You get it! Zhangjiakou Huai'an hides a "Sky Grassland"! 2 days and 1 night of fun at Huanglong Mountain Villa, oxygen intake + great photos to blow up your social media feed
You get it! Zhangjiakou Huai'an hides a "Sky Grassland"! 2 days and 1 night of fun at Huanglong Mountain Villa, oxygen intake + great photos to blow up your social media feed ✨
Travel buddies! I've found a hidden gem for a trip around Zhangjiakou! Huanglong Mountain Villa in Huai'an County is absolutely amazing! You don't have to travel far to get the dual experience of "Cloud Meadow + Forest Canyon." The average summer temperature is 22℃, with a breeze and grassland sunsets—it's simply the ultimate summer escape 🌿! Without further ado, here's the guide; just follow it, and you can't go wrong!
🌿Must-visit features of Huanglong Mountain Villa! Don't miss these 3 spots!
1. Cloud Meadow: An "aerial grassland" at an altitude of 1800 meters! The lush green meadows are like a carpet, with cattle and sheep scattered throughout. From the observation deck, you can see rolling mountains. On clear days, the blue sky and white clouds feel within reach, and every shot is a therapeutic masterpiece~
2. Xiangui Mountain: A "natural oxygen bar" hidden in the mountains! Both sides of the trail are lined with towering trees, making it super cool to walk through in summer! There's also a thrilling glass skywalk suspended over the valley, offering views of the canyon below. Brave souls must try it!
3. Lilac Valley: May to June is the season for lilac blossoms! The mountains are covered in purple and white lilacs. Walking through, you'll breathe in the fragrant air—it's an immersive "fragrance experience." If you come during the blooming season, it's so beautiful it'll leave you speechless~
📅2-Day, 1-Night Lazy Itinerary! No detours, no pitfalls!
Day 1: Forest Canyon Oxygen Intake → Romantic Grassland Sunset
- Morning (arrive before 10:00 AM): Drive/take a car to the scenic area. First, get a map at the visitor center, then head straight to "Lilac Valley"! Walk slowly along the wooden boardwalk, listen to birds, watch the stream, and take photos with a forest vibe (light-colored dresses look amazing!).
- Noon (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Eat local dishes near the scenic area to refuel (restaurant recommendations below).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check out "Xiangui Mountain" + the glass skywalk! After the skywalk, go to the mountain top platform, enjoy the breeze, and wait for the sunset. Around 6:00 PM, the sunset paints the grassland golden-red—it's so beautiful you'll want to scream 📸.
- Evening (after 7:30 PM): Stay at a hotel near the scenic area. If you're staying at a stargazing B&B, remember to look up at the stars! The night sky over the grassland is incredibly clear; you can even see fragments of the Milky Way with the naked eye~
Day 2: Grassland Sunrise → Relaxed Stroll & Return
- Morning (5:30 AM - 6:00 AM): Set your alarm if you want to see the sunrise! The "Cloud Meadow Observation Deck" is the best spot. As the sun climbs over the mountains, the meadow slowly brightens—super therapeutic~
- Morning (8:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Wander around the grassland, take photos with cattle and sheep, play on the grassland swing, and enjoy the slow pace.
- Noon (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Enjoy a special local meal, pack up, and head back, ending a perfect trip~
🚗Transportation + 🍲Dining + 🏨Accommodation! Nanny-level recommendations!
🔸Transportation Guide
- Self-driving: About 3.5 hours from Beijing (via Jingzang Expressway → Jingxin Expressway → Jingyin Line), about 4 hours from Tianjin. The scenic area has convenient parking~
- Public transport: Take the high-speed train to "Huai'an Station," then take a taxi to the scenic area (about 30 minutes, fare 30-40 yuan). It's recommended to book a taxi in advance~
🔸Dining Recommendations (Must-try local specialties!)
- Mountain Villa Ecological Restaurant: Right at the entrance of the scenic area. Recommended: "Chaigoubao Smoked Meat Platter" (Huai'an intangible cultural heritage food, incredibly fragrant meat), "Cold Tofu Skin Salad" (local tofu skin is tender, super refreshing with vinegar), "Grassland Lamb Soup" (so fresh it'll make your eyebrows fall off!).
