China Travel Blogs - Tour-Beijing.com

Evening Stroll along the Ming Dynasty City Wall in Beijing

Daniel — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:23:14 +0000

Bombarded by the high rises and futuristic buildings of Beijing, you may be a bit disappointed at the superficial modernity of Beijing with “traditional Chinese elements” diminishing fast. But opposite to that trend, the Beijing government has been doing proactively to restore the historical sites in Beijing. Beijing Ming Dynasty Wall Relics Park is the result of such a great effort made to be reminiscent of Beijing’s glorious past.

The remnants of the city wall left from Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) is about 1.5km in length winding from east to west. On its southeast corner stands a massive tower (known as Arrow Tower) of the former inner city in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Walking close to the ancient city wall, you will feel you are being brought back to the cold weapons era when a defensive thick wall is a symbol of a strong nation.

The wall relics park is free of charge except the magnificent tower (RMB10). It is a pleasant walk along the brick-paved path paralleling the wall.

The remaining city wall presents itself different views formed by particular weathers, different time of the day and the seasons.

In summer, pick a fine day and go to the city wall park for a leisure stroll and immersed in history. The ancient city wall park is at its best when night falls with lights lit brilliantly.

Follow me to have a leisure stroll along the Ming Dynasty City Wall.

Walking on the brick-paved pathway in the park.

walking on the brick-paved pathway.

No more lonely

The Massive Remaining City Wall

A big curve road enables you to have a close look at the City Wall.

The brightly lit Arrow Towe ( Dongbianmen Tower ) – Corner Tower

Dongbianmen Tower

Evening exercises at the Ming City Wall

Exercises at the City Wall

Any questions, just drop a line.

Shichahai in the early morning

Daniel — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:25:32 +0000

Plan your Beijing tour? Pick a fine day for an early morning stroll along the shores of the three lakes of Shichahai - Qianhai Lake ( Front Lake ), Houhai ( Back Lake ) and Xihai ( West lake ). Qianhai and Houhai are linked by the famous bridge known as Yinding Bridge ( Ingot Bridge ). So Shichahai is the collective name for the three lakes which are roughly located between Drum Tower (Bell Tower and the northern gate of Beihai Park.

The Yinding Bridge links the Houhai Lake and the Qianhai Lake with the reflection of the rising sun on the water surface of the Houhai Lake.

the reflection of the rising sun on the water surface of the Houhai Lake

Many residences along the lake shores have been converted into bars, cafes and restaurants. Shichahai (Qianhai and Houhai in particular) is now well known for the spectacular nightlife

Many residences along the lake shores have been converted into bars, cafes and restaurants

Standing on the Yinding Bridge and look at the Houhai Lake surrounded with marble railings.

Houhai Lake surrounded with marble railings.

Fishing is not allowed on the three lakes to protect the lake conditions. But you will find a big number of local anglers sitting aound the lakes for fishing.

Fishing at Shichahai

The rising sun casts its reflection the Qianhai Lake dotted with the floating lotus leaves.

Qianhai Lake is a perfect place for killing your leissure time – boating and drinking.

Qianhai Lake is a perfect place for killing your leissure time

Only fishing and nothing else, a good pastime for hardworking people.

Only fishing and nothing else,

Shangdu Travel Guide – Xanadu Guide

Daniel — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:31:49 +0000

Also known as Xanadu, Shangdu in Chinese literally means “Upper Capital”, which was the summer capital of Kublai Khan’s Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368) in China. In the ruins of Shangdu, a spectacular civilization, a masterpiece of the multi-culture mix was discovered. It was a green city built by the nomads in Yuan Dynasty incorporating multi civilizations. The city, originally known as Kaiping, was later renamed Shangdu. Today, only the ruins remain, and surrounded by a grassy mound that was once the city wall.

a grassy mound that was once the city wall.

The famous Venetian traveller Marco Polo visited Shangdu in about 1275 was received by Kublai Khan in the city. In his book, He described the city of Shangdu: “A city called Shangdu, which was constructed by the Khan who is now in power. There are many palaces built out of stones in the city. All the houses are covered with gold and decorated with the pictures of birds, animals and flowers. These buildings and patterns are so pretty that they are appealing to the eye.” From what Marco Polo described, we can imagine how prosperous and luxury the city was at that time.

