Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area is located in Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and an important part of Mulan Weichang, the imperial hunting ground of the Qing Dynasty. The scenic area covers a total area of about 1,000 square kilometers, with an east-west width of 50 kilometers and a north-south length of 33 kilometers. Its altitude ranges from 1,230 meters to 1,820 meters. It has a cold-temperate continental monsoon plateau climate, with an average annual temperature of 3°C-5°C. The summer is cool and pleasant, making it an ideal place for summer vacationing. The scenic area is rich in natural resources, with 700,000 mu of virgin grassland, 200,000 mu of wetlands, and 500,000 mu of natural secondary forest. It also has 21 natural freshwater lakes, 47 springs, and 13 rivers, and is one of the sources of the Luan River. There are many species of animals and plants here, including 659 species of plants in 50 families and more than 100 species of wild animals. Its biodiversity is outstanding, and it is praised 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 contains not only natural landscapes such as grasslands, forests, lakes, and wetlands, but also historical sites such as the Kangxi Military Training Platform and Yuquan. Natural and cultural landscapes enhance each other.
Historical Culture
Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area has a profound historical heritage, and its core area was once part of Mulan Weichang, the imperial hunting ground of the Qing Dynasty. The name "Yudaokou" originated during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. It is said that when Kangxi made an imperial tour to Outer Mongolia, he passed through Ruyi River Mouth in this area and trained troops here, hence the name "Yudaokou." After that, this place became one of the important venues for imperial activities.
Many relics in the scenic area carry rich Qing Dynasty imperial culture. For example, the Kangxi Military Training Platform is a relic of the 53rd encirclement, "Souji Encirlement," during Emperor Kangxi's hunting in Mulan Weichang. Kangxi once reviewed the army here after pacifying Galdan, bearing witness to the military and hunting culture of the Qing imperial family. In addition, scenic spots such as Yuquan are also related to imperial history. Legend has it that when the emperor was hunting and passing through this place, he was thirsty. His guards found this spring, and after drinking from it, the emperor felt especially refreshed, so it was named "Yuquan." Such relics and legends together form the unique historical and cultural thread of the scenic area.
Main Attractions
Moon Lake
Moon Lake was originally named "Shanao Paozi." Its name originated from the Ulan Mutong Battle during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. It later became widely known because film and television works such as "My Fair Princess" were shot on location here, and it was renamed. Its Mongolian name is "Shala Nur." It is located within the Yudaokou Scenic Area and is a plateau lake at an altitude of more than 1,400 meters. Moon Lake has a water depth of 6 meters, a straight-line water surface length of 4,000 meters, and a lake width of 300 to 500 meters. The lake surface curves along the mountains and is shaped like a crescent moon, with a total area of 10 square kilometers. The surrounding landscape of the lake is rich. To the north is dense planted forest, and to the west and south it connects with Yudaokou Pasture. It integrates forest, grassland, and lake landscapes and is one of the most representative natural landscapes in the scenic area.
Sun Lake
Sun Lake is another important lake within Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area, with a total area of about 1,000 mu. The lake surface is broad and the water is clear. The lake is surrounded by grassland and forest, with an excellent ecological environment, and water birds often inhabit the area. Sun Lake gets its name from the scene of the lake surface sparkling under the sunlight, like the radiant light of the sun. This is a good place for birdwatching, photography, and leisure. Visitors can stroll along the lake, enjoy the natural scenery where grassland and lake blend, and feel the quiet plateau atmosphere.
Kangxi Military Training Platform
The Kangxi Military Training Platform is located within the scenic area and is an important historical relic. It is the site of the "Souji Encirlement" during Emperor Kangxi's hunting in Mulan Weichang. The training platform is relatively high with a broad field of vision. Climbing the platform allows one to overlook the vast surrounding grasslands and woodlands. According to records, Kangxi once reviewed the army here, demonstrating the tradition of combining imperial hunting and military training in the Qing Dynasty. Today, this place has become an important scenic spot for tourists to learn about Qing imperial culture and history. Looking into the distance from the platform, one can feel the weight of history and also enjoy the magnificent natural landscapes nearby.
Taoshan Lake
Taoshan Lake is a wetland landscape within the scenic area, composed of Upper Tao Lake, Lower Tao Lake, and Taoshan, with a total area of about 3,000 mu. The wetland has abundant water and grass and diverse aquatic plants. It is a habitat for many birds and one of the important water conservation areas of the Luan River. The ecological environment here is primitive and the landscape is unique. In summer, the lake surface reflects the surrounding mountains and vegetation, creating a pleasant scene. It is an excellent place for ecological sightseeing and photography, where visitors can experience the diversity of the wetland ecosystem.
