4 Days Bashang Grassland Tour: Ulan Butong Grassland Wild Driving & Chengde UNESCO Sites

This morning, our team will pick you up from your hotel in Beijing or Beijing Airport/Train Station for the journey to Chengde Mountain Resort, located about 230 km northeast of Beijing (about 3-3.5 hours’ drive).

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chengde Mountain Resort is the largest surviving imperial garden in China - twice the size of the Summer Palace and eight times that of the Forbidden City. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it served as the summer retreat for emperors such as Kangxi and Qianlong, who handled state affairs, received foreign envoys, and met tribal leaders here. Together with the nearby “Eight Outer Temples,” the resort forms a magnificent complex of northern-style imperial gardens and temples - an essential extension to any Beijing cultural journey.

The resort is divided into four main areas: the Palace Area, Lake Area, Plain Area, and Mountain Area. Your exploration will focus on the essence - Palace, Lake, and Plain Areas.

Later, set out to explore the the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, often called the “Little Potala Palace.” Completed in 1771, it was modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, rising majestically up the hillside in layers. The Grand Red Terrace is the architectural highlight - the main body of the temple complex. Standing before it, you’ll truly feel the grandeur and magnificence of this Tibetan-style masterpiece. At the top, the Hall of All Laws Return to One, with its gilded bronze roof shimmering under the sunlight, offers breathtaking views across the mountains and Chengde city below.

Don’t miss the Five-Pagoda Gate, a white Tibetan-style terrace topped with five small stupas in red, yellow, green, white, and black - each representing different elements of Buddhist wisdom.

After your temple visit, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Chengde.

Optional Evening Show:

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy the “Grand Ceremony of the Kangxi Dynasty”, a spectacular immersive live show. The 70-minute show follows the legendary life of Emperor Kangxi, one of China’s greatest rulers, portraying his dreams of peace, prosperity, and unity during the Qing Dynasty. It is held at the Dingsheng Cultural Industrial Park.

This morning after breakfast, you will head northeast for the journey to Bashang Grassland, located about 190km northwest of Chengde (about 2.5-3 hours’ drive).

Bashang Grassland is divided into 4 parts, including Zhangbei Bashang in Zhangjiakou – The Highway Ribbon, Fengning Bashang near Datan Town – Beijing’s Backyard, Guyuan Bashang in Guyuan Town - Silent Ripples, and Weichang Bashang near Mulan Paddock - The Crown Jewel. Today, we are going to explore the most elegant part – Weichang Bashang. This was the legendary Mulan Paddock, a sprawling royal reserve that witnessed more than 100 iterations of the 'Mulan Autumn Hunt' during the height of the Qing Dynasty."

Our route winds through the legendary Saihanba National Forest Park. You will drive pass by the world’s largest man-made forest. The road is lined with silver birches and Mongolian pines that transform into a Sea of Green in summer and a Golden Palette by autumn. Imagine the Mulan Autumn Hunt in full swing—thousands of banners fluttering and the rhythmic gallop of the imperial cavalry. We will pause briefly to admire the Saihan Tower from the roadside. Standing tall against the skyline, this 7-story landmark serves as a sentinel over the vast forest-steppe transition zone.

We then continue to nearby Yudaokou Scenic Area, a diverse landscape of lakes, wetlands, canyons, and meadows. Your first stop is The Sun Lake. Wander around this pristine alpine lake shaped like a sun, reflecting the vast blue sky and beautiful wild flowers of the plateau. It is a moment of profound serenity. Later, after a short 15-minute drive, we arrive at the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Your hike begins with an immersive stroll through a silver birch forest. Follow the wooden boardwalk as it snakes upward, shaded by the iconic white bark and fluttering "heart-shaped" leaves of the birch trees. As you ascend for about 20 minutes, the dense forest begins to thin, revealing the raw character of the plateau. Upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded with a staggering panoramic vista. The landscape here is stark and beautiful—a high-altitude plateau covered in silvery birch groves and scattered low shrubs that stretch toward the horizon. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the dramatic "transition zone" where the forest meets the vast Mongolian steppe.

