Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area is located in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and an important part of the Mulan Paddock, the imperial hunting ground of the Qing Dynasty. The total area of the scenic area is approximately 1,000 square kilometers, with a width of 50 kilometers from east to west and a length of 33 kilometers from north to south. The altitude ranges from 1,230 meters to 1,820 meters, and it has a cold temperate continental monsoon plateau climate with an annual average temperature of 3°C-5°C. The summer here is cool and pleasant, making it an ideal place for summer vacations. The scenic area is rich in natural resources, with 700,000 mu of primitive grassland, 200,000 mu of wetlands, 500,000 mu of natural secondary forests, as well as 21 natural freshwater lakes, 47 springs, and 13 rivers. It is one of the sources of the Luanhe River. There are a great variety of flora and fauna here, including 659 plant species from 50 families and more than 100 wild animal species, with prominent biodiversity. It is known as "the source of water, the hometown of clouds, the world of flowers, the ocean of forests, and the paradise of rare birds and animals". The scenic area features both natural landscapes such as grasslands, forests, lakes, and wetlands, as well as historical sites like Kangxi's Drill Ground and Imperial Spring, where natural and cultural landscapes complement each other.
Historical Culture
Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area has a profound historical heritage, and its core area was once part of the Mulan Paddock, the imperial hunting ground of the Qing Dynasty. The name "Yudaokou" (Imperial Passage) originated from the Kangxi period. It is said that when Emperor Kangxi made a western tour to Outer Mongolia, he passed through Ruyi River Estuary here and conducted military drills, hence the name "Yudaokou". Since then, it has become one of the important venues for imperial activities.
Many relics in the scenic area carry rich imperial culture of the Qing Dynasty. For example, Kangxi's Drill Ground is the site of the 53rd "Soujiwei" during Emperor Kangxi's hunting trips in the Mulan Paddock. Emperor Kangxi once reviewed the army that quelled Galdan here, witnessing the imperial military and hunting culture of the Qing Dynasty. In addition, attractions such as the Imperial Spring are also related to imperial history. It is said that when the emperor was thirsty while hunting here, his guards found this spring. After drinking the water, the emperor felt very refreshed and named it "Imperial Spring". Such relics and legends together form the unique historical and cultural context of the scenic area.
Major Attractions
Moon Lake
Moon Lake was originally named "Shanao Paozi", derived from the Battle of Wulanmutong during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. Later, it became well-known and was renamed because films and TV dramas such as "My Fair Princess" were filmed here. Its Mongolian name is "Shalanor". Located in the Yudaokou Scenic Area, it is a plateau lake with an altitude of over 1,400 meters. The lake is 6 meters deep, with a straight-line length of 4,000 meters and a width ranging from 300 meters to 500 meters. The lake surface bends along the mountains, shaped like a crescent moon, with a total area of 10 square kilometers. The surrounding landscape of the lake is rich: the north is covered with dense artificial forests, and the west and south are connected to the Yudaokou Ranch. Integrating forest, grassland, and lake landscapes, it is one of the most representative natural landscapes in the scenic area.
Sun Lake
Sun Lake is another important lake in Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area, with a total area of about 1,000 mu. The lake surface is open and the water is clear. Surrounded by grasslands and forests, the lake has a superior ecological environment and is often inhabited by waterfowl. Sun Lake gets its name from the scene where the lake surface shimmers in the sunlight, like the radiance of the sun. It is a good place for bird watching, photography, and leisure. Tourists can walk along the lake, enjoy the natural scenery where grasslands and lakes blend, and feel the peaceful plateau atmosphere.
Kangxi's Drill Ground
Kangxi's Drill Ground is an important historical relic in the scenic area, which is the site of "Soujiwei", the 53rd hunting ground when Emperor Kangxi hunted in the Mulan Paddock. The drill ground is located at a relatively high altitude with a wide view. Climbing up, you can overlook the vast grasslands and woodlands around. It is recorded that Emperor Kangxi once reviewed his troops here, demonstrating the tradition of combining imperial hunting and military training in the Qing Dynasty. Today, it has become an important attraction for tourists to learn about the imperial culture and history of the Qing Dynasty. Looking far into the distance from the drill ground, you can not only feel the weight of history but also enjoy the magnificent natural scenery around.
Taoshan Lake
Taoshan Lake is a wetland landscape in the scenic area, consisting of Upper Taohu Lake, Lower Taohu Lake, and Taoshan Mountain, with a total area of about 3,000 mu. The wetland is rich in aquatic plants and has a variety of aquatic flora, making it a habitat for many birds and one of the important water conservation areas of the Luanhe River. With a primitive ecological environment and unique landscape, in summer, the lake surface reflects the surrounding mountains and vegetation, presenting a pleasant scenery. It is an excellent spot for ecological sightseeing and photography, where tourists can experience the diversity of the wetland ecosystem.
