Complete Guide to the Cloud Grassland

Discover Inner Mongolia’s Cloud Wonderland | Full Guide to Huitengxile Grassland (2) 📅 Best Travel Time · Seasonal Highlights • Summer (June-August): The grassland turns into a "green carpet" with temperatures between 15-25°C. Wildflowers spread like a carpet, and pink fiery clouds often appear at dusk by the Morigele River. • Autumn (September-October): The grassland changes from green to gold, intertwined with white windmills creating a picturesque scene. Late September to mid-October is the golden photography period. Morning fog and white birch forests in Nan Jinggou, Ulan Butong, offer stunning shots. • Winter (November to March next year): Snow covers the land, with frost and hot springs dancing together. The frost scenery in Arxan requires booking a professional guide in advance. • Bonus Periods: Early May when the grassland turns green again with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery; November in Arxan off-season for exclusive frost wonderland. 🚗 Transportation · Multiple Ways to Reach the Grassland • Self-driving (Recommended): • From Hohhot: Drive northeast along National Highway G209 for 120 km (about 2 hours), passing the Yinshan Mountains, with herds of horses and peony flower fields along the way. • From Ulanhot: Take Provincial Road S203, passing Chaersen Reservoir and Bailangfeng Scenic Area, about 290 km (3.5 hours). Slow down on mountain roads. • From Zalantun: The essence of Moa Road (X313) is about 100 km, crossing Chaihe Moon Pond and rock paintings, ideal for deep travelers. • Public Transport: • From Hohhot West Bus Station, take a bus to Chahar Right Middle Banner (3 hours), then local charter (about 30 minutes) to the grassland. • Arxan Yiershi Airport offers direct flights from Beijing and Hohhot, flight time about 2 hours. • Group Tours: One- or two-day tours from Hohhot including horseback riding and Mongolian meal experiences, suitable for families without cars. 🌄 Must-Visit Spots · Hidden Experiences in the Cloud Wonderland 1. Huanghuagou Scenic Area (Geological Wonder) • Tickets: 60 RMB off-season, 80 RMB peak season (includes geological park and birch forest). • Activities: • Take a small train through the canyon grassland, overlooking volcanic rock formations and flower seas. • Hike the wooden plank road to Yunding Aobao, a 360° viewing platform touching the clouds. • At the end of July, return along the Mongolian almond forest and occasionally encounter wild chive flower seas. 2. Windmill Ranch (Photo Paradise) • Free admission. Giant windmill clusters and grassland create a contrast of "industry and nature." Windmill silhouettes at sunset are perfect for aerial photography. 3. Huitengxile Cloud Top Ranch (Cloud Experience) • Altitude 2100 meters: At 5 a.m., take an off-road vehicle to chase the "cloud waterfall" spectacle, ride horses along the ridge line (locals provide gentle improved horses). • Herbal Picking Experience: Locals guide you to identify wild astragalus flowers, which can be brewed into tea and taken home. 4. Ulanhada Volcanic Group (Interstellar Journey) • 10 minutes by car: At Volcano No. 3, wear a spacesuit to shoot "Mars scenes"; at Volcano No. 6, collect agate stones at night (bring a strong flashlight). • Starry Sky Package: Observe the Milky Way with professional telescopes and enjoy Mongolian star stories at night. 5. Mongolian Yurt Cultural Experience • Nomad Homestays: 150-400 RMB per yurt, including bonfire parties and Khata offering ceremonies. • Must-Try Foods: Freshly brewed milk tea, hand-pulled meat, milk tofu, and locals teach how to eat fried rice with brick tea. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations · Sleep from Grassland to Cloud • Traditional Mongolian Yurts: • Nomad Homestays: Prices 150-400 RMB, recommended "Huitengxile Grassland Resort," listen to long songs around the fire at night. • Luxury Glamping: • Huazhu · Banshan Yunshu (at the foot of Ulanhada Volcano): Volcano views from the window, family rooms with slides, spacesuit photo props provided. • Feiniaoji Homestay (Hulunbuir): Polygonal yurts scattered across the grassland, largest room size in the area, unobstructed views. • Scenic Area Hotels: • Anda Resort Center (near Huanghuagou): 400-800 RMB per room, with floor heating, enjoy snowy starry skies in winter. 🗺 2-Day Itinerary · Embrace the Romance and Freedom of the Grassland Day 1: First Grassland Experience • Morning: Drive from Hohhot to Huitengxile (2 hours), check into a Mongolian yurt. • Afternoon: Horseback ride through the windmill clusters (100-200 RMB/hour at locals’ homes), archery experience, wear Mongolian robes for "Grassland Princess" photos. • Evening: Capture sunset glow at Windmill Ranch, return to the yurt for a bonfire party and try roasted whole lamb. Day 2: Geological Wonders and Cloud Dreams • Early morning: Watch the grassland sunrise, low clouds create a fairyland. • Morning: Small train and hike in Huanghuagou Scenic Area, explore birch forests and streams. • Lunch: Try the "Fushan Steamed Fresh Feast" in the scenic area (bamboo basket steamed river delicacies with secret soy sauce). • Afternoon: Return to Hohhot or visit Ulanhada Volcanic Group (2-hour drive), wear spacesuits for Mars-like photos. ⚠️ Practical Tips · Avoid 99% of Pitfalls 1. Gear List: • Summer: Bring windproof jacket and sunglasses (grassland is windy), rain gear for rainy season. • Autumn: Bring fleece; winter requires anti-slip boots and warm packs. 2. Photography Guide: • Volcanic stones cannot be taken away; fines of 500 RMB per stone. • Use NightCap app on iPhone for Milky Way shots; Huawei phones use professional mode with 30-second long exposure. 3. Cultural Etiquette: • No photography inside temples; walk clockwise around the temple when worshipping. • When receiving a Khata scarf, use both hands; avoid stepping on door thresholds. 4. Safety Tips: • Watch for cattle and sheep crossing roads when driving on the grassland; some sections of Moa Road have no signal, download offline maps in advance. • Arxan is at 1100 meters altitude; some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise. “The sky is vast, the wild is boundless, the wind blows the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep” — The beauty of Huitengxile lies in the vast freedom of the land and the moment your fingertips touch the sea of clouds. This autumn, bring your family to the grassland and let the 22°C breeze blow away all your fatigue! 🌿🐎