Hama Dam | 90% of Ulan Butong's core scenery is here

It's that time of year again when Ulan Butong and Saihanba are at their most beautiful. This late autumn, the scenery during the National Day holiday will be particularly stunning. ▪️ Due to road construction in Saihanba this year, the scenic area is not charging entrance fees. Seizing this incredible opportunity is a must. On the way into the scenic area, staff will hand out small notices or have you scan a QR code to register for fire prevention information. There might be some minor traffic delays. Currently, green fencing has been installed along both sides of the roads in the scenic area, which slightly affects the views. Smaller scenic spots still charge fees—only the main roads are free. Ulan Butong now charges an entrance ticket, which includes access to General's Bubble Lake, Film and Television Base, Princess Lake, and Tongfeng Gully. Personally, I find these spots somewhat average in terms of scenery. The roadside near Red Hill Horse Ranch is already quite beautiful and doesn’t require a ticket. You can walk into the woods and get up close to the stunning autumn views. At the intersection of G233 and S304 (Jingwu Line), you can turn off the main road and drive deeper into the grasslands. There are herder paths—just avoid driving over the grass. Even sedans can handle these roads. Look for a large stone marker for Jin Ge Ranch by the roadside; once you spot it, you can turn off from the adjacent entrance. ▪️ Now for the core scenery—Hama Dam Scenic Area is highly recommended for anyone visiting Ulan Butong. You can navigate directly there. The large platform at Hama Dam offers absolutely breathtaking views with a unique perspective. When we visited last weekend, only Hama Dam and the further-in Salin River had red leaves. The interplay of red, yellow, and green foliage created an overwhelmingly beautiful scene. On the way to Hama Dam, you’ll pass through Huamugou, where both sides of the road are also exceptionally scenic. Note that Hama Dam charges a separate fee and doesn’t require the Ulan Butong ticket. Currently, the road to Hama Dam is still under construction. SUVs or off-road vehicles can detour by turning left at the blocked section—it’s not difficult. Sedans will need to take a longer detour via Baijiawopu, which is all dirt roads but still offers nice views along the way. 📍: Hama Dam 🎫: 40 RMB ▪️ For accommodation, we stayed at Rewan Hotel in Saihanba. The hotel has a great environment with its own lake (shown in the last photo), making it perfect for capturing stunning shots right on the premises.