High-speed rail accessible! Escape the crowds at this hidden gem: Huanghuagou Mini Train through a Ghibli-style summer

🌅 **Morning: Huitengxile Grassland·Pastoral Symphony in the Clouds** - **07:00-08:30** Depart from Ulanqab city Drive/private car to Huitengxile Grassland (~1.5hrs), enjoy windmill arrays and morning-lit grass waves en route. - **08:30-12:00** Immersive grassland experience - **Huanghuagou Scenic Area** (¥235 ticket includes mini train + cable car): Ride the viral grassland train through flower seas. The 4pm slot has best lighting, but mornings offer crowd-free photo ops. - **Horseback riding & archery**: Choose licensed herder teams (negotiate to ~¥50-100/lap), safely experience lasso-style galloping. - **Hidden gem**: Spot marmots near cable transfer streams, tie prayer scarves at sacred cairns (free scarves, circle odd times). --- 🌋 **Afternoon: Ulanhad Volcano·Mars Landing** - **12:30-13:30** Lunch·Authentic grassland flavors Try **braised lamb** at Chahar Right Back Banner (recommend Baiyin Laoshanjie, ~¥60/person) or head straight to volcano camps for BBQ. - **14:00-17:30** Volcano Geopark (free entry) - **No.6 Volcano (South Alchemy Furnace)**: Rent spacesuits (bargain to ¥80/hour) for intergalactic photos against black-red lava fields. - **No.5 Volcano (Central Alchemy Furnace)**: Scramble to summit (wear grippy shoes!) for panoramic views of No.6, prime drone spot. - **No.3 Volcano (North Alchemy Furnace)**: 10-min stair climb to iconic red phone booth. --- 🌌 **Evening: Sunset & Return** - **18:30-19:30** **Chase sunset on Volcano Road** The stretch between No.5-6 offers golden-hour shots, transforming grass into amber hues with perfect silhouettes. - **20:00** Return to city Grab vacuum-packed "Jining Old Ma Halal" beef jerky (HSR-friendly) as souvenirs en route. --- 🍖 **Foodie Radar: Must-Eats** - **Ice-boiled lamb**: Volcanic rocks boil tender meat, served with wild chive dip (try "Zecheng Ice Lamb" downtown). - **Mongolian breakfast tea**: Salty milk tea + cheese curds + roasted millet fuels all day. - **Avoid**: Overpriced tourist "hand-grabbed lamb" sets—opt for herder's fresh-slaughtered feast (¥298/whole sheep feeds 6). --- ⚠️ **Pro Tips: Avoid Pitfalls** 1. **Attire**: Huge temp swings (25°C day/10°C night)—pack windbreaker + down vest; volcanic dust masks recommended. 2. **Transport**: Private cars (~¥500/car for city→grassland→volcano loop) or rent SUVs (roads manageable). 3. **Photography**: - Milky Way settings: ISO3200 + 20s exposure + f2.8 (highlight volcanoes with torches). - Outfits: Bright dresses/jackets—avoid green tones. 4. **Eco-rules**: Don't take volcanic rocks! Pack out all trash.