Shangdu travel guide and discussion

🏃【About the Itinerary】 1️⃣DAY 1: Qinghe Station—Ulanqab Station (High-speed train G2459, 7:41—9:49)—Huitengxile Grassland—Altai Qitai 2️⃣DAY 2: Altai Qitai—Dashijia Glacier Stone Forest Geopark—Wulan Hada Volcano—Beijing North (High-speed train G2466, 11:44—13:37) . 🚗【About Transportation】 The attractions in Ulanqab are far apart with limited public transportation. You can choose from these three options👇 1️⃣Self-driving: The advantage is flexibility to stop anywhere. The disadvantage is the long drive from Beijing. Electric vehicles are fine too, just make sure to charge fully before visiting attractions 2️⃣Local car rental or chartered car: Rentals and chartered cars are quite affordable during off-season, so this is the recommended option 3️⃣High-speed train + public transportation: Not recommended due to poor convenience and flexibility . ⛰️【About Attractions】 1️⃣Huitengxile Grassland Unlike Huanghuagou which charges an entrance fee, this place is free, offering better value. Here you'll find grassland windmills, Mongolian Oboo shrines, herds of cattle, sheep, and horses—scenery that will refresh your spirit . 2️⃣Altai Qitai A delightful eco-farm that will surprise you, also our accommodation base. It's close to both the volcano and glacier, with a horse ranch nearby. The farm offers plenty of activities: non-motorized playground, grassland version of Club Med, self-service BBQ, riverside fishing, etc. Food prices are reasonable with authentic Mongolian cuisine, roast lamb, hand-grabbed meat, and milk tea. . 3️⃣Dashijia Glacier Stone Forest Geopark Free admission. The park features stone forests, ravines, and lava columns stretching for kilometers, formed by tectonic movements billions of years ago, creating a striking contrast with the vast grassland scenery . 4️⃣Wulan Hada Volcano 👉No. 1-2: Currently closed to the public 👉No. 3: Has a hiking boardwalk with photo-worthy telephone booths along the way—a must-visit 👉No. 4: Only recommended for supplies, not worth visiting otherwise 👉No. 5: A more primitive volcano featured on National Geographic cover; the path is difficult, optional visit 👉No. 6: Covered in black volcanic rocks, great for photos—wearing a spacesuit makes you feel like you're in outer space 👉No. 7-8: Popular spots for collecting agates . 💗TIPS: 1️⃣When traveling from Ulanqab to Huitengxile Grassland, be sure to take the Jina Line and Keliang Line—the scenery along the way is breathtaking 2️⃣The Glacier Stone Forest requires climbing stairs to reach the boardwalk, making it inconvenient for those with infants. There are no restrooms or convenience stores here.

This time, I took my child and husband to the Altai Qitai Volcano Camp, and it was truly a refreshing trip! Starting from the Ulanhada volcanic group, it’s just a half-hour drive to this fairyland-like place, with breathtaking scenery all along the way. Here, we not only experienced the charm of nature but also enjoyed the warmth and fun the hotel offered. Now, let me take you inside this charming hotel! 🌟🚗 🏡 A fairy tale world inside the family starry sky house 🌌 The moment I stepped into the family starry sky house, I was captivated by the carefully designed space. The cabin has a unique exterior and is full of surprises inside. The bed is soft and comfortable, the walls are decorated with various constellation patterns, and a projector is installed on the ceiling to play star stories for the kids at night, making them feel like they are exploring the mysteries of the universe. Such a night is undoubtedly magical and unforgettable for children. 🌙📚 🏞️ The natural wonder of the Dashijia glacier stone forest 🪨 Not far from the hotel is the Dashijia glacier stone forest geological park, which preserves relics of the Quaternary glacier with towering, uniquely shaped stones. Our family of three strolled through this magical land, marveling at nature’s craftsmanship. From a high vantage point, surrounded by lush trees and wide-open views, it’s impossible not to admire the greatness and beauty of the natural world. 🏞️ 🍽️ A culinary journey to satisfy the whole family’s taste buds 😋 The hotel offers a wide range of dining options, from nutritious breakfasts to hearty dinners, catering to all ages. Especially memorable are the local specialty dishes, which are delicious and leave a lasting impression. The child’s favorite is the colorful, cute-shaped kids’ meals. After every meal, he happily shows us his clean plate, a clear sign of satisfaction. 🍽️👨‍👩‍👧 🎉 A variety of entertaining activities 🎈 The hotel also provides plenty of entertainment options for guests, such as family craft classes and outdoor adventures. My husband and I joined a workshop to make a model of a Mongolian yurt, while our child played happily nearby. We not only learned new things but also strengthened family interaction and communication. These activities are both fun and educational, perfect for families with children. 🎨🌳 This trip brought us abundant joy and wonderful memories. Altai Qitai Volcano Camp is not just a hotel but a vacation destination you won’t want to leave. If you’re planning a family trip, this place is definitely worth a try! 🌈✨

