Hebei has a colorful forest, a 4-hour drive from Beijing, and it's the most beautiful season of the year

Number of days：3 days
Time: September
Average cost: 1,000 yuan
With whom: and friends
Tour kinds: Photography, self-driving, free travel
The author went to these places: Bashang

Image and Text | Muchengzi

The golden grassland is dotted with colorful birch and elm trees, and the light and shadow are lively...

The forest and grassland meet, reflecting the elegant and beautiful femininity of the south and the rugged and majestic masculinity of the north.

When my friend saw it for the first time, he felt as if he were in Hemu, where the autumn colors were dreamy and endless; when he discovered it by chance, he felt as if he were in Northern Europe, where the colorful forests were of appropriate density, the river beach was full of light and shadow, and the visual texture was strong. Where is this, you ask? An unexpected discovery: the Colorful Forest of Fairy Valley. Located on the border between Fengning Bashang, Hebei Province, and Inner Mongolia, in Datang, Fengning County, Chengde City, this scenic spot spans over 20,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres). It is currently the highest-standard, largest, most distinctive, and most comprehensive tourist destination in the entire Bashang region. Our group of five drove from Beijing for about four hours. It was a drizzling day when we set out, and we worried our plans would be disrupted. But with hope in our hearts, we headed north, embarking on this dream-seeking journey of early autumn.

(Unexpectedly, the Colorful Forest gave us a big surprise)

Upon arrival at the Colorful Forest Visitor Center, there was a large parking lot on the left. Further ahead were three hotels of different styles, which we checked in at first.

After a short rest and lunch, it was still raining outside, so we decided to visit the indoor attractions in the scenic area first.

Manchu Folk Customs Exhibition

Bashang Grassland was once the most frequent base for nomadic peoples. It was also the favorite summer resort for emperors of the Liao, Jin, Yuan and Qing dynasties.

Today, there are still many Manchu people living in Fengning County. They have always wanted to understand the past and present of the orange seeds on the dam. In this folk exhibition, through the combination of pictures, texts and real objects, they have a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the historical development of the Manchu people, the progress of Manchu culture, Manchu clothing culture, Manchu paper-cutting, fishing and hunting, and other cultures. What surprised Orange Seed the most was that there was a piece of clothing and boots made of birch bark. Looking closely, he could see that the lines were clear, the connections were tight, and they were very delicate.

I think the design of this exhibition area is particularly meaningful. It allows people to have a better understanding of the Manchu people and not one-sidedly believe in the unrealistic background assumptions of costume dramas. While appreciating the beautiful natural scenery, you can also increase your knowledge. It is definitely worth a visit.

Accompanied by the sound of a drizzle, I look forward to a sunny day tomorrow, even though the weather forecast on my phone still tells me "rain tomorrow morning".

Pulling open the curtains, the mountains and plains are ablaze with golden light, and the sun is shining brightly. Today's weather is surprisingly good. Local friends say that this is the weather in the dam area: rain comes and goes quickly, and the weather changes quickly.

With cheerful steps and brightly colored dresses, we happily reentered the scenic area.

There are two routes to visit the Colorful Forest in Shenxian Valley:

1. From the entrance of the scenic area, walk along the plank road to the innermost end, then take the train/electric car back.

2. From the entrance of the scenic area, take the small train directly to the innermost end point and explore from the inside out (if you get tired, you can be picked up directly at the station).

I recommend the second option because the scenic area is so huge and the innermost part is the most exciting, so conserve your energy.

Boarding the forest train, our group breathed in the fresh air after the rain, shuttled through the jungle, and exclaimed at the beauty of nature's gifts before our eyes.

Cloud Pavilion

This is the terminus of the forest train. As you step off the train and into the jungle village, you'll find the highest point, Cloud Pavilion, on your left. This is the highest point in the scenic area, and the summit offers the best views of the Colorful Forest. From the summit, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of lush green leaves and vibrant yellow petals, each a beautiful sight reflected in the shadows of the surrounding trees.

The broad view gives you the feeling of looking down on all the other mountains. From afar, the mountains are low and majestic, and the hills are undulating like waves in the distance. There is an undulating yellow grass carpet under your feet, and a colorful forest in your sight. Every frame is as beautiful as a movie or TV scene.

I finally understand why this scenic area is covered by forests for 60% of its area. It boasts a diverse landscape encompassing grasslands, forests, wetlands, hills, lakes, and more. It truly deserves the name "Seven-Colored Forest."

Horseback Riding

After descending from the Cloud Pavilion, you might be feeling a bit tired. Now you can opt for a classic grassland activity: horseback riding. It's a great opportunity to relax and experience the thrill of galloping horses.

