Huanglong Villa Tourist Area is located in Yuhongsi Village, six kilometers northeast of Xinbao'an Town, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Adjacent to Beijing in the east and connecting Shanxi and Inner Mongolia in the west, the scenic area enjoys a superior geographical location and convenient transportation. As one of the relatively well-preserved primitive forest areas in northern China, Huanglong Villa is renowned for its majestic and rolling mountains, rich ecological resources, and unique leisure experiences. The peaks in the mountains are like nine giant dragons lying horizontally, presenting a magnificent momentum. The total area of the scenic area is 8 square kilometers, with the resort area covering more than 8,000 mu. The ecological vegetation coverage rate is as high as 95%, with fresh air and abundant negative ion content. The annual average temperature is 19.1℃, and the maximum temperature in midsummer is about 26℃, making it an ideal place for summer vacation and leisure health preservation. The scenic area integrates multiple functions such as catering, accommodation, entertainment, shopping, summer vacation, and mountaineering exploration, with complete supporting facilities. It has successively won honors such as "Municipal Comprehensive Governance Compliance Unit" and "Zhangjiakou Tourism Industry Advanced Collective".
History and Culture
Huanglong Villa contains profound historical and cultural heritage, with many mythological legends passed down. It is said that the Eight Immortals once left a treasure cabinet on Xiangui Mountain, which contained 18 treasures such as golden rollers, silver mills, and golden ponies. The treasure cabinet was locked with a stone lock, and the key to open it was left in Jiulong Valley. According to folk legend, those who can find the key can obtain great wealth, adding a mysterious color to the scenic area. In addition, on the southeast cliff of the scenic area, there is the Hushen Cave, which enshrines "Huguo Longwang Buddha" (Protector of the Nation Dragon King Buddha) Hushen. It is said that Hushen was originally from Shanxi during the Ming Dynasty. Because he was an honest and upright official, he was later placed by the gods in an ice gourd on the cliff of Huanglong Villa. After ten years of hard cultivation, he became an immortal. He often came out of the cave to bring rain and bless the people, so he was conferred the title of "Huguo Longwang Buddha". To this day, many tourists still come to pray for blessings.
In addition to mythological legends, there are also red historical marks around Huanglong Villa. The site of the Xinbao'an Battle, about 15 minutes' drive from the scenic area, was a key battlefield in the Pingjin Campaign. In 1948, fierce battles took place here, witnessing an important chapter in China's revolutionary history. Tourists can take this opportunity to feel the turbulent years of war and remember the sacrifices and contributions of revolutionary ancestors.
Main Attractions
Yunzhong Grassland
Yunzhong Grassland is the core attraction of Huanglong Villa, located in the northern part of the scenic area, at an altitude of 1,800 meters, covering an area of 8 square kilometers. This alpine meadow is like a huge emerald inlaid on the top of the peaks, with clouds and mist lingering all year round, forming a magical landscape of "people walking in the clouds, grass swaying in the mist". The average temperature in summer is only 19.1℃, more than 10℃ lower than in cities, making it an excellent summer resort. The grassland is covered with various wild flowers such as dandelions and golden lotuses, which bloom like a sea of flowers in summer. There are also often traces of wild animals such as hares and squirrels. The scenic area has laid wooden plank roads in the grassland, and tourists can hike along the plank roads to explore. The "Luoying Rock" at the end offers a spectacular view of the thousand-meter-deep valley. There is an equestrian experience area on the edge of the grassland, providing horse riding services at a price of 30 yuan per lap, allowing tourists to experience the joy of galloping on the grassland. In summer, starry sky camping can also be carried out here to experience a night integrated with nature.
Xiangui Mountain
Xiangui Mountain is located in the southeast of the scenic area, named after a huge rock on the top of the mountain that looks like a "fairy cabinet". It is a highly legendary attraction in the scenic area. According to legend, the crack between the cabinet body and the cabinet cover is narrow, only allowing one person to pass sideways. The scenic area has specially set up a "Touch the Fairy Cabinet" check-in point, where tourists can touch the "keyhole" of the legendary treasure cabinet, implying to gain "fortune". Climbing Xiangui Mountain requires using both hands and feet, with steep rocks along the way, which is very challenging. After reaching the top, you can have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains like waves. The natural texture on the rock surface is like a "heavenly book" carved by time, inspiring people's imagination.
