2025 Xinghe Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

Location: Laoli Lake Position: Xinghe County, Ulanqab City (Navigate to 'Wushengqidi') Tickets: Free Transportation: Self-driving Outfit Suggestions: Mountain style | Workwear Recommended photo spots: ❥ The lonely house ❥ Grasslands ❥ Lake ❥ Sheep Travel | Photography tips: ❥ It's about a 1.5-hour drive from the volcano. If you have enough time, you can enjoy the grasslands and lake all to yourself. ❥ Compared to the crowded volcano, this place offers a more relaxed vibe.

On the way to the desert, deep in the heart of Ulanqab, we stumbled upon a hidden paradise—Laoli Lake. Here, there are no noisy traffic or crowded tourists, only free-spirited wildlife and boundless serene landscapes. Compared to the bustling volcanic grasslands, this secluded haven feels even more precious. Sharing this authentic experience: 📍 **How to Get There** Laoli Lake is tucked away in a lesser-known corner of Ulanqab. **Highly recommended to drive there yourself**. 🚗 Simply navigate to "Laoli Lake" for precise directions. 🌟 **Unmissable Scenery** * **Pasture Life Canvas:** Expansive grasslands stretch to the horizon, dotted with leisurely grazing cattle, sheep, and horses, their neck bells chiming softly in the wind. 🛎️ Stay quiet and approach them gently (be sure not to disturb them) to experience the magic of being close to these grassland creatures. Every snapshot tells a story. 📸 * **Crystal-Clear Waters:** The lake's pristine waters mirror the vast blue sky and drifting clouds. ☁️ A light breeze ripples the surface. Sit by the shore, watch waterbirds glide by, and listen to the whispering wind—worldly worries seem to dissolve, leaving only peace. * **Poetry of Light:** **Don’t miss a sunrise or sunset!** As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky blazes with intense oranges and golds, casting a dreamy glow over the grasslands and lake, creating a breathtakingly tender scene. 🌇 📸 **Tips for Capturing the Moment** 1. **Outfit Choices:** Elegant dresses (especially in white or light colors) blend perfectly with the surroundings, adding an ethereal touch; 🧚‍♀️ ethnic-style clothing is also a great choice for a rich, exotic vibe. 2. **Lens Perspectives:** A wide-angle lens captures the sweeping vistas of the grasslands and lake, while a telephoto lens zooms in on the lively details of distant animals. 🐏 3. **Golden Hour:** The light during sunrise and sunset is magical. Try backlighting to highlight silhouettes, even gilding hair strands with a radiant glow. ✨ ⚠️ **Travel Tips** 1. **Self-Sufficiency:** Laoli Lake remains untouched by commercialization, so bring enough food 🍞 and water 💧. 2. **Nature Preparedness:** Grassland weather changes rapidly, with significant day-night temperature swings. A warm coat 🧥 is essential. Also, high-altitude UV rays are strong—pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. 3. **Protect the Pristine:** Carry out all trash to leave no trace and preserve this precious natural gift. 🌍 Skip the crowded volcanoes! Laoli Lake is Ulanqab’s hidden gem, offering undisturbed romance and tranquility. 💕 Gather your travel buddies and set off to discover this exclusive, off-the-beaten-path paradise!

Laoli Lake, located in Xinghe County, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia, is a hidden grassland gem blending natural beauty with cultural experiences, hailed as the "Anaya of the Grasslands." Here, you’ll find crystal-clear lakes, vast pastures, and unique rural cultural tourism projects, making it an ideal short escape from urban hustle. Below is a refined and insightful Laoli Lake travel guide: --- ### **1. Natural and Cultural Highlights of Laoli Lake** - **Lake and Wetland Scenery**: Laoli Lake consists of three natural lakes, with the main oval-shaped lake featuring clear, year-round flowing water. The eastern side is dotted with woodlands and farmland, the west with marsh wetlands, and the north with natural pastures teeming with cattle and sheep, painting a harmonious natural landscape. - **Grassland "Anaya"**: The rural tourism project around Laoli Lake includes artistic structures like a wetland church and a grassland "spaceship" observatory, infusing the area with a unique artistic vibe. - **Eco-Conservation and Rural Revitalization**: Through ecological restoration (e.g., combating desertification, grassland recovery) and cultural tourism, the local community promotes rural revitalization. Visitors can join eco-volunteer activities and experience the harmony between humans and nature. --- ### **2. Best Time to Visit** - **Summer (June–August)**: Lush green grasslands and azure lakes are perfect for camping, boating, and stargazing. - **Autumn (September–October)**: Golden grasslands against blue lakes create a photographer’s paradise. - **Winter (December–February)**: Frozen lakes offer ice-skating and snow hiking, with stunning sunsets over the icy landscape. --- ### **3. Transportation** - **Self-Drive**: ~3.5 hours from Beijing; navigate to "Wusheng Qidi·Anzhi Ruosu" or "Laoli Lake." - **High-Speed Rail**: Take a train from Beijing North Station to "Xinghe North" (~1.5 hours), then a 30-minute taxi ride. - **Group Tours**: Multiple Beijing-based agencies offer 2-day tours covering Laoli Lake and Ulanhad Volcano, ideal for non-drivers. --- ### **4. Recommended Experiences** - **Nature Exploration**: - **Lakeside Hiking**: Stroll along the shore to observe wetland birds and wild flora. - **Stargazing Camping**: Marvel at the starry sky; tents are available for rent. - **Shepherding Experience**: Join local herders to tend sheep and embrace nomadic traditions. - **Cultural Highlights**: - **"Spaceship" Observatory**: Overlook the lake and grasslands, especially magical at dusk. - **Wetland Church**: A picturesque spot inspired by the filming location of *The Breakup*. - **Culinary Delights**: - **Roast Whole Lamb/Hand-Grabbed Meat**: Traditional herder-style dishes with tender meat. - **Mongolian Milk Tea & Dairy Products**: Authentic Mongolian flavors. --- ### **5. Accommodation** - **Grassland Camping**: Anzhi & Sheep Camp or Wusheng Qidi Camp, ideal for stargazing. - **Unique Stays**: Lakeside cabins or yurts, some with private bathrooms; try those near "Grassland Anaya." - **City Hotels**: Business hotels in Ulanqab for comfort seekers. --- ### **6. Tips** - **Sun/Wind Protection**: Strong UV in summer (sunscreen + hat); winter demands windproof warmth. - **Eco-Travel**: Pack out trash to protect the fragile plateau ecosystem. - **Photography**: Best at sunrise/sunset; drones allowed (check local rules). --- Laoli Lake captivates with its purity and tranquility, offering vast grasslands, lively lakes, and artistic warmth. Whether for a quick urban escape or an immersive grassland experience, it promises unforgettable memories.

