Zhangbei County Tourism

Hebei Zhangjiakou Zhangbei County - core area of Bashang grassland, connected by the Grassland Sky Road, linking Zhongdu Grassland, Huapiling Mountain, Yehu Ridge and other landscapes, integrating grassland scenery, royal relics, and frontier culture. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour showcases the grandeur of "grasses bending in the wind to reveal cattle and sheep", experiencing the dual charm of grassland revelry and historical exploration.

132

Grassland Sky Road Length (kilometers)

4A-Level Scenic Areas

10+

Core Attractions

15+

Grassland Specialty Foods

Grassland Sky Road, Zhangbei County, Zhangjiakou City

Grassland Sky Road - China's Most Beautiful Highway

Iconic landscape of Zhangbei, starting from Yehu Ridge in the west to Huapiling Mountain in the east, total length 132.7 kilometers, connecting terraces, wind turbines, grasslands, forests and other landscapes along the way. Summer brings emerald green grass, autumn golden splendor, hailed as "one of China's top ten most beautiful highways", a paradise for self-driving and photography

Zhangbei County Three Days Two Nights Bashang Grassland Tour

Self-drive Sky Road to appreciate hundred-mile panorama, gallop across grasslands for horseback customs, explore relics for Yuan-Mongol history, enjoy the beauty of all four seasons on Bashang

                        
Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights

                        
Main Destinations
Grassland Sky Road, Zhongdu Grassland, Huapiling Mountain, Yehu Ridge Fortress, Yuan Zhongdu Ruins

                        
Suitable For
Self-driving enthusiasts, photography players, family trips, outdoor campers

                        
Per Person Budget
¥800-¥1500

Sky Road Gallop

Grassland Sky Road (Western Section) · Yehu Ridge Fortress · Wind Power Scenic Area

Trip Highlights

Morning enter Grassland Sky Road western section from Yehu Ridge, self-drive through wind turbine clusters and terraced landscape, afternoon visit Yehu Ridge Fortress to learn about ancient battlefield history, evening photograph sunset and wind turbine silhouettes at Wind Power Scenic Area.

Attraction Arrangements

Grassland Sky Road (Western Section)

Starting from Yehu Ridge in the west to Bailong Cave in the east, about 32 kilometers long, famous for "Dam Head Wonders", featuring attractions like Saibei Terraces, Magnificent Mountains and Rivers viewing platform, Yanpian Mountain along the way. Winding and undulating road with grasslands and farmlands interweaving on both sides, creating magnificent scenery.

Yehu Ridge Fortress

Located at the western starting point of Grassland Sky Road, an important pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, famous historically for the "Yehu Ridge Battle", existing ancient Great Wall ruins, military fortress site. The scenic area includes National Defense Education Hall, Tunnel Warfare Experience Zone, showcasing frontier military culture.

Wind Power Scenic Area

Iconic landscape along Grassland Sky Road, hundreds of wind turbines stand on the grassland, blades rotating with the wind, combined with blue sky, white clouds, and green grassland creating unique visuals, an excellent spot for photographing grassland industrial style.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Homestays along Grassland Sky Road
Farm stays around Yehu Ridge
Hotels in Zhangbei County town

Food Recommendations

Hand-held meat
Grassland milk tea
Oat flour rolls
Roasted lamb leg

Travel Tips

Grassland Sky Road no admission fee, some viewing platforms charge 5-10 yuan
Recommend SUV for self-driving, some sections steep
Summer sun and wind protection needed, large day-night temperature difference requires jacket

Grassland Carnival

Zhongdu Grassland · Yuan Zhongdu Ruins · Grassland Bonfire Party

Trip Highlights

Morning experience horse riding, archery and other activities at Zhongdu Grassland, feel grassland customs. Afternoon visit Yuan Zhongdu Ruins to explore Yuan Dynasty royal relics. Evening participate in grassland bonfire party, enjoy morin khuur performance and fireworks show.

Attraction Arrangements

Zhongdu Grassland

National 4A-level scenic area, site of Yuan Dynasty royal pasture, grassland area 30,000 mu, flat and open terrain, summer green like carpet, includes equestrian grounds, archery ranges, Mongolian yurt clusters, can experience Mongolian cultural activities like wrestling, morin khuur.

Yuan Zhongdu Ruins

National key cultural relic protection unit, one of the three major capitals of Yuan Dynasty, initially built in Yuan Dynasty Dade 11th year (1307 AD), existing palace city walls, corner tower ruins and numerous architectural components. Excavated "dragon-patterned corner pillar" is a Yuan Dynasty art treasure, witnessing Yuan Dynasty royal regulations.

