Saihanba National Forest Park is located in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It belongs to the Bashang Plateau area and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, as well as one of the largest forest parks in northern China. The scenic area features "forest sea and snow plain, grassland lakes, wetland meadows" as its core characteristics, integrating ecological sightseeing, leisure and vacation, popular science education, and red tourism, showcasing the ecological miracle from desert sandy land to green mountains and clear waters. The total management area of the park reaches 140.6 mu (about 93,733 hectares), with a forest coverage rate as high as 82%. It has main tree species such as larch, Scotch pine, and spruce, forming a vast artificial forest sea. The average altitude in the park is 1,500-1,940 meters, with a cool climate. The average temperature in summer is about 23°C, making it a summer resort; in winter, it is covered in snow, becoming a good place for ice and snow tourism. There are no large-scale buildings in the scenic area, which mainly consist of natural landscapes and ecological facilities, retaining the original natural features and ecological environment.
History and Culture
Historically, Saihanba was an important part of the Qing Dynasty royal hunting ground "Mulan Autumn Hunting". It was established as part of the royal hunting ground during the Kangxi period and has a profound royal cultural heritage. At that time, this place was rich in water and grass, with a large number of birds and animals, and was a place for royal nobles to hunt and train troops, leaving many legends and historical records related to royal hunting.
Since modern times, Saihanba has experienced severe ecological damage. By the early 1960s, the primeval forest almost disappeared, turning into a desert sandy land where "yellow sand blocks the sun and birds have no trees to perch on". In 1962, the state established the Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm. 369 pioneers from 19 provinces and regions across the country took on the mission of "blocking sand sources for the capital and containing water sources for Beijing and Tianjin" and started the arduous cause of afforestation.
Through the unremitting efforts of three generations of Saihanba people, under extremely harsh natural conditions, they have accumulated 1.151 million mu of afforestation, built the largest man-made forest in northern China, created a human miracle of transforming from a desert to an oasis, and nurtured the Saihanba spirit of "keeping in mind the mission, working hard, and pursuing green development". In 2017, Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm won the "Champions of the Earth" award, the highest honor in environmental protection awarded by the United Nations. Its achievements in ecological governance have become a model for global ecological restoration, and the Saihanba spirit has also been incorporated into the spiritual spectrum of the Communist Party of China, becoming a precious spiritual wealth.
Main Attractions
Qixing Lake Wetland Park
Qixing Lake Wetland Park is one of the core attractions of Saihanba National Forest Park. It gets its name because there are seven natural lakes of different sizes and shapes distributed among the mountains, shaped like the Big Dipper. The total area of the park is about 1,000 mu, including 300 mu of water area. The wetland ecosystem is complete, and it is a habitat for many waterfowl and fish. The lake is surrounded by dense water plants and birch forests. In summer, the grass is green and flowers are everywhere; in autumn, the forests are dyed in various colors; in winter, the lake surface is frozen and covered in snow, with different scenery in four seasons. A wooden plank road with a total length of about 5 kilometers has been built in the park. Tourists can walk along the plank road to enjoy the lake, mountains, and wetland scenery, making it an excellent place for photography and leisure.
Saihan Tower
Saihan Tower is located on the main peak of Saihanba at an altitude of 1,800 meters. It is 42.8 meters high with 7 floors and is one of the iconic buildings of the scenic area. The tower body is designed in an antique style with overhanging eaves and bucket arches, showing a magnificent momentum. Climbing to the top of the tower, you can have a 360-degree view of the vast forest sea, vast grassland, and undulating mountains of Saihanba, taking in the trinity ecological landscape of "forest sea, grassland, and lake". There is an exhibition hall in the tower, displaying the historical changes, afforestation process, and animal and plant specimens of Saihanba, allowing tourists to understand the ecological construction achievements of Saihanba while climbing high and looking far. The ticket for climbing the tower is included in the scenic area's through ticket. It is recommended to go in the morning or evening when the weather is clear to enjoy the magnificent scenery at sunrise or sunset.