|Herding clouds and sheep on the grassland is an incredibly romantic thing. Laolihai truly resembles a primitive version of Aranya～minimal development～free from the hustle and bustle of crowds～ Its beauty lies in its tranquility～standing by the lake with the breeze brushing past～you can easily lose yourself in thought for hours... Facing Laolihai directly is the Wushengqidi Hotel🏨, where the windows frame a giant oil painting～blue skies, white clouds, the lake, and sheep🐏～utterly pure... This was a filming location for the show "Farewell My Love"～ Revitalization Academy: (a building resembling a UFO) The exterior is full of design flair～ Nomad Lighthouse: A geometrically shaped chapel～like a solitary lighthouse on the water～perfect for evening photography📸～ Whether it's the homestay, Revitalization Academy, or the solitary architecture～📸every spot is incredibly photogenic... 🏨In the evening, someone delivers goodnight soup and lights the fireplace～creating a full-on cozy atmosphere～ 📍Laolihai, Ulanqab 🚗Self-drive: About 4 hours from Beijing, or ~55 minutes from Ulanqab. Navigate to "Wushengqidi"～ 🚄High-speed rail: Arrive at Ulanqab Station/Xinghe Station, then take a shared/private car for a 1-hour direct ride～ It's about 1.5 hours' drive from Ulanha Volcano～plan a visit the next day if time allows～

Introduction to Laolihai Tourist Attraction Laolihai is located in Erdong Town, Xinghe County, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and is a picturesque natural scenic spot. This area preserves nature in its purest form, characterized by vast grasslands and azure natural lakes. Here are some detailed introductions about Laolihai: **Natural Landscape** Laolihai is an oval-shaped natural lake. Although it is called a "sea," it is actually a lake. It shares the same vastness and deep blue hue as the sea, covering a total area of 120 hectares. The water here is neutral in quality, with a light green tint and visibility of about 1 meter. The lakebed is mostly sandy, and the water source is abundant, flowing continuously throughout the year. **Ecological Diversity** Laolihai is the closest natural pasture to Beijing. Every spring, tens of thousands of migratory birds, such as swans and relict gulls, stop here, composing an epic of life's cycle. The area is also frequented by herds of cattle and sheep roaming freely, creating a breathtaking pastoral scene. **Tourism Activities** Laolihai is home to Inner Mongolia's first "Beautiful Villages" rural revitalization demonstration project. Leveraging the area's unique natural landscape, the project has developed a cluster of distinctive homestays, attracting visitors to immerse themselves in the grassland lifestyle. **Cultural Experience** Laolihai is not only a great place to admire natural beauty but also an excellent spot to experience grassland culture. Visitors can feel the strong natural atmosphere and the simplicity of local traditions here. In summary, with its unique natural scenery and rich cultural experiences, Laolihai has become a popular choice for tourism and leisure. Whether it's the spring migration of birds or the summer grassland festivities, Laolihai offers a distinctive blend of nature and culture.

I've found a hidden grassland with few tourists and beautiful scenery that resembles Altay. It's the Laoli Lake, located next to the Ulanqab volcanic group, which is difficult to find even on large-scale maps🌊 It's a spiritual sanctuary for a brief escape, like a "grassland Aranya"🌙 During the day, cattle and sheep are your neighbors⛺Horses come to your doorstep to graze There are also azure lakes, primitive villages, and a little lamb nursery🐏... At night, you can enjoy starry skies and bonfires✨ · 【🗺️Weekend 2-Day Itinerary】 D1: Wushengqidi-Grassland "Aranya"-Dapodi Village-Gaoda Xibu-Stay in campsite tents or homestay D2: Anzhiyuyang Camp-Laoli Lake-Return journey · 【🟢Transportation Guide】 🚗Self-driving: Navigate directly to Wushengqidi 🚅High-speed rail: Get off at "Xinghe North" station, then take a 30-minute taxi ride · 【🎈Travel Tips】 1️⃣Wushengqidi 📍Stone House: South of the restaurant, with wooden fences like those in the TV show "Flower Travels" 📍Flying Saucer🛸: Across the river from the restaurant, standing alone on the vast grassland 📍Grassland "Aranya": Take photos of white houses from below, and "sea view" shots from above 📍Little Lamb Nursery: You can get 🥕 to feed the lambs 👉🏻The surrounding villages maintain their primitive appearance, offering a wilderness feel different from the city · 2️⃣Anzhiyuyang Grasslands, sparse trees, cattle and sheep, lake water, and trees growing into rooms - how adorable! A secret spot with few people but beautiful scenery. The tents and equipment are all outdoor-style, just like a Beijing branch of Altay‼️ Perfect for relaxing and daydreaming all day · 【🏨Accommodation Guide】 For a tent experience, stay at the campsite. If you prefer comfort and modern amenities, choose a homestay. Both accommodations have cattle, sheep, and horses roaming around🐏 · 【🍟Food Guide】 Try roasted lamb, lamb skewers, and Mongolian milk tea🐮 You can also go to Xinghe County town for Mongolian cuisine, including meat sausages, blood sausages, hand-held meat, and more... · 🥰Chatting with the staff working here, I learned that this is a rural revitalization project in cooperation with the Xinghe County Rural Development Foundation. The current ecosystem here is the result of many people's love and care... On what was once rocky, desertified land, they collected stones to build walls, allowing grass to grow again and inviting sheep to tread on it, restoring the grassland to its near-original state... It's the result of daily meticulous care and tremendous transformation over time❤️

