland, I finally found a treasure of a homestay with a perfect atmosphere, suitable for families, pets, and vacations—Daidai Boutique Homestay! It truly lives up to its reputation as a top-rated Bashang homestay. The real-life scenery is like a healing storybook, making it a top choice for your stay in Bashang. Many people struggle with accommodation when coming to Bashang Grassland, fearing noisy environments, old facilities, or no-pet policies. Daidai Boutique Homestay perfectly avoids all these drawbacks. The overall courtyard is clean and elegant, with red brick buildings paired with green courtyards, quiet and secluded corridors, and a super-large terrace facing the vast grassland. During the day, watch the clouds roll over the grassland; at night, encounter the starry sky and brilliant fireworks. Every frame of the scenery is like a scene from a storybook, with an incredible atmosphere. ✅ Ultra-soothing storybook atmosphere, perfect for photos The homestay's overall decoration is simple and high-end, with plenty of courtyards, terraces, corridors, and viewing spots. You don't need to deliberately look for angles; the real-life scenery you capture is soft and healing. After comparing many Fengning Bashang homestays, this is the one with the most outstanding appearance and quality, perfect for vacation check-ins and travel photography. ✅ Authentic pet-friendly homestay This is one of the few boutique homestays in Bashang that is fully pet-friendly! You can rest assured bringing your dogs and pets to stay together. The courtyard space is open, allowing fur babies to run freely without restrictions or extra fees. It's the top choice for pet-owning families visiting Bashang Grassland. ✅ Immersive grassland vacation, quiet and peaceful Far from the noise of the main road, the courtyard is private and quiet, and the day-night temperature difference is well-suited to the Bashang climate. During the day, relax and daydream on the terrace while overlooking the panoramic view of the grassland. At night, the courtyard lights are gentle, and there are occasionally romantic fireworks, completely unlocking a slow-paced grassland vacation, perfect for stress relief and short trips. ✅ Fully equipped, comfortable and worry-free stay As a high-quality homestay in Fengning Bashang, the property has perfect infrastructure, clean and tidy guest rooms with great lighting, and soft, comfortable bedding. It is also equipped with leisure courtyards, viewing terraces, and public rest areas. Whether it's a couple's trip, a getaway with friends, or a short family trip, you can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant stay. For short trips around Beijing and Fengning Bashang Grassland, no need to follow the trend and crowd into trendy homestays! This Daidai Boutique Homestay combines style, comfort, and atmosphere. It is quiet and healing, suitable for taking photos, and supports pet stays. It is a high-value choice for accommodation in Bashang. 📍Homestay: Daidai Boutique Homestay (Fengning Bashang Grassland Branch) Fengning Bashang Daidai Homestay

Heading to Fengning Bashang in August? Listen to some honest advice first 🌿. Don't wait until you're freezing on the grasslands to realize you didn't check the guide. I just got back from Datan Town. The experience of wandering around in a short-sleeved shirt during the day and shivering in a thin down jacket at night is truly miserable ❄️. 🚌 [Transportation guide] It takes about 4 hours to drive from Beijing. Just take the Jingcheng Expressway, transfer to Huairou and Fengning, and head straight to Datan Town 🚗. If you don't have a car, don't worry. There are buses from Liuliqiao or Wangjing West to Fengning County, then transfer to a minibus to Datan Town. The whole trip takes about 5 hours. But honestly, the attractions on the grasslands are far apart. It's really tough without a car, so I don't recommend relying solely on public transport. If you're driving, there are few gas stations along the Baili Tianlu, and there's no signal deep in the grasslands. Make sure your tank is at least half full before you leave and download offline maps. I won't go into how foolish it is to skip this step 📵. 📸 Photo spots (I'm highlighting this section separately) "Liuyunling" on the Baili Tianlu is truly stunning. On a clear day with clouds but no fog, any photo you take looks like a Windows desktop background 🌤️. An hour before sunset at Shandian Lake, the lake reflects the windmills and sunset glow. The raw photos look like movie posters. The red prayer flags by the lake make for a healing foreground as the golden light falls. Go to the birch forest in Qiansongba in the early morning; the dappled light and shadow act as a natural filter. It looks amazing if you wear a red dress 📷. You can overlook the sunset from the top of the East Mountain in Yunzhong Grassland; it's ethereal. In the Liushugou Savanna, the golden sunset spills over the rolling grasslands, and phone photos look like screensaver masterpieces. Also, you can photograph fireflies and the Milky Way during a night tour of the Yangchanghe Wetland—a paradise for stargazers ✨. A tip to avoid clichés: don't pose with a silk scarf. Try picking up a leaf to block the lens; the atmosphere will be completely different. 🎫 Attraction ticket booking The crowds on weekends during the peak season in August can be overwhelming. I recommend booking attraction tickets on Trip.com in advance; queuing on-site will drive you crazy. Adult tickets for Baili Tianlu are ¥118, the ticket + Qiansongba in-depth tour package is ¥148, and concession tickets are ¥58. Adult tickets for Yunzhong Grassland are ¥98, and concession tickets are ¥48. Adult tickets for Shenxiangu Colorful Forest are ¥118. Packages including the mountain train + show + night carnival start at ¥145, and ¥195 with horseback riding. The unlimited play ticket for China Mazhen Wuma World is ¥368, and the 2-day, 2-entry ticket is ¥238. Seniors over 70 can enter for free with their ID cards. It would be foolish not to take advantage of this perk 💡. 