Jiangjun Paozi (General's Lake)
Jiangjun Paozi is a time-honored natural lake located deep in the grasslands of Saihanba, covering an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers. Its name originates from the Battle of Wulanbutong during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that Tong Guogang, the uncle of Emperor Kangxi, died here in the battle. "Paozi" is the local colloquial term for a lake, hence the name Jiangjun Paozi. It is not only a historical relic but also a representative of grassland lake landscapes. The lake is surrounded by vast grasslands and sparse woods. In summer, the water and grass here are lush, and it often serves as a habitat for waterfowls such as wild ducks and swans. In winter, the lake surface freezes over, and the grassland takes on a boundless and desolate look, presenting a unique scenery. Tourists can ride horses or stroll by the lake to feel the vastness of the grassland and the profoundness of history. They can also taste local specialties like roasted whole lamb and milk tea to experience the grassland customs.
Golden Lotus Reflecting the Sun
"Golden Lotus Reflecting the Sun" is one of the famous landscapes in Saihanba, located in the golden lotus viewing area in the transition zone between grassland and forest. Golden lotus is a characteristic flower of Saihanba, with a flower shape similar to a lotus and a golden color. It blooms from July to August every year. The golden lotuses all over the mountains, under the sunlight, are like a golden ocean, forming a colorful picture with the surrounding green grassland and birch forests. The scenic area has viewing platforms and walking paths to facilitate tourists' viewing and photography. Golden lotus not only has high ornamental value but also can be used as medicine or made into tea. Tourists can buy dried golden lotus as souvenirs locally.
Shenlongtan
Shenlongtan is a natural lake formed by the convergence of streams, located deep in the Saihanba forest. It covers an area of about 50 mu (approximately 3.33 hectares) with a water depth of around 10 meters. The lake water is so clear that the bottom is visible, and it is surrounded by dense larch and birch forests, creating a quiet environment with fresh air. Legend has it that a giant dragon once inhabited here, hence the name Shenlongtan. It is a natural oxygen bar where tourists can walk along the wooden plank road by the lake, listen to the birds singing in the forest and the sound of flowing water, and feel the tranquility and peace of nature. Cold-water fish grow in the lake, making it a good spot for fishing enthusiasts (subject to the scenic area regulations). There are also rest pavilions nearby for tourists to take a break and have picnics (please pay attention to protecting the environment and taking away garbage).
Food
Roasted Whole Lamb
Roasted whole lamb is a signature dish in Saihanba and the Bashang area. It uses locally raised sheep, which are cleaned, coated with secret seasonings, and slowly roasted over charcoal fire for 3-4 hours. The roasted whole lamb has a crispy outer skin, tender meat, and a fragrant aroma. It generally needs to be booked in advance and is suitable for 8-10 people to share. The price is about 800-1200 yuan per lamb, depending on the size of the sheep. On the grassland, roasted whole lamb is often accompanied by a bonfire party, where tourists can enjoy food while watching ethnic songs and dances, experiencing the strong grassland customs.
Hand-Held Meat
Hand-held meat is a traditional Mongolian food, which is common in restaurants in Saihanba. It uses fresh mutton (mostly lamb legs and lamb chops), boiled in clear water without too many seasonings, retaining the original flavor of the mutton. When eating, you hold it with your hands and dip it in seasonings such as leek flowers and fermented bean curd. The meat is tender and not greasy. A serving of hand-held meat is about 80-120 yuan, which can be paired with milk tea or mare's milk wine to feel the ruggedness and simplicity of grassland food culture.
Bashang Oat Noodles
Oat noodles are a characteristic staple food in the Bashang area, made from oats, rich in protein and dietary fiber. There are various ways to make oat noodles in Saihanba, such as oat noodle nests, oat noodle fish, and oat noodle dumplings, which are usually eaten with mutton soup, sauerkraut sauce, etc. They have a chewy texture and are nutritious. A set meal of oat noodles is about 30-50 yuan, which is one of the daily staple foods of local people and a must-try food for tourists to experience Bashang's diet.
