Hebei's Hidden Gem! Zhangbei Bashang 3 Days 2 Nights Guide to Unlocking Freedom on the Grasslands and Pitfall Avoidance Tips

Who would have thought! No need to travel far to Inner Mongolia, the ultimate romance of "the wind blowing the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep" is hidden right in Zhangbei Bashang, Hebei — cool breezes at 22°C in midsummer, a green carpet stretching for hundreds of kilometers, star-filled skies at dusk, and best of all, fewer people and wild scenery. You can also unlock many activities like horseback riding and camping! Worried about pitfalls on grassland trips? This thoroughly tested guide helps you avoid 90% of the traps and easily enjoy the pure joy of the grasslands~ Before You Go: Avoid Pitfalls in Transportation + Accommodation Driving is the best option to get to Zhangbei Bashang! It takes about 3.5 hours from Beijing/Tianjin, all on highways and the Grassland Sky Road, with scenery so beautiful you'll want to stop and take photos along the way. If you don’t have a car, you can first get to Zhangjiakou city, then carpool or charter a ride to Bashang (about 50 RMB per person per trip). Be sure to agree on the price in advance to avoid price hikes midway. Choosing the right accommodation saves half the worry: For an immersive grassland experience, pick a yurt deep in the grasslands (about 150 RMB per person per night). You can listen to insects and watch stars at night, but make sure it has a private bathroom, or washing up will be very inconvenient. For comfort, choose guesthouses in Zhangbei County or near the scenic area (200-300 RMB per person per night), with air conditioning, hot water, and plenty of dining options. If your budget allows, go straight for a grassland resort hotel with green carpets right outside your window—perfect for photos. Pitfall alert: Book rooms at least 2 weeks in advance during peak season (June-August), and don’t trust roadside “cheap yurts” — most have poor conditions and hidden fees. 3-Day Itinerary: Covering All the Romance of the Grasslands Day 1: Head to the Green Carpet, Unlock Your First Grassland Experience Depart in the morning, arrive by noon, drop off your luggage at the guesthouse, then head straight to Zhongdu Grassland — the core scenic area of Zhangbei Bashang. The grassland is vast and flat, perfect for photos and check-ins. In the afternoon, try the soul of the grassland: horseback riding (80 RMB/hour). Be sure to choose a reputable stable with herders accompanying you throughout, so even beginners need not worry. You can also try grass sledding and archery (30 RMB for 10 arrows), instantly bringing back childhood joy. Don’t miss the grassland sunset at dusk. Find a high spot to sit quietly and watch the sky turn orange and pink as the sun sets, with cattle and sheep leisurely grazing in the distance. Every photo looks like a movie scene. At night, join a grassland bonfire party (some guesthouses offer it for free), singing and dancing around the fire with friends from all over, roasting local lamb skewers (5 RMB each), paired with chilled beer for an unbeatable atmosphere. Day 2: Grassland Sky Road + Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret Spots Deep Tour Wake up at 5 a.m. to catch the sunrise on the eastern section of the Grassland Sky Road, known as "China’s Route 66." The winding road snakes through the green carpet, with morning mist at sunrise creating a fairyland. In the morning, drive along the Sky Road, stopping at spots like "Northern Terraces," "Birch Bark Ridge," and "Wild Fox Ridge." No need to seek out paid scenic spots; roadside wildflower fields and windmill clusters are free and perfect for photos anytime. In the afternoon, avoid crowds by exploring Guyuan Grassland, more secluded and pristine than Zhongdu. You can see herds of horses drinking by the river and try "grassland rafting" (60 RMB per person), feeling the cool river breeze. At dusk, visit nearby villages to buy freshly squeezed milk and handmade milk tofu, pure and additive-free, much tastier than supermarket versions. Day 3: Leisurely Tour + Souvenirs, Return Full of Memories In the morning, visit the Yuan Zhongdu Ruins Museum to learn about the history and culture of the ancient grassland city. The artifacts and reconstructed scenes inside are immersive, perfect for culture lovers. If you have time, try "grassland cycling" (50 RMB/hour), riding slowly along grassland trails, wrapped in breeze and greenery. Don’t buy souvenirs randomly! Recommended are grassland air-dried beef jerky (50 RMB per jin), firm and flavorful the more you chew; handmade cheese blocks (30 RMB per box), sweet and sour but not greasy, loved by both elders and kids; and hemp oil (40 RMB per bottle), a local specialty with a strong aroma for cooking. Look for small stalls run by local farmers for better value. After a lunch of authentic hand-pulled lamb and steamed oat cakes, you can head home full of memories~ Practical Pitfall Avoidance Tips 1. Best travel time: June to August for summer cooling, mid-September for golden grasslands, each with its own charm. 2. Must-have items: sunscreen (UV is very strong), sun hat, sunglasses, light jacket (temperature difference can reach 10°C between morning and night), mosquito repellent, sports shoes. If driving, fill up your tank fully as gas stations are scarce along the grassland. 3. Food tips: Don’t eat overpriced seafood at scenic area entrances (the grasslands don’t produce seafood; it’s all frozen). Go to local village restaurants for authentic dishes like hand-pulled lamb, fried oat cakes, and milk tea, all delicious and filling for about 60 RMB per person. The joy of Zhangbei Bashang is the sum of cool breezes, green carpets, starry skies, and freedom. Follow this guide to avoid pitfalls and deeply experience the healing and romance of the grasslands~ 🔥Follow me to unlock more off-the-beaten-path travel destinations!