🍖 Local food recommendations Shouba Rou (hand-grabbed meat): Tender and without a gamey taste, this is a signature grassland dish that must be tried. It's perfect with wild chive flower sauce 🥩 Youmian Wowo (oat noodle nests): A coarse grain pasta made with grassland spring water. It's super flavorful when dipped in sauce and is excellent with mushroom meat sauce or lamb and mushroom soup Charcoal-grilled lamb leg: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If there are only a few people, a lamb leg or lamb chops are enough. No need to worry about a gamey taste Salty milk tea: Relieves greasiness and warms the stomach. It suits the grassland climate and is completely different from the sweet milk tea in the city Naijiaokou: A fermented dairy product with a texture like ice cream, a local specialty dessert Farmhouse stewed chicken with mushrooms: Fresh and fragrant, this is an authentic, hearty dish 🐎 Detailed itinerary Day 1: Depart from Beijing, arrive in Datan Town at noon to check in. In the afternoon, head straight to Shandian Lake to photograph the "Sky Mirror," and watch the sunset in the evening. Return to town in the evening for grilled lamb leg + bonfire. The fireworks are like New Year's Eve 🎆. Day 2: Drive into the south gate of Baili Tianlu at 8:00 AM (be sure to enter early! It gets jammed after 9:00 AM on weekends). Go horseback riding in Lover's Valley at noon, and take the small train into the Colorful Forest in the afternoon. Stay overnight in the scenic area. Day 3: Climb the East Mountain of Yunzhong Grassland at 5:00 AM to watch the sunrise over the sea of clouds. Hike in the Qiansongba pine forest in the morning, and have a bowl of lamb noodles before heading back in the afternoon. ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls In August, the temperature on the grasslands is 20–28℃ during the day and drops to 10–15℃ at night. The temperature difference between day and night is enough to shatter your worldview 🌡️. Remember the onion-style dressing method: quick-dry short sleeves + fleece + windproof jacket. Keep thick clothes in the car where they are easily accessible. The UV rays are 30%–40% stronger than on the plains. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are essential—you can get sunburned even on cloudy days. I must say a few more honest words about horseback riding 🐎: Private touts on the roadside offer low prices, but in reality, they add on fees for leading the horse, taking photos, and routes. There are many cases where the horseman takes you to remote areas for disguised forced consumption. Be sure to choose a legitimate horse farm near Datan Town with clearly marked prices of ¥60–100/hour. Ask about the duration, route, and whether insurance is included before riding. Wear long pants and sneakers, or you'll suffer from chafing. Baili Tianlu has gravel roads and no signal. SUVs are preferred, but sedans can pass if you drive slowly. Don't force yourself to enter wild mountain roads on rainy days; it's easy to get stuck and have no one to call for help. Thunderstorms come and go quickly. A lightweight raincoat is 10,000 times more practical than a folding umbrella; the wind will destroy an umbrella ☔. I don't recommend buying high-priced dairy products and "wild medicinal herbs" from street vendors at the entrance of the scenic area. If you want to bring back authentic dairy products, go to old shops or supermarkets in town where prices are transparent and they can even ship them for you. One last thought 💭: Fengning Bashang is not a remote, uninhabited grassland like in Inner Mongolia. You'll have the most fun if you treat it like "Beijing's big park." August is the perfect time to go—the grass is at its greenest and wildflowers are everywhere. As long as you avoid the weekend peak and book your tickets on Trip.com in advance, you can have a great time for ¥800–1,000 per person. I've personally tested this route; it's efficient and doesn't require backtracking. Follow it, and I guarantee you won't suffer~ 🌾

Escape the city’s stifling noise and head to Fengning Bashang, where sea of flowers, fun interactions, tech experiences, prairie cuisine, and nighttime live performances come together. No need to travel around—unlock multiple activities in one place and enjoy a relaxed yet lively small-town day trip. 🌞【Morning | Fairy tale prairie scenic area, a romantic encounter with flower seas and corridors】 Start your morning at the fairy tale prairie scenic area for a romantic date with the Bashang flower sea 💐. It’s peak bloom season now, with 500 acres of flowers spreading freely across the vast grassland. Various flowers grow in layers of vibrant colors, blending beautifully under the blue sky and white clouds, creating a soothing natural landscape. A gentle breeze stirs the waves of flowers, and the faint floral scent fills the air. Walking among the flowers, all your fatigue melts away. The scenic area offers a variety of photo spots, each more popular than the last 📸. Standing tall in the flower sea is a highly recognizable giant windmill paired with a trendy swing. Sit and sway with the breeze, with endless flowers beneath your feet and the gentle, expansive Bashang wilderness in the distance—every shot is a perfect atmosphere-filled photo. The newly added 100-meter sunflower corridor with flowing sheer curtains is a highlight 🌻. Golden sunflowers combined with soft, flowing curtains let light and shadow fall beautifully, creating a full ambiance. Along the corridor, multiple themed photo walls offer diverse styles. Whether you’re taking solo shots, photos with friends, or family portraits, you’ll capture unique pictures at every step—you won’t want to stop taking photos. When you’re tired of walking and snapping photos, join the playful NPC interactive mini-games 🪙. Various fairy tale characters roam the park. Participate in fun challenges to earn magic coins. These coins can be exchanged for a variety of small gifts, with options depending on how many coins you collect. Take your time exploring the park, enjoying the flowers, taking photos, and playing games to make your morning fulfilling and relaxing. 🛏【Afternoon rest】 After the morning activities, return to Fengning Tianma Hotel for a short rest. Avoid the strong midday sun on the Bashang plateau, recharge your energy, and prepare for a completely different afternoon experience. 🎮【Afternoon | Aviation flight camp, VR experience + specialty shopping for double the fun】 Refreshed, head to the aviation flight camp in the afternoon to unlock a tech-packed VR experience. Multiple virtual scenes are available to choose from, covering two main themes to suit different visitors. The educational scenes combine fun and learning, letting you immerse yourself in aviation knowledge and prairie landscapes, as if flying above the clouds. It’s perfect for kids to broaden their horizons while playing. The thrilling scenes offer a highly immersive, intense experience, ideal for adventurous young people. Put on the VR headset and instantly enter a new virtual world. No need to take off—experience multiple exciting sensations that are fresh and fun. After the VR experience, visit the specialty supermarket 🛒. The shelves are packed with Russian-themed goods and local prairie specialties. Exquisitely crafted nesting dolls with unique colors and patterns make perfect souvenirs. Handmade soaps come in a variety of scents, combining beauty and practicality. Various dairy products from the prairie are rich and creamy, with a full range of options. Take your time browsing and choosing—whether for yourself or as gifts for family and friends, you’ll find something special and enjoy an immersive taste of exotic culture. 