- Huai'an Renjia Home Cooking: A 5-minute drive from the scenic area, great value for money. "Potato Stew with Oat Noodles" (coarse grains are super flavorful) and "Stir-fried Farm Eggs" (so fragrant it's perfect with rice) are must-orders!
🔸Accommodation Recommendations (3 styles to choose from!)
1. Huanglong Mountain Villa Yunding Resort Hotel: A hotel within the scenic area, a 10-minute walk to the grassland! Rooms offer grassland views; open the curtains in the morning to see lush green meadows. Perfect for those who want convenience~
2. Huai'an Yijia Express Hotel: An 8-minute drive from the scenic area, good value for money. Rooms are clean and tidy, with a supermarket nearby for snacks and drinks. Suitable for mid-budget travelers~
3. Grassland Stargazing B&B: Located at the foot of the Cloud Meadow, individual wooden cabins! You can lie in the yard at night and watch the stars. The owner can also help with BBQ skewers. Perfect for those who want to experience grassland nightlife~
📸N photo spots + photography tips! Blow up your social media feed!
1. Cloud Meadow Sunset Point:
- Location: Western observation deck of the grassland
- Tips: Wear a white/light pink dress, stand against the light by the observation deck, and have a friend take a silhouette photo (remember to use "Portrait Mode" on your phone for a better blurred background). The best light is 30 minutes before sunset!
2. Xiangui Mountain Glass Skywalk:
- Location: Suspended platform in the middle of the skywalk
- Tips: Stand by the edge of the skywalk, slightly turn your body, extend your leg forward, and have your phone shoot from bottom-up to make your legs look longer! Wear a bright-colored top (like yellow or blue) to contrast with the glass and canyon~
3. Lilac Valley Flower Sea (Blooming season: May-June):
- Location: Next to the wooden boardwalk in the valley
- Tips: Crouch among the flowers, gently touch the petals, bring the camera close to your face (for a close-up shot), with lilacs filling the background, creating an immersive atmosphere!
4. Mountain Top Aobao:
- Location: Highest point of the Cloud Meadow
- Tips: Stand next to the Aobao, hold up a colorful prayer flag, and have a friend shoot from the side. Press the shutter when the wind blows the prayer flag for a dynamic shot~
5. Grassland Windmill Group:
- Location: Eastern edge of the grassland
- Tips: With the windmills as a background, take candid shots while walking (use "Sports Mode" on your phone to avoid blur). Wear jeans + a white T-shirt for a casual look!
5 hidden gem scenic spots nearby! More value if you visit them along the way!
1. Jimingyi Ancient Town: A 30-minute drive from Huanglong Mountain Villa. A Ming and Qing dynasty ancient post station, with ancient city walls and streets full of historical charm, great for traditional-style photos~
2. Guanting Reservoir: A 40-minute drive from the scenic area. You can camp, fish, and enjoy lake views. In summer evenings, the lake breeze is super comfortable, suitable for families with kids~
3. Xiaowutai Mountain Jinhekou Scenic Area: A 1-hour drive from the scenic area. Hebei's highest peak! Dense forests, great for hiking and seeing waterfalls, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts~
4. Nuanquan Ancient Town: A 1.5-hour drive from the scenic area. In the evening, there's the "Dashuhua" performance (an intangible cultural heritage, super spectacular). You can also enjoy ancient town snacks~
5. Sanggan River Grand Canyon: A 1-hour drive from the scenic area. Features a glass suspension bridge and rafting. Rafting in summer is super cool, suitable for thrill-seekers~
Travel buddies! Huanglong Mountain Villa is truly one of those "no regrets" places. It's a one-stop solution for summer escape, oxygen intake, and great photos! If you want to discover more niche attractions in Zhangjiakou next time, remember to follow me! I'll continue to share more foolproof travel guides. Follow me for worry-free and budget-friendly trips—just copy the itinerary! 💕