2025 Ningcheng Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Babes! I kept seeing those “grassland and desert in one frame” beautiful scenes, and this year I finally rushed to Chifeng. I was so amazed I didn’t want to leave! In 5 days, I rode the grassland wind, stepped on glowing white desert sand, chased migratory birds by the lake, and every bite of meat was so delicious I wanted to stomp my feet! This article has all the details I personally tested, including car rental and pitfalls to avoid, just copy it directly! 🚗 How to get to Chifeng? 3 tested transportation options 1. Plane: I flew from Shanghai to Chifeng Yulong Airport, a direct flight of 2.5 hours, super convenient! The airport is only 15 km from downtown, a taxi costs about 30 yuan, 20 minutes to the hotel, no hassle upon arrival~ 2. High-speed train: My friend took the high-speed train from Beijing, 2.5 hours direct to Chifeng Station. She said you can see the gradual change from city to grassland along the way and can get up and move anytime, more comfortable than flying. Taxi from the train station to downtown costs 10 yuan. 3. Self-drive/charter: Important! Chifeng’s attractions are very spread out, for example, it takes 2.5 hours from downtown to Ulan Butong, really inconvenient without a car! I rented an SUV on Trip.com, 5 days cost over 600 yuan, with free airport pickup and drop-off. You can stop whenever you want along the way, get off to take photos of beautiful grassland scenery, super free~ (Remember to choose insurance, beginners don’t drive at night, some grassland roads have no streetlights) 🏞 5 must-visit attractions! Personally tested with no regrets, plus hidden experiences 1. Yulong Sand Lake (My favorite!) Known as “China’s Little Dubai,” white desert sand with blue-green lake water. Standing on the dunes to take photos, even the shadows look beautiful under the sunlight! - Must-do: Desert off-road adventure is a must! I chose the “deep crossing” option, the driver was amazing, my heart raced when charging up sand slopes. Along the way, we stopped on deserted dunes to shoot “owning the whole desert” photos. 180 yuan/person for 1 hour, totally worth it! - Hidden experience: Go to the “Sand Lake Viewing Platform” one hour before sunset. The sunset dyes the desert golden red, the lake surface reflects like a mirror. I took amazing shots with my phone; at night, stay in the container hotel inside the scenic area, open the window to see the desert, lie in bed and watch the stars, and at 4 a.m. you can get up to watch the desert sunrise with no crowds~ - Pitfall to avoid: Don’t buy sandboards at the entrance! Renting inside the scenic area is 30 yuan each, vendors outside sell for 50 yuan and don’t include shuttle service. 2. Ulan Butong Grassland (The ultimate summer cool spot) In July, the average temperature was 22°C, the grassland breeze made me not want to leave! The homestay owner is a Mongolian mom who arranged a super immersive experience for us~ - Must-do: Learn to make milk tea with mom, first fry rice then add fresh milk. The milk tea has a roasted aroma and tastes amazing with milk tofu; choose the “slow horse riding experience,” a herder leads the horse, you can see herds of cattle and sheep along the way, and reach “General’s Pool” lake with super healing scenery. 80 yuan/hour, safe for beginners; - Night activity: The homestay organizes bonfire parties where everyone dances the Andai dance around the fire. Mom also grills lamb skewers, freshly slaughtered lamb is super tender, just sprinkle salt and it smells amazing, 10 yuan/skewer, paired with grassland beer, happiness maxed out~ - Note: Don’t wear white clothes! There are horseflies on the grassland, they don’t bite but leave black spots that are hard to wash off. 3. Dalinor Lake (Bird watching + full fish feast) Known as “the sea on the grassland,” I happened to catch the spawning migration of Huazi fish, thousands of fish swimming upstream, super shocking! - Must experience: Go early to the fish viewing corridor! Before 8 a.m. it’s less crowded and you can see the fish up close; by the lake is the “Grassland Fishing Village,” where I had an amazing full fish feast. The steamed Huazi fish was tender and melted in my mouth, I ate two bowls of fish soup with rice, 6 people shared a table for just over 300 yuan, great value; - Hidden spot: “Manduo Mountain” on the west shore of the lake. Climb up to overlook the whole lake, like a sapphire embedded in the grassland. The best light is at 3 p.m., photos need no editing. 