Set off for the Hundred-Mile Sky Road in Chengde and encounter the poetry and distant beauty above the clouds

In Datang Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde, Hebei, there is a road known as "China's Most Beautiful Plateau Self-Driving Route"—the Hundred-Mile Sky Road. It resembles a giant dragon lying across the peaks of mountains averaging over 1,800 meters above sea level, connecting stunning landscapes such as grasslands, forests, flower seas, and wetlands. It is the poetry and distant beauty in the hearts of countless travelers. 1. Preparation: The Prelude to a Dreamy Journey 1. Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card for ticket purchase and accommodation registration; if driving yourself, a driver's license is essential to ensure a smooth and free journey. 2. Clothing: The Bashang grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in midsummer, prepare a warm windbreaker or a light down jacket to resist the evening chill; during the day, strong sunlight requires sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and SPF50+ sunscreen to prevent sunburn. 3. Other Items: A camera is a "magic box" to capture beautiful scenes—don’t forget it; a power bank to keep your devices charged; common medicines like motion sickness pills and cold medicine for emergencies; prepare energy foods like chocolate and beef jerky, along with a large-capacity water bottle to replenish energy and hydration timely. 2. Transportation Guide: The Route to a Wonderland 1. Self-driving: Depart from Beijing, take Jingcheng Expressway → Daguang Expressway → Jingjia Road, about 280 kilometers in total, taking around 4 hours. It is recommended to use Gaode Map to search for "Baili Tianlu South Entrance" for navigation. Enjoy the picturesque scenery outside the window and the fun of self-driving. 2. Public Transport: First take bus 936 northbound from Guangying Road Intersection in Beijing to Fengning Bus Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus directly to the South Entrance. Although the route is a bit roundabout, it allows a deeper experience of local customs and culture. 3. Ticket Information: The Key to Unlocking the Scenery The ticket price is 120 RMB per person. Discounts are available at half price for primary and secondary school students and seniors over 60, which is very considerate. 4. Travel Routes: A Wonderful Journey to Explore the Scenery 1. 1.5-hour route (Essence Quick Tour): Start the dreamy journey from Baihua Slope, where the colorful flower sea feels like a fairy tale world; then head to Camel Peak, where from the viewing platform you can take in the grandeur of the Yanshan Mountains and the softness of the grasslands; next, visit the Tiandi Catwalk, a 360° viewing platform offering a stunning visual feast; then arrive at Huanghua Peak to feel the gentle mountain breeze; finally, exit from Scenic Area Exit 1 and head to Qiansongba National Forest Park to explore the largest spruce forest in North China. 2. 3-hour route (Classic Tour): Baihua Slope, Camel Peak, Tiandi Catwalk, and Huanghua Peak remain the exciting start. Then proceed to Liuyun Ridge to encounter a sea of clouds as fluffy as cotton candy; the Windmill and Birch Road section features white windmills contrasting with the birch forest, like stepping into a Studio Ghibli animation; the Farmland Flower Sea Viewing Platform showcases blooming sunflowers and rapeseed flowers from June to August, forming a pastoral painting with distant villages; finally, arrive at Birch Ridge to enjoy the romance of golden birch trees in autumn, ending the pleasant trip at Scenic Area Exit 2. 3. 4-hour route (In-depth Exploration): The first half is the same as the 3-hour route. The second half starts from Chayan Fort to learn about local history and culture; Guangming Peak offers a panoramic view of the vast grasslands; the Five-Color Flower Field looks like nature’s spilled palette; the End of the Sky gives a surreal feeling of standing at the edge of the world; Zhenshuling is full of mystery. Finally, exit from the Hundred-Mile Sky Road North Entrance, carrying wonderful memories back. 5. Recommended Attractions: Unmissable Earthly Paradises 1. Qiansongba National Forest Park: Home to the largest spruce forest in North China, with century-old spruces towering into the clouds and the sound of pine waves. From the Camel Peak viewing platform, you can overlook tens of thousands of acres of forest sea and grassland terraces in 360°, a spectacular sight. Walking along the wooden plank road deep into the forest, you might have a magical encounter with foraging pheasants or lively black squirrels. 