Ulan Butong, a sanctuary for the soul

Ulan Butong is located in the southwest of Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It was once the royal hunting ground of Emperor Mulan Qiu during the Qing Dynasty. Here, you will find vast endless grasslands, dense birch forests, and scattered lakes. The European-style prairie scenery perfectly blends with unique Mongolian customs, making it the filming location for many movies and TV shows such as "Princess Pearl" and "Wolf Totem." Recommended Attractions 1. Ulan Butong Film and Television Base: Tickets are included in the scenic area pass. Over 100 films and TV dramas have been shot here. In the early morning, climb the boardwalk to enjoy the dreamy morning mist and experience the magical atmosphere as if you have stepped into a film scene. 2. European-style Scenic Area: Rolling hills stretch endlessly, picturesque like a classic Windows desktop wallpaper. Every shot looks like an oil painting. 3. General’s Pond: An ancient battlefield where Emperor Kangxi fought Galdan, now peaceful and magnificent. You can ride horses or take camel carts to tour the lake, enjoy the beautiful lake views, and may even witness the stunning scene of horses splashing water. 4. Princess Lake: The lake water is clear and surrounded by birch forests. In the early morning and evening, the soft light reflects golden tree shadows on the lake surface, creating a fairyland-like scene. 5. Frog Dam: A hidden gem for photography enthusiasts. In autumn, the golden birch forest, scattered haystacks, and scenes of shepherds herding sheep create a breathtaking oil painting. 6. Panlong Canyon: Here, birch forests and streams complement each other. The stream flows gently at the bottom of the canyon, with lush vegetation on both sides. The scenery is pleasant and ideal for hiking and sightseeing. 7. Five-Color Mountain: Wildflowers bloom in summer, and the forest is dyed in layers of color in autumn. The mountains are covered with red, yellow, green, and other colors, making it an excellent place to enjoy natural scenery. Food Experience 1. Roasted Whole Lamb: Made from well-fed sheep, slowly roasted over charcoal. The skin is golden and crispy, the meat tender and juicy, with a rich aroma. Advance booking is required, costing about 2000 RMB per lamb. 2. Handheld Meat: Bone-in lamb boiled in clear water, served with chive flower sauce. The meat is tender and original in flavor, allowing you to taste the unique flavor of grassland lamb. 3. Mongolian Hot Pot Tea: Made by boiling fried rice, milk skin, dried beef, and other ingredients. It is savory and warming, a local specialty drink that can be enjoyed with other snacks. 4. Sand Onion Scrambled Eggs: Sand onion is a special wild vegetable on the grassland, stir-fried with eggs. It has a unique fresh aroma and tastes delicious. 5. Fermented Milk Snack: Fermented cream mixed with fried rice, sour and sweet with a rich flavor, similar in texture to ice cream. It is a must-try specialty. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Ulan Butong Moshang Huakai Homestay: Located deep in the grassland, a great place to experience grassland life. You can see the starry sky right outside your door. Prices range from 300-500 RMB per night, but bathrooms are shared. 2. Tianlai Hotel: Close to the film base, rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with scenic views and underfloor heating, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding beauty and warmth at night. Prices range from 500-800 RMB per night. 3. Junlan Ulan Butong Resort: A high-end wild luxury accommodation with independent wooden cabins and private hot springs, providing a comfortable and private living environment. Prices range from 1500-3000 RMB per night. 4. Hongshan Military Horse Ranch Town Hotel: Located in the town center with convenient living, nearby restaurants, supermarkets, and good value for money. Prices range from 200-400 RMB per night. Travel Tips 1. Best Travel Time: June to August, when wildflowers bloom across the grassland, with an average temperature of 20°C and pleasant climate; mid-September to early October, when autumn is in full swing, the golden period for photography; December to February, when the land is frozen and snow-covered, offering magnificent snowy landscapes, but temperatures are low, so keep warm. 2. Transportation: You can fly to Chifeng Yulong Airport or Chengde Puning Airport, then charter a car or rent a car to get there; or take a train to Chifeng Station or Siheyong Station and transfer to a bus; self-driving allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way. From Beijing, take the Jingcheng Expressway → Weichang North → Yudaokou → Ulan Butong, about 450 km, 6-7 hours. 3. Notes: Tickets cost 120 RMB per person and are valid for three days. When riding horses, negotiate the price and route duration in advance; be cautious when buying local specialties, especially "wild mushrooms" inside the scenic area; for off-road vehicle tours, choose a legitimate team and sign a safety agreement; respect local culture, do not enter herders’ fenced pastures without permission, and ask for consent before photographing others. A journey in Ulan Butong is a deep dialogue with nature and history. Every patch of grassland, every birch tree, every ray of sunlight here will become your most precious memory.