4. Ashatu Stone Forest (Nature’s sculpture gallery) A 5A-level scenic spot, the granite stone forest is spectacular. I followed a guide on the “essence route,” and saw the main attractions in 2 hours~ - Must-see: “Moon Castle” looks like a fairy tale castle, “Fairy Peak” looks like a fairy draped in gauze from certain angles; there are wooden boardwalks in the scenic area, easy to walk, with rest pavilions along the way to sit and snack if tired; - Photo tip: Wear solid colors! Like red or white, which contrast strongly with the gray stone forest, photos come out great; - Transportation: You must take the sightseeing bus inside the scenic area, 50 yuan/person, don’t walk! The attractions are too far apart and you’ll get too tired. 5. Daoxugou Scenic Area (Little Xishuangbanna beyond the Great Wall) Super cool in the primeval forest, average 20°C. My friend and I walked the “Parent-child Adventure Trail,” though it’s called parent-child, adults will find it very fun too~ - Must-do: Follow the map to find the “hidden waterfall,” crossing streams and climbing wooden ladders along the way. Finding it gives a great sense of achievement, the water under the waterfall is very cool, perfect for summer; the scenic area offers a “wilderness survival class” teaching how to identify edible plants and set up tents, 30 yuan/person, great for kids or outdoor lovers; - Food: Don’t miss the “wild vegetable buns” at the scenic area entrance! Filled with freshly picked bracken, each bite is full of fresh aroma, 5 yuan each, paired with millet porridge, very stomach-friendly. 🍱 4 must-eat foods in Chifeng! Personally tested with no regrets 1. Hand-held meat (a must-eat!) I had hand-held meat in Ulan Butong, boiled in clear water, dipped in chive flower sauce, no gamey taste at all. Mom said to “eat meat with big bites,” I grabbed it with my hands, super satisfying! 68 yuan per jin, 1 jin enough for 2 people. 2. Chifeng Duijia (carb bomb) “Old Sun’s Duijia” in Hongshan District is a 20-year-old shop. I went at 9 a.m. and still queued! The crispy crust crumbles with each bite, the smoked meat inside is super fragrant. Add an egg for only 8 yuan each, eat with tofu pudding, super satisfying breakfast. 3. Milk tofu (Mongolian specialty) Pan-fried milk tofu is super fragrant, crispy outside and tender inside, with a milky aroma. I originally didn’t like dairy but ended up eating 3 pieces! 25 yuan per serving, even better with honey. 4. Rougou chicken (rice companion) I ate it at “Old Chifeng Restaurant” downtown. Chicken and pork stewed together, rich soup, mixed with rice tastes amazing. I ate 2 bowls, 48 yuan per serving, great value. 🚗 5 days 4 nights itinerary (personally tested, reasonable, no rush) Day 1: Shanghai → Chifeng Yulong Airport → rent car → Yulong Sand Lake (desert off-road, watch sunset) → stay in container hotel Day 2: Yulong Sand Lake (watch sunrise, sand sliding) → Ulan Butong Grassland (make milk tea, horse riding) → stay in grassland homestay (bonfire party, eat skewers) Day 3: Ulan Butong Grassland (General’s Pool, Princess Lake) → Dalinor Lake (fish watching, full fish feast) → stay in lakeside homestay Day 4: Dalinor Lake (Manduo Mountain viewing) → Ashatu Stone Forest (essence route) → stay near stone forest scenic area hotel Day 5: Daoxugou Scenic Area (hiking, find waterfall) → return car → Chifeng Station → return trip ❗ 10 personally tested pitfalls to avoid (super important) 1. Lots of mosquitoes and bugs on the grassland, bring mosquito repellent! I used “Liushen mosquito repellent floral water,” super effective. Don’t buy from scenic areas, 10 yuan bottle sold for 30. 2. Big temperature difference between morning and night! Even in July bring a light jacket. I wore short sleeves at night on the grassland, got a cold the next day. 3. Protect yourself from sun in the desert! Bring sunglasses, face mask, SPF50+ sunscreen. I didn’t wear a face mask and my neck got sunburned. 4. Respect local customs: take off shoes before entering Mongolian yurts, don’t step on door thresholds; when encountering an ovoo (stone heap), walk around it clockwise 3 times, don’t throw stones randomly. 5. Don’t buy “grassland specialties” in scenic areas! For example, beef jerky sells for 80 yuan per jin in scenic areas, but only 50 yuan in city supermarkets, and you can try before buying. 6. Rent an SUV! Some grassland roads are dirt roads, sedans easily scrape the bottom. My rented SUV had no problems at all. 7. Don’t drive randomly on the grassland! Undeveloped areas may have swamps. Follow navigation on paved roads for safety. 8. Don’t drink cold drinks with lamb! Easy to get diarrhea. My friend drank cold cola and had stomach pain at night, had to get medicine from the homestay owner. 9. Don’t buy “boat tickets” at Dalinor Lake! 150 yuan per person, low cost performance. Better to climb Manduo Mountain to overlook the lake. 10. Don’t wear sandals in Daoxugou! The trail has stones that hurt your feet. Sneakers are most comfortable. Babes! Chifeng is truly an underrated treasure, with vast grasslands, stunning deserts, and super delicious food. Next time I want to bring my parents again! If you have any questions, ask me in the comments, I’ll tell you everything~

