Live Your Best Lives
Waiting patiently for the clouds to part and the moon to shine, waiting patiently for the flowers to bloom, 2020 has been a year to remember forever. After many ups and downs, Beijing has finally seen the light of day, and travel is now free. My friends drove north from Beijing, heading to the long-desired Chengde Bashang Grassland, embracing the cool summer breeze. Bashang Grassland in Fengning, Chengde, is known as Beijing's summer resort. Its summer temperature is 10 degrees Celsius lower than Beijing's. The vast expanse of magnificent grassland and countless galloping horses make this place evoke the longed-for vastness and remoteness of "the vast sky, the boundless wilderness, the wind blowing the grass low and the cattle and sheep visible". It not only satisfies the urbanites' desire for poetry and distant places, "riding horses and whipping the whip, accompanied by the mundane world," but also creates a sense of freedom and ease captured by photographers. When I first visited Bashang over a decade ago, it was a favorite destination for only a handful of nature-loving hikers and photography enthusiasts. While the scenery was beautiful, the challenging living and transportation conditions discouraged many, especially families with children.
Nowadays, highways extend in all directions, and earth-shaking changes have taken place. In particular, the emergence of the China Horse Town Tourism Resort in Datan Town, Fengning, Chengde, our destination this time, has given grassland tours many different options besides riding handsome horses and eating roasted lamb. Fengning Datan Town, home to China's Horse Town, has been a key pasture for the Yan State since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Historical records indicate that Kublai Khan trained his cavalry here, marched across the Central Plains, and unified China. During the Qing Dynasty, the Rehe Horse Farm was established here, known as Hailiutu (meaning "a place of abundant grass and water"), where the "Rehe 100,000 Iron Cavalry" bred horses and stationed troops. Drawing on this rich historical and cultural heritage, China Horse Town cleverly blends grassland horse culture with Manchurian and Mongolian customs. Drawing on regional culture and employing modern technology to interpret historical legends, the resort offers both educational and entertaining experiences. Some say China Horse Town is the Disneyland of the grasslands. It's been a viral hit on social media for the past two years, and it's long been a favorite of our hearts. This time, our dreams have finally come true.
Itinerary is as follows:
DAY 1, Beijing - Chengde City - Fengning County - Datan Town - China Horse Town
4 hours drive - check in hotel - nearby grassland - dinner - fireworks show
DAY 2: China Horse Town
Breakfast - Dancing Horse World Theme Park - Local Style Street in the Scenic Area - Lunch at the Food Street - Royal Stables - God of War Zhao Zilong - nearby grassland - Roast Lamb Dinner
DAY 3: China Horse Town - Beijing
Breakfast - Dancing Horse World Theme Park - Watching scenic performances - Ancient costume experience - Lunch - Grassland - Return
Our 3-day, 2-night itinerary is for reference only. You can freely combine and adjust how to play according to the actual situation and personal preferences. We bought a 3-day, 2-night hotel package, which included two tickets to the theme park. Now think about it, it was a wise move, because it rained heavily on the morning of the second day, and many fixed-time outdoor projects in the park were cancelled. Fortunately, we could enter the park a second time and make up for it the next day without any delay. The weather on the grassland in July and August changes rapidly, and rain is common. It is safest to stay for two days and have a relaxing time. China Horse Town is a comprehensive tourist resort with a planned investment of 8 billion yuan. The first phase of the project boasts nearly 40 attractions across four main areas: the Dancing Horse World theme park, the Manyun Qifeng fantasy show theater, a roasted lamb food street, and a cluster of Mongolian and Tibetan-themed hotels. RV campgrounds, Eight Banners tents, and more are planned. It might sound complicated, but after a few days, we've gotten the hang of it. Read this guide to become an expert on your next trip to Horse Town. The heart of China Horse Town is the equine-themed Dancing Horse World amusement park, which is also the town's largest area. However, after a few walks, I felt it's easily navigable on foot, unlike some giant amusement parks. The park offers a wide variety of activities, including equine knowledge, cultural attractions, creative shops, and entertainment experiences. Of course, the highlight is the constant interactive experience, with immersive performances at various times. It's a place where everyone, from children to the elderly, can find something to enjoy.
The most important thing to do before visiting Dancing Horse World is to follow the China Horse Town official account. There you can find a detailed map of the park and the schedule of the day's performances. Just follow the map according to your personal preferences. For some popular attractions, be sure to arrive a few minutes early to get a good seat.
Rarely, throughout history, has such a unified and resonant appreciation for an animal been so shared. Beyond its traditional role as a means of transportation, the horse embodies the spirit of positivity, courage, and unwavering striving. The worship of horses is also a crucial component of Manchu and Mongolian culture. The most distinctive feature of China Horse Town is the horse. The image of the horse is everywhere, some majestic and majestic, others delicate and graceful. It can be said that they are the soul of China Horse Town. The European-style royal stables demonstrate China Horse Town's sincere respect for the world's steeds. These "five-star hotel"-level stables are simple and stylish, reflecting the royal aristocracy. Each horse has its own independent stable, which is spacious, beautiful, and clean.
Each of the purebred horses from China and around the world has a great background, including Ferghana horses, Mongolian horses, Arabian horses, Polish horses, and Welsh horses. The most valuable one is worth over one million and they enjoy the treatment of royal guests here. The horse trainer we met enthusiastically explained to us the different types, habits and history of horses. We were also able to have close contact with the horses. Horses are psychic animals. It is difficult to become a horse whisperer, but it is not difficult to understand them from their eyes.
Food
Electronic Music Party
About Transportation
Beijing-Datan:
Self-driving route:
(You can enter "China Horse Town Dancing Horse World Theme Park" for navigation)
Beijing-China Horse Town (about 4 hours); Beijing-Chengde Expressway-via National Highway G111-enter the Capital Expressway-enter National Highway G239-arrive at China Horse Town Dancing Horse World Theme Park.
Public Transportation:
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the tour departs from the Dongzhimen Oriental Ginza parking lot in Beijing at 7:30 AM, passing through Shaoyaoju Subway Station at 8:00 AM, and returns to the Mazhen South Road West parking lot (east of the Food Street archway) in China Mazhen Town at 1:00 PM the following day.
Ticket Price: Dancing Horse World ticket is 200 RMB.
The grasslands are cool and quiet at night, a sense of relaxation after the euphoria. Get a good night's sleep, have sweet dreams, and dream of horses—happiness is that simple.
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