Bashang Grassland in Chengde and Zhangjiakou, Hebei
Bashang Grassland is a kind of meadow grassland formed by the abrupt rise of land and is influenced by the climate and vegetation. It is located on the border of Inner Mongolia Plateau and the southern foot of Daxing’an Mountains, with an average altitude of 1500-2100 meters. Now it generally refers to the area 100 kilometers north of Zhangjiakou to 100 kilometers north of Chengde, covering about 200,000 square kilometers. With cool weather and grand grassland scenery, it is a prime destination for tourism, leisure, and vacation in northern China, especially in summer. It is also ideal for tourists wanting to connect with invigorating nature and refresh their minds.
Bashang Grassland
Fengning Bashang Grassland
What to See on Bashang Grassland
Bashang Grassland is mainly divided into Mulan Paddock (Paddock Bashang), Fengning Bashang, Zhangbei Bashang, and Guyuan Bashang. Mulan Paddock stretches across Chengde City and Inner Mongolia. Fengning Bashang is located in Chengde. Zhangbei Bashang and Guyuan Bashang are found in Zhangjiakou City. In addition to the stunning grassland scenery, various activities allow you to enjoy the prairie fully and blend into the daily life of local nomads.
- ✔ 4 Days Bashang Grassland Unparalleled Landscape Tour from Beijing
- ✔ 7 Days Bashang Grassland Photography Tour
Mulan Paddock (木兰围场) – Most Scenic Part
Location: Haliha County, Chengde Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, about 200 km (3 hours’ drive) from Chengde downtown.
Opening Hours: All day.
Ticket: CNY 150 for Saihanba National Forest Park, Yudaokou Ranch, and Hongsongwa Natural Reserve; CNY 120 for Hongshan Army Horse Ranch.
Mulan Paddock, the royal hunting garden of the Qing Dynasty (A.D. 1636-1912), is located in the northeast of Hebei Province. It has been a grassland with abundant water and fertile land for animal reproduction. In 1681, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty opened a hunting ground of more than 10,000 square kilometers to train the army. In the more than 140 years from Kangxi to Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty, 105 hunting events took place here.
Mulan Paddock comprises Saihanba National Forest Park, Hongshan Army Horse Ranch, Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Spot, and Hongsongwa Natural Reserve. The scenic spots are quite far apart, and each is vast with many smaller attractions. Therefore, the best way to visit Mulan Paddock is to charter a car or drive yourself. The most beautiful scenery is often along the road, where you can enjoy vast grasslands, lakes, rivers, birch forests, and occasional small deserts.
Saihanba National Forest Park is the largest forest park in northern China, with a forest coverage rate of 75.2%. It features vast forests, grasslands, plateau lakes, and historical sites of the Qing Dynasty. Qixing Lake is a popular destination here, composed of seven small lakes forming a large wetland.
Hongshan Army Horse Ranch (Wulanbutong Grassland) boasts beautiful scenery and a unique landscape. Summer offers a vibrant climate perfect for sightseeing, while autumn showcases colorful vegetation, attracting photographers.
Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Spot spans 1,000 square kilometers of primitive grassland, wetland, natural forest, and freshwater lakes, making it one of the birthplaces of the Luanhe River.
Hongsongwa Natural Reserve is characterized by mountains, plateaus, rolling hills, scattered rivers, and lakes, forming a spectacular scene with a windmill as a highlight.
Fengning Bashang (丰宁坝上) – Closest to Beijing
Location: Yushugou, Datanzhen, Chengde Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, about 240 km (3 hours’ drive) from Chengde downtown, 280 km (4.5 hours’ drive) from Beijing.
Opening Hours: All day.
Ticket: Free, but extra fees apply for some attractions and activities (e.g., CNY 70 for Liushugou National Forest Park).
Fengning Bashang is known as the “No. 1 Grassland North of Beijing,” only 280 km away from the capital. It features a good ecological environment with clear water, vast grassland, and herds of cattle and sheep. In July and August, the temperature is around 18-20℃, making it perfect for visits.
Dahan Temporary Palace is the largest scenic spot here, featuring the world’s only palace from the Yuan Dynasty, the largest stone eagle statue, and various entertainment options.
Guyuan Bashang (沽源坝上)
Location: Guyuan County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, about 170 km (2.5 hours’ drive) from Zhangjiakou City, 300 km (4.5 hours’ drive) from Beijing.
Opening Hours: All day.
Ticket: Free, but CNY 30 for Shandian River Wetland Park and CNY 80 for Wuhua Meadow.
This area features burial buildings and imperial palace sites from the Liao, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties. Shandian Lake is picturesque, resembling a flash of lightning, and is surrounded by stunning grasslands.
Zhangbei Bashang (张北坝上)
Location: Sanbao Yingpan Village, Zhangbei County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei, about 80 km (1.5 hours’ drive) from Zhangjiakou, 270 km (4 hours’ drive) from Beijing.
Opening Hours: All day.
Ticket: Free, but CNY 100 for Zhongdu Grassland.
Zhangbei Bashang was once a hunting spot for Qing emperors. It now features commercialized grassland resorts and hosts the Zhangbei Grassland Music Festival every summer.
Best Time to Visit Bashang Grassland
Bashang Grassland experiences a continental monsoon plateau climate, with short springs and autumns, dry weather, and cool summers. The best time to visit is from mid-June to late September, especially in July and August when the scenery is vibrant.
Bashang Grassland Location & Transportation
Mulan Paddock is about 200 km from Chengde downtown. Fengning Bashang is about 240 km from Chengde and 280 km from Beijing. Guyuan Bashang is 170 km from Zhangjiakou, while Zhangbei Bashang is 80 km from Zhangjiakou.
Traveling by car is recommended, as public transport only reaches nearby counties. Chengde can be accessed by flights or trains from several major cities.
Travel with China Discovery
If you’re looking for a reliable travel agency, you can book a private tour package with China Discovery, which covers sightseeing, dining, accommodation, and transfer.
Where to Stay on Bashang Grassland
Accommodations vary from local homestays to 5-star hotels. Homestays offer a cultural experience, while hotels like Narada Hotel provide more comfort.
Bashang Grassland Travel Tips
Weather and Temperature
Temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night, so warm clothing is advisable. Carry rain gear, as weather can change quickly, and wear sun protection during midday.
Taking Part in Grassland Activities
Engage in various activities, ensuring safety is your top priority. Always follow staff instructions while riding horses.
How to Plan Your Chengde Tour
Getting to Chengde
Flights are available from several cities, and high-speed trains connect it to Beijing and other locations.
Best Time to Visit Chengde
The best months to visit are April to October.
Top Attractions in Chengde
Chengde is renowned for its Imperial Mountain Resort and surrounding temples. A visit typically requires 2 to 3 days, especially if incorporating the Bashang Grassland.
Suggested Tours
- ✔ 4 Days Bashang Grassland Unparalleled Landscape Tour from Beijing
- ✔ 5 Days Beijing Highlights Tour with Side Trip to Chengde
With its proximity to Beijing, many tourists choose to explore Chengde after visiting the capital, making it a convenient addition to any itinerary.