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Want to escape the scorching summer heat? Come to Daoxugou Scenic Area and enjoy a refreshing 22°C retreat! This forest oxygen bar boasts negative oxygen ions up to 16,500/cm³, allowing you to breathe in nature's purity with every deep breath. Experience thrilling alpine water slides through lush woods, where splashing water instantly cools you down. Enjoy mushroom picking and moss collecting, getting close to nature's wonders. The Forest Station offers captivating performances blending folk traditions with modern elements for an audiovisual feast. Don't miss the free Hanfu dress-up experience – stroll through the scenic area like you've traveled through time, becoming part of an ancient painting. Stay at Wukesong Hotel to immerse yourself in this green fairyland, enjoying both unique accommodations and breathtaking natural views. Come to Daoxugou and start your summer getaway!

🌲A secret forest! ✨A healing cabin where you can lie down and gaze at the stars. Baozis have discovered an amazing weekend spot! A treasure cabin hidden in the forest💫 The log cabin is surrounded by green hills and trees, and the floor-to-ceiling windows frame the entire mountain. 🌿Listen to the birds and do handicrafts during the day, and follow the housekeeper to hike and find squirrels in the evening. 🐿️When you are tired, you can lie on the terrace and watch the stars. ✨There is so little light pollution that you can see the Milky Way clearly!! Fall asleep to the sound of the wind at night, and wake up to the sunshine and negative oxygen ions in the morning.🌞 The room is super cozy and has its own sense of relaxation. ~ No need to rush or squeeze with people. It's so much fun to lie down, drink tea, and look at the mountain view. 🥰It is suitable for couples/girlfriends/families to recharge! 📍The location is in the Heiluhe Nature Reserve, about 3 hrs from Beijing by car. 🚗 For this environment and the stars, you must arrange a weekend trip!

