Embark on a self-drive journey from Beijing to the vast Fengning Bashang Grassland, where towering skyscrapers fade into the rearview mirror, giving way to cool greens and winds laced with the scent of fresh grass. In just three hours, you’ll trade scorching city heat for boundless summer-free expanses. Over three days and two nights, traverse the steppe across five stops, unlocking ultimate vistas, culture, and off-road thrills.
Stop 1: Step into the Boundless 10,000-Acre Wetland Grassland – China’s National 4A Scenic Area, Jingbei First Grassland, for a Soul-Healing Nature Escape
Jingbei First Grassland isn’t just about sweeping prairies and poetic wetlands—it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts craving adrenaline, with over 20 activities like horseback riding, shooting, archery, and grassland ATVs, all unlimited for non-stop fun.
Hop aboard the “Grassland Express” specialty train to venture deep into the heartland, passing shimmering Jinlian Lake and the serpentine Silver Ribbon of Lightning Lake. Pause for your favorite rides, wander the meadows, meander boardwalks, breathe the purest air, and chase the most lyrical landscapes.
Stop 2: Uncover the Cool Secrets of the Rainbow Forest
The Rainbow Forest boasts diverse natural features—grasslands, woods, lakes, and hills—where trees and blooms shift hues and forms with the seasons, earning its vivid name. Stepping in feels like entering a whimsical fairy-tale realm, with July temps hovering at a city-dreamt 16°C. Revel in vibrant summer blooms, serene Mirror Lake, and dense canopies that blot out the sky.
Hike the boardwalk to the park’s pinnacle, “Cloud Pavilion,” for a sweeping summer panorama: watch retro mini-trains chug into the thickets, spot sika deer foraging and alpacas ambling in the jungle village, and thrill on the glass skywalk suspended like it’s soaring through the treetops.
The wild forest ranch is a kid’s paradise, home to free-roaming sika deer, alpacas, yaks, and ostriches—rare sights you can observe up close and interact with, embodying harmonious human-nature bonds. Don’t miss the alpaca salon for lively shows; roll up your sleeves to feed the “wild men” or snap pics for cute souvenirs if you’re brave.
Who could say no to a grassland bonfire bash? Romantic fireworks light the starry sky as hands link around the flames for dances that erase all barriers. The sizzle of roasting whole lamb and the festive vibe ignite dopamine rushes, hearts racing with overflowing joy.
Stop 3: Cloud-Top Gallops, Unveiling the Heavenly Road Enigma
The “Clouds Above Heavenly Road” is a self-drive thrill ride with built-in rollercoaster vibes—90 minutes alternating speechless-beauty grasslands and heart-pounding hairpin turns that spike your adrenaline.
Launch from the “Jungle Village” at Rainbow Forest, pausing at the restful “Grassland Theater,” the 2,200-meter-high “Pinnacle of Clouds Above Heavenly Road,” and a “Grassland Altay” rivaling Xinjiang’s— no need for the long haul north; this scenery holds its own.
Endless prairies and lush primeval woods craft the most stirring, graceful views. Cruising the heavenly road, your gaze pitches with the terrain—gazing up at skies, down at blooms, fingertips brushing clouds, feet nearly grazing wildflowers. Windmills stand sentinel like silent giants, proudly safeguarding—and showcasing—Bashang’s stunning allure.
Stop 4: Immerse in Nomad Tribes for an Authentic Mongolian Cultural Dive
Grasslands without culture feel one-note; here, the ethnic tapestry is as rich and captivating. Don vibrant Mongolian robes and launch a deep dive into nomadic heritage at the tribal camps!
Delve into herders’ history and ways of life—test your mettle in a rousing wrestle with Mongolian wrestlers, or simply spectate the bold, boisterous energy that sweeps you right in.
Clusters of gers dot the endless green sea like mushrooms. Inside, rustic elegance awaits: sip fragrant, robust milk tea, savor steaming Mongolian dumplings, with lively folk tunes swirling around. Culture and cuisine entwine, making you feel like one of the tribe.
Final Stop: Rendezvous at Milk Lake for a Once-in-a-Millennium Visual Feast
Dairy is steppe soul food, and Fengning Bashang ups the ante with Milk Lake—its waters a hazy milky white from unique minerals, framed by emerald grasses and misty peaks for pure dreamscape magic.
Scenery seekers and photo pros, this is your spot. The creamy lake spills like an upturned palette, transplanting fairy tales to life—every snap a masterpiece.
This summer, check off Fengning Bashang Grassland with a three-day, two-night deep dive. Chase the winds, but not the clock—lavish time here, and this steppe will reward you bountifully.