It was designed by Liu Bingzhong, Kublai Khan’s adviser of Han ethnic group. The city of Shangdu took four years’construction, and was finished in 1256. The design of the upper capital reflected the layout of a traditional Han Chinese city and at the same time incorporating the habit of Mongolians’nomadic life style. In 1369 Shangdu was taken and destroyed by the Ming army. Today, only the ruins remain, and surrounded by a grassy mound that was once the city wall

Shangdu was immortalized as Xanadu by English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who wrote the well-known poem titled Kubla Khan. Coleridge’s description of Shangdu has the elements of the works of both Marco Polo and Samuel Purchas. In his description of Shangdu, Marco Polo wrote: “ The Palace circled by a wall, inside the Park there are fountains and rivers and brooks and beautiful meadows, with all kinds of wild animals”. Thanks to the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Xanadu has become a metaphor for splendor and Prosperity.

On Friday, June 29, 2012, Xanadu (China) was listed as the World Cultural Heritage.

The World Cultural Heritage Site of Xanadu

Shangdu Travel Tips

Shangdu is located some 20 kilometers northeast of Zhenglan Banner and about 28 kilometres northwest of Duolun County, 296km to the west of Chifeng, 374km to west of Chengde, 447km to the northwest of Beijing and 239km to the south of Xilingol.

Traveling Shangdu overland is the only option with several starting points – Zhenglan Qi, Chifeng, Xilinhot, Chengde and Beijing.

Duolun: three daily buses going to Shangdu – 6:30, 14：30 and 14：30.

Any questions, just drop line.

Inner Mongolia Tour

Top 10 Mosques in Beijing

Daniel — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:24:10 +0000

Plan your Beijing Muslim tour? The history of the mosques in Beijing dates back to the year 996 when two Arabic elders started the construction of Niu Jie Mosque ( Ox Street Mosque ), the first mosque in Beijing. The Yuan Dynasty (1279 – 1368 ) saw the fast development of Islamism after the influx into China of a great number of Muslims. The famous Dongsi Mosque was established in Yuan Dynasty. Islamism developed greatly in Ming and Qing dynasties, adding to over 30 mosques in Beijing.

Today there are estimated to be over 200,000 Muslims and 72 mosques in Beijing. We list the best and most popular mosques in Beijing in no particular order. The list is based on their history, facilities, scape and popularity. Leave your comments and share with others.

1. Niujie Mosque 牛街清真寺

The Niujie Mosque is the oldest mosque in Beijing. It was originally built in 996 during the Liao Dynasty and was reconstructed and renovated in successive dynasties. The mosque has had three big renovations since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Niu Jie Mosque is located in the largest muslim community in Beijing. The Niujie Mosque takes an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. Its architecture is a blend of Islamic and Han Chinese cultural and architectural influences.

Add: No.88 Niujie St, Xicheng District, Beijing
Tel: 0086 10 6353 2564

Niujie Mosque

2. Dongsi Mosque 东四清真寺

The Dongsi mosque is one of the oldest mosque in Beijing. It was orginally built in 1356 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It is located at No.13, the Dongsi South Street, Dongcheng District.

The present mosque is mainly composed of two gates, a minaret, a worship hall and a library. The worship hall can house 500 people praying and there is a separate area in the main hall for women. It has been restored and renovated many times. The library houses valuable manuscripts of the Quran, the Hadith. The mosque is the headquarters of the Islamic Association of Beijing.

Add: No.13, Dongsi South Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
Tel: 0086 10 65257824 　

Dongsi Mosque

3. Huashi Mosque 花市清真寺

Huashi Mosque was first built in 1415 during the reign of the emperor Yongle in Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). It is located on the west side of the Huashi Street in Dongcheng District. It underwent several renovations and expansions. The present Worship Hall is the largest architecture in the mosque. The other buildings in the mosque include the Stele Pavilion, the Jingu Hall, Xunyue Platform, the Sermon Room, and bedrooms.