2. Cloud Grassland: Climb to the East Mountain Peak to witness a breathtaking sunset, with the evening glow turning the grassland golden. From July to August, it transforms into a secret wetland flower sea, blooming profusely like Monet’s garden. You can also experience starry sky camping, lying in a tent counting countless stars to fall asleep—extremely romantic. 3. Beauty Valley Scenic Area: Features a forest flower sea hiking trail along winding wooden plank roads, surrounded by well-preserved plateau rare flowers such as golden lotus and Kerria japonica. The endpoint, "Sleeping Beauty Peak," is a popular photography spot where the mountain looks like a sleeping beauty from a certain angle, fascinating visitors. Additionally, you can experience Chinese herbal medicine picking and secret picnics here, full of fun. 4. Panlong Sky Road: An 18-kilometer-long winding mountain road with "nine twists and eighteen turns," resembling a giant dragon coiling in the mountains. In the early morning, mist swirls, making every shot of the "Eighteen Bends of the Sky Road" a cinematic masterpiece. Driving on this road, you can enjoy speed and passion while admiring magnificent mountain views. 5. Windmill and Birch Road Section: White giant windmills are scattered beside the birch forest, slowly turning in the breeze, forming a stunning picture with the golden birch trees. There is also a drone takeoff and landing platform here—use a bird’s-eye view to record this poetic and picturesque scenery. 6. Farmland Flower Sea Viewing Platform: The most beautiful season is from June to August, when vast fields of sunflowers and rapeseed flowers bloom, with golden flower seas contrasting with scattered villages and green mountains in the distance, like a pastoral oil painting. Every shot looks like an artistic masterpiece. 6. Accommodation and Food: A Double Enjoyment of Taste and Dreams 1. Accommodation: ◦ High-end options: Baima Hotel and Mengma Resort Town offer complete facilities and attentive service, allowing you to enjoy ultimate comfort and relaxation after a day of sightseeing. ◦ Cost-effective options: Homestays in Datang Town like "Grassland Home" are full of local characteristics and affordable; Tianlu Station is also good, conveniently located for continuing to explore the scenery the next day. 2. Food: ◦ Roasted Whole Lamb: The skin is golden and crispy, the inside tender and juicy, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, fragrant and flavorful. One bite is full of the boldness and enthusiasm of the grassland. ◦ Youmian Wozi (Oat Nests): Oat flour rolled into small nest shapes, served with delicious lamb sauce, sour and spicy with a chewy texture, one of the local specialties. ◦ Golden Lotus Flower Tea: Brewed with the local unique golden lotus flower, the tea is golden in color, refreshing in taste, with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. Enjoying a cup during your trip is very pleasant. ◦ Bashang Milk Tea: Rich milk and tea aroma perfectly blended, silky smooth, warm and satisfying, driving away the chill of the grassland night. 7. Travel Tips: Make Your Trip Even Better 1. Best Season: June to October is the best time to visit the Hundred-Mile Sky Road. In June, tens of thousands of Gesang flowers bloom, like a pink ocean; July to August offers cool weather, perfect for summer retreats, with stunning wetland flower seas; September to October brings deep autumn colors, with golden leaves contrasting against blue skies and white clouds, like a fairy tale world. 2. Weather and Gear: Check the weather forecast in advance and choose sunny days for better photos. The grassland has strong UV rays, so be sure to take sun protection measures. Also, prepare comfortable sports shoes for walking inside the scenic area. 3. Civilized Travel: Protect the environment by not trampling lawns or picking flowers, keeping this beautiful scenery pure forever. Follow scenic area rules and avoid dangerous behaviors to ensure your safety.