Saihanba National Forest Park

Wulanbutong: · Features: Grasslands, galloping horses, birch forests · Best for: Tourists who love grassland scenery and photography · Attractions: General's Lake, Princess Lake, Film Shooting Base Saihanba: · Features: Larch forests, wetlands, lakes · Best for: Tourists who enjoy forest landscapes and hiking · Attractions: Qixing Lake, Taifeng Lake, Mechanical Forest Farm Suggestion: If you have enough time, visit both. If you're short on time, choose Wulanbutong.

A slow-paced 3-day trip. Packing up to head home, the rhythm was very relaxed. 📍Overview Located in Saihanba, Chengde, it brings together grasslands, forests, lakes, and starry skies. Enter by scanning your ID or purchasing a ticket. Suitable for travelers who love nature and light adventure. 🗺️Itinerary D1 → Dream-chasing Bashang Grassland → Yudaokou Moon Lake → Shenlongtan (approx. 6h total) Tip: Horseback riding costs extra and can feel rushed; if you want photos, I suggest heading straight to Shenlongtan. ✨Highlights Enjoy close-up views of wet grasslands and birch forests. Moon Lake's crescent shape and windmills are perfect for photos. Run along the hillsides where golden lotus flowers bloom, learn about the history of afforestation at the exhibition hall, and enjoy easy, stress-free hiking. 🍜Local Specialties Hand-grabbed lamb (Yudaokou Town, fresh and savory without the gamey taste), milk tea (salty and refreshing), roasted lamb leg (around the scenic area, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside). 🏨Accommodation Recommendations 1. Homestays near the scenic area: Mulan Paddock Yudaokou Inn, within walking distance to town to watch the sunset and starry sky. 2. City hotels: Chengde Jiahe International Hotel, convenient for transit with full amenities. 🎒Travel Essentials 1. Protection: Thick jacket, common medications. 2. Personal items: ID card, sunscreen. 💡Practical Tips 1. Grassland weather is changeable; bring warm clothes and medications. 2. If the Moon Lake sightseeing train is out of service, you can walk along the tracks for photos. 3. You can negotiate the price for horseback riding at Shenlongtan; do not pick mushrooms. 4. You need to reserve seats in advance for the Desert Legend show. Heading home filled with memories of starry skies and sunsets, this highland is worth the trip.

[Saihanba, Chengde] 2-day 1-night | budget version ||| Time was tight so we skipped Yudaokou Scenic Area (ticket required 🎫) and didn't enter the paid area of Wulanbutong. We focused on enjoying the free spots only 💪 — directly experiencing Saihanba's free attractions and Yanziyao's free grassland without wasting money! · -- 🗺️ Specific route: Depart Chengde → take the Qisai line → Saihan Tower → Saihanba exhibition hall → Jinlian Yingri → Erlong Spring → Yanziyao → Mechanical forest farm (lodging/eating/buying local specialties) → via Yudaokou National Scenic Avenue → return to Beijing · -- 📍 Saihan Tower: No reservation needed to enter. The tower isn't open, so you can only view it from outside. A quick 10 mins stroll is enough ⏱️ It's worth a quick stop for a photo~ 📍 Saihanba exhibition hall (recommended) ✅ One-floor exhibition, free and no reservation needed~ Learn about the Saihanba spirit and the dramatic change from barren land to an oasis, with vegetation coverage reaching over 80% — our predecessors were truly legendary! 🌳 It brought me to tears, definitely worth a visit! 📍 Jinlian Yingri: Scan the code at the entrance to reserve and you can enter, it's free 🆓 I searched for a long time but barely saw any golden lotuses 😂 It's a wetland with boardwalks; it should be more beautiful in summer, now it's good for a stroll or zoning out~ 📍 Erlong Spring (recommended) ✅ No reservation needed! The spot has clearly been renovated; you can see Erlong Spring right at the entrance, and there's a small imperial garden beside it 🌸 Although the flowers haven't bloomed yet, you can already imagine how beautiful it will be when they do—definitely come back during bloom season! 📍 Yanziyao (recommended) ✅ Saihanba has tons of trees; to see the free grassland head toward Chifeng~ Yanziyao is a hidden gem! Lake plus grassy slopes—the visual payoff is huge even without spending money 🏞️ I even tried horse riding here 🐎, one more life experience, worth it! 📍 Mechanical forest farm: The area isn't big, but eating is highly recommended 🍜 There are lots of restaurants and specialty shops, good value for money! But I really don't recommend staying overnight ❌ There are almost no chain hotels; I booked a newly renovated, mid-priced place, and the stay and cleanliness were just average. I suggest bringing your own bedding or staying elsewhere~ · -- ⚠️ Friendly reminder: Be sure to bring warm clothes 🧥! Saihanba has huge temperature swings—it's fine in the sun during the day, but temperatures drop sharply at night. I went after the rain and it was only 6°C at dusk; wearing a short-sleeve shirt plus a shell got me sick 🤧 Don't follow my example, staying warm comes first! · -- 🌿 The sky was deep blue, the air smelled of pine, and walking the forest paths felt like a little girl stepping into a fairy tale~ You can get a high-end feel for free—Saihanba on a budget is really worth it! 🫶

