Yangtianhu Grassland: The Most Detailed and Comprehensive Guide Online

There’s a Hulunbuir in the South! Yangtianhu Grassland in Chenzhou, a 1314-meter Cloudland Wonderland Guide Windmills spin in the mist, alpacas stroll beside Hobbit houses; this 1314-meter high mountain grassland hides the most romantic summer nights in the South. “This is not Inner Mongolia, nor Xinjiang, but Yangtianhu Grassland in Chenzhou, Hunan!” With an average altitude of 1314 meters, this alpine meadow stretches over 40 square kilometers, with a green grass season lasting 9 months. The average summer temperature is only 20°C, making it a perfect summer retreat in the South. --- 01 Grassland Overview Yangtianhu Grassland is located in Beihu District, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province. It is the southernmost alpine grassland in China, the largest alpine grassland closest to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and is known as the “Hulunbuir of the South.” This grassland is not the vast, endless expanse typical of northern grasslands but appears to visitors with rolling hills and layered landscapes, offering a unique charm compared to northern grasslands. 02 Must-Visit Attractions Yangtianhu Wetland: A Quaternary glacial extinct volcanic crater lake, with 20 acres of sapphire-blue water nestled in the meadow. When morning mist lingers, it looks like a fairyland and is an excellent spot for photography. Hobbit House Cluster: Light-colored round-door wooden houses scattered among flowers, highly faithful to movie scenes, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. The best time for photos is in the soft morning light; wearing a light-colored long dress guarantees perfect shots. Petting Grassland Park: Home to alpacas, miniature horses, sika deer, and other adorable animals. Visitors can feed and interact up close (feeding carrots costs 10 yuan per portion), making it an ideal choice for family trips. Tianyu Mountain Sunset Viewing Platform: Climb to the top at 5:30 PM to watch windmill silhouettes cross the orange sky, the grassland dyed golden red. The wide view is perfect for panoramic photos. 68-Level Windmill Array: A white windmill group stretching for several kilometers along the ridge, spinning with the wind. Walking on the grassy slopes feels like stepping into a Nordic oil painting, an excellent photo backdrop. 03 Unique Experiences Horse Riding: Rent a horse to gallop across the grassland and feel the heroic spirit like in “My Fair Princess” (armor rental available for photos). This is a must-do to experience the grassland vibe. Grass Skiing: 20 yuan per ride. Hold tight on a double grass board and rush down from the hilltop, experiencing the cool thrill of speed and excitement. Starry Sky Camping: Stay overnight at the Yunye Tent Camp. After 10 PM, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, accompanied by a bonfire party and fireworks show. It’s one of the most popular summer activities. Canyon Stream Trekking: Hike to explore clear streams, a paradise for family water play (bring stream trekking shoes and change of clothes). 04 Practical Information Tickets: Adults 120 yuan (advance platform purchase discount to 110 yuan), students/children/seniors 60 yuan Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (night events like bonfire parties extend to 9:00 PM) Best Season: May for full greenery, July-August for peak activities (music festivals + starry sky camping) Transportation: · High-speed train/plane: Arrive at Chenzhou Station or Chenzhou West Station, then transfer to tourism bus line 832 directly to the scenic area (fare 15 yuan) · Self-driving: From Guangdong direction, exit at Linwu on the Xuguang Expressway; from Changsha direction, take the Jinggang’ao Expressway to Chenzhou exit · On-site transport: Shuttle buses connect key points; electric car rentals available for free exploration (50 yuan/hour) Accommodation Recommendations: · Starry Sky Tents: Yunye Campground (with showers + stargazing platform) · Popular Treehouses: Yun Luxury Hotel (suspended wooden houses in the forest with 270° panoramic windows) · Cost-effective Choice: Lakeside Cloud Residence (Hunan five-star homestay, lawn BBQ + open-air cinema) 05 Notes Wear non-slip shoes: The grassland is heavy with dew, and hiking areas can be slippery Sun protection: Strong UV rays, sunglasses + hat + sunscreen are essential Insect and cold protection: Carry mosquito repellent; a light down jacket is needed at night Eco-friendly travel: Do not trample the core grassland areas; bring your own trash bags --- When the windmills turn in the sea of clouds, when the bonfire lights up the starry river, this 1314-meter high mountain grassland hides the most romantic summer nights in the South. Gallop after the sunset, rest your head on the grass and gaze at the Milky Way; all the noise turns into the sound of the wind brushing past your ears. Let’s go, to the grassland closest to heaven, and find your free soul!