In-depth Ulan Butong Guide: Explore Ulan Butong in Seven Days!

Below is a seven-day in-depth travel guide for the Ulan Butong Grassland, covering classic must-visit spots, hidden gems, photography locations, and practical tips to help you experience the diverse landscapes of grasslands, deserts, and forests! --- **📅 Seven-Day Itinerary (Best by Self-Drive/Chartered Car)** **📍 Core Route** Beijing/Chengde → Saihanba → Ulan Butong → Keshiketeng Banner → Re'a Line/Dada Line → Yulong Sand Lake → Return **Day 1: Arrive at the Heart of the Grassland** - **Morning**: Depart from Beijing/Chengde (about 6 hours by car), pass through Saihanba National Forest Park (ticket 130 RMB), cross the forest sea to Ulan Butong (ticket 120 RMB/valid for 3 days). - **Afternoon**: Check in at a guesthouse near Hongshan Military Horse Farm (recommended "Moshang Huakai" guesthouse, book 2 weeks in advance during peak season). - **Evening**: Climb to **General Pond** to watch the sunset, horseback ride around the lake (50 RMB/hour), capture horses splashing water. **Day 2: Classic Grassland Highlights** - **Early Morning**: Sunrise at the **Film Studio** (filming location of "Princess Pearl"), hike the boardwalk to the European-style scenic area. - **Morning**: Bike around **Princess Lake** (bike rental 30 RMB/hour), take photos in the birch forest. - **Afternoon**: Visit **Wild Duck Lake** → **Five-Color Mountain** (best in September, with colorful forests), encounter herders grazing sheep along the way. - **Night**: Join a Mongolian yurt bonfire party (80 RMB per person), enjoy roasted whole lamb with horse milk wine. **Day 3: Off-road Adventure into Secret Spots** - **All Day**: Rent an off-road vehicle (about 600 RMB/day) to explore **Toufenggou**, **Panlong Canyon** (guide required), cross streams, climb sand slopes, experience the "grassland roller coaster." - **Highlight**: Photograph cattle and sheep herds and rolling meadows in **East Valley**, visit **Toad Dam** (ticket 30 RMB) in the afternoon to shoot light and shadow hills. **Day 4: Geological Wonders of Keshiketeng Banner** - **Morning**: Drive 2 hours to **Ashatu Stone Forest** (ticket 160 RMB), see glacial relics and strange stones. - **Afternoon**: Cross the **Re'a Line** (70 km grassland sky road), stop at **Huanggangliang** to overlook the mixed forest and sandy landscape. - **Overnight**: Stay in Reshuitang Town, soak in hot springs to relieve fatigue (recommended "Keshiketeng Hot Spring Hotel"). **Day 5: Collision of Desert and Lakes** - **Morning**: Drive 3 hours to **Yulong Sand Lake** (ticket 80 RMB), ride camels (100 RMB/hour), try desert motorbikes. - **Afternoon**: Sand sliding and barefoot walking on cool sand at **Buridun Lake** (sand stays cool even in midsummer). - **Evening**: Camp under the desert starry sky (tent rental 200 RMB per tent), the Milky Way visible to the naked eye. **Day 6: Leisurely Return Journey** - **Morning**: Pass through **Huamugou National Forest Park** (free), pick mushrooms and collect pine cones. - **Afternoon**: Return to Ulan Butong, retake photos of **Aobao Tu** morning mist (arrive by 5 am) or enjoy free activities. **Day 7: Farewell to the Grassland** - **Morning**: Horse galloping at Hongshan Military Horse Farm (professional coach accompanies, 100 RMB per lap). - **Noon**: Taste Mongolian hot pot tea, dairy tofu, buy beef jerky souvenirs (recommended brand "Caoyuan Hong"). - **Return**: Head back to Beijing via Yudaokou Ranch, stop by **Moon Lake** for photos. **📸 Must-Photograph Scenes** 1. **General Pond Morning Mist**: Arrive before 5:30 am, use telephoto lens to capture herders driving horses through water. 2. **Toad Dam Sunset**: Secure spot by 4 pm, use fence as foreground. 3. **Re'a Line Road Shots**: Wide-angle photos of S-curves with grassland background, wear bright clothes recommended. 4. **Starry Sky Photography Spots**: Yulong Sand Lake or Ulan Butong Film Studio, tripod and high ISO required. --- **⚠️ Practical Tips** | **Item** | **Tips** | **Transport** | Prefer SUVs/off-road vehicles! Grassland roads are bumpy, be cautious in rain; gas stations are scarce, fill up whenever possible. | **Clothing** | Large temperature difference between day and night, wear sun-protective clothes and short sleeves during the day, fleece or windbreaker at night; wear high-top shoes in the desert to prevent sand entry. | | **Avoid Scams** | Agree on horse riding price before mounting to avoid "per meter" charges; buy souvenirs at town supermarkets, avoid overpriced items in scenic spots. | **Accommodation** | Prices double in peak season (July-August), book early; one night in a Mongolian yurt is enough (no private bathroom). | | **Environmental Protection** | Do not trample the grassland! Some areas fine 500 RMB per vehicle; carry out your trash. --- **🍖 Grassland Food List** - **Must-Try**: Hand-held mutton (dip in chive flower sauce), grilled lamb chops, Mongolian fried bread, sand scallion scrambled eggs. - **Avoid**: "Low-price group meals" in scenic areas may use frozen meat; choose herders' family restaurants (e.g., "Batejia Mongolian Restaurant"). **"Seven days, from grassland to desert, from morning mist to starry river, the wild beauty of Ulan Butong is always on the road!"** 🌄🐎