Milk Tea
Milk tea is a traditional drink in Saihanba and Mongolian areas, made by boiling brick tea, milk, or goat milk, and salt or sugar can be added according to taste. The local milk tea is mostly salty, with a strong milk and tea aroma. It can quench thirst, warm the body, and be eaten with milk curd, fried rice, etc. It can be tasted in restaurants and herders' homes around the scenic area. A cup of milk tea is about 5-10 yuan, which is an important part of experiencing grassland life.
Tickets
As of August 12, 2025, the combined ticket is 130 yuan per person, and no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are adjusted according to the season. In summer (April 1 - October 31), the opening hours are 7:00-18:00; in winter (November 1 - March 31 of the next year), the opening hours are 8:00-17:00. Affected by weather and fire prevention policies, some attractions may be closed or their opening hours adjusted in winter. For example, General's Lake and Qixing Lake may be closed due to road snow after heavy snow. The fire prevention period is from late October to early April of the next year. Those entering the scenic area must abide by fire prevention regulations and are strictly prohibited from carrying fire sources. It is recommended to consult the latest opening information through the official website or phone of the scenic area before traveling, especially when going in winter, to confirm the road conditions and the opening status of attractions.
Tour Route
It is recommended to arrange 2-3 days to visit Saihanba National Forest Park. The following is a classic tour route: On the first day, arrive at the scenic area in the morning, first visit Qixing Lake Wetland Park, walk along the wooden plank road to enjoy the wetland lake and forest landscape, which takes about 2 hours; have lunch near the scenic area at noon, go to Saihan Tower in the afternoon, climb the tower to overlook the whole view of the forest sea, visit the exhibition hall in the tower, then go to the Golden Lotus Reflecting the Sun scenic area (best from July to August) to watch the golden lotus, which takes about 3 hours in total; go to General's Lake in the evening to enjoy the grassland sunset and experience the grassland customs, and stay in a resort near General's Lake. On the second day, ride horses or experience grassland activities in General's Lake in the morning, then go to Shenlongtan, walk along the plank road by the lake to feel the tranquility of the forest lake, which takes about 2.5 hours; have a picnic near Shenlongtan or return to the town for lunch at noon; visit other small attractions such as Taifeng Lake and Qiansongba in the afternoon, arranged flexibly according to time; return to the accommodation to rest in the evening. On the third day, choose to watch the sunrise according to the weather (recommended at Saihan Tower or grassland highland) in the morning, then buy local specialties, pack up and return. This route can fully experience various landscapes of Saihanba such as forests, grasslands, lakes, and wetlands, considering both natural sightseeing and cultural experience.
Transportation
Self-Driving
- Starting from Beijing: Drive along Jingcheng Expressway, Daguang Expressway, and Capital Ring Expressway, get off at Weichang North Exit, then drive along Siyu Line and Qisai Line. The total distance is about 450 kilometers, and the driving time is about 6-7 hours.
- Starting from Chengde: Drive along Daguang Expressway, Jingjia Line, and Qisai Line. The total distance is about 180 kilometers, and the driving time is about 3-4 hours.
- The roads in the scenic area are mainly asphalt roads, and some sections are gravel roads. The road conditions are better in summer, and some sections may be snowy and icy in winter, so drive carefully. It is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. There are multiple parking lots in the scenic area, and parking is free.
Public Transport
- Starting from Beijing: You can take a long-distance bus to Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County at Liuliqiao Passenger Station, with 1-2 trips a day, the fare is about 100 yuan, and the driving time is about 6 hours; after arriving at Weichang County, transfer to a bus to Saihanba, with 3 trips a day (8:00, 11:00, 14:00), the fare is about 30 yuan, and the driving time is about 2 hours.
- Starting from Chengde: Chengde North Bus Station has buses to Weichang County, one every 30 minutes, the fare is about 30 yuan, and the driving time is about 2 hours; after arriving at Weichang County, transfer to a bus to Saihanba (same as above).
Tourist Special Line
- Cities such as Beijing and Tianjin have travel agencies that open tourist special lines to Saihanba, including transportation, tickets, accommodation, etc. The itinerary is mostly 2-3 days, and the price is about 800-1500 yuan per person, suitable for tourists who do not like self-driving.