🍖【Dinner | Mongolian buffet roast lamb on the cultural street, an immersive prairie ritual feast】 As dusk falls, the cool evening breeze sweeps across Bashang. Head to the cultural street for Mongolian cuisine and the long-awaited roast lamb buffet dinner 🔥. The freshly roasted lamb is golden and glossy, with a crispy, fragrant crust. Slice through the surface to reveal tender, juicy meat with almost no gamey taste. The buffet offers a rich variety of dishes, including the signature roast lamb, assorted sides, and specialty snacks. Enjoy freely and savor the pure joy of hearty meat. This dinner is more than a feast for your taste buds—the entire ritual is deeply immersive ✨. Joyful ethnic music plays as dancers perform a passionate opening show, instantly filling the venue with lively energy. The solemn lamb opening ceremony begins, including the presentation of the khata scarf. The white khata carries the sincere blessings of the prairie people, letting you fully experience traditional Mongolian hospitality. Enjoy the roast lamb while watching unique ethnic songs and dances, immersing yourself in the prairie’s distinctive cultural charm. 🌃【Night | Return to the fairy tale prairie, stunt car show and bonfire light up the long night】 After a satisfying meal, return to the fairy tale prairie scenic area as the town’s night party officially begins 🎇. The highly anticipated Tianma stunt car show takes center stage, with professional drivers performing thrilling stunts. High-speed drifts and spins fill the night sky with roaring engines. Every difficult move is gripping, delivering a powerful live experience. Cheers and applause rise from the crowd, creating an exhilarating visual feast. When the stunt show ends, the bonfire party heats up 🔥. A blazing bonfire burns in the center of the venue, with lively music echoing all around. Visitors from all directions gather here. Leave behind the constraints of daily work and life, circle the dancing fire, and laugh and dance to the music’s rhythm. The flickering flames, the gentle Bashang night breeze, and the waves of laughter blend together, letting you fully enjoy the prairie night’s unique warmth and romance.

Escape the city’s heat and noise 🌿 and head to Tianma Flying Town on the Fengning Plateau. Here, grasslands, flower seas, exotic crafts, and local delicacies come together. No need to rush between multiple attractions—enjoy a full day that’s both relaxing and fulfilling 🌻. 🌞 Morning | Step into a fairy tale grassland, capture stunning shots along the flower corridor 📸 As soon as you enter the park gate, the hundred-meter-long sunflower corridor with sheer curtains immediately catches your eye. Layers of soft curtains sway gently in the breeze 💨, and golden sunflowers bloom freely under the sun, creating an immersive atmosphere. Along the corridor, various photo walls in different styles await 📸—fresh, fairy tale, vintage—you can unlock multiple photo styles in one place. Every shot you take is picture-perfect. Follow the path deeper into the park, and a 500-acre flower sea suddenly unfolds before you 💐. This is the best season to enjoy the blooming flowers, with layers of pink, purple, and yellow blossoms intertwining, perfectly complementing the vast plateau grassland. Standing tall in the flower sea is a giant windmill 🎠, its huge blades turning slowly against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, like a painting come to life. There’s also a popular giant swing in the flower sea. Sitting on it, you gently sway as if surrounded by blooming flowers. When the breeze blows, the floral fragrance fills the air 🌸, creating a deeply immersive experience. Whether standing for photos or sitting for candid shots, you’ll capture stunning moments full of atmosphere. After exploring the flower sea, look for adorable fairy tale character NPCs around the park 👑. Dressed in fairy tale-themed costumes, these NPCs roam the park and invite you to join fun mini-games. Complete interactive challenges to earn magic coins 🪙. Collect different amounts of magic coins to redeem various small gifts at the supermarket near the park entrance. These little surprises let you fully immerse yourself in the fairy tale world, temporarily leaving behind everyday worries to enjoy the unique leisure of the grassland. When you’re tired, rest on one of the many benches 🪑 scattered throughout the park, feel the cool grassland breeze, and quietly admire the endless beautiful scenery—a truly healing experience. 🍱 Noon | Taste authentic plateau flavors, then enjoy a cozy hotel rest 😴 The local plateau wild vegetables offer a refreshing break from richness 🥬, a flavor hard to find in the city. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, the roasted lamb chops and legs are fragrant 🍖, with firm, non-gamey meat. There are also various local stir-fried dishes to suit different tastes. Pair it with a warm, rich Mongolian milk tea 🥛, salty and mellow, which cools the summer heat with every sip. Enjoy a hearty meal that fully showcases the unique charm of plateau cuisine. After a satisfying meal, return to Fengning Tianma Hotel for a restful afternoon 🛏. The hotel is inside the town, so you can walk back to your room after playing, avoiding the fatigue of traveling back and forth. Take a quiet nap to recharge—this is one of the greatest comforts of staying at Tianma Hotel 💭. 🎨 Afternoon | Experience exotic crafts, shop local specialties, and unlock VR fun 🎮 When you arrive at the Russian-style street, be sure to try making Russian rye bread by hand 🥖. Step into the workshop and enjoy the rich aroma of wheat. The instructor will patiently guide you, so even beginners don’t need to worry ✨. The table is stocked with a variety of dried fruits and nuts, which you can add as you like. Knead the dough, shape it, and arrange the toppings yourself. The whole process is relaxing and fun. Once baked, your handmade rye bread is fresh and warm, a unique travel souvenir you can take home, preserving the taste of your journey 🥜. After the craft experience, don’t miss the specialty supermarket nearby 🛒. It’s packed with a dazzling array of Russian goods, including exquisite nesting dolls 🪆, fragrant soaps 🧼, and smooth, rich chocolates 🍫. There are also many local grassland specialties like dairy products, yogurt, and dried beef jerky, making it hard to choose. Whether you’re picking gifts for family and friends 🎁 or buying snacks for the trip, you can find everything here in one stop. After exploring the cultural street, head to the aviation flying camp to try exciting VR experiences 🎮. No need to actually fly high—put on the headset to unlock multiple experiences. Educational scenes let you immerse yourself in aviation knowledge ✈️ and feel the power of technology. Thrilling scenes offer strong immersion and intense excitement, with multiple scenarios to choose from. You can enjoy the thrill of speed and flight without facing a fear of heights. Suitable for all ages, it’s a fresh and exciting experience 😆. 