Chifeng

Chifeng brings together grasslands, deserts, stone forests, lakes and woodlands, making it well suited to a self-drive itinerary.

• Ulan Butong Grassland: The grassland has a European-style landscape. In autumn, the birch forests turn golden. You can go horseback riding and watch horse-splashing performances, making it a good spot for photography.

• Jade Dragon Sand Lake: Dunes sit beside the lake, where you can try sand sliding, desert off-roading and camel riding. The scenery feels especially expansive at sunset.

• Ashatu Stone Forest: Granite pillars rise across the grassland in unique forms, resembling a group of naturally sculpted artworks. It is a good place for landscape photography.

• Dali Lake: This highland lake offers wide views. You can ride horses by the shore and watch migratory birds, while the lake area is peaceful and pleasant at sunset.

• Re'a Line and Dada Line: These two scenic roads are ideal for self-driving. Birch forests, grasslands and valleys appear in succession, with places to stop and enjoy the views along the way.

• Daqing Mountain: The mountain trails are suitable for hiking. In autumn, the birch forests are brightly colored, and from the summit you can look out over the grasslands. The scenery is somewhat reminiscent of Western Sichuan's Lord of the Rings landscapes.

• Chifeng Museum: A national first-class museum, with holdings including a cloud-pattern jade pendant from the Hongshan Culture and a tri-colored duck-shaped wine pot from the Liao dynasty. It is a good stop for visitors interested in local history.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic 4-day, 3-night self-drive loop:
  • Day 1: Travel from central Chifeng to Jade Dragon Sand Lake for desert activities, then stay at a hot-spring hotel in Reshuitang Town.
  • Day 2: Leave Reshuitang, take the Re'a Line to Huanggangliang, then visit Ashatu Stone Forest. Continue along the Dada Line and stay in a yurt near Dali Lake.
  • Day 3: Travel from Dali Lake to Ulan Butong Grassland. Visit Panlong Canyon, Princess Lake and General's Paozi, then stay inside the scenic area.
  • Day 4: Watch the sunrise in Ulan Butong before returning to central Chifeng. Visit the museum, try duijia, and then begin the journey home.
• Relaxed 2-day, 1-night city break:
  • Day 1: Visit the Hongshan Culture Museum and the Liao History and Culture Museum, have Mongolian food at Wanda Plaza, then visit the Chifeng Check-in Wall in the evening.
  • Day 2: See the collections at Chifeng Museum, then climb Red Mountain for a view over the city. Buy dairy products as souvenirs before heading home.

Food Recommendations

• Chifeng Duijia: A local snack consisting of a crisp pastry filled with richly flavored smoked meat. Hongli Duijia and Chengnan's long-established Duijia Shop are recommended.

• Mongolian food and hot pot: Hand-held mutton, grilled lamb ribs and scrambled eggs with chives are all worth trying. Options include Wangyefu Clay-Pot Shuanrou, 43 Degrees 9 Lamb Hot Pot and Talin Mongolian Restaurant.

• Dairy products: Milk chew, milk tofu and fried rice all have distinctive local flavors. You can buy milk tofu cheese pastries from Weiyi Dairy Shop, as well as dried beef from Muniu Shazi Wang.

• Mongolian pot tea: This salty milk tea is served with milk skin, meat and milk tofu. It works well for breakfast and is warm and filling.

Accommodation Tips

• Inside Ulan Butong Scenic Area: It is more convenient for watching sunrise and sunset, and you do not need to buy tickets repeatedly. Accommodation is more expensive, so book ahead.

• Jingpeng Town/Reshuitang Town: Accommodation facilities are relatively well developed. Reshuitang has hot-spring hotels, making it suitable for a rest during a self-drive trip.

• Chifeng city center: There is a wide range of reasonably priced accommodation near Wanda Plaza and the museums, making it suitable for the beginning or end of your trip.

Travel Tips

• Temperature changes and clothing: Day-night temperature differences on the grasslands are significant. From September to October, early-morning and evening temperatures may fall below 10°C, so bring a shell jacket or light down jacket. UV levels are strong during the day, so prepare sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
• Self-drive safety: Some sections of the Dada Line and Re'a Line have no mobile signal, so download offline maps before setting out. Avoid driving on provincial roads at night, when lighting is scarce and the road may have potholes. Top up the tank whenever you pass a gas station.
• Grassland rules: Grasslands usually have clearly defined ownership, so do not drive onto the grass. Before entering a herder's pasture to take photos, check whether a fee is required.
• Tickets and reservations: Chifeng Museum and the Liao History and Culture Museum require advance reservations through their official WeChat accounts. Ulan Butong tickets are valid for three days, so keep the ticket safely.
• Mosquito and insect protection: Mosquitoes and other insects are common on the grasslands in summer and early autumn, so bring repellent. In desert areas, you can wear amphibious shoes or sandals, and avoid white footwear.