Finally, we continue our drive across the provincial border into Ulan Butong (Inner Mongolia). We will arrive at the tranquil Princess Lake (Gongzhu Hu) by late afternoon to check into your hotel. As the late afternoon sun dips toward the horizon, you can head to the water’s edge to witness your once-in-a-lifetime sunset view in grassland area.

As the stars begin to peer through the vast night sky, the Bonfire Party ignites. Tonight, you immerse yourself in the soulful and high-spirited traditions of the Mongolian people. Wave your hands, cast your worries into the flickering flames, and join the locals in a rhythmic dance around the bonfire. It is a night to embrace pure joy and celebrate the raw, passionate energy of the prairie!

A breathtaking sunrise over the boundless Ulan Butong grassland awaits those willing to embrace the early magic of the plateau between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. This rest morning after breakfast is yours to dive deep into the amazing Ulan Butong Grassland (Wulanbutong Grassland). There are two options for you to choose.

Optional 1: Leisure Horse Riding (1h) Plus Equestrian Performance

For a true taste of the nomadic spirit, saddle up at the General’s Lake (Jiangjun Paozi) stables for an exhilarating 1-hour in-depth horse riding adventure. This isn't just a slow walk; it’s your chance to feel the rhythmic power of a Mongolian steed beneath you as you traverse the rolling hills and open meadows of the high plateau. After your ride, we’ll head back to the iconic Princess Lake to witness the legendary "Hero" (Yingxiong) Equestrian Performance. Sharp at 11:00 AM, the air fills with the thunder of hooves as world-class riders perform gravity-defying stunts, celebrating the ancient bond between the Mongolian people and their horses.

Optional 2: Grassland Off-Road Safari (3h)

If you’re ready to ditch the paved roads and see the "real" Ulan Butong, our 3-hour Off-Road Safari is the ultimate adrenaline-pumping way to do it. You’ll hop into a rugged 4WD vehicle and head straight into the heart of the backcountry, reaching hidden valleys and dramatic ridges that standard tour buses simply can't touch. Imagine surging over the "Earth’s Ribs"—the iconic, undulating waves of the steppe—and splashing through crystal-clear stream crossings while the wind rushes past. Depending on the time of year, your expert driver will navigate through either a sea of emerald-green wildflowers or secluded groves of shimmering golden birches, stopping at secret panoramic viewpoints for that perfect 360-degree horizon shot. It’s a high-energy, "rollercoaster" journey through the wilderness that trades the crowds for a pure, unscripted adventure across the Great Steppe.

After lunch, be driven to the iconic Ulan Butong Film & TV Base, a natural "open-air studio" that has served as the backdrop for countless legendary historical epics and romances. To get the best perspective, we’ll take a leisurely walk up (15 minutes around) the wooden boardwalk that winds to the summit. From this high-vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping, 360-degree panoramic view of the vast, undulating steppe—a landscape so cinematic and dramatic.

After soaking in the "director’s view" of the endless horizon and scattered birch groves, continue your journey along the National No. 1 Scenic Road toward Fengning Grassland. As the only scenic route in China to bear a "National" designation, this masterpiece of road offers you a mesmerizing, front-row seat to shifting vistas of rolling hills, deep forests, and shimmering wetlands as we chase the afternoon light toward our next destination.

About 3.5-4 hours later, you will arrive at China Horse Town Resort, where your guide will assist you with a smooth hotel check-in.

Optional Morning Photography Trip (4:30-7:00)

For those who wish to capture the soul of the grasslands, we offer an exclusive early-morning detour to Jiangjun Paozi to witness a scene of raw, rhythmic power: The Galloping Horses through the Water. As the first rays of sunlight pierce the morning mist, a thundering herd of dozens of horses—chestnut, snowy white, and dappled—is led by local herdsmen in traditional Mongolian attire. As the hooves shatter the golden surface of the lake, they don't just kick up water; they ignite a "symphony of liquid light."