Zhengzhou · Ancient Charm of the Commercial Capital Four-Day Trip|Per Person ¥3800|Authentic Shang Dynasty City Wall · True Yellow River Shore · Genuine Central Plains Life Zhengzhou, the most "low-key" of China's eight ancient capitals—it doesn't rely on flashy night scenes but tells the story of the quiet strength of the Central Plains heartland through the 3,600-year-old rammed earth section of the Shang Dynasty city wall, flocks of avocets on the Yellow River mudflats, and the thousand-year-old ginkgo leaf-covered paths in Songshan Shaoshi Mountain. Three people traveling together, 4 days and 3 nights (including 4 nights of accommodation), total cost ¥3800, relaxed pace, authentic attractions, and local food and drink. Day 1|First Encounter with the Commercial Capital · From Zhengzhou Museum to Shang City Ruins Park After arriving at Zhengzhou East Station, check into a guesthouse near Renmin Road (including 4 nights of accommodation); In the afternoon, visit Zhengzhou Museum (Wenhan Street Branch) (free): On the first floor, see exhibits like the replica of the Dulingfang Ding, Shang Dynasty bone hairpins, and Western Zhou bronze gui vessels, with soft lighting inside glass cases; In the evening, stroll through the Shang Dynasty City Wall Ruins Park (free): One of the oldest existing city walls, with rammed earth walls over 8 meters high, lined with ginkgo trees whose autumn leaves cover the ancient rammed layers. Day 2|Yellow River and Songshan · Yellow River National Geopark + Cultural Route around Shaolin Temple In the morning, head to Yellow River National Geopark (Taohuayu Area) (ticket ¥50/person × 3 = ¥150): Climb the viewing platform to overlook the "hanging river" wonder, with expansive mudflats where egrets and avocets often stroll in flocks; At noon, dine in Guangwu Town, Xingyang: "Xingyang sesame seed cake with beef" + "Yellow River carp soup" + millet porridge. The sesame cake is crispy, and the fish soup is milky white and slightly sweet; In the afternoon, circle around the Shaolin Temple cultural area (without entering the scenic spots): Visit Chuzu Ancestral Temple (free), Damo Cave ruins (free), and walk the Shaolin Reservoir lakeside trail, seeing red walls against pines, winding stone steps, and a distant view of the Golden Summit of the permanent temple hidden in the mountain valley. Day 3|Ancient Architecture and Local Life · Northern Song Imperial Tomb Spirit Way + Gongyi Grotto Temple + Old City Streets Spend the whole day exploring Gongyi City (25 minutes by high-speed train, round-trip taxi ¥70): ▫️ In the morning, see the stone statue groups along the Northern Song Imperial Tomb Spirit Way (free open area): The stone horses, elephants, and envoy statues of Yongzhao and Yongding Mausoleums stand quietly by wheat fields, with clear wind erosion marks; In the afternoon, visit Gongyi Grotto Temple (ticket ¥30/person × 3 = ¥90): A Northern Wei royal grotto with five caves side by side, featuring the "Emperor and Empress Worshiping Buddha" relief with flowing robes, and wutong tree leaf shadows dancing at the cave entrance; Dinner at the old city cross street in Gongyi: "Gongyi spicy soup" + "Zhu Gan Street fried bread" + steamed dough pockets. The spicy soup is fragrant but not overpowering, and the fried bread is crispy outside and soft inside. Day 4|Wrapping Up Local Life · Morning Light at Erqi Tower + Dehua Street Atmosphere + Yellow River Carp Workshop Early morning climb to the top floor of Erqi Memorial Tower (free): Look out the window to see the old city’s morning mist over arcade buildings and tram tracks, with clear bell chimes; In the morning, stroll the old alleys on the west side of Dehua Pedestrian Street: Visit the old shop "Cai Ji Steamed Dumplings" (not a chain), "Ge Ji Braised Cake" hand-rolled stall, and "Fang Zhongshan Spicy Soup" ingredient drying racks; Lunch on the go: "Yellow River carp baked noodles" + "Zhengzhou steamed jelly" + sweet mo. The carp is tender, and the baked noodles are crisp like fine threads; Before leaving, buy souvenirs: Xinzheng red date gift box (¥48), Zhongmu garlic powder (¥26), Yellow River dried carp (¥52). Cost Breakdown (3 people): Transportation (round-trip high-speed train + city taxis) ¥610 | Accommodation ¥680 | Food ¥490 | Tickets ¥240 | Souvenirs ¥126 | Contingency ¥1654 = 3800 Zhengzhou’s depth is not loudly proclaimed but quietly stands: In a corner of the Shang capital city wall rounded by wind and rain, In the moment an avocet lightly taps the water surface on the Yellow River mudflats, In the 0.5-millimeter downward gaze arc of a Bodhisattva in Gongyi Grotto Temple, And also in the instant you hold a bowl of spicy soup, Steam rising blurs your vision, Suddenly seeing your own reflection in that moment of quiet.

