I thought the grasslands of Inner Mongolia were stunningly beautiful, but coming here completely blew me away

🌟 Highlights: When it comes to grasslands, everyone thinks of Inner Mongolia, but actually, just outside Guangzhou lies a vast grassland that can fulfill your prairie dreams! Only 1.5 hours from Guangzhou, it's the perfect choice for couples, friends, or families for a weekend getaway or short trip! If there's a "heaven" on Earth, then Yangtianhu Grassland is the closest place to it. This is the nearest large grassland to Guangzhou, surrounded by lush secondary primeval forests that form a natural barrier, creating an idyllic paradise. With temperatures averaging just 18°C, it's undoubtedly an ideal summer retreat. As summer arrives, gentle breezes sweep across the grassy hills, while deer and horses roam the highlands, painting a serene and beautiful picture. The grassland here is vast, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the scenery and experience the refreshing summer prairie vibes. You can also go horseback riding, camping, have picnics, or run freely. There are also Hobbit houses, wetland trails, sika deer, alpacas, black swans, windmills, sea of clouds, and starry nights—plenty of photo spots! Every shot looks like a postcard! 👍 Highly Recommended: Hobbit Houses Step into these movie-inspired cottages and enter a fairy-tale world in an instant—perfect for photos! Petting Zoo Meet alpacas, sika deer, cows, black-faced sheep, and more. You can even feed them up close—a great spot for kids. Grass Sliding Field Slide down the wide, steep slopes and feel the wind rush past as you’re surrounded by the vast grassland, leaving all your worries behind. 🕙 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 🚉 Transportation Guide: Self-Drive (Recommended Rainbow Route) Rainbow Route Options: 1. Route 1: Chenzhou City → Provincial Highway 212 → Yangtianhu Grassland (~2 hours) 2. Route 2: Chenzhou City → Taihe Town / Lutang Town → Yangtianhu Grassland (~2 hours) △ Driving Tips: The mountain roads are winding—best for experienced drivers. Beginners or those who prefer comfort should take Provincial Highway 212; other rural roads are for seasoned drivers. The scenic area (North Gate) has 1200+ parking spots. Fill up your tank—gas stations are scarce along the way. EV charging: New charging stations are available in the parking lot. Public Transport: Tourist Bus 832: Departs from the High-Speed Rail Station Bus Terminal, direct to the scenic area entrance. Fare: 13 RMB. If you don’t want a long journey, consider carpooling or private hire. 🧳 Pre-Trip Prep: Bring your ID and some cash! Check the weather forecast—May to July can be hot, so pack sunscreen! Comfortable shoes are a must for steep areas like Gao Yiling and Mahuangqiu. Carry basic meds like band-aids and motion sickness pills. Yangtianhu Grassland is spring-like year-round—bring a jacket and an umbrella! ✅ Must-Do Experiences: Grassland Scenery: Yangtianhu: A crater lake formed by Quaternary glaciers, dubbed "a tear on Earth." Windmill Farm: Towering windmills stand like guardians of the land—great for photos. Lotus Viewing Platform: A glass platform offering panoramic views, perfect for sunrise/sunset. Instagrammable Spots: Hobbit Houses: Recreating scenes from "The Hobbit"—pure fairy-tale charm. Food Truck: Stylish and photogenic, enjoy snacks while snapping pics. 1314 Altitude Marker: A romantic spot for couples. Unique Activities: Horseback Riding: Gallop across 60,000 acres of grassland and feel free. Archery: Channel your inner nomad with guidance from pros. Animal Encounters: Alpacas, Kodak ducks, black swans, and sika deer—super therapeutic. 📝 Tips: Weather: Visit on sunny days; overcast skies dull the views. The grassland has strong UV—protect yourself. Roads: Mountain roads are twisty—motion sickness meds recommended. Best Time: April to October, when the grass is lush and green. 🏨 Hotel Options: For a 2-day trip, stay near Xiaodong River—nearby guesthouses are affordable (~100 RMB), making it easy to visit Dongjiang early the next day. For a 3-day trip, stay in the city near Houyu Ancient Street on day two. 🍽 Dining Recs: Location: Yangtianhu Country Flavor Farmhouse, Chenzhou Must-Try Hunan Dishes: Spicy Sour Chicken Gizzards: "Unforgettable! Perfectly balanced sour and spicy, fresh and crisp—each bite is a flavor explosion. Great with rice—highly recommended for spice lovers!" Portions are huge—three dishes fed four of us (two men, two women) with leftovers! We couldn’t finish it all—no waste here!