🌟Highlights: You Jian Shan • Forest Resort Homestay retains the essence of a traditional village, featuring staggered buildings constructed according to the terrain🏗. The central atrium is hollowed out with glass walls on all sides, maximizing natural light. A panda sculpture🐻 rests on the central lawn, beside a preserved old pear tree from the original village. 🛏Room Amenities: The homestay offers 3 room types: Courtyard Room, Scenic View Room, and Deluxe Room. Each room type boasts unique outdoor views and features floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies/courtyards, and direct access to scenic views. Perfect for families with children or gatherings with friends👍. ⏳Activities: The homestay provides comprehensive entertainment facilities, including a children's play area🛝, hot spring room♨️, bar🍷, poker♠️, a conference room with a projector, outdoor KTV, and outdoor movies, catering to the entertainment needs of guests of all ages✔️. 🖼Dining: Breakfast includes small wontons, eggs, pickles, and fruit! Delicious stir-fries are available for lunch, ensuring a satisfying dining experience😌. 📍Address: You Jian Shan • Heilihe Forest Resort Homestay 💰Average Cost: 600+

the place is so amazing and easy to check in #china #travel

——I didn’t stay in Chifeng for long. After visiting the Liao Dynasty Memorial Hall, I became very interested in the Ming Dynasty Pagoda and the Jin Dynasty Small Pagoda. I spent the remaining half day to see these ancient pagodas from thousands of years ago. . 👉Liao Daming Pagoda The Daming Pagoda is located in the Liao Zhongjing ruins in Nancheng Village, Tianyi Town, Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is a 100-kilometer drive from Chifeng City to Ningcheng County. There is a speed limit throughout the journey and it takes about an hour and a half to drive there. It was originally called Daning Pagoda. There are still disputes about the time when the pagoda was built. One theory is that it was built between the 25th year of Tonghe of Liao Dynasty and the fourth year of Shouchang (1007-1098 AD). Another theory is that it was built in the fourth year of Chongxi period of Liao Dynasty. The pagoda is octagonal and has 13 floors. The dense-eaves solid brick tower has a total height of 80.22 meters, a base diameter of 36 meters, and a circumference of 112 meters. It is the only existing building in the Liaozhongjing site😊 . 👉Jin Dynasty Small Pagoda The Jin Dynasty Small Pagoda is 2.5 kilometers away from the Daming Pagoda and a 5-minute drive. It was built in the Dading year of Jin Dynasty (1163). The total height of the tower is 24 meters, the plane is octagonal, and the base is 33 meters long. It is a brick-built thirteen-level small tower with dense eaves and no platform around it. It rises from the ground. The bottom floor is a base, 2.7 meters high. The tower is a small tower. style, there is a small Buddhist niche in the south, with brick-carved orbs and flames to seal the top. . ——The two ancient pagodas located in the fields echo each other. Looking down from the air, it reminds people of the grand scene of Liao Zhongjing. It also makes people sigh that these two stone pagodas are the only remaining buildings, and There is another half-section tower about 3 kilometers away from these two towers. These three towers now constitute the most important ground buildings in the Liao Zhongjing ruins. They are also here in Chifeng. It is the most intuitive monument of the Liao Dynasty at close range. 🙂 . 📍Address: Daming Pagoda is located in Tianyi Town, Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

💰Tickets: The tickets for the scenic area are a bit expensive, 80 yuan per person, and 120 yuan per person for a small package, including tickets, sightseeing bus and Wild Man Valley performance. The price is constantly changing, so it is recommended to consult the service area of the scenic spot. If you have the physical strength, it is recommended to buy a one-way uphill ticket and walk down from Tuhe Spring (a bit far, starting at 5 kilometers). 🚂Take the bus: After checking the ticket and entering the scenic area, turn right and you will see the waiting area. First take the sightseeing bus to Holke, then transfer to the small train to Tuhe Spring. You need to keep your ticket for inspection. You can feel the fresh air of the forest and admire various plants while taking the bus. 🚦Route: There is a small exhibition hall in Tuhe Spring, displaying weapons, military equipment, etc. From here, walk down along the wooden plank road, first feel the trees and flowers, the white birch forest, various strange wildflowers are super beautiful, and if you are lucky, you can also see small animals. The eighth picture has a map! Just follow the route at the bottom! 🍔Food: There are small tables in Leshan Square, you can eat there, remember to bring snacks! There are performances, but they don't seem good-looking. 🥇Recommended attractions: The most fun is the Waterwheel Expo Park! Various waterwheels, you can also interact! The windmill park is suitable for taking photos! The forest park can be played. ❗️Note: Don't buy fishing nets at the entrance! There are no fish at all! Bring your own food, the food in the scenic area is not very delicious. Wear long sleeves and trousers, bright clothes are good for taking photos! The performance is average in my opinion... If you are not hungry, you can go to Zimenghu Scenic Area to eat fish, it is very close, Zimenghu is very large, suitable for watching the sunset!

