Three-Day Travel Guide: Yulong Sand Lake, Ulan Butong, and Gongger Grassland

Want to escape the city and head to the grasslands with your best friend to see herds of cattle and sheep? Here's a detailed three-day travel guide for Yulong Sand Lake, Ulan Butong, and Gongger Grassland: Itinerary - **Day 1: Chifeng - Yulong Sand Lake - Gongger Grassland** - **Morning:** Depart from Chifeng city, a 2-hour drive to Yulong Sand Lake. Experience the thrill of desert off-road driving or opt for a camel ride to enjoy the desert scenery. - **Noon:** Have lunch at the scenic area restaurant, savoring local specialties like stir-fried sand onion with eggs. - **Afternoon:** Hike the sand dunes, enjoy the stunning desert sunset, and capture breathtaking "desert solitude" photos. Then, drive to Gongger Grassland, admiring the grassland views along the way. - **Evening:** Arrive at the Gongger Grassland resort, where you'll be welcomed with a traditional Mongolian "down-horse wine" ceremony. Enjoy dinner featuring delicacies like hand-pulled lamb. Afterward, join a grassland bonfire party, dance with the locals, and stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt under the starry sky. - **Day 2: Gongger Grassland - Ulan Butong** - **Morning:** Wake up early to watch the grassland sunrise and enjoy a breakfast of Mongolian milk tea. Choose to visit a Mongolian ranch to experience activities like setting up yurts, dressing in traditional Mongolian attire for photos, or learning Mongolian wrestling. Alternatively, head to the Keshiketeng Stone Forest, passing through the scenic Dada Line, and explore the filming location of the movie *The Promise*, with its birch forests and magnificent stone formations. - **Noon:** Have lunch en route, sampling local specialties. - **Afternoon:** Drive to Ulan Butong, passing through the Xilamuren Grand Canyon, where you can opt for grassland rafting at your own expense. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, rest briefly, and enjoy local delicacies like roasted whole lamb in the evening. - **Day 3: Ulan Butong - Chifeng** - **Morning:** Visit the Ulan Butong Film Base, a shooting location for dramas like *The Legend of Mi Yue*. Take photos in iconic scenes and admire the European-style grassland landscapes and Baicao Aobao. Then, stroll around Princess Lake, enjoying the picturesque lake and mountain views. - **Noon:** Have lunch near the scenic area. - **Afternoon:** Conclude your trip and drive back to Chifeng. Transportation Guide - **Chartered Car:** Renting a car from Chifeng is recommended for flexibility and better enjoyment of the scenic routes. The Dada Line and Re'a Line have good road conditions, making them suitable for chartered trips. - **Self-Driving:** If you choose to drive, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and download offline maps, as some areas may have weak mobile signals. Accommodation Recommendations - **Gongger Grassland:** Stay in a Mongolian yurt in the heart of the grassland for an authentic experience, such as the Gongger Grassland Nomadic Culture Village. - **Ulan Butong:** Consider staying in a local guesthouse in Xiaohongshan Village to experience the local culture, or opt for hotels like the Ulan Butong Helong Holiday Hotel for better location and services. Tips - The Inner Mongolia region has a dry climate and strong sunlight. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing, and stay hydrated. - The temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands is significant. Even in summer, pack long-sleeved jackets and warm clothing. - Wear high-top shoes in the desert to prevent sand from entering. - Respect local Mongolian customs and avoid littering on the grasslands to protect the natural environment.