Ashhatu Stone Forest: A Detailed Travel Guide

🏞️ Overview 🎈Ashhatu Stone Forest, located in the northeastern part of Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, is one of the core scenic spots of the Keshiketeng World Geopark. Famous for its unique granite stone forest landforms, formed during the Quaternary glacial period, it is known as a "world geological wonder." The stone forest features diverse formations, such as stone towers, walls, and pillars, which complement the surrounding grasslands and forests, creating a magnificent natural landscape.🌟 🚗 Transportation 🛣️ By Car • From Beijing: Jingzang Expressway → Zhangcheng Expressway → Danxi Expressway → Jingpeng Town → Re'a Line → Ashhatu Stone Forest (approx. 7–8 hrs).🚗 • From Chifeng: Chifeng → G16 Danxi Expressway → Jingpeng Town → Re'a Line → Ashhatu Stone Forest (approx. 3.5 hrs).🛣️ 🚌 Public Transportation • Train/Plane: Travel to Chifeng City, then transfer to a bus to Jingpeng Town, Keshiketeng Banner, and finally take a chartered car to the scenic spot (approx. CNY 300–500/day).🛫🚂 • Direct Tourist Bus: During peak season (summer), there may be direct tourist buses from Chifeng or Jingpeng Town. Check with the local bus station in advance.🚌 🌸 Best Time to Visit • July–August: Lush grasslands and cool weather, ideal for escaping the summer heat.🌿 • September–October: Colorful autumn foliage, perfect for photography.🍂 • Winter: Some areas of the scenic spot are closed; visits are not recommended.❄️ 🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours • Tickets: Peak season (May–October) CNY 120/person; off-season (November–April) CNY 60/person; sightseeing bus ticket CNY 20/person (mandatory).💸 • Opening Hours: Peak season 7:00–18:30. Some areas are closed during the off-season; check the official website for updated information.⏰ 🌟 Recommended Attractions 🌳 Grassland Stone Forest Area • Moon Castle: A giant stone formation resembling an ancient castle, ideal for sunrise and sunset photography.🌅 • Kunpeng Landing on the Grassland: A massive rock resembling a giant roc spreading its wings against the backdrop of the vast grassland.🌄 🧊 Glacial Relic Area • Glacial U-shaped Valley: Witness the unique traces left by glacial movement.🏞️ 📸 Photography Spots • Seven Fairies Peaks: Seven stone pillars standing side by side, steeped in legend.🧚‍♀️ • Hitching Post: A natural stone pillar resembling a Mongolian hitching post.🐎 🚶‍♀️ Suggested Routes 🌈 One-Day Tour South Gate → Sightseeing bus tour of the Grassland Stone Forest Area → Hike through the Glacial Relic Area → Return to the South Gate.🗺️ 🌙 Two-Day Tour • Day 1: Explore the core area of Ashhatu Stone Forest.🏞️ • Day 2: Visit the surrounding Huanggangliang Forest Park and Baiyin Aobao Sandland Spruce (requires self-drive or chartered car).🌲🚗 🏠 Accommodation 🎪 Near the Scenic Spot Yurts/Homestays: Experience the grassland lifestyle (approx. CNY 200–400/night, e.g., Ashhatu Stone Forest Resort).🛖💰 🏙️ Jingpeng Town Hotels: Several budget hotels are available in Jingpeng Town, Keshiketeng Banner (e.g., Lantian Hot Spring Hotel).🏨 🏕️ Camping Camping is allowed in some areas; apply to the scenic spot in advance.⛺ 🍱 Dining 🍖 Local Specialties: Hand-grabbed mutton, Mongolian milk tea, roasted whole lamb, milk tofu, and oat noodles.🥩🥛 🍽️ Recommended Restaurants: The snack area within the scenic spot offers Mongolian cuisine. "Grassland Pastoral" restaurant in Jingpeng Town is well-regarded.🏆 💡 Tip: Bring your own snacks and water, as dining options within the scenic spot are limited.🎒💧 ⚠️ Important Notes 🌄 High-Altitude Climate: At an altitude of approx. 1,700m, take precautions against sun exposure (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and wind (windbreaker).🌞🧥 🌍 Environmental Protection: Do not trample on the grassland and take your trash with you.🚮 📶 Mobile Signal: Some areas have no mobile signal; download offline maps in advance.🗺️📱 🔒 Safety: The stone forest terrain is complex; follow designated routes and avoid climbing in dangerous areas.🚶‍♂️🚫 🌈 Nearby Attractions 🌲 Huanggangliang National Forest Park (50 km away): Pristine forests and alpine meadows.🏞️ 🌊 Dalai Nur Lake (80 km away): Birdwatching and Huazi fish.🦤🐟 🌳 Baiyin Aobao Sandland Spruce (70 km away): The world's only remaining sandland spruce forest.🌲 📌 Useful Tips 📷 Photography: The best light is in the morning and evening; bring a wide-angle lens and a tripod.🌅📸 🎉 Cultural Experience: If you happen to be there during the Nadam Fair (July–August), you can experience traditional Mongolian activities such as horse racing and wrestling.🐎🤼‍♂️ 🎒 Recommended Gear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring warm clothing (large temperature difference between day and night).🥾🧣 Summary: Ashhatu Stone Forest is a perfect blend of nature and geology, suitable for photography enthusiasts, hikers, and nature explorers. Plan your trip in advance and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the grassland and stone forest!🌄✨