- There are more tourist special line trips in peak seasons (July-August, October) and fewer in off-seasons, so it is necessary to book in advance.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Qixing Lake Wetland Park: With an area of about 1,000 mu, 7 lakes are distributed like the Big Dipper. The wetland ecosystem is complete, and a 5-kilometer wooden plank road allows walking to enjoy the scenery. It is a representative of Saihanba's wetland landscape, beautiful in all seasons, especially suitable for visiting in summer and autumn.
- Saihan Tower: A 42.8-meter-high, 7-story antique tower located on the main peak at an altitude of 1,800 meters. Climbing to the top can overlook the whole view of the forest sea, grassland, and lake. There is a Saihanba historical and cultural exhibition in the tower, which is a must-visit place to understand the Saihanba spirit and enjoy the panoramic view.
- General's Lake: A 1.5-square-kilometer grassland lake, carrying the historical memory of the Battle of Wulanbutong. You can experience grassland horse riding, watch waterfowl, and feel the integration of grassland and history. It has unique characteristics with vast snowy scenery in winter and abundant water and grass in summer.
- Golden Lotus Reflecting the Sun: From July to August, golden lotuses are in full bloom. The golden hue covering the mountains contrasts with the green grasslands, forming a signature floral landscape of Saihanba. There are viewing platforms here, making it an ideal spot for taking photos and checking in. Visitors can also learn about the medicinal value of golden lotuses and the achievements of local ecological protection.
Travel Suggestions
- The best travel seasons are June-August (summer resort with grasslands and flowers) and October (autumn foliage viewing with golden forests). In summer, bring sun protection products and a thin coat (there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, with an average temperature of 23°C and around 15°C in the morning and evening). In autumn, a thick coat is necessary (temperatures range from about 5°C to 15°C).
- The scenic area is large with scattered attractions, so it is recommended to travel by self-driving or chartered car. The cost of chartering a car is about 300-500 yuan per day (depending on the vehicle type), allowing flexible scheduling of the itinerary.
- For accommodation, it is advisable to choose resorts or homestays within or near the scenic area. During peak seasons (July-August, National Day), bookings need to be made 1-2 weeks in advance, with prices ranging from about 200-800 yuan per night. In the off-season, prices are lower, around 100-300 yuan per night.
- Bring enough drinking water and dry food, as catering in the scenic area is relatively expensive, and some remote attractions have no catering facilities. You can purchase supplies in Weichang County and bring them in.
- Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities. When horseback riding or participating in activities on the grassland, follow the guidance of the guide and pay attention to safety. Protect the ecological environment: do not pick flowers arbitrarily or litter.
- Photography enthusiasts are advised to bring a telephoto lens and a tripod. In autumn, the sunrise time is about 6:00-6:30, and the sunset time is about 17:30-18:00. You can plan the shooting time in advance.
Precautions
- Saihanba is located on a plateau with a relatively high altitude, and some tourists may experience altitude sickness (such as headaches, dizziness). It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, walk slowly, and rest or seek medical attention in time if feeling unwell. There are medical stations in the scenic area.
- During the fire prevention period (late October to April of the following year), carrying fire sources into the scenic area is strictly prohibited, as is smoking or barbecuing in the forested areas. Violators will face fines or even legal liability, and security checks are conducted at the entrance of the scenic area.
- There are many mosquitoes in summer, so bring mosquito repellent, floral water, and other anti-mosquito supplies. The ultraviolet rays on the grassland are strong, so take sun protection measures: wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen.
- Mobile phone signals are weak in some sections of the scenic area. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance and inform family members of your itinerary. Self-driving tourists should check the vehicle condition and prepare snow chains (in winter).
- Respect the production and life of local herdsmen. Do not enter private pastures or drive away livestock without permission. When purchasing specialties, ask about the price in advance to avoid disputes.
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area: do not feed wild animals arbitrarily, do not damage vegetation or facilities. In case of bad weather (such as heavy rain, strong winds), follow the instructions of the scenic area staff and evacuate to a safe area in time.