European Style Garden
European Style Garden is located in Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area, Chengde City. It is a scenic spot famous for its unique natural scenery and European-style features. The garden is at an altitude of 1,480 meters, with a large area of natural secondary birch forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The terrain is undulating, providing tourists with a natural landscape experience as if they were in Europe. It is not only a paradise for photographers but also highly praised for its unique natural beauty, known as "the most European-style garden on the Bashang Plateau".
Yudaokou Grand Canyon
Yudaokou Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located 10 kilometers north of the headquarters of Yudaokou Ranch. The northern part of the scenic area is connected to Saihanba National Forest Park, with a total area of 40 square kilometers. The altitude ranges from 1,230 meters to 1,730 meters, with a total length of 10 kilometers, and the deepest part of the canyon is over 300 meters. There are many small canyons within the grand canyon, with crisscrossing gullies, forming a unique group of canyons in Yudaokou Grassland.
Tour Routes
Recommended one-day tour route: In the morning, start from the entrance of the scenic area and first go to Kangxi's Drill Ground to visit historical relics and learn about the imperial culture of the Qing Dynasty, with a visiting time of about 1.5 hours. Then go to the Imperial Spring to feel the clarity of the spring water and its historical legends, staying for about 30 minutes. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant to taste local specialty foods at noon. In the afternoon, first go to Moon Lake, walk along the lake, and enjoy the lake, grassland, and forest landscapes, with a visiting time of about 2 hours. Then go to Sun Lake to experience the open lake scenery, take photos or engage in leisure activities, with a visiting time of about 1.5 hours. End the trip in the evening. If time permits, you can arrange a two-day tour and go to Taoshan Lake on the second day to deeply experience the wetland ecological landscape and engage in activities such as bird watching.
Travel Suggestions
- The best travel seasons are June-August and September-October. From June to August, the grasslands are lush and the lakes are clear, suitable for summer cooling; from September to October, the autumn scenery is picturesque, with forests and grasslands showing rich colors, suitable for photography.
- The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to travel by self-driving or take the scenic area sightseeing bus. The sightseeing bus has fixed routes and can stop at major attractions, with a ticket validity period of usually 2-3 days.
- Horse riding and grassland off-road activities can be experienced in the scenic area. It is recommended to choose a regular horse farm for horse riding, with a price of about 100-200 yuan per hour, and follow the guidance of the staff.
- Local specialty foods include roasted whole lamb, hand-held meat, and Bashang oat noodles. The average consumption per person in restaurants in the scenic area is about 60-120 yuan, and you can also choose to taste farm dishes at accommodation places.
- For accommodation, you can choose resorts or farmyards in the scenic area. The prices vary according to different grades, generally 200-600 yuan per night. It is recommended to book 3-5 days in advance during the peak season (July-August).
- It is recommended to bring cameras, binoculars, and other equipment to facilitate shooting natural scenery and observing wild animals and birds.
Notes
- The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large. Even in summer, the temperature at night may drop to around 10°C, so it is necessary to bring long-sleeved jackets and trousers. It is recommended to bring warm clothes in autumn.
- Ultraviolet rays are strong in plateau areas, so it is necessary to take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen (SPF30 or above), wearing sun hats and sunglasses.
- Respect the historical relics and ecological environment in the scenic area. Do not climb or carve at will, pick plants, or disturb wild animals.
- Mobile phone signals are weak in some areas of the scenic area. It is recommended to agree on the gathering time and place with your companions in advance to avoid getting separated.
- The weather in grassland areas changes quickly, and there may be sudden showers. It is necessary to carry rain gear with you and pay attention to lightning protection.
- Self-driving tourists must abide by the traffic rules of the scenic area and do not park or crush grassland vegetation in non-designated areas at will.
- When entering areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, respect local customs and habits and abide by relevant regulations.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Beijing, drive along Jingcheng Expressway, Daguang Expressway, and Jingjia Line, pass through Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County to reach Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area. The whole journey is about 450 kilometers, and the driving time is about 6-7 hours. Starting from Chengde urban area, drive along Daguang Expressway and Jingjia Line, with a total distance of about 200 kilometers and a driving time of about 3.5 hours.
- Public transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Beijing Liuliqiao Long-Distance Bus Station to Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, with 1-2 departures per day. The journey takes about 7 hours. After arriving in Weichang, transfer to a bus or taxi to Yudaokou. The distance from Weichang to the scenic area is about 80 kilometers, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
- Tourist charter: You can choose a tourist charter in Weichang County or Chengde urban area to go to the scenic area. The charter fee varies according to the vehicle type and number of people, generally about 500-800 yuan for a round trip.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open all year round, and the opening hours are adjusted according to the season. Summer (April 1 - October 31): 7:00-18:00; Winter (November 1 - March 31 of the next year): 8:00-17:00. Some attractions may adjust their opening hours in winter due to weather conditions. For details, please refer to the announcement of the scenic area on that day.
Tickets
As of August 13, 2025, the ticket price is 80 yuan per person. You can search for the service account "御道口草原森林风景区" on WeChat to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.