Let's go to Zhangjiakou! A leisurely guide to grasslands, the Great Wall, and the Winter Olympics

First, an overall impression: Zhangjiakou is very large, and its attractions are quite spread out. It's best to drive yourself for maximum freedom! If you don't have a car, that's okay too; transportation between scenic spots is much more convenient now, but you'll need to plan your time carefully. I recommend at least a three-day, two-night trip, otherwise you won't truly experience it all.

Day 1: Gallop along the Grassland Sky Road, experience a "Windy Romance"

When you come to Zhangjiakou, the top priority is to visit the Grassland Sky Road! It's often called "China's Route 66," but I think it has its own unique charm. This road winds through continuous grasslands, with windmills, terraced fields, villages, cattle, and sheep... like a flowing scroll painting.

· Morning: Depart from Zhangjiakou city center and navigate to "Grassland Sky Road" (it's divided into East and West sections; for your first visit, I recommend the classic East section, entering from Yehuling and exiting from Huapiling). Don't just drive straight through; stop at any observation deck you encounter. The windmill array up close is truly massive, whirring around, it's quite impressive. The sky is incredibly blue, and the clouds are so low it feels like you could touch them if you jumped.
· Afternoon: Continue driving along the Sky Road, and you'll pass many unknown but stunning grassy slopes. In summer, it's a sea of emerald green with wildflowers dotted everywhere; in autumn, it transforms into a golden expanse, incredibly therapeutic. You can stop anywhere safe, roll around on the grass, and take some "letting loose" photos.
· Evening: You can choose to stay overnight at a farmhouse near the Sky Road and experience a bonfire party (depending on the host's arrangements). Look up at the stars – they're incredibly clear! Alternatively, drive directly to Zhangbei County for more dining and accommodation options. For dinner, you absolutely must have an authentic roasted lamb leg or hand-pulled lamb. It's incredibly tender and juicy, and dipping it in chive flower sauce is simply divine!

Day 2: Touch the backbone of history, feel the pulse of the Winter Olympics

Today, let's slow down the pace a bit, dedicating half to the ancient and half to the modern.

· Morning: Head to Dajing Gate. Don't underestimate it; it's one of the "Four Great Passes" of the Great Wall, on par with Shanhaiguan and Jiayuguan, a piece of history you can truly walk through and touch. Standing beneath the plaque inscribed "Magnificent Rivers and Mountains," you can feel the bustling scene of merchants and carriages from days gone by. Climb the adjacent Great Wall for a panoramic view of Zhangjiakou city – it's a truly unique experience.
· Afternoon: Head straight to Chongli! This was the venue for the snow events of the 2022 Winter Olympics, and the entire town exudes an international sophistication. Even if it's not winter, it's well worth a visit. You can go to Thaiwoo Ski Resort or Fulong Ski Resort; in summer, they transform into mountain resorts. Take a cable car up the mountain, and you'll be surrounded by lush green forests and blooming wildflowers. The scenery at the summit is breathtakingly magnificent, a completely different world from winter.
· Evening: Find a specialty restaurant in Chongli town for dinner. There are Western restaurants, local dishes, and more, all of good quality. After dinner, take a stroll through the town, breathing in the cool, fresh air – it feels like your lungs have been cleansed.

Day 3: Delve into ancient towns and fortresses, seeking old dreams

If you have ample time, or if you're particularly interested in historical sites, this third day can be arranged with more depth.

· I recommend visiting Yuxian or Nuanquan Ancient Town. The ancient architecture in Yuxian is exceptionally well-preserved, especially Yuzhou Ancient City and the scattered ancient fortresses (such as Beifangcheng and Shangsuzhuang), which are full of raw, weathered charm and perfect for photography. Nuanquan Ancient Town is famous for its unique "Dashuhua" performance, where molten iron is splashed onto a wall, creating a spectacular scene of thousands of fiery trees and silver flowers (be sure to check performance times, as it's not daily). Walking through these places, time seems to slow down.

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Helpful Tips

· Transportation: Reiterate, self-driving is the top choice! If not self-driving, consider carpooling or chartering a car in Zhangjiakou city or Zhangbei County for the Grassland Sky Road; for Chongli, there's a high-speed train, which is very fast.
· Accommodation: Diverse options, you can stay one night in a farmhouse near the grassland and another night in a star-rated hotel or specialty apartment in Chongli.
· Food: Besides beef and lamb, oat noodles (youmian) are a must-try! Youmian wowotou (steamed oat noodle nests) and youmian yuyu (oat noodle fish-shaped pieces), paired with mushroom and lamb sauce, are incredibly fragrant. Also, Huaian tofu skin and Chaigoubao smoked meat are local specialties.
· Best Season: June to early October is the most beautiful season for the grasslands; winter (December-February) is prime time for skiing in Chongli; if you want to see Dashuhua, it's best to check festival dates in advance.
· What to Wear: The grasslands and Chongli are at high altitudes, so even in summer, it gets cool in the mornings and evenings. Be sure to bring a jacket! Also, don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent.

Zhangjiakou is a place that can broaden your horizons, with both historical depth and natural grandeur. I wish you a wonderful time there, filled with good spirits and great photos!