Add: 30 West Huasi Street, Dongcheng, Beijing

Tel: 67120726

Huashi Mosque

4. Nan Douya Mosque 南豆芽清真寺

Nan Douya Mosque was originally constructed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-19111). This mosque mainly serves the Hui community that lives in the area, but it now receives thousands of foreigners each year. The Nan Douya Mosque has no entrance fee but it encourages donations from visitors. It is located next to the Chaoyangmen subway station of Subway Line 2.

Add: 15 Nandouya Hutong, Dongcheng, Beijing

Tel: 84068225

Nan Douya Mosque

5. Haidian Mosque 北京海淀清真寺

Haidian Mosque was originally built in the late Ming Dynasty and the early Qing Dynasty. It is a three-hall courtyard layout. The prayer hall is in the center of the mosque with the kiln hall at its back and the Baishi platform at its front. A square corners pavilion is atop the prayer hall telling the Islamic architectural style. The teaching rooms are in the south and north of the yard. The north of the mosque houses a vegetable garden and the west has the Yidi place (a cemetery).

Add: West Zhalan Road, Haidian Town, Haidian District, Beijing

Tel: 62558296

Haidian Mosque

6. Dewai Mosque 德外清真寺

Dewai Mosque is also known as Beijing Fayuan Mosque. It is located 200-300m to the northeast of Desheng Gate, hence the name of Dewai Mosque, meaning “outside Desheng Gate Mosque”. It was origailly constructed in late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

In 2003, the local Xicheng District government allocated 8 million yuan and collected 2 million yuan for the renovation of the old mosque. Now the upgraded Dewai Mosque coveres an area of 4,000 square meters, 3 sizes of the original mosque. The mosque entrance faces the street to the west. The Dewai Mosque is a mix of Chinese architecture and Arabic Islamic architectural style. To the southeast corner of the main 200 square meter prayer hall is the smaller prayer hall for female. Every day many Muslims come here to pray and some non-muslim vistors visit th mosque as well.

Add: No.200 Dewai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Tel: 62016131

Dewai Mosque

7. Jinshifang Street Mosque 锦什坊街清真寺

Jinshifang Street Mosque is named after the street in the west of Beijing where the mosque is located. The mosque is also known as “Pushou Mosque”. It was origally built in the year of the 4th year of Xuande in Ming Dynasty ( 1429 ), one of the four major 4 mosques in Beijing. It was rebuilt and renovated several times in the past.

In 1982, the old mosque was reconstructed with a construction area of 1373 square meter. The main prayer hall covers an area of 200 square meters in the style of Chinese classical palace architecture. The buildings inside the mosque is spectacular with its shape and coloful design in the Ming style. There are over 2500 muslim households of over 11,000 muslims using the mosque. There are over 150 rolls of Arabic classics and over 100 Persian rolls of classics. The Xicheng Muslim Association is located inside the Mosque.

Add: No.63, Jinshifang Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Tel: 66036165

Jinshifang Street Mosque

8. Changying Mosque 常营清真寺

Changying Mosque is named after the same name village where the mosque is located. Changying Mosques was originally constructed in the Zhenge period in Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and was largely reconstructed in the Jiaqing period in Qing Dynasty (1644 -1911). It was the largest mosque in the suburbs of Beijing. Today it is still an important religious site for nearby muslims to pray.

In the years of in 1983, 1993 and 1998, the Changying Mosque was renovated and repaired for several times. Built on an axis from east to west, Changying Mosque faces the east and it is a three-hall courtyard with Chinese characteristics of black bricks and green tiles. In recent years there newly constructed a separate hall of women, designed for female Muslim to pray.

Add: Changying Minzu Village, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Tel: 65484914 　

Changying Mosque

9. Madian Mosque 马甸清真寺

Beijing Madian Mosque takes an area of over 3,800 square meters. It has the style of a traditional Chinese courtyard. The main structures include the prayer hall, teaching rooms and the hall for female muslims. Historically, the Madian area has been inhabitated by numerous muslims, another big muslim community after Niujie community. Beside the local muslims, there are many muslims coming from the universities and expats and muslims from all parts of the world, espacially from Arabic countries and people from the Southeast countries in Asia,

Add: Madian South Village, Haidian District, Beijing

Tel: 62019208

Madian Mosque

10. Dongzhimen Mosque 东直门清真寺

Dongzhimen was originally constructed during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). but the present building was reconstructed in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Now, the mosque is laid out the shape of a traditional quadrangle courtyard of Chinese characteristics. The mosque includes such buildings as the prayer hall, and other houses and the wing-room and other facilities.