🌙 Evening | Immerse yourself in a Mongolian feast and enjoy the romantic grassland night 🔥 As the sun slowly sets and dusk covers the grassland 🌆, it’s time for the long-awaited dinner. Head to the Mongolian restaurant on Russian-style street for an atmospheric buffet of roasted lamb. The freshly roasted lamb has a golden, crispy skin ✨. Tear it open gently to reveal juicy, tender meat that’s flavorful and not gamey. The aroma fills your mouth, and biting into the meat is pure satisfaction 🍖. The dining experience is more than just food—the entire ceremony adds to the atmosphere. The evening starts with a lively ethnic dance performance 💃, full of energy. The solemn lamb opening ceremony officially begins the feast, including the offering of khata scarves and drinking of milk wine, letting you fully immerse yourself in Mongolian traditional culture. Enjoy the delicious food while watching the special performances, creating a rich atmosphere. After a hearty dinner, night has fully fallen 🌌, and the grassland night offers a unique charm. 🔥 Night | Adrenaline rush! Stunt show + bonfire party light up the grassland After a full meal 🌙, night completely envelops the Fengning Plateau grassland. The evening breeze carries the cool scent of grass and trees, making it wonderfully relaxing. We head back into the fairy tale grassland park for the two most anticipated night events ✨. The park takes on a different look at night, with scattered lights creating a completely different atmosphere from the gentle flower sea by day 🌃. The highly anticipated Tianma stunt show is about to begin, and the crowd is buzzing as spectators take their seats early. The roar of engines suddenly fills the air 🏍. Performers race at high speed on the circular track, drifting, turning sharply, and jumping. Each daring stunt draws gasps from the audience 👏. The speed and excitement are intense and gripping, delivering a thrilling visual impact that keeps both adults and children glued to the show. When the stunt show ends, the excitement continues 🔥. The eagerly awaited bonfire party officially starts! The blazing bonfire lights up the entire area with warm flames, and lively ethnic music fills the grassland 🎶. Staff lead all visitors, strangers and friends alike, to hold hands and dance in circles around the large bonfire 💃. There’s no restraint—just move to the rhythm, with laughter and joy filling the air.

Just returned from Chengde. I kept joking with my friends not to come in August or September, lest they get so engrossed in the tranquility of the imperial gardens and the charm of the northern frontier that they forget their return date. Many people think visiting the imperial gardens is exhausting and requires a lot of walking, but from my experience, it's completely the opposite! Chengde in August and September is around 22℃, super comfortable. The Mountain Resort has sightseeing buses/boats, the Eight Outer Temples have gentle walking paths, and the city's attractions are all within walking distance. If you get tired, you can always find a teahouse to rest. It's suitable for both the elderly and children, easy and relaxing throughout the trip, emphasizing a leisurely pace. 🏯3 Days 2 Nights Minimalist Relaxing Itinerary Day 1: Royal Garden Route Morning: Chengde Mountain Resort Palace Area (Enter through Lizheng Gate, visit the Golden Phoebe Wood Hall; no need to walk, enjoy the history with a guided tour) Afternoon: Chengde Mountain Resort Lake Area Boat Tour (50 RMB/person, visit the Misty Rain Tower recreating a famous scene from "Princess Pearl," enjoy the lake breeze, and sit and admire the scenery) Evening: Erxianju Night Market (Concentrated food stalls, brightly lit, enjoy local flavors while sitting, very convenient walking distance) Day 2 Zen-Inspired Ancient Temple Route Morning: Potala Palace (Little Potala Palace, red walls and golden roofs, perfect for photos; sightseeing bus goes directly to the core area, no need to climb many steps) Afternoon: Puning Temple (Great Buddha Temple, see the 27-meter Thousand-Hand Guanyin; the temple layout is gentle, the incense is serene, and it's not physically demanding to explore) Evening: Manchu Eight-Bowl Feast in the city (traditional imperial cuisine, generous portions, sit and savor, experience Manchu culinary culture) Day 3 Landmark Leisure Route Morning: Qingchui Peak Cableway (80 RMB round trip, directly to the summit for a breathtaking view of Bangchui Mountain and the entire city, no hiking required) Afternoon: Chengde Museum (Cool indoor air conditioning throughout, gentle exhibition path, learn about royal and frontier history, knowledgeable without straining your legs) Evening: Stroll along the Wulie River (Gentle evening breeze, beautiful reflections of lights on the river, gentle path perfect for a leisurely walk) 🍜Local Must-Try Food List (Personally Tested and Verified Taste) 1. Pingquan Lamb Soup: A must-try breakfast dish with a non-heritage ingredient. The soup is milky white, with no gamey smell. The lamb is tender and flavorful. Enjoy it with a layered flatbread soaked in the soup—warming and satisfying, giving you energy to start your day. 2. Wan Tuo: Made from buckwheat noodles, cut into small pieces and topped with sesame sauce, garlic water, and chili oil. Tender, smooth, chewy, and spicy, a down-to-earth street food that you'll never forget. 3. **Braised Buckwheat Noodles:** An intangible cultural heritage of imperial cuisine, these thin strips of buckwheat noodles are served in a chicken broth. They are chewy, smooth, and have a rich wheat aroma. Even Emperor Qianlong loved these royal noodles; the texture is superb. 4. **Donkey Rolling:** Coated in soybean flour, these soft, sweet, and sticky treats are filled with smooth red bean paste. A traditional Manchu sticky food, they are sweet but not cloying, perfect for a snack while strolling around. 5. **Hand-Pulled Lamb:** A specialty of the Bashang region, these lambs are slow-cooked in clear water with only salt. The meat is tender, firm, and not gamey or greasy, with a naturally fresh and fragrant flavor. One bite is incredibly satisfying. After personally experiencing Chengde, I truly believe that August and September hold the most idyllic royal leisurely pace of life. There's no fatigue from rushing around, only the tranquil gardens, the solemn ancient temples, and the healing food—you're enveloped in gentle comfort. The leisurely pace of the journey was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Leaving was bittersweet; this small city, combining royal heritage with the charm of the northern frontier, is already on my list for a second visit!