Huanglongtan
Huanglongtan is formed by the convergence of mountain springs. The water in the pool is clear to the bottom and rich in various minerals. In summer, the water temperature is cool, and tourists can soak their feet here to relieve summer heat. According to folk legend, the little yellow dragon once played here. The natural mark on a rock by the pool is called the "dragon claw print", which is a popular photo spot for tourists. Walking along the trail by the pool, you can see wild walnut trees and other vegetation. In late autumn, the walnut leaves fall all over the ground, forming a golden scene with unique charm.
Baoshi Gate
Passing through Baoshi Gate, you officially step into the core tourist area of Huanglong Villa, as if starting a wonderful journey to explore nature and legends. Its unique landform and mythological implications make it one of the first landscapes that tourists stop to appreciate after entering the scenic area.
Hushen Cave
Hushen Cave is located on a cliff in the scenic area, and enshrines "Huguo Longwang Buddha" Hushen inside. The natural stalactites on the cave walls have unique shapes, resembling dragon scales, adding a mysterious atmosphere. Tourists can enter the cave with incense to pray for blessings, feeling the artistic conception of "a mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals living there". Outside the cave, you can enjoy the steep scenery around the cliff.
Duxian Bridge
Duxian Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the mountains, named after a local legend: a woodcutter once passed through this bridge and happened to see Lü Dongbin and Han Zhongli playing chess here. He was enlightened and became an immortal after watching the chess for a long time. Therefore, people believe that those who walk across this bridge can have a life as good as immortals. Although the bridge is not long, walking on it, you can feel the mountain breeze and enjoy the surrounding scenery, which is quite interesting.
Maitreya Buddha Statue
The Maitreya Buddha statue is built against the mountain, with a serene expression. It has a bare chest and belly, and a cheerful, smiling face, fully embodying the open-minded spirit of "A big belly can contain all the unbearable things in the world; a wide smile laughs at all the laughable people in the world". Surrounded by green trees, the statue is in a tranquil environment. It is not only a cultural landscape with Zen charm in the scenic area but also a popular spot for tourists to stop and pray, allowing them to feel a sense of peace. Its amiable and lovely image complements the natural landscapes of the villa, conveying the cultural connotation of optimism and tolerance.
Dahu Platform
Dahu Platform carries the local hero story. In May 1966, Zhang Yusheng, who was demobilized and returned to his hometown to serve as the production team leader, encountered a tiger while grazing here. To protect the production team's cattle, he fought against the tiger regardless of his own safety and finally succeeded in subduing it, known as the "living Wu Song". There are introductions about related deeds here, allowing tourists to learn about this history of bravery and fearlessness.
Changshou Pavilion
Changshou Pavilion is located by the gurgling mountain stream, surrounded by green trees, in a quiet environment. In front of the pavilion stands an auspicious statue of cranes and deer in spring, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. There is a local saying: "Walking in front of Changshou Pavilion, you will live to be ninety-nine; sitting on Changshou Pavilion, all worries will disappear and you will be as happy as an immortal". It is a good place for tourists to relax and cool off, where they can listen to the gurgling stream and feel the beauty of nature.
Cableway
The cableway is a convenient transportation method connecting the scenic area at the foot of the mountain and Yunzhong Grassland, with a total length of about 1,200 meters and a one-way travel time of about 20 minutes. The cableway adopts a safe and reliable single-line circulating fixed grip cabin design, with a wide view from the cabin. Tourists can enjoy the mountain scenery along the way in all directions when taking it. For tourists who do not want to hike or have limited physical strength, the cableway not only saves 2-3 hours of climbing time, but also provides a unique perspective to overlook the whole view of the villa, making the journey more relaxed and comfortable.