European Style Garden
The European Style Garden is located in Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area in Chengde City. It is a scenic area known for its unique natural scenery and European-style features. The park is at an altitude of 1,480 meters and has large areas of natural secondary birch forest, grassland, and wetlands. The terrain rises and falls, providing visitors with a natural landscape experience as if they were in Europe. This is not only a paradise for photography enthusiasts, but also highly praised for its unique natural beauty. It is known as "the most European-style park on the Bashang."
Yudaokou Grand Canyon
Yudaokou Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located 10 kilometers north of the headquarters of Yudaokou Pasture. The northern part of the scenic area connects with Saihanba National Forest Park. It covers a total area of 40 square kilometers, with an altitude of 1,230 meters to 1,730 meters and a total length of 10 kilometers. The deepest part of the canyon is more than 300 meters. There are many small canyons within the canyon, with canyons within canyons and ravines crisscrossing, forming a canyon group unique to Yudaokou Grassland.
Tour Routes：
Recommended one-day tour route: In the morning, depart from the scenic area entrance and first go to the Kangxi Military Training Platform to visit the historical relic and learn about Qing imperial culture. The visit takes about 1.5 hours. Then go to Yuquan to experience the clarity of the spring water and its historical legends, staying for about 30 minutes. At noon, dine at a nearby restaurant and taste local specialty food. In the afternoon, first go to Moon Lake, stroll along the lake, and enjoy the lake, grassland, and forest landscapes. The visit takes about 2 hours. After that, go to Sun Lake to experience the broad lake scenery and engage in photography or leisure activities. The visit takes about 1.5 hours. The itinerary ends in the evening. If time permits, a two-day tour can be arranged. On the second day, go to Taoshan Lake to deeply experience the wetland ecological landscape and engage in activities such as birdwatching.
Travel Suggestions：
The best seasons to visit are June-August and September-October. From June to August, the grassland is lush green and the lakes are clear, suitable for summer vacationing. From September to October, the autumn scenery is picturesque, and the forests and grasslands display rich colors, suitable for photography.
The scenic area is large. It is recommended to drive yourself or take the scenic area sightseeing bus. The sightseeing bus has fixed routes and stops at major attractions. Tickets are usually valid for 2-3 days.
Within the scenic area, visitors can experience projects such as horseback riding and grassland off-roading. For horseback riding, it is recommended to choose a regular horse farm. The price is about 100-200 yuan/hour, and visitors must follow staff instructions.
Local specialty foods include roast whole lamb, hand-held mutton, and Bashang youmian. The per capita consumption at restaurants in the scenic area is about 60-120 yuan. You can also choose to taste farm dishes at your accommodation.
For accommodation, you can choose resorts or farmhouses within the scenic area. Prices vary by grade, generally 200-600 yuan/night. In peak season (July-August), it is recommended to book 3-5 days in advance.
It is recommended to bring cameras, binoculars, and other equipment to facilitate photographing natural scenery and observing wild animals and birds.
Precautions：
The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large. Even in summer, the nighttime temperature may drop to around 10°C, so long-sleeved jackets and trousers should be brought. In autumn, it is recommended to bring warm clothing.
The ultraviolet radiation on the plateau is strong, so sun protection measures should be taken, such as applying sunscreen (SPF30 or above), wearing a sun hat, and sunglasses.
Respect the historical relics and ecological environment within the scenic area. Do not climb or carve on them at will, and do not pick plants or disturb wild animals.
Mobile phone signal is weak in some areas of the scenic area. It is recommended to agree in advance with companions on meeting times and places to avoid getting separated.
The weather in grassland areas changes quickly, and sudden showers may occur. Bring rain gear with you and also pay attention to guarding against lightning.
Self-driving visitors must obey the traffic rules of the scenic area and must not park at will in non-designated areas or drive over grassland vegetation.
When entering areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, respect local customs and habits and comply with relevant regulations.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Departing from Beijing, drive along the Jingcheng Expressway, Daguang Expressway, and Jingjia Line, passing through Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County to reach Yudaokou Grassland and Forest Scenic Area. The total distance is about 450 kilometers, and the driving time is about 6-7 hours. Departing from Chengde city area, drive along the Daguang Expressway and Jingjia Line. The total distance is about 200 kilometers, and the driving time is about 3.5 hours.
Public transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Beijing Liuliqiao Long-Distance Bus Station to Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County. There are 1-2 buses per day, and the journey takes about 7 hours. After arriving in Weichang, transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi to Yudaokou. 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 from Weichang county town or Chengde city area to go to the scenic area. The charter fee varies according to vehicle type and number of people. Generally, the round-trip cost is about 500-800 yuan.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round, and opening hours are adjusted according to the season. In summer (April 1-October 31), opening hours are 7:00-18:00. In winter (November 1-March 31 of the following year), opening hours are 8:00-17:00. Some attractions may adjust opening hours in winter due to weather conditions. Please refer to the scenic area's announcement on the day.
Tickets：
As of August 13, 2025, the ticket is 80 yuan/person.