Whirlpool Park is a wonderful place filled with natural charm, especially suitable for those who want to connect with nature. The park is home to numerous trees and flowers, offering different sceneries throughout the seasons. Whether it's the vibrant blossoms of spring or the golden leaves of autumn and winter, every view is like a beautiful painting. The most unique feature of the park is its water scenery, including a small waterfall with cascading water that produces relaxing sounds, uplifting your mood. Walking along the park's trails, you can enjoy the surrounding beauty at any time. There are also designated rest areas perfect for sitting down, relaxing, or gathering with friends. Children will love the playground here, where they can play joyfully. For photography enthusiasts, the park offers plenty of picturesque spots to capture stunning photos.

I came because my best friend said she wanted to see Zhuhai's "Little Sydney," so I drove 30 kilometers just to feast my eyes on it! I also snapped a bunch of photos. I saw a guy making Indian roti outside the shop, and we were both blown away! It was amazing! The scallion roti was delicious hot, crispy on the outside and savory. I didn't realize barbecue restaurants were already at the next level! The food had such a Christmas atmosphere! It looked so good I almost didn't want to eat it! Beef, lettuce, and apples could all be Christmas trees! The hot pot set for two, a new winter dish, was fresh and plentiful. I loved the diaphragm, golden fat rim, and air-dried chicken thigh. The air-dried, aged butter chicken thigh is a must-order! A huge chicken drumstick 🍗 The chicken drumstick meat is soaked in rich, buttery flavor 🧈, and has a satisfying chewy texture. Cheese Army Stew 🍲, a pot full of fresh ingredients, bubbling away, the aroma is absolutely irresistible! The cheese is so stretchy! The mild spiciness is just right! 🤤🤤🤤 Warm and comforting in winter, hot pot + barbecue, a double treat! So blissful!

It wasn't too far to the nearby baseball field, so it was okay. It seemed like a good value for money.