Add: No.6, Waichaci, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel: 64638195

Dongzhimen Mosque

Top 10 Most Popular Halal Restaurants in Beijing

Daniel — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:38:26 +0000

If you are a muslim visitor on a Beijing tour, you need to find halal food restaurants in Beijing. There are said to be over 2,000 halal options in small eateries, mid-range and upmarket halal restaurants as well in Beijing. These muslim restaurants adhere to a full halal menu that does not serve pork and does not serve alcohol.

After doing research, and checking the polls from internet, we have made this list based on what we feel represent the best halal restaurants in Beijing for 2013. This “Best Halal Restaurants list” is in no particular order — they have unqiue features that have satisfied people in one way or another.

By the “most popular hala food restaurants”, we refer to those hala food restaurants that don’t just offer good halal food, but also have the good atmosphere, affordable prices and good customer service as well. In Beijing and elsewhere in China, halal food is also known as Hui cuisine and Xinjiang food.

1. Jubaoyuan 聚宝源
Add: 5-2 Commerce Building 1, Niujie Xili, Xicheng District, Beijing

(西城区牛街西里商业1号楼5-2号)

Tel: 83545602

Opening hours: Daily 11:00am -09:50pm.
Brief Introduction:

Jubaoyuan is one of the oldest halal restaurants on Niujie Street, the biggest muslim community in Beijing. Jubaoyuan is well known for its fresh beef, hand-cut mutton slices, baked sesame seed coated cakes and delicious sesame dipping sauce, as well as its affordable prices.

Remark: You have to book your seats in advance.

Cakes at Jubaoyuan 聚宝源

2. Xinjiang Restaurant 新疆饭庄

Add: Urumqi Beijing Office at 1 Beili, Chegongzhuang Dajie, Xicheng, Beijing

(西城区车公庄大街北里1号乌鲁木齐驻京办)

Tel: 68362795

Opening hours: Daily 9:00am -09:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

Xinjiang Restaurant is known for its lamb barbecue, skewered roasted lamb legs, spiced skewered lamb and self-made yogurt.

Remark: You need to book your seats in advance, especially on weekends.

Big plate chicken: big chunks of chicken and potatoes cooked in a beer-based sauce and garnished with colorful bell peppers

Big plate chicken at Xinjiang Restaurant

3.Bayilaoye at Zhonguancun 巴依老爷新疆美食(中关村店)分店
Add:No.118, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

(海淀区中关村东路118号北三环联想桥金五星服装市场东北角)

Tel: 82111181

Opening hours: Daily 11:00am -11:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

It offers Xinjiang Uyghur Cuisine, best known for its yogurt and Mongolian Boiled Lamb

yogurt at Bayilaoye at Zhonguancun

4. Kaorouji Restaurant 聚德华天烤肉季(什刹海总店)分店

Add: No.14, Dongyan, Qianhai, Dianmen Waidajie, Xicheng District, Beijing

(西城区地安门外大街前海东沿14号)

Tel: 64042554

Opening hours: Daily 6:00am -11:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

Kaorouji Restaurant is superly located in the famous Shichahai area by the Yinding Bridge. It is a time-honored restaurant. It is best known for its specialities of barbecued lamb and steamed sesame buns.

Roasted Lamb at Kaorouji

5. Xinjiang Islam Restaurant 新疆伊斯兰饭庄

Add: Xinjiang Beijing Office at 7, Sanlihe Road, Haidian, Beijing

(海淀区三里河路7号新疆驻京办事处院内)

Tel: 88365363

Opening hours: Daily 7:00am -10:30pm.