Zhongdu Grassland Resort

Comprehensive resort built relying on Zhongdu Grassland, provides Mongolian yurt accommodations, grassland dining, folk performances. Bonfire party held nightly, visitors can participate in interactive activities like dancing, singing, experiencing grassland nightlife.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Zhongdu Grassland about 10 km from Zhangbei County town, 20-minute taxi
Yuan Zhongdu Ruins about 25 km from Zhongdu Grassland, 30-minute self-drive
Electric vehicles available for rent within scenic area (50 yuan/hour)

Ticket Information

Zhongdu Grassland: 100 yuan/person
Yuan Zhongdu Ruins: 40 yuan/person
Bonfire party: Included in Zhongdu Grassland ticket

Travel Tips

Horse riding requires herder guidance (50 yuan/circle), pay attention to safety
Mongolian yurt accommodations need advance booking, busy during summer peak season
Yuan Zhongdu Ruins recommend guide (50 yuan/session) to understand history

Mountain-Water Exploration

Huapiling Mountain · Swan Lake · Anguli Grassland

Trip Highlights

Early morning ascend Huapiling Mountain to watch sea of clouds and sunrise, hike forest trails to feel coolness. Afternoon go to Swan Lake to appreciate waterbirds and grassland reflecting landscape. Evening experience farm stay activities at Anguli Grassland, purchase specialties and return.

Attraction Arrangements

Huapiling Mountain

Eastern starting point of Grassland Sky Road, elevation 2128 meters, named for birch trees covering the mountains, average summer temperature 20°C, known as "First Peak of Bashang", mountaintop features ten-thousand mu meadows, mountain areas have primeval forests, a summer resort and hiking destination.

Swan Lake

Originally named "Kulun Nao'er", largest natural lake in Bashang region, area 4.6 square kilometers, named for swans inhabiting annually in winter. Summer lake water clear, surrounded by grassland, suitable for fishing, boating, experiencing grassland wetland customs.

Anguli Grassland

Means "Wild Goose Lake", one of the largest grassland areas on Bashang plateau, grassland area 230,000 mu, gentle terrain, lush water and grass, retains original grassland features, can experience herding, milking cows and other farm activities, suitable for deep leisure.

Practical Information

Experience Activities

Huapiling Mountain forest hiking
Swan Lake boating (60 yuan/hour)
Anguli Grassland herding experience
Grassland kite flying

Specialty Recommendations

Zhangbei sesame oil cakes
Bashang oat flour
Grassland air-dried beef
Wild mushrooms

Return Guide

Zhangbei County about 60 km from Zhangjiakou Station, 1-hour taxi
Zhangbei Bus Station has buses to Beijing, Zhangjiakou
Specialties can be purchased at Yonghui Supermarket in Zhangbei County town

Must-Try Foods in Zhangbei County

Roasted Whole Lamb

Zhangbei grassland signature dish, uses locally free-range lamb, traditionally roasted with fruit wood charcoal for 3-4 hours, golden crispy skin, tender juicy meat, paired with cumin, chili and other seasonings, rich flavor, the "main course" of grassland banquets.

Hand-Held Meat

Traditional Mongolian food, bone-in lamb boiled in cold water with only ginger slices, scallion sections, dipped in garlic paste or leek flower, maximizing lamb's tenderness, embodying "big mouthful eating" grassland food culture.

Oat Flour Nests

Iconic staple of Zhangbei Bashang, made from oat flour hand-formed into honeycomb shapes, steamed and served with lamb soup or pickled vegetables, chewy texture, nutritious, known for being filling and easily digestible, energy supplement after grassland labor.

Grassland Milk Tea

Made from brick tea, milk, salt boiled together, savory and rich, can be paired with milk curd, fried rice, has warming and cold-dispelling effects, daily drink for grassland herders, reflecting nomadic dietary wisdom.

Zhangbei County Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Summer (June-August): Grassland emerald green, suitable for summer retreat, camping
Autumn (September): Grassland golden, Sky Road autumn scenery superb
Winter (December-February): Can experience ice and snow activities, fewer tourists

Must-Try Foods

Roasted whole lamb
Hand-held meat
Oat flour nests
Grassland milk tea
Zhangbei sesame oil cakes

Budget Reference

Tickets: About 200 yuan (main attractions)
Accommodation: Mongolian yurts 200-400 yuan/night, hotels 150-300 yuan/night
Food: 80-150 yuan/day (roasted whole lamb separate)
Transportation: Self-drive fuel about 300 yuan (entire trip)
Total: 800-1500 yuan

Common Questions

What vehicles suitable for Grassland Sky Road? → Sedans can pass, SUVs better for complex sections
Does Zhongdu Grassland bonfire party happen daily? → Summer nightly 19:30, cancelled on rainy days
Best spot for Huapiling Mountain sunrise viewing? → Huapiling main peak viewing platform
Many mosquitoes on Zhangbei grassland? → More in summer, need mosquito repellent