【Must-Read Before You Go】Please keep this Saihanba National Forest Park winter guide handy! 🚗 Transportation: It takes about 5-6 hours to drive from downtown Beijing to Saihanba National Forest Park. 🏠 Accommodation: It is recommended to book hotels inside the park in advance, such as Saihanba Forest Farm Hotel, which offers a comfortable environment and is close to the scenic spots. 🎫 Tickets: The ticket price is 130 RMB per person during the peak season (April 1 to October 31) and 80 RMB per person during the off-season (November 1 to March 31 of the following year). 🚗 Recommended Route: Day 1: Saihan Tower - Qixing Lake Wetland Park - Moon Lake - Grand Canyon Day 2: Panlong Canyon - Taifeng Lake - Taoshan Lake - Wanhua Ancient Cave Tips: 1. It is recommended to visit in winter when the snow scenery stretches endlessly, refreshing the mind and spirit; 2. Keep warm by wearing thick down jackets and waterproof shoes; 3. There is a shuttle service within the park to reduce walking time.

For my recent trip to Bashang, Inner Mongolia, I chose a 3-day small group tour with Trip.com. It was an 8-person autumn tour, and the itinerary was just right—we perfectly timed our visit to catch Ulan Butong at its most beautiful season 🍂 Driver Zhang was the soul of our trip. He was sincere, enthusiastic, and incredibly patient with all the guests. Whether someone lost something or an unexpected situation arose, he would find a way to help, no matter how late it was. Meeting a guide like this while traveling really makes you feel reassured, safe, and warm. Highly recommended 👍 The scenery along the way was picturesque. The forest at Saihanba National Forest Park was painted in layers of autumn colors, and the autumn scenery at Hamaba was breathtaking—every photo I took looked like a professional shot. We also got to experience horseback riding, off-roading, and sand sliding in the desert. The itinerary was rich but not rushed, making it perfect for those who enjoy in-depth travel. Travel tips: The temperature difference in Bashang during autumn is significant, so be sure to bring a thick jacket; it gets really cold in the mornings and evenings. Seeing snow in autumn is a matter of luck, but the scenery is definitely worth looking forward to!