Brief Introduction:

As you know, the halal restautrant is located inside the compound of the Xinjuiang Office in Beijing, and it offers the authentic Muslim food, well known for its yogurt, roasted lamb, Mongolian Boiled Lamb and many more.

Hands pilaf at Xinjiang Islam Restaurant

6. Yanlanlou at Cangjiadao 燕兰楼(仓夹道店)分店

Add: 7，Cangjiadao, Dongshi Shitiao, Dongcheng, Beijing

(东城区东四十条仓夹道7号)

Tel: 84075779

Opening hours: Daily 10:30am -9:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

Yan Lan Lou Restaurant offers Finger Mutton, Beef Flavour Noodle, Mutton String, Muslim Cuisine and more.

Mongolian Boiled Lamb at Yanlanlou

7. Silk Road Impression Xinjiang Restaurant at Hepingli 丝路印象新疆餐厅(和平里店)分店

Add:: No. 1 Heping Commercial Building, No. 01 Mid-street, Hepingli, Dongcheng District

东城区和平里中街17号天元和平商业大厦1楼

Tel： 84228548

Opening hours: Daily 10:30am -9:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

This halal restaurant offers Xinjiang-style braised chicken, yogurt, mutton kebab, grilled naan, dry fried noodles, grilled mutton with rose willows, Xinjiang-style braised lamb chops with naan and grilled bun.

mutton kebab at Silk Road Impression

8. Hongbinlou Restaurant 鸿宾楼

Add: No.11, Zhanlanguan Road, Xicheng District

(西城区展览馆路11号)

Tel: 68994560

Opening hours: Daily 11:00am -9:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

A time-honored halal restaurant. Its menu still boasts some of the standards of halal Beijing cuisine, including halal Peking duck (prepared according to Muslim dietary law).

braised oxtails in soy sauce at Hongbinlou

9. Ziguangyuan at Jingsong 紫光园(劲松店)分店

Add: No.907 Building, the 9th Block of Jingsong Community, Chaoyang, Beijing

(朝阳区劲松九区907号楼

Tel: 87713470

Opening hours: Daily 11:00am -9:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

A time-honored halal restaurant. The food here keeps in tradition: Baodu, a classic Hui tripe dish, chunks of sweetmeat with yam…

Halal Roasted Duck at Ziguangyuan

10. Yijinyuan Restaurant 伊锦园

Add: By the east entrance to the Yuan Dynasty Site Park, Chaoyang, Beijing

(朝阳区北土城东路元大都城垣遗址公园东门)

Tel: 84652288

Opening hours: Daily 11:00am -9:00pm.

Brief Introduction:

It is the most deluxe halal restaurant in Beijing.

Lamb Soup at Yijinyuan Restaurant

Any questions, just drop a line.

Sunset View at Jingshan Park

Daniel — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:40:35 +0000

Plan your Beijing tour? On a clear day, it is worth your time climbing up the hill in Jingshan Park, an excellent point both for viewing sunsets and the entire Forbidden City. The Jingshan Park is located to the north of Forbidden City.

You may exit from the north gate of the Forbidden City and then cross the road, you will see the south gate of Jingshan Park. There are other two entrances to Jingshan Park, east gate and west gate. For normal opening time, the enctrance fee is only RMB2. But during the Peony Festival from later April and May each each year, the enctrance is raised to RMB10 per person.

The hill in Jingshan Park is 42.6 meters at relative height and 88.35 at sea level. Just climb the steep stairs to the tower – Wanchu Pavilin perched on the hill in the park. Wanchu Pavilin is the hightest point along the north-south axis, a good place to have a panoramic view of the capital’s downtown area: East, CBD; North, Drum Tower; West, Beihai Park and the south is to the north gate of the Forbidden City.

You need to pick your day – to avoid a hazy or smoky day and learn about the sunset time in advance. For sunset time, please check the page of Beijing Climate Photos.

Well, follow us up to the Hill in Jingshan Park.

On the hill, there are five pavilions with Wanchun Pavilion perched in the middle along Beijing’s North-south axis. The Wanchun Pavilion is the best point to view the sunset and the birds’-eye view of Forbidden City.

