Fengning Bashang Grassland

One of the closest Bashang grasslands to Beijing, centered on Datan Town, where the “First Grassland North of Beijing,” China Horse Town, the Great Khan's Palace and the Hundred-Li Sky Road form a top weekend summer escape from Beijing and Tianjin.

Fengning Bashang lies in the northwest of Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde, Hebei. It is a Bashang (“above the escarpment”) grassland on the southern edge of the Inner Mongolian Plateau, centered on Datan Town and also called the “First Grassland North of Beijing.” Covering about 350 km² at 1,400–2,000 m above sea level and about 280 km north of Beijing, it is one of the closest natural grasslands to the capital. Summer highs mostly stay below 24°C, making it a favorite weekend escape from the heat for Beijing and Tianjin residents.

Datan Town is the base for exploring: around it are China Horse Town, the Great Khan's Palace, Shandian Lake and the Colorful Forest of Shenxian Valley. Southeast over the escarpment lie Yunzhong Grassland, Liushugou and Qiansongba National Forest Park, while the Hundred-Li Sky Road scenic drive winds through birch forests, meadows and lookouts along the plateau edge. Heading down toward the county town, Lama Mountain, the Nine-Dragon Pine, the Chaohe River Source and Yunwu Mountain make easy stops on the way back.

The best time is Jun–Aug, when the grassland is greenest and wildflowers are in full bloom; mid-to-late September, when the birches and meadows turn gold, is the most photogenic. In winter temperatures drop below −20°C; snowmobiling and other snow activities are on offer, but most scenic areas shorten their opening hours. Driving is the main way to get here: from Beijing, take the Beijing–Chengde Expressway, the Chengde–Qinhuangdao section, or the G95 to the S244, about 3.5–4 hours to Datan. You can also take a long-distance bus to Fengning county town or Datan and hire a car from there. Allow 2–3 days: one day horse riding on the grasslands around Datan plus China Horse Town and the Great Khan's Palace, one day for the Hundred-Li Sky Road and Qiansongba, then Lama Mountain or the Nine-Dragon Pine on the way home. Temperatures swing widely between day and night on the plateau, so bring a jacket even in midsummer; ride only at licensed stables and agree on price and duration beforehand; accommodation is tight on Jul–Aug weekends, so book ahead.

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