This planner's route for chasing autumn on the grasslands is here🚩. The journey from Guyuan to Ulan Butong is so healing! Autumn colors are loading... this stunning 4-hour, 200 km route is absolutely legendary🍂 📍 Route | A road trip through a fairytale world 1️⃣ Guyuan County ➡️ Saihanba National Forest Park Depart from Guyuan and head north into Saihanba. The drive takes about 2 hours, and along the way, the birch forests gradually turn yellow, like stepping into a golden fairytale world🌳 🏞️ Saihanba: The Green Great Wall of the North! In autumn, the birch forests are layered, and sunlight filters through the leaves. Every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy. 📸 Tips: The park is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. We recommend arriving in the morning for soft, beautiful lighting. 2️⃣ Saihanba ➡️ Ulan Butong Grassland Continue driving for about 2 hours, crossing from Hebei into Inner Mongolia, where the landscape opens up. Golden autumn in Ulan Butong is loading... the combination of grasslands, lakes, and windmills is breathtakingly beautiful🌾 🏞️ Ulan Butong: Autumn grassland wetlands paired with distant windmills, and birch trees reflecting on the lake surface—you'll get amazing photos in seconds! Don't miss the sunset here; the golden grasslands under the setting sun create an incredible atmosphere. 🚗 Route highlights: ✅ Diverse scenery along the way, including birch forests, grassland wetlands, and windmill-dotted lakes—see it all in one trip. ✅ Mostly national highways with good road conditions; the autumn scenery starts the moment you hit the road. ✅ Fewer cars and fewer crowds, making for an excellent road trip experience. 🍂 Autumn viewing tips: ✅ Mid-to-late September through early October is the most beautiful time in Ulan Butong; the golden grasslands paired with windmills are truly stunning. ✅ There is a large temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands, so bring a thick jacket. Wearing light colors for photos during the day looks great. ✅ We recommend leaving early so you have enough time to enjoy both attractions. ✅ Remember to fill up your gas tank before the road trip, as there aren't many gas stations along the way. 💡 Itinerary suggestions: ✅ If you have extra time, consider staying overnight; the starry sky in Ulan Butong is absolutely incredible. ✅ Bring a telephoto lens for your camera to capture stunning shots of the distant windmills and birch forests. ✅ Pack some snacks and water, as dining options on the grasslands are limited. 🏷️

Saihanba National Forest Park was historically an important part of the Qing Dynasty’s royal hunting grounds, Mulan Weichang. Later, the original forest disappeared, turning into desert and sandy land. Established in 1962, the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm grew from "one tree" to "a sea of trees." Over more than half a century, three generations of Saihanba people worked hard to build the world’s largest man-made forest farm, creating a human miracle of turning wasteland into a forest sea. The mechanical forest farm still exists, and its headquarters has become a clean, beautiful tourist town with the charm of Arxan. As a 4A-level tourist attraction, Saihanba offers rich natural scenery, including lakes, forests, and grasslands. The scenery here is uniquely beautiful. In summer, the average temperature stays between 22–25℃, earning it the nickname “natural air-conditioned room,” making it ideal for leisure and summer retreats.

As a mom who usually finds even taking the kids out exhausting, I was dragged into this group by my best friend. I was worried if the kids could adapt, but after the trip, I realized it was really worth it. Here’s my honest experience. Sisters, see if it suits you. Day 1 Gubei Water Town: amazed on the first night of camp We gathered at Beijing South Station and took a bus directly—no need to drive or look up guides, just lie down on the bus. We arrived at Gubei Water Town in the evening just in time for the night view. The ballet water show had the kids glued to it. We stayed overnight at a guesthouse in the ancient town. The opening ceremony under the starry sky was so atmospheric that honestly, I got caught up in it too. Day 2 Great Wall + farm: you could visibly see the kids’ energy drain In the morning, we walked the original Simatai section of the Great Wall, which hasn’t been overly restored. You could touch the real Ming Dynasty bricks, which was way more interesting than the “Instagram-famous” Great Wall spots. In the afternoon, we went to Saihanba Farm to plant potatoes and learn about crops. My kid learned for the first time that potatoes grow in the ground, not on supermarket shelves. Day 3 The highlight: a full day immersed in the grassland This was the main event of the trip. In the morning, we visited a herder’s home to set up a yurt and learned to write Mongolian script. At noon, we had a roast whole lamb buffet that left us stuffed. In the afternoon, we took an off-road vehicle into the Wulanbutong wilderness. At night, there was a bonfire party with singing and dancing. The kids played from morning till night and fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. I finally had a quiet night. Day 4 Falconry + grassland fun: a unique experience maxed out We got up close to a saker falcon, which is quite rare, and the kids’ eyes lit up. We did grass sledding, horse leading, equestrian shows, and grassland golf—all arranged. In the afternoon, we stopped by the Saihanba Exhibition Hall to learn more. At night, we stayed at a four-star hotel in Chengde, finally able to enjoy a proper bath and rest. Day 5 Closing ceremony and return: just the right pace A warm closing ceremony, packing up, and a group bus ride back to Beijing. The overall pace was relaxed, without the exhausting “rush-to-see-everything” feeling of some study tours. Some honest thoughts ✅ Stress-free is truly stress-free: the bus picked us up and dropped us off the whole way, so parents didn’t have to drive. Perfect for parents who want to fully relax on the weekend ✅ The content is rich: Great Wall, grassland, farm, falconry, off-roading—all covered. Not just a quick photo stop ✅ No compromises on food and lodging: two nights at a resort hotel plus one night at an ancient town guesthouse, with breakfast and lunch included [Private car tours] [Custom tours] [Private groups] all available~ How to get the same itinerary 👇👇👇 Tap “Chat with us” at the bottom left of the screen to get the plan!

