Grasslands, Volcanoes, and Deserts: A 3-Day, 2-Night Travel Guide

Escape the city 🏠 and head to the great grasslands! Among all the grasslands I've visited, this one keeps calling me back. Vast yet serene, it's the perfect destination with unbeatable value 😍! Without further ado, here's the ultimate guide: — The closest and most beautiful grassland near Beijing. The Huitengxile Grassland is located in Ulanqab City, Chahar Right Wing Middle Banner, about 430 kilometers from Beijing. With an average altitude of 2,100 meters, it is a typical alpine meadow grassland bordering the Inner Mongolia grasslands, rich in wildlife and plant resources. — ✅ Recommended Itinerary 3-Day Plan: DAY 1️⃣: Huitengxile Grassland ~ Huanghuagou ~ Bonfire Party ~ Stay in a Mongolian Yurt DAY 2️⃣: Huitengxile Grassland ~ Wulanhada Volcano Geopark ~ Stay in a Desert Town DAY 3️⃣: Xiangshawan ~ Chifeng Grassland & Hasuhai ~ Return to Hohhot Huanghuagou Flower Grassland: One of the world's three major alpine meadow grasslands, filled with blooming flowers. Take a ride on the popular small train and feel like you're in a Hayao Miyazaki fairy tale. Attractions: - **Huitengxile Huanghuagou Flower Grassland** - **Volcanic Stone Canyon**: Located in the heart of the Huanghuagou Grassland Resort, this is a classic Quaternary glacial geological relic. The canyon stretches 800 meters, with granite formations creating unique sights like Sword Gate Mountain, Divine Bird Peak, and Wanghan Rock. - **Centennial Willow Beach**: A core ecological attraction in Huanghuagou, located in Tonghua Valley. The area is filled with century-old willows shaped by floods and wind erosion into twisted, gnarled forms. - **Millennial Birch Forest**: A 5,000-year-old secondary forest with tall, white-barked birch trees. In autumn, the golden leaves intertwine with the green willows, creating a "grassland forest sea wonder." - **Sharqichige Aobao**: "Sharqichige" means "yellow flower" in Mongolian. Originally used by nomads for navigation and territory marking, Aobao later became sacred sites for victory celebrations and wish-making. Activities: - **Horse Riding on the Grassland**: Gallop across the vast grasslands and feel the freedom of the wind. Prices are typically 100-150 RMB for a 30-minute ride. Negotiate prices in advance, choose reputable stables, and prioritize safety. - **Archery Experience**: Learn traditional Mongolian archery and enjoy the thrill of shooting arrows. Usually 50 RMB for 10 arrows. - **High-altitude Zipline**: Soar through the air and take in the grassland views from above. Price: 50 RMB per person per ride. - **Glass Slide**: Glide down a glass slide, experiencing speed and excitement while enjoying the surrounding scenery. Price: 50 RMB per person per ride. - **Grass Skiing**: Slide down from a high point on a grass board and feel the wind rushing past. Price: 30 RMB per person per ride. Performance: - **"Meeting at the Aobao"**: A creative performance inspired by traditional nomadic Aobao worship and grassland Naadam festivals. Combining live-action and storytelling, it narrates the love story of two young grassland dwellers, showcasing the deep affection of nomadic people for Aobao and the festive spirit of Naadam. — ✅ Concerts and Nearby Attractions [Route Suggestions] ❤ Wulanhada Volcano Geopark, Chifeng Grassland (Hasuhai), Hongshi Cliff, Xiangshawan, Yinken Tala Desert, Mongolian Origins, Genghis Khan Mausoleum, Huitengxile Grassland, Meidai Monastery... ❤ Grassland Night Party: Enjoy a traditional Mongolian "Zha Ma Banquet," experience the lively atmosphere of a bonfire🔥 party, and savor roasted lamb leg. If you're lucky, you might witness a starry sky. ❤ Food Recommendations: Gerile Ama, Ice-boiled Lamb, Lamb Ribs, Hand-pulled Meat, Milk Tofu, Mongolian Milk Tea, Steamed Dumplings, Lamb Skewers... Don't miss these specialties❗️ Portions are large, so don't over-order‼️ ❤ The grassland's UV rays are strong, so be sure to protect your skin and stay hydrated. ❤ Check the weather in advance. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring a thick jacket. ❤ Avoid low-cost tours! Don't be tempted by cheap prices—they're often scams❗️ Especially tours to Xilamuren, where the grass is sparse, and the area is crowded with shopping groups. Most tours to this place are focused on consumption. Sharing this insider tip might upset some in the industry, so make sure to like and save this post to find it later.