🌬️ In August, the grass at Fengning Bashang is lush and green, with wildflowers blooming across the hills. The days are cool and comfortable, but temperatures drop rapidly at night, making it an excellent summer getaway near Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Weekend crowds are huge, so be sure to plan your trip in advance. 🏕️ Choosing where to stay✨ ▫️ For convenience, Datanzhen is the top choice. The town has plenty of restaurants and supermarkets, parking is easy, and it's a reasonable distance from all the attractions. Farmstays offer great value, and some include three meals a day. Boutique homestays are quieter, and some have viewing terraces where you can gaze at the starry sky at night. ▫️ For a unique experience, choose a yurt to fully immerse yourself in the grassland atmosphere. However, temperatures are very low at night, so stay warm and prioritize rooms with private bathrooms. ▫️ Staying deep in the grassland is not recommended, as facilities are scarce and shopping or dining is inconvenient. Accommodations are limited during peak season, so book in advance. Last-minute options are not only expensive but also very limited. 🚙 Transportation tips📌 Driving yourself offers the best experience, allowing you to enjoy the mountain meadow scenery along the way and control your own pace. If you can't drive, you can rent a car after arriving by high-speed rail, or take a shared ride to the Bashang area after reaching the county seat. Attractions are far apart, so relying on public transportation is not recommended. 🗺️ 3-day itinerary💨 🔹 Day 1: Roaming along the Baili Sky Road Depart in the afternoon for Qiansongba Forest Park. Drive through the grasslands and woodlands, where endless rows of wind turbines make for great photos. In the evening, head to a hilltop with a wide view to watch the sunset. The setting sun paints the meadows in warm gold, creating a perfect atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and the cozy grassland night. 🔹 Day 2: Exploring hidden gems Head to Liushugou in the morning. It has a strong, untouched feel, with streams and meadows, and cattle and sheep grazing leisurely. Avoid the midday sun and enjoy walking and taking photos. In the afternoon, choose a reputable horse farm for horseback riding; be sure to confirm the duration and price in advance, and wear protective gear. If you have time, visit Lover's Valley, which has large, flat meadows perfect for a simple picnic. No admission ticket is required. 🔹 Day 3: Forest relaxation Enter the Colorful Forest, where the vast forest canopy blocks the summer heat. There are many forest trails and scenic spots, perfect for a slow, relaxing walk. If you have time, visit Shandian Lake, where you can enjoy the breeze and watch water birds skim across the surface. Pack up in the afternoon and head home at your leisure. 🍖 Local specialties🍲 You must try the roasted lamb leg and hand-grabbed meat; the meat is tender and fresh. Oat noodles paired with lamb soup are full of flavor. Scrambled eggs with wild chives and stewed potatoes with stinging nettle are authentic local dishes. Finish with a bowl of salty milk tea and yellow rice cakes for a rich experience. Roasted lamb needs to be booked in advance; try to choose reputable restaurants in town and avoid the overpriced ones inside the scenic area. ⚠️ Travel tips💡 There is a huge temperature difference between day and night. Wear short sleeves during the day, but have a windbreaker or thick jacket ready for the morning and evening. The plateau UV rays are strong, so use sun protection even on cloudy days, and bring a hat and sunglasses. The grassland air is dry, so bring moisturizer and mosquito repellent. Be safe when horseback riding and do not trample the grassland vegetation. Occasional afternoon showers occur, so carry rain gear. There are few supply points in the grassland area, so bring your own drinking water and snacks.

Last year, I went to Ulan Butong and couldn’t get enough of it all year. I kept thinking about the vastness, healing power, and freedom of the grasslands. So this summer, I took my kids and family back to Bashang. I put together a relaxed 3-day 2-night family-friendly self-drive itinerary that suits both elders and kids. It’s been tested for real, including recommendations and pitfalls to avoid. If you want to go, just copy it‼️ ▪️Day 1: Beijing – Chengde city Set off early from Beijing by car and arrive in Chengde by noon. Start with an authentic Chengde meal to experience the local flavor. After eating, rest briefly at the hotel, then visit the Mountain Resort in the afternoon. ⚠️ Honestly, the city is really hot in summer. It’s best to take the mountain shuttle bus (60 yuan). The mountainous area covers 70% of the park, and Ermadao offers a panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace. Danbo Jingcheng Hall, Yanyu Tower (filming location of “My Fair Princess”), and Rehe Spring are all worth visiting. It’s relaxing and healing without much walking. Stay overnight in Chengde city and try Chengde specialty dishes. ⚠️ Pitfall warning: The Mountain Resort is famous, but it’s not really cool in summer. The city is over 30°C, and you’ll sweat a lot walking around the park. Don’t expect to cool off here; the real coolness comes later. ▪️Day 2: Chengde – Fengning Bashang grassland – Colorful Forest Leave Chengde in the morning and drive 2.5 hours to Fengning Bashang grassland. The altitude rises gradually, and the breeze gets cooler. When you get off at Colorful Forest, a 16°C cool breeze hits your face—that’s real summer relief‼️ For families with kids and elders, we strongly recommend buying the combo ticket! For 165 yuan, it includes admission, a small train, horse carriage, electric cart, all-day shows, and 10 kinds of snacks. You won’t have to walk much or rush. ✅ Most hassle-free route: Squirrel train 🚂 → get off at Jungle Tribe station → hike 15 minutes on the boardwalk to Yun Pavilion (overlooking the entire forest and grassland) → walk the glass boardwalk (12 meters above ground through the treetops) → Mirror Lake (reflecting blue sky and white clouds, stunning) → Forest ranch (feed alpacas and spotted deer, very healing) → Secret market (18 check-in spots + NPC interactions) → return by horse carriage or electric cart ✅ The park also offers horseback riding, camel riding, go-karts, and rainbow slides, which require extra fees but are great experiences. ▪️Day 3: Cloud Road off-road adventure – return trip In the morning, try the Cloud Road off-road adventure (add 40 yuan to the combo ticket). Cross the no-man’s land and reach 2,200 meters in 8 minutes. You’ll see windmills and a sea of clouds, giving a feel of Altay on the grassland. 🏠 Accommodation recommendations: 🌟 Fengning Bashang | Squirrel Inn (top choice for families), 16 Degrees Hotel (budget), Colorful Forest International Resort Hotel (best facilities) 📝 Itinerary summary: Day 1: Beijing → Chengde city (Mountain Resort + Outer Eight Temples) Day 2: Chengde → Fengning Bashang (all day at Colorful Forest) Day 3: Cloud Road off-road → return