Saihanba is located in the northern part of Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It has transformed from a barren desert into the world’s largest man-made forest sea, a green miracle created by the dedication of three generations. ✅️Main attractions Qixing Lake Wetland Park, Saihan Tower, Kangxi’s Command Platform, Taifeng Lake, Moon Lake, and more. These feature both forest and grassland landscapes as well as historical sites from the Qing dynasty. 👉Highlights Since the forest farm was established in 1962, three generations of Saihanba people have worked hard for over 60 years to create a human miracle of turning wasteland into a forest sea. They have received honors including the United Nations Earth Guardian Award, Land for Life Award, and National Model for Poverty Alleviation.

Who understands! Taking the kids to Bashang, deeply healed by the autumn scenery~No crowds, just golden grasslands, colorful forests, and the laughter of children. Every frame is a perfect family photo moment📸 📍Destination: Beijing-Hebei-Mongolia Autumn Mini Loop|Saihanba × Ulan Butong 📅 Best time to enjoy autumn: Around mid-October (most vibrant colors! Hurry up!) 🚗【Recommended route】Beijing → Chengde → Saihanba → Ulan Butong (Film Base) → Wucai Mountain → Return to Beijing ⏳ Suggested itinerary: 3-4 days self-driving, relaxed pace without rushing 🏨 Accommodation tip: Choose **Bashang Grassland Wild Luxury Camp**, where you can stargaze with your kids at night. 🌿 Must-visit family highlights👇 ✅ Saihanba National Forest Park “Green Miracle” Stroll with your kids through the layered larch and Korean pine forests, pick up big pine needles as “paintbrushes.” 📸 Photo spots: Walk the wooden boardwalk at Qixing Lake Wetland, feed little fish by Taifeng Lake, kids can play all afternoon with endless fun. ✅ Ulan Butong Film Base Filming location of "Kangxi Dynasty"! Tell your kids stories from the TV series, watch cattle and sheep slowly pass by, and feel the vastness of the grassland. 🍂 Watch the sunrise with your kids, waiting for the light and shadow, see the sunlight dye the hillside yellow, full of ceremony~ ✅ Wucai Mountain & Birch Valley The mountain looks like a palette! Teach your kids to distinguish red oak trees and yellow birch, listen to the wind rustling through the forest while hiking, super relaxing. 🍂 Reasons to take your kids in October: 👉 Autumn colors are brief and precious, leaves will fall after about 20 days; 👉 Good road conditions, easy driving, kids can enjoy the scenery from the car; 👉 Rich natural landscapes, broader horizons than just visiting parks. 📌 Travel tips for taking kids: 🔸 Prioritize self-driving, prepare child safety seats and motion sickness medicine; 🔸 Big temperature difference between day and night, bring thick jackets + hats and scarves for the kids; 🔸 Bring a portable telescope for kids to observe distant cattle and sheep; 🔸 Pack some warm patches, stick them on kids during early morning sunrise viewing. 💛 Stepping on fallen leaves and seeing the grassland with your kids makes this autumn complete~

