Bashang Grassland

坝上草原

A high-altitude plateau grassland on the border with Hebei province, famous for its rolling green meadows, wildflower blooms, and dramatic seasonal changes. It offers stunning photography opportunities and a more temperate alternative to other grassland regions, especially beautiful in summer and autumn.

Things to do

• Horseback Riding Across Meadows — Rent a local horse and ride through vast rolling grasslands, experiencing the landscape as herders have for centuries.
• Sunrise Photography at Badaling Viewpoint — Wake before dawn to capture the dramatic light over mist-covered valleys and golden grasslands from elevated vantage points.
• Wildflower Trekking (Summer) — Hike through blooming alpine meadows filled with lupines, daisies, and local wildflowers between June and August.
• Visit Bashang Grassland Wetlands — Explore the pristine wetland reserves dotted across the plateau, home to migratory birds and unique alpine flora.
• Autumn Foliage Drives — Drive scenic routes through the grassland in September and October when birch forests turn golden and contrast with green meadows.
• Stay in a Yurt or Herder's Guesthouse — Spend a night in traditional or modern ger-style accommodations to experience grassland life and local hospitality firsthand.
• Visit Eroded Badlands Formations — Explore striking geological formations and colorful clay cliffs scattered throughout the plateau created by erosion.
• Attend Local Herding Practices — Participate in morning or evening herding activities with Mongolian pastoralists to learn their traditional daily routines.

Food to try

• Hand-Pulled Lamb Noodles (羊肉拉面) — Chewy wheat noodles served in a rich mutton broth with tender lamb chunks, a warming specialty of the grassland region.
• Milk Tea (奶茶) — Traditional salted or lightly sweetened tea mixed with milk and served hot, a daily staple of Mongolian herding culture.
• Grilled Lamb Skewers (烤羊肉串) — Tender lamb chunks seasoned with cumin and chili, grilled over open flame and often enjoyed at evening gatherings or local markets.
• Dairy Curds and Fresh Cheese (奶酪) — Fresh milk products made by local herders, ranging from soft curds to harder cheese, reflecting the pastoralist economy.
• Mongolian Hot Pot (蒙古火锅) — Communal dining experience with thinly sliced lamb cooked in boiling broth at the table, paired with local vegetables and dipping sauces.
• Wild Mushroom Dishes — Locally foraged mushrooms from the grassland prepared steamed, stir-fried, or in soups, prized for their delicate flavor.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Horse and Herding Culture — Ask permission before touching horses or approaching herds, and always accept offers of milk tea or dairy products as a sign of hospitality.
• Plan Around Seasonal Weather — Summer and autumn offer the best conditions, but weather changes rapidly; bring layers and rain gear even on clear days.
• Book Accommodations in Advance — Yurts and guesthouses fill quickly during peak season (July-September), so reserve early and confirm access to rural areas with local guides.
• Support Local Communities — Purchase handicrafts directly from herders and eat at family-run restaurants rather than tourist chains to sustain grassland livelihoods.