🌄 Recommended Attractions Dashijia Glacier Park · Recommended reason: The uncanny workmanship of nature makes you feel like you have traveled through hundreds of millions of years! The scenic area is full of wooden walkways, which are very safe to walk on. · Recommended index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ · Notes: There are no toilets or places to sell food and water in the scenic area, so you need to prepare enough. The scenic area has alternating steps and gentle wooden walkways, which are not friendly to strollers and wheelchairs. Altay Qitai Town · Recommended reason: You can get close to the strange rocks from hundreds of millions of years ago, and you can either climb the winding hills on the wooden walkways or explore more natural scenery on the flat stone roads. · Recommended index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unfrozen River Wetland · Recommended reason: The unfrozen river wetland in winter has a unique flavor, as if you have entered a parallel world. 🍽️ Recommended Food Altay Qitai Town · Recommended reason: You can taste authentic Mongolian cuisine: roasted lamb back, hand-held meat, etc. The vegetables are also picked from the farm greenhouses, self-sufficient. 🏚️ Recommended Accommodation Altay Qitai Town · Recommended reason: Each room has a separate bathroom, and the food and accommodation are very clean and hygienic. There is also a horse farm nearby, and it is really fun to ride a horse in the grassland. · Notes: Even in summer, the temperature here is only about 20 degrees at night, so it is recommended to bring a coat. 📝 Tips · The distance between attractions is relatively far, so it is recommended to charter a car or carpool. · The temperature is low in winter, so keep warm. It is recommended to wear a thick down jacket and waterproof fleece snow boots.

| Hidden gem, a must-visit! A stunning hidden gem - Ulanqab's Dashi Jia Glacier Stone Forest Geological Park. ✨ 🌈Enter the park and be instantly amazed by the unique glacier stone forest landscape. The huge stones are arranged in a pleasing manner, each with a different shape. Some look like fierce beasts, majestic and awe-inspiring; some look like elegant fairies, graceful and charming. Each stone is like an ancient book, telling the story of time. 💕 🌿The air here is so fresh that it's intoxicating. Take a deep breath, as if you can wash away the fatigue of your soul. Stroll along the path, feel the breeze gently brushing your cheeks, and listen to the crisp bird songs in your ears. At that moment, it really feels like you're in a fairyland. 😍 📸There are many photo spots, and every shot is a blockbuster. Take a photo with the unique stones and leave your unique memories; stand high and overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire park, taking in the magnificent nature. Your Moments will instantly explode with likes, making your friends envious. 💖 🌟Recently, many people have been pursuing closeness to nature and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. This park is definitely your best choice. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature to your heart's content and forget all your worries. 🥰

Jinshishan Glacier Stone Forest Geological Park (Dashijia Glacier Stone Forest Geological Park North Gate) is located in Qitai Town, Shangdu County, about 10 kilometers west of the county seat. Arrival: Search for Dashijia Glacier Stone Forest Geological Park on Gaode Map, the actual navigation is to Dashijia Glacier Stone Forest Geological Park North Gate. 📹Introduction: Jinshishan is located in the northeast branch of the Yinshan Mountains, stretching nearly 5 kilometers from east to west, with a massive rock body concentrated in an area of 3 kilometers. The park features numerous peculiar stones and lush green layers, with more than 50 large monolithic rocks. The formation of the Jinshishan mountain range took tens of thousands of years and belongs to the Quaternary glacier period. Wild fungi, medicinal herbs, herbaceous plants, and various wild shrubs coexist among the rocks, creating excellent vegetation. In recent years, the local government has built 2295 meters of wooden walkways, 5 pavilions, 8 viewing platforms, and 1200 meters of pedestrian paths within the scenic area, leveraging the original rugged geological landscape of Jinshishan to create a beautiful promotional card with local characteristics of Shangdu. Transportation: Self-driving Tickets: Free FREE

I walked over the mountains and waters and returned to my own prairie. I just wanted to watch the white clouds in the grass in the wind, accompanied by cattle and sheep, and spent the rest of my life.

There is good in the heart, good everywhere; there is a Buddha in the heart, and Buddha is everywhere. When you put yourself at the lowest point, you are actually at the top. When you put yourself at the top, you are actually at the lowest point. The breadth of life depends on the brightness of the mind. The narrow-minded person can't even hold it himself, and the open-minded person can let the whole world down.