On the way up to Wanchu Pavilion

Have a panoramic view of the Forbidden City

Face to the north and Stand on the Wanchun Pavilion, you will see a circular copper sign indicating the Beijing’s north- south axis.

a circular copper indicating the Beijing’s north- south axis

The city is enveloped in the glow of sunset.

the city enveloped in the glow of sunset

The intense orange and red colors of the Sunset

Concentrating on capturing the beautiful sunset

The sun is almost disappearing.

The sun is almost disappearing

Any questions, just drop a line.

Wulanbutong Grassland

Daniel — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:09:58 +0000

Plan your Inner Mongolia tour? Wulanbutong, or the Ulan Buh in Mongolian literally means ”Red-colored Altar-shaped Hills”. Wulanbutong Grassland, also known as the Ulan Buh Grassland is located on the south of the Hunshandake Sandland ( part of the Hexigten Global Geopark) in the southern tip of Hexigten Banner in Chifeng of Inner Mongolia. Across the provincial border river, to the south of the Ulan Buh Grassland is the Saihanba National Forest Park.

Historically, both Wulanbutong Grassland and the Saihanba National Forest Park used to be the royal hunting ranch ( known as Weichang, or Mulan Paddock ) of the Qing Emperors. Wulanbutong Grassland is well-known to the world because it was the famous battle field where Qing Emperor Kangxi commanded a successful battle against Galdan Boshugtu Khan here. Galdan Boshugtu Khan, ruler of the Dzungar Khanate, attacked the ancient Khalka Mongolia. The Khalka, unable to launch an effective defence, turned to the Qing Dynasty for help. The Qing Emperor Kangxi personally led his army and made a decisive victory on the Wulanbutong area.

The highlight of the Wulanbutong Grassland is the Hongshan Army Horse Farm. The military horse ranch is situated 110km in the south of Kishiketen Qi, 105km to the north of Weichang County, 230 to the northeast of Chengde and 500km to the northeast of Beijing.

The Hongshan Army Horse Farm was first built in August, 1964, a army horse supply base for the army horses used in the border areas. In the past 40 years, the horse farm has sent over 15,000 trained horses to the military. The Hongshan Army Horse Farm is perched on the high lands (Bashang) between the remaining hills of the Greater Xing’an Range and the Yinshan Mountains. These high lands in Mongolia is called “Saihanba” meaning “beautiful high lands”. The Hongshan Army Horse Farm belongs to the typical hill grassland with an altitude of 1,500 meters.

Besides being well known for the massive prairie, the Wulanbutong Grassland has also been known as the warehouse of flowers throughout centuries as there are more than 300 kinds of flowers or herbs with extremely high medicinal value to be found here including the golden-needle flower and canary creeper.

The Wulan Butong Grassland is one of the most ideal destinations for summer vacation. Besides enjoying the scenic beauty and warm hospitality of the Mongolians, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the stretch of grasslands as well as riding horses freely on the grassland. In addition, there are more activities like camel riding, shooting, archery and campfire parties also available here.

How to get there?

1. First take the morning train from Beijing to Chengde. Then hire a van or join the local day trips to the Hongshan Army Horse Farm or the Saihanba National Forest Park .

2. First tak the overnight trains from Beijing to Chifeng. Then take the local bus to the Hongshan Army Horse Farm or the Saihanba National Forest Park .

Stay overnight either at the horse farm or at the Weichang County.

One of the Yurt camping sites at the Army Horse Farm

One of the Yurt Camping sites at the Army Horse farm

The Birch Forest on the Wulanbutong Grassland

The Wulanbutong Grassland is well known for its numerous wild flowers

The roaming horses on the flowery Grassland

The free and roaming horses on the flowery Grassland

The amazing Wulanbutong Grassland

Any questions, just drop a line.

Dalinur Lake

Daniel — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:22:08 +0000

Plan your East Inner Mongolia Tour? Dalinur Lake is worth your exploration. Dalinur Lake ( or simply called Dali Lake )literally means”a lake large like sea. The lake is located on the southwest of Gong Geer Grassland, 90km to the west of Jingpeng Town in Hexigten Banner, 300km to the north of Chifeng, 680km to the north of Beijing. It is the second largest inland lake in Inner Mongolia. Dalinur Lake is an enclosed half salty lake with an area of 240 square kilometers and an average depth of 10-13 meters.

