[Ulan Butong｜A long letter to light and shadow from the autumn scenery of the grassland]

[Ulan Butong | A Long Letter to Light and Shadow on the Autumn Grasslands]

On the northern edge of Inner Mongolia, Ulan Butong resembles a painting stained by the autumn wind. The grasslands turn from green to yellow, golden waves undulating with the wind. The outlines of the distant mountains soften under the autumn sun. The river meanders through them, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, as if capturing the entire autumn in its flowing light.

The grasslands are chilly in the early morning. Frost and dew wet the grass tips at the ankles. The breath of horses turns to mist in the air. Light filters through the clouds, illuminating the grasslands with a golden sheen. The herders' yurts and scattered cattle and sheep dot the landscape, like a tranquil watercolor painting. The afternoon sun is at its warmest, the blue sky reflecting off the rolling grasslands. The occasional sound of wind and birdsong emanates from the distant valleys. The shadows of galloping horses stretch across the ground, adding a dynamic rhythm to the tranquil autumn scenery.

At dusk, the setting sun paints the grassland a crisscross of deep gold and orange. The clouds on the horizon appear to be ablaze, and the river shimmers with a red-gold glow. Truly breathtaking is the view of the grassland at moonrise, when the cool night breeze caresses your cheeks, and the distant mountains and pastures gradually merge into the night. The twinkling stars unfold like an autumn dream, slowly unfolding across the sky and earth.

If time permits, take a horseback ride along the grassland trails, or hike to the Nine-Bend River and the windmills, and experience the dialogue between light and shadow and the vastness. You'll understand then: Autumn in Ulan Butong is not simply a scene, but a long poem of gold, light, and freedom, where every breath is imbued with the rhythm of the grassland.

✨ Tips (Useful tips for your trip)
• Time to visit: Early morning, when the frost and dew are at their purest; dusk is the prime time for photographing the golden grassland and sunset.
• Viewing spots: The Nine-Bend River, the windmills, the rolling grasslands of Keshiketeng Banner, and the Shadow Forest. • Recommended Activities: Horseback riding, hiking, photography; dress warmly and wear sunscreen.
• Recommended Accommodation: A yurt is the most immersive experience on the grassland, and evening bonfires add to the autumnal atmosphere.
• Transportation: Driving or renting a car is the most convenient; roads within the grassland are mostly gravel or dirt.
• Seasonal Moods: Autumn is at its most vibrant, with the grassland turning from green to gold. Spring and summer are lush and green, while winter is blanketed in snow, creating a completely different atmosphere.

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📌 Traveler's Notes
In the autumn of Ulan Butong, I learned to look further afield, to feel the wind sweeping through the grass, and to hear my heartbeat in sync with the earth. That sense of spacious freedom is more profound than any image.

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🔖 Tags
#Ulan Butong #Inner Mongolia Grassland #Autumn Grassland #Jiuqu River #YurtExperience #GoldenGrassland #Light and Shadow Travel #GrasslandFreedom #Photography Spot #Travel Photography Spot