Beijing-Bashang-Hexigten Grassland Loop

Depart from Beijing via Yudaokou and Ulan Butong, and drive along the Dada and Re'a Lines to Asihatu and Yulong Sand Lake.

The most popular grassland self-drive route around Beijing, covering a total of about 1,700 km. First, head up to Bashang to see the forests and meadows, then go north into Hexigten to visit Dali Lake and the Stone Forest, and return to Beijing via the Chifeng Expressway. The driving distances on the first and last days are long, while the middle days require only 2 to 3 hours of driving daily. You can skip some paid attractions, as most of the grassland scenery is along the road.

The grasslands are at their greenest in July; autumn colors can be seen from mid-to-late September to early October.

Day by day

Day 1 · Beijing to Bashang via Yudaokou

Saihanba & Ulan Butong (Bashang)（Yudaokou Grassland）

Drive from Beijing via Fengning and Yudaokou to Ulan Butong, taking about 6 to 7 hours, with stops only at Yudaokou along the way.

The temperature difference between day and night on Bashang is large; bring long-sleeved jackets even in summer.

Stay: Ulan Buh

Day 2 · Ulan Butong Core Loop

Saihanba & Ulan Butong (Bashang)（Jiangjun Paozi Lake、Princess Lake、Ulan Butong Grassland、Huamugou National Forest Park & Hamaba）

Tour along the figure-eight loop of the scenic area, from Jiangjun Paozi to Hamaba, with a total driving time of about 2 hours for the day.

The Hamaba area is great for morning views; leave time for parking when the light is good.

Stay: Ulan Buh

Day 3 · Gongger to Dalinor

Hexigten (Asihatu & Dali Nur)（Gongger Grassland、Dali Nur Lake）

Head north from Ulan Butong to the north bank of Dali Lake, taking about 1.5 hours; watch water birds and the sunset along the lake in the afternoon.

Stay: Dali Lake Shore

Day 4 · A Day on the Dada and Re'a Lines

Hexigten (Asihatu & Dali Nur)（Asihatu Stone Forest、Huanggangliang National Forest Park、Reshuitang Hot Spring）

Drive about 135 km along the Dada Line to Asihatu, then take the Re'a Line via Huanggangliang to Jingpeng, taking 5 hours for the day.

There are no service areas and mobile signals are weak along the Dada Line; fill up your tank before departure.

Stay: Jingpeng Town

Day 5 · Yulong Sand Lake to Chifeng

Chifeng City Area（Yulong Sand Lake）

Drive southeast from Jingpeng to Yulong Sand Lake, taking about 2.5 hours, then take the Danxi Expressway to Chifeng in the afternoon, taking about 2 hours.

Stay: Hongshan District City Center

Day 6 · Visit Chifeng Museum & Return to Beijing

Chifeng City Area（Chifeng Museum） → Beijing

Visit the museum in the morning, and take the expressway back to Beijing after noon, about 470 km, taking around 5.5 hours.

Check the closing days of the Chifeng Museum before departure, and avoid the Sunday evening rush hour when returning to Beijing.