Dalinur Lake has two sister lakes – Ganggennur Lake and Duolunnur Lake. The three lakes are connected by the three rivers including Liangzi River, Gong Geer River and Shalihe River, which form a lake area on the Inner Mongolia Plateau. Now Dalinur Lake has become a national-level reserve, the largest grassland and meadow ecco system area in China.

The Dali Lake is a happy habitat for over 160 species of birds including some rare birds like red-crowned cranes,bustards,swans and many more. Dalinur Lake is one of the three swan lakes in China with other two being Bayinbuluk Lake in Xinjiang and Panyang Lake in Jiangxi. The lake is also the largest passage for migrant birds in the northern China. In the Dali Lake live two kinds of fish – carps and Huazi Fish. The Huazi fish is very famous locally.

As a tourist destination, the Dalinur Lake is open to touists on its two sides – the north side and south side. You have to pay to visit either the northern lake area and the southern lake area. You buy entrance tickets separately – RMB70 each place. The northen lake area has four major highlights – Zhen Zi Mountain, Geopark Museum, Dalinur Lake Park and Bird-watching. In the north lake area, you may stay overnigh at the yurts; in the south, you may stay in the Mantuoshan Resort.

To visit the southern lake area, you have to drive south along the only road from the northern Dalinur lake to the southern Dalinur Lake. The Mantuoshan ( Mantuo Mountain ) is the best place for taking an panoramic view of Dalinur Lake, sunrise or sunset. You can choose to climb up to the mountain top of Mantuoshan or just drive up to the top.

Standing on the top of the Mantuoshan Mountain, to the north you will have a bird-eye view of the lake and to the south you will see the sandscape of Hunshanda Desert.

In different seasons, the Dalinur Lake presents different pictures of the natural beauty of grassland landscapes: April and May for bird watching; June, July and August for grassland landscapes; September and October for autumn foliage and winter for fish catching.

How to get there?

If you start your Dalinur Lake exploration from Beijing, you may have the following two travel routes:

1) First take the overnight trains from Beijing North Railway Station to Chifeng, then from Chifeng, you take a long-distance bus to Jingpeng Town where you rent a van or jump onto a local coach for Dali Lake in Hexigten Banner.

2) You may drive from Beijing to the Dalinur Lake, a 680km road trip passing by Zhangjiakou and Sanggedalai.

Dalinur Lake in Spring

The Dalinur Lake in Summer

Gong Geer Grassland Travel Tips

Daniel — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:37:54 +0000

Gong Geer Grassland is located 35km to the west of the Jingpeng Town of Keshiketeng Qi (Hexigten) in Chifeng. The Gong Geer Grassland is reputed as the”Natural Garden” epitomized by the boundless pasture, numerous flowers, clear waters and roaming hordes, a picturesque grassland. Its south is linked to Dalinur Lake (Dali Lake) Nature Reserve. Gong Geer Grassland has numerous lakes of various sizes.

The Gong Geer Grassland occupies the area of 320,000 hectares, a spectrum of natural landscape, ethnic minority customs, cultural landscape, places of historical interest and grassland culture as well as a mecca for photography fans.

Each year the time from July and August is the best period to visit Gong Geer Grassland. The boundless pasture is rife with wild flowers, crisscrossed by plentiful clear rivers and accompanied by numerous singing birds. People come here feeling as if they were in a huge natural garden, fully enjoying the boon given by the nature, a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the cities and the trivials in our daily life, and making our bodies and souls spead out in the pure grassland and extending further.

The Gong Geer Grassland has about 20 lakes of various sizes with Dalinur Lake being the largest. Dalinur Lake (Dali Lake) is the second largest lake in Inner Mongolia, one of the three swan lakes in China with other two being Bayinbuluk Lake in Xinjiang and Panyang Lake in Jiangxi. Now the Dalinur Lake has been set as a national nature reserve with an area of 1200 square km aimed at protecting rare birds and their habitat such as lakes, wetland, grassland, deserts and forest.