If you don’t want to travel far or risk disappointment, the fairytale grasslands at Tianma Flying Town are perfect for a short getaway! Unlike the traditional barren wilderness of Bashang, this is a refined scenic area with flower fields, lawns, and fairytale settings. It’s clean and tidy overall, well laid out, and photo-friendly from every angle. Whether it’s a romantic date, a girls’ outing, or a family trip with kids, the experience exceeds expectations. 🌷 500 acres of seven-colored flower fields, a soothing sea of green The gently sloping grassland unfolds into a vast flower sea with layers of cosmos, sunflowers, and various blooms. Wooden boardwalks wind through the flowers, making walking easy and offering wide-open views. With iconic white windmills, blue skies, and green grass, it’s a classic Bashang oil painting scene. Anywhere you stand for photos looks clean and sophisticated. 🏰 Immersive fairytale scenes that kids will love The park’s fairytale atmosphere is fully realized, like a real-life fairytale kingdom: Macaron hobbit houses, colorful candy houses, Snow White’s fairytale village, and mushroom cartoon scenes all connected along the way. There’s also a richly atmospheric Russian-style street with giant nesting dolls, vintage carriages, and colorful Russian architecture, creating a strong exotic vibe. Many new unique photo spots have been added: rainbow corridor, wishing bell wall, blessing gong wall, and the popular moon swing. Few crowds and great for photos without waiting. 🎠 Stress-free for families, plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained The park’s family-friendly facilities are well developed with a wide range of gentle activities suitable for all ages: grass sledding, carousel, pet interactions, grassland archery, non-powered climbing, sand treasure hunts, and go-karts. You can also take a sightseeing train to leisurely tour the flower fields and grasslands, enjoying the breeze and scenery without tiring your legs. During the day, there are fairytale character parades and interactions that boost the atmosphere. 🌇 Sunset and night views offer two different experiences in one day Fresh and healing by day, with vibrant flower fields and greenery; Bashang sunsets are stunning in the evening, with the sky filled with colorful clouds, creating a gentle and romantic mood. After dark, all the fairytale buildings light up with warm lights—cozy cottages, illuminated corridors, and starry grasslands create a quiet and romantic setting perfect for photos. For an exclusive experience, you can take in panoramic views of the flower fields, cottages, and grasslands—a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Weekend self-drive trip to Fengning Tianma Flying Town 🌿, a top choice for short trips from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei! Perfect for couples, family outings, romantic and healing by day, lively and festive by night, with an unforgettable experience 💯. Be sure to check out the grassland hot air balloon 🎈! Take off at dusk and gently float above the green fields. The view stretches over endless grasslands and soft sunset skies. There’s no bumping or weightlessness, just a slow, peaceful ride to enjoy the open landscape. Every photo you take is a mood-filled masterpiece, with romance at its peak. Don’t miss the town’s signature event, the Tianma stunt car show 🏎️! Engines roar across the grassland as drivers perform high-speed drifts, fire ring jumps, and other challenging stunts. Sparks fly, and the live show is incredibly thrilling. Both adults and kids watch in awe, cheering nonstop 🔥. For those who love grassland vibes, try horseback riding 🐴. Ride slowly across the open fields, feeling the breeze and the unique vastness of Bashang. The park is dotted with various fairy tale cottages and colorful sculptures. The European-style street area is perfect for strolling and taking photos 📸. When night falls, the excitement is just beginning 🌃! The bonfire is lit on time, and everyone gathers to sing and dance. Fireworks light up the sky one after another, with lights and stars reflecting off each other, creating a fantastic atmosphere. We chose to stay at the scenic area hotel 🏨, which was super convenient with no need to rush back and forth. The rooms were clean and tidy, offering a very comfortable rest. The park has a full range of dining options, and the fairy tale restaurant serves authentic dishes. After a day of fun, you can enjoy a delicious meal. The overall itinerary is well balanced, with options to relax or be active. You can take your time to explore and take photos or enjoy the thrilling performances. For anyone planning a trip to Bashang, Tianma Flying Town is a must-add to your list for an unforgettable grassland adventure~

🌿Fengning Bashang is located in Datan Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. Known as the "No. 1 grassland north of Beijing," it’s the closest natural grassland to Beijing! In August, the average temperature here is only 22℃, naturally air-conditioned. Recently, it went viral as the "Little Altay of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei," and if you don’t visit, it’s almost embarrassing to post on social media🍃✨ 🐎Must-visit spots (most attractions open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, grassland open all day) Baili Tianlu: Ticket 118 yuan. A 100 km highland self-driving road with grassland windmills and U-shaped roads perfect for photos. Recommended to drive and stop as you please🎬🌾 Yunzhong Grassland: Ticket 98 yuan. Watching the sunset from the east hilltop is a top-tier experience. The orange sunset spreads across the grassland, stunning beyond words🌅🐎 Dahan Palace: Two-day pass starting at 98 yuan. Watch live horse battle performances and wear Mongolian robes for amazing photos⚔️🏯 China Horse Town Tourist Resort: Wuma Amusement Park