Zhangjiakou

In autumn, the temperature difference between day and night on the Bashang Plateau is significant, so bring warm clothing.

Zhangjiakou combines Great Wall history, old-town character, and grassland scenery. It is well suited to a multi-day trip: driving the “China Route 66” or visiting 600-year-old Ming and Qing fortresses offers very different experiences.

• Dajingmen: One of the four major passes of the Great Wall, with the striking “Great Rivers and Mountains” plaque above the gate. Climb the wall for views over Zhangjiakou’s urban area.

• Zhangjiakou Fort: A Ming and Qing dynasty walled town built in 1429. Its bluestone lanes and Yuhuang Pavilion are well preserved, and the old town has a strong local atmosphere.

• Grassland Sky Road: Stretching 132 kilometers, it is ideal for a self-drive tour. Wind turbines, terraced fields, and seas of flowers line the road. The entire route is free, so take your time and enjoy the views along the way.

• Thaiwoo Town: Located in Chongli’s core Winter Olympics area, it offers skiing in winter and cool-weather escapes and hiking in summer. European-style buildings define much of the town’s character.

• Xuanhua Ancient City: Known as the “First Prefecture West of Beijing,” it has well-preserved Ming dynasty towers such as Qingyuan Tower and Zhenshuo Tower, making it a good place to learn about local history.

• Jiming Post Station: One of the larger surviving ancient postal stations. Its old walls and post-station courtyards are well preserved, and it has also served as a filming location for several movies and TV productions.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Cultural sights in the city): After arriving, visit Dajingmen and see the “Great Rivers and Mountains” plaque, then explore the Ming and Qing lanes in Zhangjiakou Fort. Before evening, head to the Old Railway Pedestrian Street for the night market and local snacks. Stay in the city.

• Day 2 (Self-drive along the Grassland Sky Road): Drive from the city to the Grassland Sky Road. You can enter via Yehuling and exit at Huapiling, stopping at viewpoints along the way to admire the wind turbines and scenery. Have a Mongolian-style meal in Zhangbei County in the evening, and stay in Zhangbei or Chongli.

• Day 3 (Historic charm or a cool-weather escape): If you enjoy history, choose between Xuanhua Ancient City and Jiming Post Station. For natural scenery, head to Thaiwoo Town for mountain activities or a relaxing cool-weather break, then return home in the afternoon.

Local Specialties to Try

• Chaigoubao Smoked Meat: A provincial-level intangible cultural heritage food smoked over cypress wood. It has a purplish-red color and is rich without being greasy. It tastes even better stuffed into a baked flatbread.

• Oat Noodle Rolls: A common staple on the Bashang Plateau, usually served with lamb and potato gravy or mushroom soup. They have a chewy texture and are quite filling.

• Bashang Roast Whole Lamb: Made with grassland lamb, it has crisp skin and tender meat. It is best for sharing and should be reserved in advance.

• Xuanhua Milk Grapes: A product with a national geographical indication. The grapes have thin skins and crisp flesh, and their juice does not easily run out when cut open. September is the best time to try them.

• Zhangmaomen Ding Meat Pies: A long-established halal specialty with thin pastry and juicy, tender beef filling.

Recommended Areas to Stay

• Stay in the city (Qiaodong/Qiaoxi): Public transport and taxis are convenient. You will be close to Dajingmen and the pedestrian street, making this a good base for transfers and evening dining, with plenty of accommodation options.
• Stay in Chongli Town: The surroundings are pleasant and suit skiing or a cool-weather getaway. Thaiwoo Town and Fulong Town both have accommodation.
• Stay in Zhangbei or on the grassland: For a grassland experience, stay in a yurt at Zhongdu Grassland. Staying in Zhangbei County makes it easier to reach the Grassland Sky Road.
• Stay in Yu County: If your itinerary focuses on Nuanquan Ancient Town and Kongzhong Grassland, staying in Yu County makes getting around easier.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting around: High-speed trains from Beijing reach Zhangjiakou Station in about 1.5 hours. Taxis or shared electric bikes work well for city attractions. For the Grassland Sky Road, Chongli, and Yu County, driving yourself or hiring a car is more suitable, giving you greater flexibility to stop for views.
• Driving the Grassland Sky Road: There are no gas stations along the route, so fill up in the county town before entering. Mobile signals can be weak on some sections, so download an offline map in advance. The speed limit is 30 km/h throughout, and do not drive onto the grassland.
• What to wear: Zhangjiakou has a large day-night temperature range in October, and temperatures on the Bashang Plateau may fall to around 0°C. Bring a heavy down jacket or a windproof outdoor jacket. UV levels are strong during the day, so pack sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Travel reminders: Dajingmen Tower is usually less crowded and has better light at around 8 a.m. Zhangjiakou Museum is closed on Mondays. Confirm the price and weight before booking a roast whole lamb. Be cautious when approached by people soliciting visitors for “private attractions” by the roadside.