Just back from Fengning, wish I'd gone sooner.
The breeze blows across the Bashang Grassland, carrying the lush greenery of the forest and the gentleness of the wilderness, sweeping away the summer heat and autumn's hustle and bustle. Located very close to Beijing, Fengning Bashang hides the most healing natural scenery in the north, with endless green grass, rolling clouds, layered emerald forests, and picturesque views in every season✨.
✅ Best time to visit
· Summer (June–September) 🌞: Fengning's golden season. The grassland is lush and green with wildflowers everywhere. Average daily temperatures are around 20°C, making it a natural summer retreat—cool and comfortable. You'll need a light blanket at night, perfect for a relaxing vacation.
· Autumn (mid-September–early October) 🍂: The forest is painted in layers of color, with gold and emerald green intertwined. It's incredibly atmospheric and perfect for photography, hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the autumn scenery.
· Winter (December–February) ❄️: A niche winter wonderland. The snowfields are vast and quiet, with few crowds and pristine scenery. Perfect for travelers who love unique snowy landscapes and a quiet getaway.
✅ Essentials
Light jacket (huge temperature difference between day and night), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable sneakers, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a light sweatshirt for autumn, and a thick down jacket and non-slip shoes are must-haves for winter.
🏞️ Must-visit attractions
1. Qiansongba National Forest Park 🌲
Fengning's top attraction, known as the "most beautiful forest park on the Bashang." It's a massive natural oxygen bar! The park integrates grasslands, forests, streams, and valleys. The roads are flat, and you can drive through the forest and grassland. In spring and summer, the grass is lush and fresh; in autumn, the mountains are covered in colorful forests, creating a great atmosphere. It's perfect for hiking, camping, taking photos, and family trips. Every shot looks like a healing landscape masterpiece.
2. Jingbei First Grassland 🐑
The most pristine grassland closest to Beijing and a landmark of Fengning! The endless grassland stretches for miles, with waves of grass rolling in the wind. You can watch the sunrise over the sea of clouds in the morning, wait for the sunset in the evening, and gaze at the starry sky at night. Here, you can experience horseback riding, grassland go-karts, and bonfires, immersing yourself in the free and relaxed grassland vibe.
3. Baili Tianlu (Hundred-Mile Sky Road) ☁️
Known by netizens as the "sky road for driving," this entire highway winds along the ridges of the grassland, with winding curves and an incredibly wide view! Along the way, it connects grasslands, flower fields, pine forests, and valleys. Driving here feels like traveling through the clouds. Every step is a new view, and the entire route is stunning. It's a must-visit driving route in Fengning.
4. Colorful Forest (Qicai Senlin) 🌈
A one-stop destination suitable for all ages, with an incredible atmosphere! The park features 18 popular photo spots, including a rainbow boardwalk, a treetop glass walkway, and the Yunting viewing platform, where you can overlook the vast forest. There are also fairytale-like Hobbit houses and a forest ranch where you can feed alpacas and sika deer up close. Occasionally, there are NPC parades and interactions, making it perfect for family trips and photo ops.
5. Yunzhong Grassland (Grassland in the Clouds) ⛰️
A hidden gem of a grassland, quiet and with primitive scenery! It's at a higher altitude with a wide, unobstructed view. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire Bashang landscape. Clouds often linger among the mountains, making you feel like you're in a fairyland above the clouds. It's perfect for travelers who prefer quiet, original scenery and want to avoid the crowded tourist spots.
6. Tianma Flight Town 🎠
A paradise for family trips! The overall style is dreamy and fairytale-like. Not only is there a vast grassland, but there are also many non-motorized amusement facilities and children's play areas. The park is clean, tidy, and well-equipped. Besides playing, you can experience flying to see the panoramic view of the grassland. With accommodation and dining integrated, it's a stress-free choice for traveling with kids.
🍖 Food guide
Fengning's cuisine focuses on grassland and wild flavors. The meat is tender, the ingredients are natural, and every dish is worth trying!
1. Intangible Cultural Heritage Fruitwood Roasted Lamb Chops/lamb 🥩: A Fengning intangible cultural heritage specialty. Slow-roasted over fruitwood charcoal, the skin is crispy and fragrant, while the meat inside is tender and juicy with no gamey taste. It's a signature dish you must try when visiting Bashang.
2. Laomeng Intangible Cultural Heritage Meat Pie 🫓: A local popular snack. The crust is crispy, the filling is generous, and it's savory and flavorful. It offers great value and is a perfect way to taste authentic Bashang flavors in one bite.
3. Shouba Rou + chive flower sauce: A classic grassland dish. The meat is tender and falls off the bone. Dip it in the secret chive flower sauce for a fresh, non-greasy, and satisfying taste.
4. Youmian Wowo (oat noodles) 🍜: A specialty coarse grain dish from Bashang. Served with mushroom meat soup or lamb soup, it's chewy, low-fat, and filling, with a unique wild flavor.
5. Stewed potatoes with Halahai 🥘: A local wild vegetable dish. The ingredients are natural and fresh, and the taste is soft, glutinous, and savory—a unique flavor you won't find elsewhere.
6. Secret Grassland Yogurt 🥛: Thick, sweet, and sour, it's refreshing and helps cut through the grease. Have a cup after a meat-heavy meal to refresh your palate and cool down.
7. Manchu sticky bean bun: A traditional specialty staple. Soft, glutinous, sweet, and delicate, it's full of rich local character.
Tips
1. The temperature difference between day and night in Bashang is huge. Even if you travel in summer, be sure to bring a light jacket. Don't get too cold in the morning and evening to avoid catching a cold.
2. The UV rays on the grassland are very strong. Whether it's sunny or cloudy, take sun protection measures to avoid sunburn.
3. Ask about the price and duration of horseback riding in advance and confirm the cost details to avoid hidden charges.
4. Prices in scenic areas are on the higher side. You can prepare mineral water and snacks in advance to save money.
5. There are many curves on the mountain roads. Drive slowly, pay attention to road safety, and do not park on the road at will.
6. It's cold in the morning and evening in Bashang during autumn, so be prepared with warm clothing.