Tour Route
It is recommended to enter from the scenic area entrance, first visit Baoshi Gate, pass through the natural cave, and enjoy the steep scenery of Baoshi Mountain with thousand-ren peaks. Then visit the attractions at the foot of the mountain such as Hushen Cave, Duxian Bridge, Huanglongtan, and Guanyin Temple in turn to experience the characteristics of different landscapes. After that, you can choose to hike up the mountain (about 2-3 hours for the whole journey) or take the cable car (about 20 minutes for one way) to the top of the mountain. After reaching the top, first visit Yunzhong Grassland, hike along the wooden plank road to Luoying Rock for sightseeing, and experience activities such as horse riding; then go to Xiangui Mountain, climb and participate in the "Touch the Fairy Cabinet" check-in, and enjoy the scenery on the top of the mountain. After the visit, you can go south along the mountain road from the top of the mountain, enjoy the natural landscapes such as Saddle Bridge, Elephant Stone Mountain, Dangerous Road Ladder, and Reclining Buddha Stone along the way, and finally return to the scenic area entrance. The total tour time is about 6-8 hours.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend 1 day visiting the scenic area. If you want to deeply experience the grassland starry sky or participate in night activities, you can choose to stay in the scenic area. The resort offers various room types for selection.
- The best travel season is summer (June-August), when the temperature is cool and the grassland is covered with blooming flowers, making it suitable for summer escape. Autumn (September-October) is also a good choice with rich colors of mountains and forests.
- For hiking, you need to prepare comfortable sports shoes and an appropriate amount of drinking water. The temperature on the top of the mountain is relatively low, so it is recommended to bring a thin coat even in summer.
- Tourists planning to experience starry sky camping can consult the scenic area in advance to see if tent rental services are available, or they can bring their own equipment, which must be set up in designated areas.
- There are catering areas in the scenic area, mainly featuring local characteristic farm dishes. You can also bring your own dry food and snacks.
- In spring, you can participate in the Flower Festival held in the scenic area; in autumn, there is the Autumn Fruits Picking Festival; and in winter, some areas open snow projects. You can plan your trip according to the characteristics of different seasons.
Matters Needing Attention
- During mountain climbing and sightseeing, you must follow the guidance of the scenic area's signposts and must not enter undeveloped areas without permission to avoid danger.
- Climbing Xiangui Mountain is relatively difficult. Tourists with heart disease, high blood pressure or acrophobia are advised to choose carefully. When climbing, you must hold on firmly and step steadily, paying attention to safety.
- When soaking your feet in Huanglongtan, be careful of slippery ground to avoid falling. Protect the environment of the pool and do not litter.
- Grassland camping must comply with the regulations of the scenic area, keep the environment clean, do not discard waste at will, and pay attention to keeping warm and safe at night.
- There are wild animals active in the scenic area. Do not feed, disturb or harm them at will, and protect the ecological environment.
- Short-term showers may occur in mountainous areas in summer. It is recommended to bring rain gear and take sun protection measures to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Respect local religious beliefs and folk customs, keep quiet in places for praying such as Hushen Cave, and abide by relevant etiquette.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Beijing, drive along Beijing-Tibet Expressway (G6) to Huailai Exit, then drive along National Highway 110 towards Xinbao'an Town, and then follow the road signs to Huanglong Villa. The whole journey is about 120 kilometers, and the driving time is about 1.5 hours. Starting from Zhangjiakou urban area, drive east along Beijing-Tibet Expressway (G6) to Huailai Exit, and then follow the same route as above. The whole journey is about 140 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2 hours.
- Public transportation: Take a bus from Huailai County Passenger Station to Xinbao'an Town (about one bus every 30 minutes, with a driving time of about 40 minutes). After arriving in Xinbao'an Town, you can take a taxi to the scenic area (about 15 minutes' drive, costing about 20 yuan). There are long-distance buses from near Zhuoxinchuang Subway Station in Beijing to Huailai County. After arriving, you can transfer to the above-mentioned bus or taxi.
- Tourist special line: Some tourist platforms or travel agencies have one-day tour special lines to Huanglong Villa starting from Beijing, including transportation and tickets, which can be booked online in advance.
Opening Hours
It is open all year round, and the opening hours are slightly adjusted according to the season: in summer (April 1st - October 31st), it is 8:00-18:00; in winter (November 1st - March 31st of the next year), it is 9:00-17:00. The scenic area may fine-tune the opening hours according to weather, holidays and other conditions. It is recommended to confirm through the official phone of the scenic area before departure.
Tickets
As of August 18, 2025, the ticket price is 80 yuan per person. You can search for the service account "怀来黄龙山庄旅游区" on WeChat to get the latest updates.