- Architectural Design: The property features 15 buildings with 28 rooms. Each room boasts a unique, continuous facade that breaks from traditional four-sided designs. The abstract, artistic style creates a captivating visual experience for guests.🎨 - Surroundings: Ideally located for observing wetland birds and animals, the property offers stunning grassland views. Spot egrets, swans, and other bird species, as well as cattle, sheep, and horses.🦢🐂🐎 Nearby attractions include Sumu Mountain Tourist Area, Chaer Lake Tourist Area, the Nomad Tower, and the Grassland Ark.🌄 - Dining: Inspired by local traditions, the restaurant blends ingredients from the mountains, grasslands, fields, and lakes to create innovative dishes. Savor specialties like Zhuozi County Smoked Chicken and Black Truffle Baked Lake Fish, a fusion of grassland bounty, Yunnan delicacies, and Eastern and Western culinary styles.🍗🍲 - Activities: Enjoy a range of activities, including tent camping, wilderness dining, team-building events, and RV camping. Experience the magic of a starlit fireplace, try your hand at shepherding, feed lambs, and participate in unique activities like baking and making salty milk tea.⛺🍰 - Room Amenities: Choose from various room types, including one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Each room is equipped with central air conditioning, a fireplace, a premium King Koil mattress, a De'Longhi kettle, and a Marshall speaker.🛏️☕🎶 - Attentive Service: Enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea, and a goodnight sweet soup. Each room includes complimentary drinks and a welcome fruit platter.🍎 Our attentive butler service assists with luggage and caters to your every need.🤵

In the winter of Inner Mongolia, Laolihai is like a dazzling pearl, exuding a cold and charming charm. The cold wind blows, and a thick layer of ice forms on the lake, shimmering in the sunlight. The ice surface is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the white clouds in the sky, like a natural painting. The trees by the lake shiver in the cold wind, with crystal-clear icicles hanging from the branches, shining like crystals. Walking along the lakeshore, the snow underfoot makes a "creaking" sound, as if telling the story of winter. The rolling mountains in the distance are covered with snow, contrasting with the blue sky, forming a beautiful winter picture. In this icy world, many people are enjoying the fun of winter. Some people are skating and playing on the ice, while others are building snowmen and having snowball fights in the snow. The laughter of children echoes in the cold air, adding a touch of vitality to this cold land. The winter Laolihai is not only a beautiful natural landscape but also a poetic place. When the sun sets, the sky gradually turns orange-red, and the entire lake is bathed in warm light. At this time, Laolihai is like a gentle girl, quietly telling her story. In the cold winter, Laolihai shows its unique charm. It is not only a gift from nature but also a comfort to people's hearts. Let's walk into this winter world together, feel its beauty and tranquility, and witness the "her" in winter. Laolihai

1. Weather The three days in Hohhot were all sunny, and the daytime temperature was basically in the range of -7 to -13. Maybe it was because of the sunny weather, or maybe it was because of the enthusiasm for traveling, but I didn’t feel very cold when I encountered sub-zero temperatures for the first time. It felt more like the early morning temperature of frost in the south. 2⃣ About clothing I have never been to the north, and I was afraid of freezing to death, so I bought a lot of warm equipment. But during the few days I spent in Hohhot, I basically wore a wool vest + thermal underwear + sweater + coat on the upper body, and tights + big cotton pants on the lower body. If I played in the snow, I would wear a scarf, earmuffs, hat and gloves. I kept my down jacket with me because I was afraid of being cold, thinking I would put it on after taking the photos, but I never had the chance to wear it. (I didn’t use the foot warmer I bought…) (I had so much fun playing in the snow that I even lay in a snowdrift wearing only a sweater) 3⃣About itinerary Day 1: Left the airport at around 8:00, had some ice-cooked lamb and went back to the hotel to rest Day 2: Train to Ulanqab. After exiting the station, we chartered a car to go to Laolihai (about an hour’s drive). Then we set out from Laolihai to Ulanhada Volcano (about two and a half hours’ drive). Finally, we went from the volcano to Ulanqab Station. We took the train back to downtown Hohhot. We had Sanjiangyuan grilled fish for dinner (delicious and loved it). Day 3: I slept until noon and had Su Yuan Spicy Hot Pot. We chartered a car to go to Hongshi Cliff at around 1 a.m., because the guide said that the beauty of Hongshi Cliff lies in the scenery along the way. We finally stopped at the sign of [Inner Mongolia’s own Altay] and did not go into the scenic area (I don’t know what the inside of the scenic area is like, but the scenery on the way is really beautiful! The snow is enough for southerners to play with) 4⃣About photography equipment I brought Fuji xt30, DJI, and Canon g11. In conclusion, DJI restored 90% of the scenery I saw! I think wearing red/yellow/blue/purple clothes for taking photos will look better (the richer the colors, the better. Plush earmuffs are a must! Very photogenic) If you don’t want to bring too many clothes, you can bring a few scarves and hats to have more looks🤔 5. About drugs I felt dizzy and nauseous after dinner, so I took Huoxiang Zhengqi Pills and Compound Aminoacetamine Tablets. I felt much better the next day (especially energetic when taking photos). I also had severe red bloodshot eyes from wearing cosmetic contact lenses for too long, so I took Bausch and Lomb's Nai (it has a grass radical, but my input method can't type it) and Minvi Eye Drops (a magical drug, my eyes became brighter after using them and they were no longer red!) ⚠If you feel unwell, you should still see a doctor. I only describe my physical condition and symptoms and what medicine I took.