How to get there?

Well, basically the city proper of Chifeng is the springboard for entering the Gong Geer Grassland. The grassland is about 265km to the northwest of Chifen city and 500km to the north of Beijing. The trains from Chifeng run to Beijing, Hohhot, Shenyang and Jinzhou. Daily flights connect Chifeng to Beijing and Hohhot. Then take the long-distance buses from Chifeng to Keshiketeng Qi (Hexigten) where you rent a local van or bus to the Gong Geer Grassland and Dalinur Lake or continue to drive along the north route and get to Baiyin’aobao National Nature Reserve which is a beautiful nature reserve mainly for protecting the sandy spruce forest rare in the world. Further extend to the Asihatu Stone Forest.

Where to stay?

You may stay overnight at the Jingpeng Town, 35km to the west of the Gong Geer Grassland. In Jingpeng Town, you have more chances to select your hotel. Or you may put up at night in a tent in the Gong Geer Grassland or at the Dalinur Lake.

Many local restaurants in Jingpeng Town offers many choices with smiling faces. You just sit down for a cup of milk tea and enjoy local flavors like dried beef, roasted whole sheep and fish feast and many more. You also can stay overnight in a yurt by the river.

Gong Geer Grassland (1)

Gong Geer Grassland (3)

Gong Geer Grassland (2)

How to visit Asihatu Stone Forest

Daniel — Sun, 05 May 2013 17:37:12 +0000

Asihatu Stone Forest (or Arshihaty Stone Forest) is an integrated part of Hexigten World Geopark ( one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks) in Keshiketeng Banner (aka Hexigten Banner or Keshiketeng Q) under the jurisdiction of Chifeng. It is located in the North Mountain Tianheyuan Township, 140km to the northeast of Jingeng Town (where the People’s government of the Keshiketeng Banner is located), 380km to the northewst of Chifeng City.

Asihatu (Arshihaty) literally means “Precipitous Peaks” in Mongolian. Ashihatu Granite Forest is the world famous granite forest rarely seen elsewhere. It is one of the eight separate areas of scenic and geologic significance with volcanic, glacial, and desert features in the Hexigten World Geopark. The stone forest is the relics of the Quaternary Glacier, known as the world’s geological wonders, a national AAAA-class scenic spots in China.

When you get there, at the entrance you will change for battery cars that take you to the stone forest area. Ashihatu Stone Forest has an area of 50,000 square kilometers and people are required to take the park battery cars shuttling between each atrraction inside the park. There are five scenic areas in the stone forest that are named vividly as the Moon Fortress, Sworn Brothers, Eagle with Folded Wings, Castle Surrounded, and Vivid Folk Entertainmen – nicknamed with Chinese historical and cultural novels.

The Ashihatu Stone Forest is perched on the transitional belt from the Greater Xing’an Mountain to the grassland in the west. The rocks and stones are very much unqinue and spectacular. Asihatu Stone Forest is the result of years of erosion by wind and sand. The whole Asihatu Stone Forest tourist district is teeming with towering trees, flowers, green grass and mushrooms with birds flirting and deer running. The granite columns are unique and rare in their striking horizontal segmentation. Asihatu Stone Forest serves as scientific study, sightseeing, leisure and holiday making, entertainment.

Below the Ashihatu Stone Forest is the endless grassland, dotted with winding rivers. In summer, along the river the grassland is scattered with the yurts of Mongolian herdsmen, cattle and sheep groups, making Ashihatu more attractive.

If you plan your Inner Mongolia tour, a side trip to Asihatu Stone Forest is worth your time.

Best Time to Go:

June to August ( If you are an avid photographer, you may choose to come to the Asihatu in September).

Where to stay:

1) Stay overnight at the home inns at Tianheyuan Township

2) The Tourism Service Center at the foot of the mountain

3) Back to the Jingpeng Town for overnight stay

How to get there:

First take the flight or train to Chifeng City, then from Chifen,g hire a vehicle to Asihatu.

Asihatu Stone Forest Photo 1

Asihatu Stone Forest Photo 2

Asihatu Stone Forest Photo 3