Sixty years ago, this was a desert where "yellow sand blocked the sun, and birds had no trees to rest on"; sixty years later, it has become the world's largest man-made forest sea—1.12 million mu. Three generations have turned the desert into an oasis with their youth. As an important observation segment of Hebei Province's study tour exchange activities, the Saihanba study tour will take you into the heart of this green miracle: ① Stand at the starting point of the first generation of foresters, the "One Pine Tree," and feel the firm belief of "If Saihanba is not green, we will die before leaving the mountain." ② Saihanba Exhibition Hall: Through yellowed old photos and simple afforestation tools, understand the true practice of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," and witness the perseverance of three generations spanning more than half a century. ③ Saihanba Wanghailou: Climb high to overlook the vast forest sea rolling beneath your feet, and listen to forest guards Liu Jun and Wang Juan share stories of planting their youth in the Saihanba plateau through a lifetime of solitude. This study lesson’s textbook is not a paper book but the 1.12 million mu of forest sea; the teachers are not only on the podium but those foresters who devoted their lives to turning the desert into an oasis. This summer, bring your children to Saihanba! Between the forest sea and the pine waves, receive a spiritual baptism about struggle and inheritance. Let this walking ideological and political lesson plant a green seed in your child's heart. Hebei Province Study Tour Exchange ActivityTourism

Unlock all the highlights of Ulan Butong with your kids in 4 days, avoid the crowds, and immerse yourself in the romantic grassland atmosphere. Travel round-trip from Chengde without detours, with every step surrounded by beautiful scenery. Save this lazy family travel guide now! 🌟 Core Family Check-in Spots 1️⃣ Saihanba National Forest Park A vast sea of forest with layers of white birch trees, walking through it feels like stepping into an oil painting. The gentle trails are perfect for strolling with kids and learning about nature and plants. It’s a must-see stunning stop from Chengde to Ulan Butong. 2️⃣ Princess Lake Home to the legend of Blue Qigege, the lake is crystal clear like a mirror. The white birch trees along the shore reflect beautifully on the water. The gentle lakeside path is perfect for a relaxing walk with kids, and you can even feed the waterfowl. 3️⃣ European-style Grassland Easy Hike A beginner-friendly hiking route with soft meadows underfoot and herds of cattle and sheep nearby. The short and easy trail is perfect for kids to complete comfortably, offering an immersive experience of the grassland’s natural vibe. 4️⃣ Ulan Butong Film Base Known as the “Grassland Movie City,” many films and TV shows are shot here. At sunset, the golden light spreads over the grassland, making it perfect for capturing family movie-style photos with your kids. 5️⃣ Private Ranch Sunrise An exclusive spot away from the crowds. Watch the morning sun slowly rise through the mist, turning the grassland golden red. Experience a grassland sunrise with your kids for an unforgettable atmosphere. 6️⃣ Ewenki Reindeer Park Get up close with gentle reindeer, feed and interact with them, and experience the rustic charm of the Reindeer Tribe. Kids will have so much fun they won’t want to leave. 7️⃣ Wild Duck Lake A tranquil secret spot on the grassland with shimmering water and frequent waterfowl visitors. The breeze sways the reeds, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind with your kids at the end of the trip. 📝 4-Day Direct Family Itinerary D1: Arrival from various places → Chengde gathering D2: Chengde → Saihanba → Ulan Butong D3: Ulan Butong → Princess Lake → European-style Grassland Easy Hike → Film Base Sunset D4: Private Ranch Sunrise → Ewenki Reindeer Park → Wild Duck Lake → Chengde dismissal ✅ Family Travel Tips · Best Season: June to August for lush green grasslands and blooming flowers; September to October for golden scenery. Both have their charm, choose according to your preference. · Clothing: Large temperature differences between morning and evening on the grassland. Prepare light jackets, long pants, and non-slip hiking shoes for kids, and don’t forget sun protection (hats and sunglasses are essential). · Note: No open flames allowed on the grassland. Do not buy wildlife-related products. Teach kids to help protect the grassland’s ecological environment. Accommodation 🏨Butong Muju Yuanshang Wild Luxury Homestay A wild luxury homestay in the heart of the grassland, with complete family-friendly Mongolian yurt rooms and dedicated butler service. Perfect for kids to experience grassland life. 🏨Butong Hongshan Hotel A well-established high-end hotel inside the scenic area, close to Princess Lake and other key spots. Spacious family rooms and full facilities make it super convenient for traveling with kids. 🏨Butong Fairy Tale Grassland Homestay A family-themed grassland homestay with its own children’s playground and customizable family grassland activities. Kids will have so much fun they won’t want to leave. 🏨Butong Saibei Courtyard Boutique Homestay A boutique countryside homestay on the grassland offering farm picking and grassland BBQ experiences. Thoughtful butler service makes it perfect for a family vacation.