Baicheng Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Guide!

🌟 【Baicheng 2 Days 1 Night Value Tour! Spend 800 RMB per person to explore the Wetland Crane Homeland + Grassland Charm, the top pick for your social circle!】 🌟 📅 Itinerary Overview: A blend of nature and culture, high cost-performance in-depth travel Budget Allocation: Accommodation 200 RMB + Food 150 RMB + Tickets & Transportation 300 RMB + Miscellaneous 150 RMB Suitable For: Students, backpackers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking natural and cultural experiences. 🌿 Day 1: Wetland Crane Dance · Xianghai Ecological Exploration 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Economy hotels in Tongyu County (e.g., Tongyu Xianghai Green Farmhouse, about 80 RMB/person/night, including breakfast) 🚶 Itinerary: • 07:30-09:00: Taxi from city center to Xianghai National Nature Reserve (about 120 km from city, carpool 50 RMB/person, private car 200 RMB/car) • 09:00-12:00: Visit Xianghai’s main attractions • Crane Island (ticket 40 RMB): Climb the island to watch red-crowned cranes released (daily at 10:00 and 15:00), see cranes soaring with sand dunes, lakes, and yellow elm forests as the backdrop—snap “National Geographic-level” photos effortlessly! • Bird Park (ticket 30 RMB): Get up close with over 100 bird species including peacocks and swans, great for family interaction. • 12:30-13:30: Enjoy a specialty lunch at Xianghai farmhouse (about 50 RMB/person), recommended dishes: “Xianghai Big Pot Stewed Fish” + “Salted Duck Egg,” tender fish and rich duck egg yolk! • 14:00-16:00: Hike or take an electric cart (20 RMB/person) to visit Lanhai Pavilion, climb up to overlook the entire wetland, watch the waving reed sea and vast green grassland. • 16:30: Return to Tongyu County for accommodation, capture the grassland sunset along the way, experience the magnificent “Long River setting sun circle” scene. 🐎 Day 2: Grassland Pastoral Song · Chaganhaote Cultural Experience 🚶 Itinerary: • 08:00-09:30: Taxi to Chaganhaote Tourist Resort (45 km from city, 1-hour drive, carpool 30 RMB/person) • 09:30-12:00: Deeply experience grassland customs • Mongolian Camp: Wear Mongolian robes for photos (free), horseback riding and archery (50 RMB/activity), feel the nomadic spirit. • Tuanjie Lake: Rowboat or speedboat (30 RMB/person), enjoy sparkling lake surface and panoramic views of grassland and wetland ecological mosaic. • Olympic Sailing Plaza: Stroll between sail shadows and blue waters and sky, check in at the “Grassland version of Sanya” popular spot. • 12:30-13:30: Taste Mongolian barbecue inside the scenic area (about 60 RMB/person), recommended “Whole Roasted Lamb” (advance booking required, suitable for groups). • 14:00-15:30: Visit the Japanese invasion army airport ruins (free), learn history and appreciate the value of peace. • 16:00: Return to city, end of trip (if time permits, visit Heming Lake Park on the way, open 24 hours free, stunning night views). 🍜 Food Recommendations: Baicheng Delicacies • Xianghai Big Pot Stewed Fish: At Xianghai farmhouse, tender fish with rich broth. • Mongolian Barbecue: In Chaganhaote scenic area, firm meat paired with yogurt to balance richness. • Baicheng Specialty Snacks: Try “Grilled Cold Noodles” (5 RMB/serving) and “Jianbing Guozi” (8 RMB/serving) at city night markets, full of local flavor! ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: Save hassle and money 2. Transportation: • Xianghai and Chaganhaote are far from the city, carpool or private car recommended (arrange in advance via hotel or homestay). • Taxi starting fare in city is 6 RMB, convenient for short trips. 3. Tickets: • Xianghai Crane Island and Bird Park require separate tickets; buying a combo ticket is recommended (some platforms offer discounted price of 60 RMB/person). • Chaganhaote Resort is free, but horseback riding, archery, etc. are self-paid. 4. Accommodation: • Winter is off-season; book hotels early for discounts. Economy hotels in Tongyu County offer great value. 5. Notes: • Winter temperatures are low (-10℃ to -20℃), wear down jackets, snow boots, hats, gloves, and keep phones warm with heat patches to prevent shutdown. • Wetland areas have many mosquitoes; bring insect repellent in summer; stay quiet during birdwatching and do not feed birds.