The first choice for traveling during the National Day holiday is the ④A scenic spot in our hometown, the Inner Mongolia version of Jiuzhaigou, she will not let you down. As we walked up the mountain, the air was fresh. It should have been green and peaceful, but now it has turned into a calm yellow-green, which really healed my mood. "The waterway is like a ribbon, and rainbows fall into the stream", lush jungle, clear lakes and waterfalls, and huge rocks of various shapes. In addition, Daoxugou is a kingdom of animals and plants, where people can truly feel the vitality and beauty of nature. Children don’t want to travel far during the holidays. I want to spend a relaxing and pleasant holiday with my parents and children. This is really the best choice. It is built along the foot of the mountain and passes by the Dahushi Reservoir. We go up the river, stop and go, the scenery along the way will definitely make you linger

|The French Fry Mountain, formed 10 million years ago, is so spectacular. Nanjing | The French Fry Mountain, formed 10 million years ago, is so spectacular. In my notes yesterday, I introduced Lianshan Bashang Grassland to you. It can be seen that everyone is very interested in a one-day trip to Liuhe. Next, we would like to introduce another attraction on this line, Liuhe National Geopark, which is a 20-minute drive from Lianshan Grassland. Liuhe National Geopark is the first national geopark in Nanjing. More than ten years ago, I learned about the magic of Shitiao Mountain in "National Geographic China", which we also call "French Strip Mountain". Now, the world's rare "Stone Pillar Forest" of Guizi Mountain has finally been discovered in Nanjing. After investigation and demonstration by geological experts and scholars from New Zealand, Australia and China, This is where the volcano erupted 9 to 10 million years ago. The basalt magma sprayed onto the ground, cooled, slowly shrank and cracked, forming "columnar joints" in different shapes, such as hexagonal and pentagonal. The arrangement is orderly and spectacular. Of course, all the volcanoes in Nanjing Liuhe area are extinct volcanoes. There is free parking in the scenic area. Tickets are 18 yuan, and annual park passes are available. If you are interested in Yuhua Stone, you can drive 20 minutes south to visit Liuhe Yuhua Stone Geological Park, where you can really pick up Yuhua Stone!

