Ulanqab Grassland: A Free Journey Through Green Fields and Starry Skies

In the northern border of our motherland lies a vast and boundless green sanctuary—the Ulanqab Grassland. It is the closest Inner Mongolia grassland to Beijing, known as the "Summer Resort Capital of the Grasslands." With an average summer temperature of only 18.8°C, it is an excellent place to escape the city's hustle and bustle and embrace nature. Whether you yearn for the freedom of galloping across the plains or cherish the tranquility under the starry sky, Ulanqab Grassland can fulfill all your grassland fantasies. Transportation Guide • High-speed Rail: Departing from Beijing North Station, it takes only 2 hours to reach Ulanqab Station. It is recommended to choose a seat by the right window to enjoy the wonderful transition from urban scenery to grassland beauty along the way. Upon arrival, you can choose to charter a car to the scenic area, about a 1-hour drive, convenient and fast. • Self-driving: Take the Jingzang Expressway to Jingli Expressway, navigate to "Huanghuagou Scenic Area." Although the scenery along the way is breathtaking, note that gas stations are scarce, so be sure to fill up in Zhangjiakou just in case. Must-Visit Attractions • Huitengxile Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Area: One of the world's three major alpine meadow flower grasslands, with an average altitude of 2100 meters. From June to August each year, the area is covered with flowers, as if nature spilled its palette, decorating the entire grassland in vibrant colors. Riding the vintage small train through it feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli fairy tale. You can also take the cable car to overlook the grassland from above, feeling the breeze whisper by your ears and taking in the vast grassland scenery. At night, stay in a Mongolian yurt, join the lively bonfire party, sing and dance with visitors from all over, then lie on the grassland and gaze at the vast starry sky, where the brilliant Milky Way seems within reach. • Ulanhada Volcanic Group: Known as the youngest "volcanic museum," it features the only volcanic group formed in the late Quaternary period in China. Along the scenic road, over 20 volcanoes shine like pearls on the grassland, contrasting beautifully with the blue sky, white clouds, and green grass. Climb the wooden boardwalk of Volcano No. 3, check in at the popular phone booth, and take Japanese-style photos; the red-brown volcanic rock fault of Volcano No. 4 is stunning, and you can capture excellent panoramic shots at the front sign; Volcano No. 5 is the same as the cover of National Geographic, with a complete volcanic cone and black lava, perfect for wide-angle shots; Volcano No. 6 is a secret realm of all-black volcanic rock—rent a spacesuit and add smoke bombs to create an atmosphere like being on Mars for amazing photos. • Gegentala Grassland: "Gegentala" means "vast and bright grassland." This is where the Shenzhou spacecraft landed, featuring endless pristine grasslands. You can gallop on horseback here and experience the joy of riding across the grassland; participate in activities like milking cows and feeding lambs to feel the purest nomadic life; at night, lie in a Mongolian yurt, listen to the melodious horsehead fiddle, and drift into sweet dreams. Food Guide • Hand-held Meat: Bone-in lamb is separated at the joints and boiled in a large pot without salt or other seasonings. When eating, hold the meat with one hand and a knife with the other to pick off the lamb, dipping it in chive flower sauce, garlic paste, and other condiments. The tender lamb melts in your mouth, original and flavorful, fully showcasing the grassland style. • Milk Tea: A traditional Mongolian drink made by boiling brick tea and mixing it with fresh cow’s or goat’s milk, then adding butter and roasted rice. One sip blends rich milk and tea aromas perfectly, quenching thirst and filling the stomach, an indispensable part of grassland life. • Roasted Whole Lamb: A traditional Mongolian dish for hosting guests, made from well-fed sheep. After slaughtering, scalding, dehairing, marinating, and seasoning, it is roasted over fruitwood charcoal in a special oven. The skin is golden and crispy, the meat inside tender and juicy. When eating, pair it with cumin, chili powder, and a cup of mare’s milk wine to enjoy the hearty feast. However, frozen meat may be used around the scenic area, prices are high (over 200 RMB per person), so it is recommended to try freshly roasted lamb at old city restaurants or nomads’ homes for a more authentic taste. • Zhuozishan Smoked Chicken: A specialty of Ulanqab, made from local high-quality native chickens. After slaughtering, cleaning, and marinating, the chicken is smoked with cypress sawdust. The meat is reddish, delicious, firm yet tender, with fragrant aroma, making it an excellent souvenir. Accommodation Recommendations • Mongolian Yurt: To experience authentic grassland life, the Mongolian yurt is the top choice. The cavalry camp yurts are clean and tidy, with private bathrooms, allowing you to enjoy the grassland atmosphere while ensuring comfort. You can also bargain on-site during the off-season to save money. • Homestays: The Ulanhada homestay cluster has over a hundred homestays with various styles to choose from. Some are volcano-themed, decorated with volcanic elements; others are full of Mongolian characteristics, with colorful carpets and exquisite tapestries, making you feel like you are in a Mongolian tribe. Here, you can feel the warmth of home and interact with hospitable hosts to learn about local customs. Travel Itinerary Planning • Two-day Tour: ◦ Day 1: After arriving in Ulanqab, head to Huitengxile Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Area, take the small train to tour the flower grassland, experience zip-lining and rafting, join the bonfire party at night, and stay in a Mongolian yurt. ◦ Day 2: Wake up early to watch the grassland sunrise, then visit the Ulanhada Volcanic Group, tour Volcanoes No. 3 to 6, take photos, and return in the afternoon. • Three-day Tour: ◦ Day 1: Depart from Beijing, arrive in Ulanqab, visit Jining International Leather City, then go to Ulanhada Volcanic Group to enjoy volcanic scenery, and stay at a Ulanhada homestay at night. ◦ Day 2: Visit Huitengxile Huanghuagou Grassland Tourism Area, take the cable car and small train, watch the live show "Meeting at Aobao," join the bonfire party at night, and stay in a Mongolian yurt. ◦ Day 3: Head to Gegentala Grassland to experience horseback riding and milking cows, return in the afternoon, and stop to taste Zhuozishan smoked chicken on the way. Notes • Sun and Wind Protection: The grassland has strong sunlight and intense UV rays, so be sure to take sun protection measures, bring sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and high-SPF sunscreen; at the same time, strong winds can occur anytime, so prepare a windproof hat with chin straps to prevent it from blowing away. • Keep Warm: The temperature difference between day and night is huge; even in summer, nights are cool, so bring a thick jacket or down coat to avoid catching a cold. • Horse Riding Safety: Choose a licensed ranch with protective and safety measures for horse riding. Check the saddle carefully before riding, follow the instructor’s guidance, and avoid running freely to prevent accidents. • Respect Customs: The Mongolian people have unique customs and traditions, so respect the local culture. For example, enter the yurt from the left side and sit on the west side; do not step on prayer flags; when sheep block the road, wait patiently and do not honk to drive them away.