Optional China Horse Town Nightlife (20:00-22:30)

Starting from 8:00 PM, China Horse Town transforms into a vibrant playground of light and sound, offering a series of high-energy surprises across its themed venues. You can kick off the night at Theater No. 4 for a traditional Bonfire Party, where the crackling flames and rhythmic dancing capture the warmth of grassland hospitality. From there, head over to Theater No. 3 to be spellbound by the "Legend of the Fire Horse"—a breathtaking performance that blends mythic storytelling with dazzling fire effects. To cap off the evening, make your way to Theater No. 6 to join the ultimate Grassland Rave (Outdoor EDM Party). Under the vast starry sky, you can dance to pulsing beats, soak in the neon atmosphere, and witness a spectacular Fireworks Finale that paints the night in a kaleidoscope of colors.

After three consecutive days of exploring the vast grasslands by vehicle, your final morning is designed for relaxation without any driving, allowing you to set your own pace within the China Horse Town Resort.

Even if you are not an equestrian enthusiast, a visit to the Royal Stables is a must. This is one of the most prestigious collections in the region, housing dozens of world-renowned horses from every corner of the globe. You can walk through the impeccably kept stalls to admire the sheer power and elegance of these "living treasures"—from the sleek Arabian thoroughbreds to the sturdy, legendary Akhal-Teke "Heavenly Horses."

If you missed the Hero performance at Princess Lake, visit Theater No. 1 for Zhao Zilong (11:00 am). This 30-minute outdoor show is a sensory explosion of stunts and continuous pyrotechnics. Alternatively, visit Theater No. 9 for the Dance with Horses, where acrobatic trick riding and elegant choreography will leave you breathless.

If you are traveling with children, you can choose from over 50 amusement rides and facilities. The Ferris Wheel is highly recommended for the best aerial views of the resort, while the Pirate Ship, Bumper Cars, Mini Planes, and Family Coaster provide effortless fun for all ages. For those seeking a challenge, the Escape Room offers an immersive indoor adventure.

Later, wander through the Food Street for lunch. You can feast on signature grassland delicacies like Roasted Whole Lamb and Roasted Lamb Leg, or sample a variety of local street snacks and nomadic flavors.

After lunch, a short 15-minute drive brings you to The Grand Khan’s Palace, a site of profound historical resonance.

This majestic complex is reconstructed upon the very grounds where Genghis Khan once stationed and trained his elite cavalry during his historic southern expeditions. Known to Western scholars as the King of Mankind for his undefeated military record and unparalleled influence, the Great Khan’s legacy comes to life the moment you step through the palace gates.

You will follow the grand central axis, passing from the Palace Gate to the Chongtian Gate, and through the rows of Military Tents that recreate the atmosphere of a 13th-century war camp. Step inside the Golden Assembly Tent, a faithful recreation of the chamber where Genghis Khan orchestrated his global conquests and deliberated with his generals. Continue your exploration through the Imperial Sleeping Tents and the Aobao, concluding at the Altar of Heaven. Here, you can witness the spiritual heart of the Mongolians and imagine the invincible spirit of the Mongol cavalry that once swept across continents.

Optional traditional Mongolian robes renting:

To truly bridge the gap between past and present, you have the option to rent traditional Mongolian robes (Deel). Donning these intricate garments for a photoshoot against the backdrop of the palace allows you to fully immerse yourself in the heroic atmosphere of the "Genghis Khan era."

After the historic tour at The Grand Khan’s Palace, your guide and driver will transfer you back to Beijing, either to your hotel or directly to the airport/train station for your onward journey.

Extend Your China Adventure:

If you have never visited Beijing before, we suggest 2 to 3 full days in Beijing. For more attractions in China, consider adding destinations such as Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Shanghai (The Bund), Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains), Chengdu (Giant Pandas), Guilin (Karst Landscapes), or Tibet (Mount Everest). Each offers its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Beijing Chengde journey. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next adventure across China!