Ulanqab: A Culinary and Cool Escape to the Volcanic Grasslands

Simplified 3-Day 2-Night Guide to Ulanqab Departing from Beijing at the end of June, just before the summer vacation rush, our family of four (including elderly and children) set off from Qinghe Railway Station northwestward, leaving the summer heat behind and embracing the refreshing coolness of northern China for a delightful weekend getaway. ✔️ Arrived at Ulanqab Station at 10 PM on Friday, immediately feeling the pleasant cool breeze. Took a taxi to the renowned 5-star Boyuan Hotel with complete amenities, where our river-view room offered spectacular scenery. ✔️ Saturday breakfast featured authentic Mongolian cuisine, with milk tea and lamb shaomai as highlights. At 10 AM, our rental car was delivered to the hotel. After checkout, we headed to Ulaanhad Volcano🌋. Taking local advice, we chose the highway (toll ~10 yuan) to avoid speed cameras on alternative routes. At the volcano park's south visitor center, our pre-booked homestay helped secure self-drive tickets (40 yuan/person vs. regular 60 yuan - no discounts for seniors/children). We passed 8 volcanoes🌋: - No.8 offers breathtaking summit views but has challenging gravel paths - No.6 is a photography paradise - rent astronaut suits and smoke sticks for epic shots - No.3 has gentle wooden trails suitable for all ages, though summit views are mediocre with weedy craters below ✔️ Stayed at a boutique homestay near No.3 volcano (note: no re-entry after leaving the park). Evening featured immersive bonfire performances with dance interactions and fireworks🎇 (Gatling-style fireworks available at wholesale prices of 30-50 yuan each) - livelier than Chinese New Year! ✔️ Sunday breakfast at the homestay featured freshly made shaomai and milk tea🧋. We then drove to Huitengxile Grassland, marveling at the vast skies, endless wind turbines, and grazing livestock along the way. Stopped randomly at a flower field attraction for grass sliding and go-karting🏎 (combo tickets available). After a simple lunch, we returned to Jining city. ✔️ Visited Ulanqab Museum to learn about local history before enjoying authentic Mongolian cuisine in a residential neighborhood (the best flavors are often hidden in alleys!). Returned our rental car with company-provided station transfer. ✔️ Arrived back in Beijing at 10 PM, concluding our smooth journey.