After working hard and overtime for three consecutive weeks in Beijing, I decided to escape from Beijing! I discovered a niche destination just 3.5 hours’ drive from Beijing - Laolihai. I recommend it to every Beijing office worker who needs a brief escape or a short trip. Laolihai is located at the junction of Hebei, Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, so it is very suitable as a transit point for weekend trips. We drove here from Ulanqab Volcano and then returned to Beijing from here. The itinerary was designed to be very smooth. 🎨 This is where one of the famous scenes from "Goodbye, Lover" this year comes from: the couple portrait. What is more worth mentioning is that a rural tourism poverty alleviation homestay project was built around Laoli Lake, which led to the church⛪️ on the wetland and the spaceship🪐 on the grassland, giving people a wonderful feeling that a sea has grown out of the grassland. Some people say that this is Anaya on the grassland, but I think it is more like its name: where things grow from where they are - closer to nature, growing naturally in the countryside rather than being artificially created, with a purity that has not been overdeveloped. 🌅 The lake water sways gently on the grassland, and the evening sky is half dyed red and half turned pink. A local uncle stood in the sunset and asked us where we were from in Inner Mongolian Mandarin. We told the uncle how happy we were to see the beautiful scenery every day. My uncle smiled shyly and told us to go there in the summer, when the scenery would be even more beautiful with cows, horses and sheep grazing on the opposite bank. 🚧 The big red words on both sides of the roadside tunnel say that this is the "back garden of the capital". The last place described in this way was indeed Aranya. I plan to go there again in the summer when the grass is lush and the grassland is green, to try the fish caught from the Laoli Sea. To facilitate self-driving tours, there are special camping sites and RV sites here. 📍 Self-driving location: Everything grows in its place, and it is a safe place to stay (you can also stay here for one night, but it is indeed a bit expensive) 🔌 Electric vehicle charging pile: Car charging station (Laolihai, Xinghe County), the charging pile is right by the lake, and you can charge it when you park. Very convenient.

Laolihai Ranch, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia At Laolihai Ranch, you can experience the most authentic Mongolian customs 🎪. Stay in a traditional yurt, enjoy delicious roast whole lamb and hand-held meat, drink fragrant milk tea, and feel the hospitality of the Mongolian people 🤝. At night, lie on the grassland and look up at the starry sky. The bright stars are like gems inlaid on the sky, shining with mysterious light ✨, making you feel like you are in a fairy tale world. Food recommendations: Roast whole lamb: One of the specialties of the Ulanqab grassland, it is delicious. Hand-held meat: Cut the lamb into large pieces and eat it with your hands. It is very delicious. Milk tea: A traditional Mongolian drink with a rich taste. Cheese: Ulanqab grassland cheese is very famous and has a delicate taste.

⛰【Attraction Guide】 In the forest, pine and birch forests are densely packed, and the rolling hills are covered in green. Standing on the top of the mountain, the view is infinitely broad, as if you are integrated with the mountains, and your mind is completely relaxed. In autumn, the leaves gradually turn golden yellow and orange-red, and the fallen leaves flutter in the wind, making it a visual feast. Come to Sumushan Forest Park and experience the fairy tale world in autumn! ❤Reason for recommendation: Binglinggou: "Born with jade and crystal face, living here in a quiet place with green pines." Entering the beautiful icy world in midsummer - Binglinggou Scenic Area will make you linger and forget to leave. Huangshi Cliff: "Xinghefeng Town is divided into a mountain, and Huangshi Cliff towers into the clouds." Huangshiya is the highest point of Sumu Mountain and the highest point of the entire Ulanqab City, with an altitude of 2,334.7 meters. It is known as the "Everest" of Ulanqab. There is a saying here, "If you don't visit the Great Wall in Beijing, you are not a true man, and if you don't climb the Yellowstone Cliff in Inner Mongolia, it is a pity." Looking up, you can see the mountains as far as the eye can see, and you can see all the small mountains at a glance. Couple Stone: "Thousand-year-old lovers have been in love in the world of mortals, and their unswerving loyalty has left them with a good reputation." On the cliffs of Sumu Mountain, there are two huge rocks hugging each other like a couple. They still stand between heaven and earth despite being washed away by wind and rain for thousands of years. Couples take photos together here to witness the steadfastness and greatness of love, which means that love will last forever. Golden Wooden Plank Road: On the vast and lush slopes of Sumu Mountain, the winding golden wooden plank road winds up the mountain, like a long golden dragon soaring around the pine forest. 📍Detailed address: Ulanqab Sumu Mountain Forest Park 🚗Transportation guide: High-speed rail: Beijing Qinghe Station-Xinghe North Station, 1 hour and 46 minutes, 117 yuan, take a taxi or rent a car to the station Self-driving: It takes about 3.5 hours from Beijing. It is recommended to drive there. The facilities there are average, the trams are friendly and rechargeable. 💰Ticket price: The combined ticket is 99 yuan, including admission and ferry tickets

