Bashang Grassland Tourism Festival in Zhangjiakou

The China-Hebei Bashang Grassland Cultural Tourism Festival is set to kick off on July 8 at the Zhangbei Zhongdu Primitive Grassland Resort. This highly anticipated event invites visitors from Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the grasslands. The festival will run until October 8, spanning three months of cultural and recreational activities.

Key Events

The festival features a diverse array of activities designed to highlight local culture and natural beauty:

  • Artistic Performances:
    • “Yanzhao Love—Grassland Romance”: A large-scale performance showcasing traditional music and dance, celebrating the emotional connections to the grassland.
  • Bonfire Party:
    • “Grassland Night”: A vibrant evening event with music, dancing, and storytelling around a large bonfire.
  • Equestrian Shows:
    • Includes thrilling horse racing, skilled riding demonstrations, and traditional wrestling events that highlight local equestrian culture.
  • Exhibitions:
    • Tourism product showcases featuring local handicrafts, food, and unique experiences to promote the region.
  • Economic Forums:
    • Opportunities for business networking and discussions on tourism development and investment.
  • Cultural Performances:
    • Folk shows that celebrate local traditions and lifestyles, further enriching the festival atmosphere.

These events aim to create a lively atmosphere for visitors, providing unforgettable summer experiences.

Bashang Grassland Highlights

Located at an elevation of 1,300 to 1,500 meters, Bashang Grassland is situated on the southern edge of the Inner Mongolia grasslands. It is part of the Xilingol Grassland and features an average summer temperature of 15°C, making it an ideal summer retreat. The area is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage.

China Horse Town Opening

The inaugural Fengning Bashang Grassland Cultural Festival coincides with the opening of China Horse Town, a new tourism destination emphasizing horse culture in Hebei Province.

Resort Features

China Horse Town is designed to maximize the use of Bashang Grassland’s natural and cultural resources, focusing on several thematic elements:

  • Horse Culture:
    • Celebrates Manchu and Mongolian traditions, with an emphasis on equestrian skills and horse breeding.
  • Cultural Experiences:
    • Incorporates shamanistic practices, totem culture, hunting traditions, and the lifestyle associated with horse riding.
  • Multifunctional Attractions:
    • A comprehensive approach to tourism that includes horse culture experiences, business meetings, leisure vacations, and eco-tourism.

Development Plans

The resort spans 1,150 hectares with a projected investment of 8 billion yuan and a planned development period of five years. The construction is divided into two phases:

  • Phase One:
    • Focuses on the Horse Dance World theme park, which began operations on July 15, 2018. This includes attractions such as amusement rides and live performances.
  • Phase Two:
    • Focused on winter sports and related facilities, officially launched in August 2023.

Accommodation

The China Horse Town hotel complex boasts 809 guest rooms, strategically located near key attractions, including:

  • Barbecue Food Street: Offers a variety of local delicacies.
  • Horse Dance World Theme Park: A major entertainment venue featuring horse-related shows and activities.
  • Manyun Riding Theater: A venue for cultural performances and horse shows.

Visitors can also explore unique shops like Horse Gang Village, which showcase local crafts, and enjoy amenities such as a 5D cinema and a family-friendly amusement area.

Zhangbei Cultural Tourism Festival Themes

The Zhangbei Bashang Grassland Cultural Tourism Festival centers on themes of “Green, Ecological, Cultural, Open, Development.” Major activities planned include:

  • China Zhangbei Grassland Music Festival: Celebrating music from various genres.
  • 37th World Miss Tourism China Regional Finals: Showcasing beauty and cultural representation.
  • Weekend Performances: A series of performances featuring local artists.

Additionally, 13 sub-events are scheduled, such as:

  • Cultural Forum: Discussions on the future of cultural tourism in the region.
  • Off-road Rally: A thrilling race showcasing the natural landscape.

Zhangbei County Overview

Zhangbei County, located in northwest Hebei Province, serves as a cultural corridor and trade route between northern ethnic groups and central China. With rich historical heritage, Zhangbei is strategically located just 225 kilometers from Beijing, making it easily accessible via major highways such as National Route 207 and the Zhangshi Expressway.

In 2010, Zhangbei County adopted a strategy of “cultural staging and tourism performance,” revamping its tourism industry to focus on eight major scenic areas, including:

  • Zhongdu Primitive Grassland Resort: A key attraction for nature lovers.
  • Wind Power Theme Parks: Showcasing renewable energy efforts.
  • 200,000 Acres of Flower Fields: A picturesque area perfect for photography and relaxation.

Projects like lakeside cultural tourism initiatives and local cultural heritage sites are currently in development, aimed at enhancing the region’s appeal as a unique and multifaceted tourism destination.