Experience the Naadam Festival at Fengning Yunman Shulin Grassland: Beijing’s Nearest Prairie

Fengning Yunman Shulin Grassland: Beijing’s Nearest Prairie

Nestled about a three-hour drive from Beijing, Fengning Yunman Shulin Great Grassland offers a vast, tranquil prairie that feels worlds away from the city. Not part of Inner Mongolia yet rivaling its grandeur, and once a key section of the Qing dynasty royal hunting grounds, this landscape blends open steppe and scattered forest into a four-season ecological gem. Walk here and you’ll find birch stands meeting spruce groves, wildflowers carpeting the meadows, and a living tradition of Mongol and Manchu culture.
As a national 4A scenic area, Yunman Shulin is often called the “Pearl of Beijing’s North Grasslands.” Whether it’s summer’s rolling green waves, autumn’s fiery foliage, or winter’s snowy fairytale, the grassland invites visitors to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature.

1. Crossing Time: Royal Hunting Grounds and Manchu–Mongol Culture

Yunman Shulin was once part of the historic Mulan Weichang (Mulan Hunting Grounds) used by Qing dynasty emperors. Remnants of old courier routes, beacon towers, and hunting terraces remain scattered across the landscape. Strolling the grassland, you can almost hear the echo of hooves from imperial hunts.
Local Manchu and Mongolian traditions remain vibrant. Visitors can try horseback riding, archery, and traditional wrestling. In summer, the lively Naadam festival features horse racing, singing, and bonfires—an immersive way to experience the prairie’s nomadic spirit.

2. Four Seasons of Scenery: A Colorful Natural Symphony

Yunman Shulin’s clear seasonal shifts make it photogenic year-round:
– Spring (May–June): Wildflowers and dandelions dot the meadows, creating a natural floral carpet.
– Summer (July–August): Rolling green fields and lush birch and spruce stands make it an ideal cool retreat.
– Autumn (September–October): Golden birches and red maples intermix with dark green spruces for painterly vistas.
– Winter (November–March): Snow blankets the plain, perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and crisp winter photography.
The best visiting window is June–September, when grasses are thickest and outdoor activities—horseback riding, camping, and photography—are most enjoyable.

3. Ecological Wonder: Forest and Grassland in Harmony

Unlike the boundless steppe of Inner Mongolia, Yunman Shulin is a “sparse-forest grassland” where forest patches, meadows, and wetlands interweave. The core area’s birch groves and sandy spruce stands are ecologically valuable, offering both open prairie views and quiet forest walks.
Well-maintained viewing platforms and boardwalks let visitors explore without disturbing wildlife. The grassland is excellent for birdwatching and nature photography—golden eagles and various cranes and waterbirds are regular sightings.

4. Getting There: Practical Directions to This Grassland Hideaway

Yunman Shulin is in Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Hebei Province, approximately 250 km from Beijing. A three- to four-hour drive makes it a popular weekend escape for Beijing and Tianjin residents.
– By car: From Beijing take the Jingcheng Expressway (G45) → Daguang Expressway → exit at Fengning, then follow G111 toward the scenic area.
– By public transport: Take a long-distance coach from Liuliqiao or Wangjing West to Fengning county, then transfer to local tourist shuttles or taxis to the park.

5. Travel Tips: Slow Down and Immerse Yourself

– Recommended stay: 1–2 days for a relaxed experience.
– Sample one-day itinerary: viewing platform → birch-forest hike → horseback riding → Manchu–Mongol cultural village with roast whole lamb tasting.
– Sample two-day itinerary: camp and stargaze → sunrise photography → attend the Naadam festival in summer.
– Who it suits: families, couples, photographers, and outdoor lovers. Sightseeing vehicles are available, making the area accessible for children and older visitors.

6. Practical Info: Tickets, Food, and Accommodation

– Tickets: Around RMB 80 per person, typically covering basic on-site facilities.
– Food: There are Mongolian-style yurt restaurants serving hand-cut roasted meat and milk tea; picnics are also welcome.
– Accommodation: Options include Mongolian ger (yurt) guesthouses on the grassland or hotels in Fengning town—book ahead in summer.
– Opening: The area is open year-round; June–September is the peak season.

Conclusion: Encounter Pristine Nature at Yunman Shulin

If you long to escape urban noise and experience both sweeping prairie and quiet forest, Fengning Yunman Shulin Grassland is an ideal, nearby choice. Whether you crave the thrill of a gallop across open grass or a peaceful sunset beside birch trunks, this accessible Hebei grassland delivers on natural beauty and cultural richness.
Pack your bags and set off—Beijing’s nearest secret grassland awaits your discovery.