Zhangbei Grassland

Zhangbei Grassland

Zhangbei Grassland is located in Zhangbei County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, 155 miles (250 kilometers) to the northwest of central Beijing. It is comprised of the Zhongdu Grassland and Anguli Grassland. The grassland covers a total area of more than 77 square miles (200 square kilometers), with an altitude of 4,593 feet (1,400 meters) above the sea level. The annual average temperature is 63 F (17 C). Summer is the best season to visit, when the soft green grass is dotted with wild flowers and white clouds float in the blue sky. Tourists can enjoy intoxicating scenery, shoot arrows, ride horses and camels, and watch various performances, like horsemanship, wrestling, singing and dancing.
 As part of the Xilingol Grassland, Zhongdu Grassland is the best-preserved virgin one in China, within the lowest latitude. Emperor Wuzong of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) established the auxiliary capital Zhongdu on it in 1307, where the royal family spent hot summer days and had a lot of fun.

Presently, tourists can experience authentic Mongolian customs here. Women of Mongolian nationality in colorful dresses hold silver bowls and propose a toast to tourists. Also, they respectfully present Hada, a strip of raw silk, to tourists to express their best wishes. Tourists can also lie on the boundless grassland and appreciate the pure blue sky, while listening to the moos of cattle, bleats of sheep, and jingles of camel bells. Moreover, they can spend a night in the Mongolian yurts, and taste authentic Mongolia food, like the milky tea, mutton soup, and steamed bread. It is an unforgettable and wonderful experience!
 The famous Zhangbei Grassland Music Festival is held on the Zhongdu Grassland in late July for three days every year. Many types of music are performed during the festival, including rock music, pop, folk, metal, and rap. The music festival is very appealing to music lovers of all ages.
 Anguli Grassland is the nearest one to Beijing, covering a gross area of 59 square miles (153 square kilometers). “Anguli” means “swan goose” in English, and Anguli Lake inside the scenic area, is the largest high altitude inland lake in the north of China, with a total area of more than 26 square miles (67 square kilometers). In summer, many kinds of wild flowers are in full bloom, making the vast grassland a picturesque place. Various birds fly over the limpid water, chirping and warbling. The beautiful scenery will leave visitors with a deep impression of serenity, and peace with nature.

Furthermore, tourists can take part in various activities. They can ride horses, discharge arrows, take part in wrestling, fly kites, go fishing, play football and volleyball, and drive motorbikes, karts, and jeeps. They can also taste delicious local food, participate in bonfire parties and the Nadam Fair of the Mongolian People, and spend an unforgettable night in the Mongolian yurts. Additionally, they can watch the traditional Qiangmu Dance which is peculiar to the Anguli Grassland. With horns blaring, the dancers wearing colorful dresses and special masks present to tourists the essence of Tibetan Buddhism through their movements and postures. It is quite exciting!

Mongolian Dance Performance

Mongolian Wrestling

 By Long-distance Bus:
Take a long-distance bus to Zhangbei County from the Beijing Liuliqiao Long-distance Passenger Station, or from the Northern Suburban Long-distance Bus Station, and then take a taxi to the site at the price of about CNY 35.

The long-distance bus is available from 6:10 to 16:40 at a price of CNY 85 to CNY 100. The duration is about 3 hours.

 By Train:
First take a train to Zhangjiakou South Railway Station from Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, or Beijing North Railway Station; next, walk northward to Zhangjiakou South Passenger Station and take a long-distance bus to Zhangbei County; and then take a taxi to the site at a price of about CNY 35.

The long-distance bus leaves Zhangjiakou for Zhangbei at 17:20 at a price of CNY 14, and the duration is about 50 minutes. 

Click to check the real-time China Train Schedule

Other than going to Zhangbei Bashang, other Grasslands like Fengning and Weichang grasslands are also worth going and not far from Beijing. Click How to Tour Bashang Grassland from Beijing if you are interested.
 

 1. Huanggainao Reservoir
2. Anguli Lake