tickets start at 228 yuan. Features horse culture performances and supporting White Horse/Dream Horse hotels🎭🐴 Yangchanghe Wetland: Ticket 80 yuan. Free 5 km wooden boardwalk stroll, sea of golden lotuses + creek birdwatching, with new night tours to see the Milky Way this year🌼🌌 Fengning Bashang grassland outskirts and Lover’s Valley: Free admission! Grasslands around Datan are free to explore. Horse riding costs 80–120 yuan/hour, price negotiable in advance🆓🌿 🏨Accommodation recommendations: I stayed at Fengning Bashang Hongyuan Mountain Villa (Beimiao Ranch, Datan Town, near Dahan Palace), rated 4.9. The grassland view room opens to greenery, and the owner can get surprise ticket discounts. Includes breakfast with Mongolian milk tea + oat noodles, amazing🛏️✨. If budget allows, try Muyuan Yunshe homestay (Zhalaying Village, panoramic balcony room from 457 yuan) or Week 8 Station (Datan Village, from 276 yuan) for great value🎯💰 🚌Transportation tips: Self-driving is best! 280 km from Beijing, 3–4 hours. Route: Jingcheng Expressway → Daguang Expressway → Chengwei Expressway Fengning exit → G511 → Datan Town🚗💨. Without a car, take a bus from Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station to Fengning Bus Station, then transfer to a township minibus to Datan Town; or take a bus from Wangjing West subway station to Fengning, then transfer to a minibus. Once in Datan Town, it’s recommended to rent a car or carpool to visit attractions, about 20 yuan one way🚌🗺️ 📅Detailed 3-day itinerary Day 1 Morning: Drive from Beijing🚙💨 → Noon: Eat oat noodles and lamb soup in Datan Town🥢🍲 → Afternoon: Free walk and horse riding experience in Lover’s Valley🐎🌾 → Evening: Homestay bonfire party with whole roasted lamb and Milky Way watching🔥🌌 Day 2 Morning: Refresh at Qiansongba Forest Park (ticket 120 yuan)🌲💚 → Noon: Eat hand-held lamb at a farmhouse🥩🔥 → Afternoon: Watch horse battle at Dahan Palace + entertainment pass for No. 1 grassland north of Beijing (159 yuan)⚔️🏯 → Evening: Stay at China Horse Town to watch live performances🎭✨ Day 3 Morning: Self-drive along Baili Tianlu chasing the wind🚙🌾 → Noon: Enter Yunzhong Grassland from entrance A to see Birch Valley🌲🐎 → Afternoon: Hike the wooden boardwalk at Yangchanghe Wetland → Evening: Return trip🚗👋 🍖Food highlights: Hand-held lamb dipped in wild chive flower sauce, tender and melts in your mouth with no gamey taste🥩😋; oat noodles dipped in lamb broth, chewy with a wheat aroma mixed with meat juice dancing on your tongue🥢✨; salty grassland milk tea with milk tofu, savory and rich, soul-stirring🥛🔥; plus fried Huazi fish, crispy outside, tender inside, even the bones are edible🐟💯 💸3-day expense summary: About 230 yuan for food and drinks. Day 1: oat noodles + lamb soup + whole roasted lamb, about 80 yuan per person. Day 2: hand-held lamb + farmhouse stew, 70 yuan. Day 3: fried Huazi fish + milk tea + snacks, 80 yuan. Two nights at Hongyuan Mountain Villa about 700 yuan. Tickets for Baili Tianlu + Dahan Palace + Yunzhong Grassland about 316 yuan. Transportation, fuel, and tolls about 300 yuan. Total about 1,546 yuan per person for 3 days, all-inclusive for food, lodging, attractions, and transport. Cheaper than eating two hotpot meals and taking taxis in Beijing on a weekend. The value is unbelievable😭💰 💔Two hardships: Temperature difference over 15℃ between day and night. Short sleeves in the sun during the day, freezing cold at night. Friends without jackets shivered all night🥶🐕 The grassland UV rays are no joke. Without sunscreen, I got three shades darker. My best friend cried😭☀️ 💡Tips: ✅Reasons to visit: 3 hours direct from Beijing, 22℃ perfect summer escape, affordable, horse riding and stargazing, easy to fill your social media grid📸✨ ❌Reasons not to visit: Crowded and prices double on weekends in July and August, basically impossible to enjoy without a car, some attractions are overly commercialized. If you want a secret, uncrowded spot, go to Ulan Butong instead🚫🏞️ ⚠️Friendly reminders: Weak signal on the grassland, download offline maps and fill up your tank in advance📵⛽; always agree on horse riding duration and price beforehand, beware of cheap roadside offers🐎⚠️; sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brim hats are lifesavers, mosquito repellent is a must🌞🧴; wear sneakers, not sandals, as the grassland dew makes it slippery👟💧 Honestly, I think Fengning Bashang is seriously underrated—some say it’s too commercial, but compared to the crowded Hulunbuir, this is the true spiritual refuge for workers in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei🌿💆‍♀️. Of course, some think it’s just okay, since beauty is subjective🤷‍♀️. Do you think Bashang is worth a special trip? Let’s debate in the comments. The top-liked comment will get to join me next time!👇🔥

Drive north to the grasslands, a vast expanse untouched by noise and disturbance. Avoid crowded tourist spots and follow the trails into the endless meadows. The blue sky stretches wide, slow-moving clouds drift by, and the boundless green grass sways with the wind. This is the unique gentleness and vastness of Bashang. Walking through waist-high grass, the wind brushes past your ears, easing away all the tension and rush of city life. Dressed in white with a straw hat, there’s no need to chase after the scenery—just stand quietly here and look up to a clear, bright sky. Turn around and open your arms, letting the wild wind embrace you. Reach out to catch the small yellow flowers blooming by the roadside and gently meet this sea of green. The best way to experience the grasslands is always by self-driving. No need to plan a packed itinerary—travel at your own pace. If you come across a deserted meadow, stop to take photos or daydream. There are no bustling crowds, only grass, white clouds, scattered distant trees, and vast skies. Your mind will expand along with the horizon. After visiting many cities and checking off countless popular spots, you’ll grow to prefer this raw, natural wilderness. The meaning of travel is never just rushing to the destination; it’s about finding a quiet place to temporarily set aside daily worries and embrace nature. The wind blows over the grass waves, clouds drift across the clear sky, and all inner restlessness will slowly be soothed by this grassland. If you’re tired of the noise, consider taking a walk on the grasslands. Find a deserted meadow, wait for a long, free breeze, and rediscover your relaxed, carefree self in the wilderness.