At the beginning of the 17th century, Lin Dan Khan succeeded to the throne and was eager to change the declining situation of the Mongol Khan's power, but he failed to use his political influence and wisdom as a legitimate member of the Golden Family to unite his fellow tribes against outsiders. Instead, he waged brutal wars of annexation against the various tribes of Eastern Mongolia, leading to fratricidal strife and bloodshed among his own people. During Lin Dan Khan's several suppressions, the powerful Khalkha tribe, originally under the jurisdiction of Tumen Khan, disintegrated, and the population owned by the Golden Family's Taiji was almost wiped out in the wars, with only the descendants of Genghis Khan's meritorious minister Zerem and the Uladha people's tribes preserved, whose leader Subudi replaced the Golden Family as the new lord of the Khalkha tribe. In 1635, Subudi and his brother Wandan Wei Zheng were conferred titles in the Khalkha Right Wing Banner, and soon after, Subudi's son Gulusiqibu inherited the title of Zasak of the Khalkha Right Wing Banner and was ennobled as a county king. Subudi's uncle Seleng was also ennobled as a Duke of the State in 1648, and his tribes were placed in the Khalkha Left Wing Banner. Wandan Wei Zheng, despite his outstanding achievements, did not become a Zasak of a banner until his death, perhaps to appease his son Erenchen, who was orphaned and dependent on others. The 'Imperially Commissioned Genealogy of Mongol and Hui Princes and Dukes' records: 'Shanggu Mountain Princess, granted as the consort of Shanggu Mountain', meaning that a princess of a royal prince, not of high status, was married to him. Historical records do not mention the origin and name of this princess, and in the grand Manchu-Mongol marriages of the early Qing Dynasty, this was an insignificant political marriage, but it is remembered to this day because of a peony. In the former residence of the consort's mansion, now in Xiaochengzi Town, Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, grows a peony that has been fragrant for more than 300 years, of the 'Rich Red' variety, which is said to have been bestowed by Emperor Kangxi as part of the princess's bridal dowry. Although there is no historical evidence to support Kangxi's bestowal of a dowry to a Shanggu Mountain Princess and it does not quite conform to the regulations, this peony was indeed brought into the palace by gardeners from Baipengyao Village, Huaxiang, Fengtai District, Beijing, who specialized in cultivating peonies for the royal family, and later planted beyond the Great Wall as part of the princess's dowry, blooming and falling for over 300 years. In 2021, Baipengyao Village welcomed back a branch of the 'bridal dowry peony' to its original home. Erenchen's descendants prospered, and by the time of his great-grandson Gele'er, the number of auxiliary leaders had accumulated to 38. The Qing court approved the establishment of the Khalkha Middle Banner in the territory belonging to Ningcheng County, and Gele'er was ennobled as a prince, becoming the first Zasak, a hereditary title that lasted for seven generations. By that time, Wandan Wei Zheng had been dead for 80 years. The consort's mansion was inherited by Gemupule, the seventh-generation descendant of Erenchen, who built a new mansion in Changgao Village in 1822 and transplanted the peony into the new residence for successive generations to nurture and worship. Today, the bridal peony has been propagated into three courtyards, with an average plant height of 1.5 meters and a covering diameter of 2 meters. The main stem of the original plant reaches 7 centimeters in diameter, still flourishing with lush branches and leaves, and a proper plant shape. The flowers are pink, with thousands of petals, and the diameter of the flowers is about 20 centimeters, with about 200 blooms each time. Every May, when the flowers bloom, they present an elegant posture, bright colors, and an intoxicating fragrance, making it the highest latitude woody peony in northern China.

Daoxugou, Heiliriver Daoxugou Tourist Scenic Area, is located in Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. It is situated at the junction of Ningcheng County in Inner Mongolia, Chengde County, and Longhua County in Hebei Province, belonging to the Qilaotu Mountain branch of the Yanshan Mountain Range. Daoxugou is easily accessible, with the 206 provincial road leading directly to Chifeng in the north (116km away), the 207 provincial road and the 306 national road reaching Ningcheng County in the west (98km apart), and the 206 provincial road leading directly to Chengde City in the south (133km away), at a distance of 359km from Beijing. Inside Daoxugou, there are lush forests, clear lakes and waterfalls, as well as giant rocks of various shapes.

Home to well-preserved primeval forest ecology, it is a World Geopark, National Forest Park, and Wetland Park. Vast forests, deep river valleys, crisscrossing ravines, layered mountains upon mountains, and majestic terrain. It boasts a wealth of animal and plant resources, and species that are treasures of the world. My images and words fail to capture its true essence, and even ten days to half a month would not suffice to explore its vast and profound depths. One can only marvel!

Xu Gou, officially known as Heili River Xu Gou Tourist Scenic Area, is located in the experimental area in the southwest corner of Heili River National Nature Reserve in Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. It is located at the junction of Ningcheng County in Inner Mongolia, Chengde County in Hebei Province, and Longhua County, and belongs to the Qilaotu Mountain branch of the Yan Mountains!. Inside Xu Gou, there are lush forests, clear lakes and waterfalls, and huge strange stones of various shapes!. In addition, Xu Gou is also a kingdom of flora and fauna, allowing people to truly feel the vitality and beauty of nature!