3 hours from Beijing to the Mirror of the Sky - Ulanqab's Laolihai This is my second time visiting Ulanqab's Laolihai, and each time I come, I am surprised by something new! Last time, I saw the sunset, and this time, I was lucky enough to visit on a sunny, windless day. The pure blue sky reflected on the lake's surface is as beautiful as a mirror of the sky. I don't know how to describe it in words, so I hope these photos can help you feel the beauty. You don't need any special tips to visit here. If you're driving, just navigate to "Wushengqidi, Benhong Village, Eerdong Town, Xinghe County, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia." If you're departing from Beijing, the drive takes about 3 hours, and there are charging stations at the destination, which is very convenient for electric cars. If you're taking public transportation, you can depart from Qinghe Station, take the high-speed train for about an hour to Xinghe North Station, and then take a taxi. It's free to visit! It's also about an hour's drive from the volcano, and the road is easy to drive. Visiting these two attractions in two days is a fulfilling trip. 😉

Beijing's autumn is still not quite here, the nearby Sumu Mountain fir forest has turned red I was not disappointed. The autumn wind turned the green in the mountains yellow. Filming time: October 8, 2024 【Travel route】Regular route: Take the shuttle bus up the mountain and then hike down the mountain (the whole journey takes about 2-3 hours). Hiking enthusiasts Take a shuttle bus from the parking lot for 15 RMB to the gate of Sumu Mountain, and hike up and down the mountain along the Bingling Stream (the whole journey takes about 4 hours) Address: Ulanqab Sumu Mountain Forest Park. transportation High-speed rail: Beijing Qinghe Station to Xinghe North Station, 1 hour and 46 minutes, RMB 117, take a taxi or rent a car after arriving at the station Self-driving: It takes about 3.5 hours from Beijing. It is recommended to drive there. The facilities there are average, and it is electric car friendly and can be charged. Tickets: Combo ticket is RMB 99, including tickets and shuttle bus tickets 【Tips for Playing】 If you drive yourself, you can only drive to the ticket office and then take the scenic area shuttle bus to the entrance of the scenic area. The scenery at the top of the mountain is not as beautiful as at the foot of the mountain, but the view is good and the foot of the mountain is more suitable for taking photos, especially the scenery along the Binglingjian Road is breathtaking. The temperature is relatively low in the early morning or evening, so you need to bring more clothes. Pets are allowed and drones can be flown Address: Sumushan Forest Park

Drive 3.5 hours from Beijing🚗 to explore the beautiful fairytale fir forest, which few people know about! I have been searching for beautiful autumn scenery around Beijing recently🍂. A friend told me that the fir forests on Sumu Mountain in Ulanqab City have been dressed in red and are so beautiful that they seem out of this world. After searching online, I found that few people had shared this story, so I decided to go there in person to find out. As a result, I was so shocked by the scenery before my eyes that I almost cried - this is simply a small "Kanas"! 📷The shooting time was frozen on October 8, 2024, which was an unforgettable day. 📍About the location: Sumushan Forest Park is located in Xinghe County, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a paradise away from the hustle and bustle. 🚄About transportation: High-speed rail travel: From Beijing Qinghe Station, go directly to Xinghe North Station, it only takes 1 hour and 46 minutes, and the ticket price is 117 yuan. After arriving, you can choose to rent a car or take a taxi to the scenic spot. 🚗Self-driving tour: Starting from Beijing, it takes about 3.5 hours to drive to the destination. The scenery along the way is picturesque and should not be missed. 🎫Ticket information: The ticket is 50 yuan, and the shuttle bus from the parking lot to the gate needs to pay an additional 10 yuan. The shuttle bus to the top of the mountain is 40 yuan one way. ✅ Recommended tour route: Lazy version: Take the shuttle bus up the mountain, then leisurely hike down the mountain, taking as many photos as you like along the way. The whole trip takes about 2-3 hours. Hiking enthusiasts: Take a bus from the parking lot to the gate of Sumu Mountain, and hike up and down the mountain along the plank road of Binglingjian. The whole challenge takes about 4 hours. ✔️Tips for traveling: Self-driving vehicles can only be parked at the ticket office and need to take the scenic area shuttle bus to the deep part of the scenic area, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Although the scenery at the top of the mountain is magnificent, the fir forest at the foot of the mountain is more charming, especially the plank road along Binglingjian, which is a great place to take photos! It is recommended to arrive in the morning and play until around 16:00 in the afternoon, when the sun is shining, light and shadow interweave, and the colors are at their most saturated. The temperature in the mountains is relatively low in October, with an average temperature of about 10 degrees. Please be sure to wear warm clothes, such as a jacket (with a fleece liner) or an autumn coat with a fleece sweater, and a scarf and a hat. There are stairs all along the scenic area, and there is no cable car or other means of transportation. Elderly people and mothers with children need to consider carefully. This fairy-tale cedar forest seems like a secret garden carefully arranged by nature, waiting to be discovered by every traveler who loves nature and craves adventure.