📍Location: Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde, Hebei (the first grassland north of Beijing) Transportation: About 4–5 hours driving from Beijing (Jingjia Road–Banhu Line), or take high-speed rail to Chongli Station/Chengde South Station and then charter a car Best season: June–September (summer average temperature 17–22℃), July–August for the greenest grass and most flowers Accommodation recommendation: Stay in Datan Town (most convenient) or a grassland Mongolian yurt (immersive experience). Peak season 300–800 CNY/night, book two weeks in advance 💎 Why go five times and still want to go? · The first grassland north of Beijing: the closest natural grassland to Beijing (average altitude 1,800 meters), no need to fly to Hulunbuir to get the same desktop wallpaper · Natural air conditioning: summer average temperature 17–22℃, you need a jacket at night, air conditioning is just decoration here · All-inclusive grassland fun: horseback riding, off-road vehicles, grass sliding, archery, bonfire party, whole roasted lamb—everything you want, from budget to luxury · The ultimate self-driving route: National Scenic Road No. 1 + Hundred Mile Sky Road, one of China’s most beautiful driving routes, with views like a Windows desktop along the way 🗺️ Five days and four nights in-depth itinerary (essence summarized after five visits) Day 1: Depart Beijing → check in at Datan Town Arrive in Datan Town in the afternoon. After settling in, go to the grassland sunset viewing platform (free! Navigate to the hill near “Lonely Stone Ranch”). No ticket needed to see a 180° grassland sunset. Dinner with roasted lamb leg and stargazing (very low light pollution). Day 2: Core Bashang grassland experience Morning horseback riding (80 CNY/hour, 200 CNY/half day, horse leading fee extra, recommended to hire a local guide) → lunch at a farmhouse → afternoon off-road vehicle tour (300–500 CNY/vehicle/2 hours, deep into the grassland where regular cars can’t go) → evening bonfire party + whole roasted lamb (ask the homestay owner to book in advance, about 1,500–2,000 CNY per lamb, cost shared per person is reasonable). Day 3: Hundred Mile Sky Road (originally the first sky road north of Beijing) Drive the Hundred Mile Sky Road all day (ticket 120 CNY/person, enter from the south gate and exit from the north gate, about 80 km total, 4–5 hours with stops for photos). Along the way: Hundred Flower Slope (wildflowers everywhere), Camel Peak (overlooking the highest point of the grassland), Birch Forest (great for photos). After exiting the north gate, you can visit Cloud Grassland (free! More open and less crowded than Qiansongba). Day 4: Lightning Lake + Willow Valley Morning visit to Lightning Lake (30 CNY/person, the lake surface looks like a lightning bolt, horseback riding and water activities available. If you don’t want to buy a ticket, you can watch the full view from the high ground by the lake for free). Afternoon visit to Willow Valley Nature Reserve (free! Navigate to “Willow Valley sparse forest grassland”), the sparse forest grassland landscape resembles the African savanna, perfect for photos, the sunset light adds amazing depth. Day 5: Return trip + stop in Huairou for fish Morning buy souvenirs in Datan Town (beef jerky, dairy products) → on the way back, stop in Huairou to eat rainbow trout (navigate to “Huairou Rainbow Trout Yitiaogou”), then return to Beijing after a full meal. 🌿 If time is limited (2–3 day condensed version): · 2-day tour: Day 1 horseback riding + off-road vehicle + sunset, Day 2 Hundred Mile Sky Road (drive the south gate to Haohan Slope section, then return the same way, no need to do the full route) · 3-day tour: add Lightning Lake + Willow Valley sunset 🍜 Fengning food pros and cons · Must-try: whole roasted lamb (book in advance), hand-held meat, Mongolian salty milk tea, oat noodles, Bashang mushrooms (excellent stewed chicken) · Avoid: “freshly sliced beef jerky” at scenic area entrances is mostly fake pork, buy from official specialty stores in Datan Town; barbecue inside the scenic area is expensive and limited, better to eat back in town 📌 Fengning tips to avoid pitfalls (summary from five visits) · Low-clearance cars should avoid off-road routes: use local off-road vehicles for grassland tours, don’t drive sedans deep into the grassland, towing fees are expensive · Don’t wear shorts or sandals for horseback riding: chafing and danger, wear long pants and flat shoes; choose gentle horses and ask the horse handler to help pick one · Sunscreen and temperature difference are key: sunscreen + sunglasses + hat during the day, windbreaker/thin down jacket at night (not an exaggeration) · Book accommodation early: fully booked on Fridays and Saturdays, book two weeks in advance; Datan Town is cheaper than inside the scenic area · Fuel up before Hundred Mile Sky Road: no gas stations along the route, fill up before entering the scenic area (there is a gas station in Datan Town) · Signal issues: mobile and China Telecom signals are weak deep in the grassland, download offline maps in advance · Don’t drive on grassland randomly: herders’ pastures cannot be driven on freely, you will be stopped and fined if you do Honest thoughts after five visits: Fengning is the kind of place where “one visit is nice, five visits reveal new surprises.” The clouds on Hundred Mile Sky Road, the light in Willow Valley, the wind at Lightning Lake, the horses on the grassland—each time brings a different experience. If you haven’t been to Bashang, choose Fengning as your first stop, you won’t regret it. Check the weather before you go! The grassland is most beautiful on clear days~