Growth Against the Wind! Learn Wilderness Skills and Earth Science Under the Windmills on the Snowfield
A trip to Ulanqab·Sumushan Forest Park can go beyond sightseeing and upgrade into a vivid outdoor skills and earth science parent-child practical class. In such an extreme environment, learning becomes so profound and interesting.
• Theme Exploration One: Wind Energy and Geography
Those huge windmills are the best teaching aids.
On-site class: Observe the direction of the windmills and the rotation of the blades with your child, discuss why this place is suitable for building a wind farm (wind resources, terrain). Extend the discussion to environmental topics such as clean energy and carbon neutrality.
Wind experience: Let the child truly stand at the mountain pass and feel the force of the wind. Try walking with the wind and against the wind, discuss wind resistance. Use personal items (such as scarves) to simply demonstrate wind direction.
• Theme Exploration Two: Snowfield and Forest Survival Skills
Within a safe range, simulate some basic skills:
Direction identification: Learn to use a compass app on the phone, combined with the position of the sun (early sunset in winter, pay attention to time) and terrain features (such as the arrangement direction of the windmill array) to determine orientation.
Footprint tracking: In fresh snow, look for and identify possible animal footprints (birds, small mammals). Walk back along your own footprints to understand the importance of "returning the same way."
Winter clothing science: Explain on-site why the three-layer dressing method (moisture-wicking, insulation, windproof) is so critical here, helping children understand the principles of clothing functions.
• Create Unique Travel Memories
Natural art: Use snow, branches, pine cones, volcanic rocks to create collective art in the open snowfield, build a different kind of snowman, or piece together a land art.
Themed photography challenge: Set several photography themes, such as "The Loneliest Tree," "The Shape of the Wind," "Details of Ice," and capture them with the whole family. After the trip, make a photo album.
Sound diary: In a quiet spot in the forest, close your eyes and record one minute of "environmental sounds." The sound of wind, birdsong, footsteps... Listening at home is a more vivid memory than photos.
• Backup Plans for Extreme Weather
What if you encounter strong winds, extreme cold, or other weather conditions that make going up the mountain inadvisable?
Option A: Geology Exploration Day: Deeply tour the Ulanhada volcanic group. Take children into a volcanic crater, observe volcanic bombs, lava flow marks, and collect different types of volcanic pumice.
Option B: Cultural Experience Day: Visit Jining District, tour the Ulanqab Museum to learn about local history from the dinosaur era to the grassland civilization. Or experience indoor Mongolian cuisine, tasting steaming hand-pulled lamb and milk tea.
• Unique Accommodation Experience (Immersive Grassland Culture)
For a deeper experience, consider:
Huitengxile Grassland Mongolian Yurt Resort (mainly summer): Mostly closed in winter, but a few yurts offering winter services can provide an ultimate experience. Confirm heating facilities in advance (such as whether there is an independent boiler heating system).
Ulanqab Baiquan Mountain Villa: Located near Jining District, covering a large area with a quiet environment, it is a garden-style hotel integrating accommodation, dining, and leisure, suitable for family rest.
Going to Ulanqab·Sumushan Forest Park is not just about sightseeing, but about "attending class." A comprehensive practical lesson on natural forces, scientific principles, and human adaptation. This journey brings growth to children that is far more three-dimensional and unforgettable than knowledge from books.