The horses come in a variety of colors: clean white, handsome black, and agile brown... Their glossy manes sparkle in the sun, showing that they are well cared for. It doesn't matter if you don't know how to ride, as there are experienced horse handlers who will accompany you throughout the ride, making it very safe.

Glass Plank Walk

Reaching out to touch the treetops is a unique experience not everyone gets to experience. At the entrance to the Jungle Tribe, we boarded the internet-famous glass plank walkway.

While not as high as the Cloud Pavilion, it holds its own unique charm. Walking on the glass plank walkway, surrounded by trees, felt like a spirit wandering through the jungle, observing the differences between the trees up close and listening to the voices of nature. On the glass plank road, looking down, you will find a long wooden bridge leading to the white jungle. This is our next destination: Birch Reflection in the Sun.

White Birches Reflecting the Sun (Birch Forest)

The birch trees here are dense and numerous, each one standing tall and straight, rows of pure and simple, each piece serene and elegant. The grayish-white bark under the setting sun is like a memory frozen in time. Looking up at the treetops, golden leaves flutter down, as if welcoming and yet also inviting you to stay. I implore you to stop and take another look, for they will soon become nutrients, nourishing the tree's roots. Nurturing hope for the next spring, I vow to be a better version of myself next year and see you there.

Five-color Pond

As the name suggests, there are pools of water of different colors, cascading down like terraced fields. With the arrival of autumn, this place has become the richest color palette in the world. When the palette is reflected in the pool, it makes this place become a beautiful oil painting, colorful and extremely beautiful.

Forest Pasture

Across from the Five-Colored Pond is a forest pasture, home to a variety of adorable animals. Upon entering, we were greeted by tall camels with full humps, suggesting they were well-fed. As we walked further in, we also saw peacocks, sheep, and horses...

Tianjing Lake

Water is the source of all things.

Lake, as its name suggests, is the largest body of water in the scenic area. When there's no wind, the vibrant forest is quietly reflected in the mirror-like waters, blurring the lines between illusion and reality. The azure sky and white clouds are reflected on the lake. Bright and delicate flowers sway and bloom in the water, as if waiting for people to pick them quickly. However, there is no place to set foot. Some beauty can only be appreciated from afar to appreciate its beauty. Walking on the transparent glass bridge, it seems as if the water and the sky are one color, the sky is high and the clouds are light, and the forests are dyed in all colors. The game of colors is performed here to the fullest.

Nighttime Light Show

As the lights come on, the picturesque Tianjing Lake loses its vibrant colors, appearing even more mysterious in the afterglow of the setting sun. As the music gradually rises, the shores of Tianjing Lake are gradually illuminated by warm lights.

The verdant mountains, tranquil lake, and dazzling light show helped people dispel the chill of early autumn this evening, dancing and swaying joyfully to the rhythm.

The bright and clear moon seemed to want to join us, but unfortunately, it could only watch.

Bonfire Fireworks

After dinner, people came to the Colorful Forest Square to start the "Night Carnival". People jumped around the bonfire, releasing the pressure of life and work. Holding fireworks, they drew the words they wanted to express most in their hearts and made a wish in their hearts. As the fireworks rose into the sky, they bloomed in the black night.

Food:

2 food recommendations

Pot tea: A traditional food on the grassland. Everyone who has been to the grassland knows that the grassland's milk tea is salty. It is made from milk and tea bricks, and is served with several ingredients, including beef, milk slices, fried rice, etc. You can add them according to your preferences. Roasted Whole Lamb: A grassland specialty, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with tender meat, no strong smell, and a bright yellow color. You must eat the second roasted lamb, which will make the skin crispy and the meat tender, and the more it is roasted, the more fragrant it becomes.

Accommodation:

Colorful Forest International Resort Hotel: The overall interior design is simple and spacious, and you can see the scenery while lying in bed. Squirrel Inn: Especially suitable for families, with cute squirrel elements everywhere, and there is also a hanging chair in the house, which adults and children can play. 16 Resort Hotel: Why is it called 16 Degrees? Orange Seed believes this reflects the unique climate of Bashang. Even in the scorching summer, it remains cool here. The interior decoration is also very unique, reflecting the beauty of Bashang at different times of the year.

For those in northern China who have short vacations and don't want to travel too far but still want to see the most beautiful autumn scenery, coming to Bashang is a great choice. From the vibrant white birch forests to the misty Tianjing Lake, from the breathtaking Yunting Village overlooking the mountains to the pastures nestled among the grasslands, you will encounter a vibrant fairytale world. There are no high-altitude snow-capped mountains like those in western Sichuan, nor will you experience altitude sickness. You can also experience the fun of galloping horseback. Invite friends, sisters, and bring your family to the colorful forest to experience the rich beauty of autumn poetry.