Recently everyone is looking for autumn scenery around Beijing. A friend told me that the fir forests on Sumu Mountain in Ulanqab have turned red. I browsed for a long time but didn’t see anyone updating, so I decided to go out and check it out. It is simply a small "Kanas", so beautiful that it makes people cry. Filming time: October 8, 2024 【About the address】Sumushan Forest Park (located in Xinghe County, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) 【About transportation】 High-speed rail: Beijing Qinghe Station to Xinghe North Station, 1 hour and 46 minutes, ticket price RMB 117, you can rent a car or take a taxi after arriving at the station Self-driving: about 3.5 hours from Beijing Tickets: RMB50 for tickets, RMB10 for shuttle bus from parking lot to gate, RMB40 for one way shuttle bus to the top of the mountain 【About the tour route】Lazy version: Take the shuttle bus up the mountain, then walk down the mountain, taking photos as you go (the whole journey takes about 2-3 hours) Hiking enthusiasts: You can take a car from the parking lot to the gate of Sumu Mountain and hike up and down the mountain along the Bingling Stream (the whole journey takes about 4 hours) 【Tips for Playing】 If you drive yourself, you can only drive to the ticket office and take the scenic area shuttle bus from the ticket office to the scenic area. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes. The scenery at the top of the mountain is not as beautiful as at the foot of the mountain. You can see all the other mountains and enjoy the colorful scenery. The foot of the mountain is more suitable for taking photos, especially the plank road along the Binglingjian Stream. It is recommended to go there in the morning and play until about 4 pm. After that, the sun is not good, and the photos will lack light and shadow, and the colors will be a little gray. The mountain is quite cold in October, with an average temperature of about 10 degrees. It is recommended to wear a jacket (with a fleece liner), or wear a fleece sweater like me, with a scarf and a hat. There are steps along the way, and there is no cable car or other means of transportation. Elderly people and mothers with children need to consider carefully.

Small Altay near Beijing The healing experience of being a herdsman🦌 It's really comfortable - — 🏠How to find a homestay 🚅Take the high-speed rail from Beijing to "Xinghe North Station" for 1.5 hours, and take a taxi for more than ten minutes after exiting the station 🚗Driving about 300 kilometers, more than 3 hours by car — 🏠Each room is an independent villa, the room is large, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are large The room is fully equipped with heating/fireplace/air conditioning, and the supporting facilities are also good, with Marshall speakers, Dyson hair dryers, etc. 🌅The scenery is great! You can see the beautiful lake view while lying in bed. There are large French windows on three sides. You can see the beautiful sunrise in the morning🌅It rained heavily all night. The air in the morning is super fresh and the sky is as blue as a cartoon❤️ ❣️Address: Benhong Village, Erdong Town, Xinghe

[○] Sumushan Forest Park [○] Location: Xinghe County, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia [○] Ticket price: RMB 50. The actual fee is subject to the on-site announcement of the scenic spot. [○] Sumu Mountain is a national 4A-level tourist attraction located at the junction of Shanxi, Hebei and Inner Mongolia. It is known as "the crowing of a cock can be heard in three provinces". [○] In July and August, the average temperature is 19.9 degrees Celsius, making it a great place to cool off and escape the heat. From early October to November, the leaves will slowly turn into golden yellow and fiery red, making the forest full of colors and very beautiful. [○] This is a natural plant kingdom with more than 120 species of medicinal plants alone. It is known as the "paradise of health preservation." Mountain springs can be seen everywhere in the scenic area, which is beautiful.

Traveling in Ulanqab? You must read this post. The scenery here is better than any other tourist attraction. You will pass through a village and see herdsmen grazing cattle🐂. You will also see a large lake. It's rare to see both grasslands and lakes in Inner Mongolia🏞️. There is a lonely church⛪️ across the lake. The church is not yet fully built. There are very few visitors. It's really fun and photogenic. It's like we've discovered a "secret garden". 🚗 It's a 4-hour drive from Beijing. It's an hour's drive from Ulanqab. It's a 2.5-hour drive from Hohhot (except for off-road vehicles, small cars can also come here, but the road is a bit difficult to drive). 📍"Laoli Sea"

This summer, Beijing is too hot, so I can only take a step west to Ulanqab to cool down for a few days! After driving for more than three hours, the first stop is 'BornOfTheLand·StayAsIfHome' located in Xinghe County, Ulanqab. This is a guesthouse situated on the grassland, beside Laoli Lake. The surrounding area is a natural grassland pasture, with herds of cattle and sheep, lush water and grass, few people, and it is quiet and niche. The guesthouse has a unique architectural design, with white walls and slanted eaves of varying heights, freely scattered on the grassland by Laoli Lake. The guesthouse also has the Anzhi and Sheep Camping Ground, which includes a café and a restaurant. Coming here allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, get close to nature, and feel the vastness of the open land.

Xinghe County Sumushan Forest Park is located 45 kilometers south of Xinghe County. It borders Yanggao and Tianzhen counties of Shanxi Province to the south, and Fengzhen City to the west. It is the junction of Shanxi, Hebei and Inner Mongolia, and is known as "the place where the crowing of a cock can be heard in three provinces." The average altitude of the forest area is over 2,000 meters. The highest peak, Huangshiya, is 2,334.7 meters, which is the highest point in Ulanqab City. Sumushan Forest Park is 35 kilometers long from east to west and 10 kilometers wide from north to south, with a total area of ​​13,300 hectares and a forest coverage rate of 68.8%. It is the largest artificial forest farm in the central and western parts of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and has become a natural plant kingdom in the central and western parts of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. There are artificially planted tree species such as larch, larch, pine, and spruce, natural trees such as white birch and poplar, wild shrubs such as tiger hazel, Lespedeza, mountain apricot, mountain elm, mountain willow, mountain cherry, mountain locust, Spiraea, and barberry, more than 30 kinds of exotic flowers and plants, more than 10 kinds of edible plants such as yellow flowers, fungus, bracken, and mushrooms, and more than 120 kinds of medicinal plants such as Polygala, ginseng, bupleurum, astragalus, Fritillaria, and Angelica. Among them, wild Astragalus is the pure "True North Astragalus", which is high in powder and sugar, has thick stems and bright yellow color. It can cure a variety of diseases. It is a superior tonic product and enjoys a high reputation in the domestic Chinese herbal medicine market. At the same time, this is also a place where animals live and reproduce. There are sika deer, roe deer, badgers, hares, eagles, cuckoos, larks, pheasants, woodpeckers, orioles and other animals and birds walking and flying through the forest. The Sumu Mountain Forest Park Tourist Area, with its steep mountains, dense forests, colorful flowers and rich ethnic customs, attracts more and more travelers who are eager to enjoy the beauty of nature. Those who return are all impressed by its uniqueness and beauty! As you climb along the serpentine mountain trail, you will reach the highest point with charming views - Wangtianya. Looking around, you can see green mountains and misty fog, like a mural of appropriate shades hanging in the sky. The light breeze brings the rich fragrance of flowers and the gurgling sound of mountain streams, making people feel like they are in a fairyland, relaxed and happy, and all the worries and sorrows of the world disappear...

