Saihanba Golden Autumn Travel Guide: A Dual Feast for the Eyes and Soul

1. Saihanba in Golden Autumn: A Symphony of Nature and History

Saihanba, meaning "Beautiful High Ridge" in Mongolian, has long been a natural paradise rich in water, grass, and dense forests. It was once the hunting ground for the "Mulan Autumn Hunt" held by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty and has now become a national-level scenic area. In the golden autumn season, Saihanba’s forests and grasslands intertwine, lakes and wetlands scatter like stars, and rolling hills and mountains stretch endlessly, creating a colorful masterpiece. White birch forests, red pine forests, and larch trees weave into a golden sea, with sunlight filtering through the leaves to form dappled shadows, making one feel as if they are in a fairy tale world. The autumn colors of Saihanba are not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing.

2. Main Attractions: A Perfect Blend of Nature and Culture
1. Saihanba National Forest Park

Saihanba National Forest Park is the core scenic area of Saihanba, featuring dense forests, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. It was once a royal hunting ground during the Qing Dynasty and is now a model of ecological restoration. In autumn, the park’s white birch trees turn golden, larch trees blaze red like flames, contrasting sharply with the evergreen spruces, forming a colorful oil painting. Climb the Saihan Tower to overlook the entire forest park and feel the grandeur and mystery of nature.

2. Qixing Lake Wetland Park

Qixing Lake Wetland Park consists of seven lakes of varying sizes with clear waters reflecting the surrounding trees. In autumn, the white birch and maple leaves by the lakeside paint the water surface in a blend of gold and red. In the early morning, light mist often drifts over the lake, making visitors feel as if they are inside an ink painting. This is also a bird sanctuary where waterfowl occasionally skim the lake, adding vitality to the scene. For photography enthusiasts, it is an excellent spot to capture reflections, morning mist, and forest light and shadow.

3. Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area

Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area is where grassland meets forest. In autumn, the golden grasslands and colorful forests complement each other beautifully. This area was once the imperial road of the Qing Dynasty and is now an ideal place for visitors to experience grassland culture. Outdoor activities such as horseback riding, archery, and rafting allow visitors to fully enjoy the grassland’s charm.

4. Liangbingtai

Liangbingtai is one of the highest points in Saihanba. From the platform, you can overlook the vast forest sea. In autumn, the forest below is a mix of gold and fiery red, with rolling mountains in the distance, offering an extremely broad view and an excellent location for capturing grand landscape photos. It is also a popular spot for sunrise photography; when the first rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds and shine on the forest sea, the whole world seems bathed in a golden glow.

3. Ticket Prices: A Cost-Effective Nature Trip
1. Saihanba National Forest Park

The ticket price for Saihanba National Forest Park is 130 RMB, which includes access to both Saihanba National Forest Park and Yudaokou Scenic Area. For those wishing to visit the Red Pinewa Nature Reserve, a 150 RMB package ticket is available, covering Saihanba National Forest Park, Yudaokou Scenic Area, and Red Pinewa Nature Reserve.

2. Qixing Lake Wetland Park

The ticket price for Qixing Lake Wetland Park is 28 RMB. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the seven lakes and experience boating and cycling paths.

3. Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area

The ticket price for Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area is 50 RMB. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding and archery, experiencing the unique charm of the grassland.

4. Saihan Tower

The ticket price for Saihan Tower is 30 RMB. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Saihanba National Forest Park and is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.

4. Travel Routes: The Perfect Choice for a Golden Autumn Self-Drive
1. Departure from Beijing

From Beijing, you can take a high-speed train or regular train to Chengde, then transfer to a bus or rent a car to reach Saihanba. The total distance is about 600 kilometers, mostly on highways. Roads become narrower after entering Saihanba, so please drive safely.

2. Self-Drive Itinerary
D1: Depart from Beijing, take the Jingcheng Expressway north to Saihanba National Forest Park. It is recommended to arrive in the evening and stay at a hotel near the Mechanical Farm Service Area to enjoy the sunset over Moon Lake.
D2: Early morning visit to Qixing Lake Wetland Park to watch the sunrise and white birch forest. Then visit Taifeng Lake to experience Saihanba’s tranquility and grandeur. In the afternoon, head to the source of the Luan River to feel nature’s gifts.
D3: Depart from Mechanical Farm to Yudaokou Grassland Forest Scenic Area to enjoy horseback riding, archery, and other outdoor activities. Return to Mechanical Farm in the evening to enjoy the starry grassland sky.
D4: Return from Mechanical Farm, passing through Yudaokou, then back to Beijing.

3. Group Tour Options

If you prefer not to drive, you can join a group tour. Tours usually provide transportation, accommodation, and guide services, saving visitors the hassle. For example, [Departures on October 11, 13, 15, 18] Bashang Autumn Scenery, a different kind of grassland autumn: Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, Shanhaiguan, Chengde, Bashang, Ulan Butong, Tianjin six-day round-trip by air, staying in selected business hotels with comfortable accommodations, visiting Summer Resort, Dingsheng Yuanbao Street, Mulan Weichang Bashang Grassland, and other attractions.

5. Local Flavors: Saihanba on Your Taste Buds
1. Beef and Mutton

Grasslands and beef and mutton are inseparable. The most satisfying experience is eating freshly slaughtered and cooked mutton at a local farmhouse. Large chunks of mutton just out of the pot are sliced and dipped directly in sauce, and you can also enjoy huge baked flatbreads with mutton soup.

2. Wild Mushrooms and Mountain Vegetables

In Saihanba, you can not only enjoy the scenery but also taste local wild mushrooms and mountain vegetables. Wild mushrooms are fresh and delicious, while mountain vegetables are refreshing and tasty. Paired with a cup of hot milk tea, it will leave you with an unforgettable aftertaste.

3. Milk Tea

Milk tea is one of Saihanba’s specialty drinks, rich in flavor and aromatic. In the chilly autumn, a cup of hot milk tea warms you up and replenishes your energy.

6. Accommodation: The Perfect Combination of Comfort and Convenience
1. Mechanical Farm Service Area Hotel

Hotels near the Mechanical Farm Service Area offer convenient transportation and complete facilities. Visitors can enjoy the sunset over Moon Lake and the tranquility and grandeur of the grassland.

2. Farmhouse Inns

Saihanba’s farmhouse inns are private and surrounded by vegetable gardens. In the early morning, wrapped in dawn and stepping on dew, strolling beside the vegetable fields feels like being in a paradise. As the sun rises and warmth spreads, holding a book of essays and sipping fragrant tea under the sunshine is quite pleasant.

3. Business Hotels

For those seeking more comfortable accommodations, business hotels are a good choice. They offer complete facilities and attentive service, ideal for business trips and family vacations.

7. Conclusion: Saihanba in Golden Autumn, a Trip Not to Be Missed

Saihanba’s golden autumn is a dual feast for the eyes and soul. Its natural scenery, cultural history, local flavors, and comfortable accommodations make it unforgettable. Whether self-driving or joining a group tour, Saihanba will bring you a memorable travel experience. This golden autumn, why not come to Saihanba to feel the charm of nature, experience the unique grassland style, and let your soul be completely relaxed and uplifted.