| Three days and two nights on the grassland ranch. Escape from Beijing and come to Ulanqab to experience the unique romance~ – DAY1⃣️Beijing➖Xinghe 🚗Driving from Beijing, it takes about 4 hours to reach the grassland pasture in Xinghe County . 📌Chinese restaurant The Chinese restaurant next door, ✅Black Truffle Baked Lake Fish✅Beef Ribs with Wild Perilla Beef Sauce~Highly Recommended 📌 🔸Stay in the Grassland Lake View Room and enjoy the beautiful view from both the bedroom and the living room 🔸Participated in the steamed bun making activity in the afternoon, pinched various cute shapes according to my own preferences, and was reluctant to eat them after fermentation 🔸The evening clouds are purple and pink. After dinner, you can enjoy free mulled wine while roasting the fire🍷 🔸Go back to the room, light the fireplace, and watch the stars directly outside the terrace. Finally, drink the goodnight sweet soup and fall asleep💤 – DAY2⃣️ Anzhi and the Sheep Grassland 🌿Stay in a grassland homestay for two nights, and spend the whole day on the grassland on the second day . 📌Nomad Lighthouse Known as the grassland Aranya, check in the same lonely church 📌Anzhi and the Sheep Camp 🔸The grass here is already green, come and see the cattle and sheep in the morning🐮 🔸In the afternoon, eat freshly roasted lamb legs and hand-held meat under the canopy, which is very characteristic of the grassland 🔸Play kayaking on the Laoli Sea during leisure time, and follow the waves 🔸The campsite will organize an activity to pick up cow dung and roast milk tea🍵. The cow dung has a unique aroma after burning. Drinking the milk tea you brew yourself will make you feel extremely satisfied. 🔸You can also bring your own tent to camp here🏕️ – DAY3⃣️ Ulan Hada Volcano ➖ Return 🌋Drive for about 2 hours to reach the volcano, follow the order of 8-7-6-5-4-3, and return to Beijing in the evening . 📌The volcano group is very large, there is no need to climb every one of them, just visit the main ones and pick up some agates 🔸Volcano No. 6 is black, and it is the best place to take photos. I recommend space suit + smoke~ 🔸There are stairs to climb up to Volcano No. 3, and you can climb to the top of the mountain to overlook the panoramic view 🔸Volcano No. 5 is well preserved and very high. You can watch the sunset here🌇 – ⚠️tips 🔻There are charging stations in the area, making it more convenient for self-driving 🔻Take good sun protection, check the weather forecast carefully, and avoid traveling on windy and cloudy days 🔻Try to wear a pair of comfortable sneakers when going to the volcano

Living in the city, with people coming and going Why not visit the ecological ranch and make friends with the lambs? 🐏 Prepare a bag of fresh grass and vegetable leaves On a certain morning or afternoon, you might encounter a flock of sheep grazing The free and lively lambs raised by the herdsmen are spirited elves From afar, they will size you up with curious eyes Approaching directly might scare them away 🐏 Approach slowly, offer the grass, and feel the goodwill between you When the lambs take the initiative to come forward, sniff, and nibble on the grass in your hand Friendship and trust are quietly established At this moment, touch the lambs, and they might even nuzzle the corner of your clothes or lick the back of your hand Sharing with you the secrets of nature 🐏 Come and play with the lambs Spend an unforgettable leisurely and poetic time

Come to the grasslands and join the herders' life, become a happy shepherd boy. Having dreamt of herding sheep a thousand times, it's nothing compared to experiencing the real natural pasture! . 🏠 Visit the herders Follow the shepherd to herd Hold the herding whip, become the temporary guardian of this grassland . ⛅ Little Observer The breeze gently blows, the sheep leisurely graze beside In the distance, likewise dotted with flowing flocks of sheep Observing their every move, whether foraging or playing, is also an interesting process . 🐏 Enter the world of lambs Lambs always love to tilt their heads, curiously looking around Prepare fresh vegetable leaves, slowly approach Or use corn feed, sprinkle it where you want them to go Strive to become a good friend of the lambs~ . 🌱 Sunset Return Home When the sunset glow spreads across the grassland Hum a little tune, the sheep slowly line up to go home The herding experience ends, but the shepherd's daily life continues And sit around the campfire, listen to their stories with the grassland . ⚠️ Sheep Herding Tips 1⃣️ Communicate with the herders in advance, whether you can get close to the lambs 2⃣️ Do not make loud noises when herding, to avoid scaring the flock 3⃣️ The flock will actively seek grass, which may require some physical strength, shuttling through the grasslands .

| The joy of this moment is given by kayaking. Take your paddleboard and play in the water, feel the lively summer. Come to the camping site, from afar, the Lao Li sea is a charming blue, perfectly blending with the grassland and the sky. Try kayaking on the tranquil lake surface, and become a sporadic embellishment in this painting. 🚣‍♀️ Sitting on the kayak, the moment you are pushed down is the start of happiness. With the rotation of your body, the paddle blades cut through the water, feeling the impact and power of the current. Rowing the paddle, chasing the wind, passion and romance coexist. 🚣‍♀️ Even if you can't row anymore, you can just lie back and drift with the waves. Let the breeze caress your face, and your worries will also dissipate with it. 🚣‍♀️ In the evening, camp by the lake, with the bonfire reflecting the sunset. The kayak is docked at the shore, telling of the day's adventures. Come outdoors to enjoy freedom, and please also release your energy and courage to the fullest. .

If you don’t want to squeeze into the crowds during the May Day holiday, you might as well come to Hohhot, a niche travel destination, where you can enjoy the desert, grassland, and volcanoes all at once. 1⃣ Accommodation and transportation ① Arriving in Hohhot from outside the city: You can take the subway/airport bus from the airport to the city center. The subway is outside the airport. ② You can stay near the "Wuta Temple" and "Dazhao Wuliang Temple", which are convenient for visiting various scenic spots. . 2⃣Itinerary Day1: One-day tour in Hohhot: Dazhao Wuliang Temple--Sai Shang Old Street--Wuta Temple--Guanyin Temple--Baoerhan Pagoda (these attractions are very close, see the Hohhot urban attractions map for details) Day2: Depart from Hohhot: Self-driving/one-day group: Huitengxile Grassland Huanghuagou Scenic Area--Ulan Hada Volcano--Return to Hohhot City Day3: Hohhot High-speed Railway to Ordos: Self-driving/one-day group: Xiangshawan One-day Tour . 3⃣Special Food Milk tea (salty, sweet), boiled lamb, grilled lamb chops, milk rolls, sand onions, belly meat, sheepskin roll jelly, old yogurt . 4⃣About attractions ①Huitengxile Grassland Huanghuagou Scenic Area: June-August is the best time to travel, the grassland is more lush, there are tickets in the scenic area🎫, you can drive to the non-Huanghuagou Wu🎫 grassland to take pictures, there are multiple yurts in the location generally provide food and accommodation. ② Xiangshawan: The desert has no seasons, only the weather, so you can go there any month. The main scenic spots to visit are Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island. If you are just looking for photos, Yuesha Island has an artificial swimming pool that is great for taking pictures. If you like to play desert amusement projects, go to Xiansha Island. ③Ulan Hada Crater Geological Park: Sequence of visits: Volcanoes 6-4-3-5 The one where you can take photos of the space suit and the red telephone booth is Crater 6. The crater with a hiking trail is No. 3. ④ Gulinaobao Volcano: Even less popular than Ulanqab Volcano, it is a good place to take photos, but the volcano is relatively small, far less large than Ulanhada Volcano, so it is not necessary to set aside a day to drive here. . 5⃣tips ① The winds are strong and the temperature is relatively low in Huitengxile, Ulanqab and Gulinaobao volcanoes, so please keep warm and avoid the wind. Hohhot, Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia version of "Aranya" A corner leading to "a quiet place on earth to find my true self" The air here is light and moist A day here, spending time with myself I like the pleasant crunching sound of my feet stepping into the snow I like the cool feeling of my palms touching the snow I can have fun here Surrounded by heavy snow and illuminated by the sun Being peaceful and free This is the grassland I love Its beauty in winter is even more intoxicating I love my hometown Inner Mongolia❤️

Some people like the sea in winter, but I prefer the silent winter grassland. I was healed by the boundless wilderness from my confusion. Nearby are the grassland ice river, standalone homestays, flocks of sheep, and shepherds. In the distance are snow-capped mountains and forests, like an entire fairy tale world draped in silver. On the desolate and barren wilderness in winter, there are independent cabins, perfect for daydreaming, sitting quietly, flipping through books, and walking on the ice. The sunset reflecting on the snow is overwhelmingly beautiful but so brief. However, after the sunset, the wind starts to pick up. At night, I saw the fireworks set off by the guests next door and the stars. At 7:40 in the morning, through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, you can lie in bed and watch the sunrise. From pale pink to a touch of orange, there's a sense of calm happiness. The room has underfloor heating, air conditioning, and a fireplace. The room rate includes a main meal, and you can enjoy a steaming hot pot. The local beef and mutton are also too delicious. It's over 300 kilometers from Beijing, a three and a half hour drive. We left at 9 am on Saturday morning and arrived in Xinghe County, Inner Mongolia, at around 12 pm. It takes about 20 minutes from Xinghe County to Wushengqidi Homestay. The scenery along this drive is super beautiful; you can see the grasslands and cattle and sheep covered in white snow, and the self-driving experience is great. Transportation: 1. Self-driving to the destination is flexible in time, without the need to change modes of transport, and there's no worry about having too much luggage. It turns out to be more convenient than taking the high-speed train back and forth, so we drove. 2. Take the subway or a taxi to Qinghe, then take the high-speed train for 2 hours from Qinghe Station to Xinghe North, and after arriving in Xinghe, Inner Mongolia, take a half-hour taxi ride to the homestay. If you just want to clear your mind and enjoy the freedom of the winter grassland, 2 days and 1 night are enough. If you have more time, you can also visit the Wulanchabu Volcanic Geopark (free winter tickets!)