Plan at a glance
Location and arrival
Chunkun Mountain is in Guyang County, Baotou, at an elevation of about 2,340 m. Start at the scenic area Visitor Center, where drivers park and transfer to the sightseeing shuttle for the ride uphill.
Tickets, shuttle and opening hours
The adult admission ticket and shuttle are charged separately: reference prices are CNY 30 for admission and CNY 50 for a round-trip shuttle ticket. Eligible students may receive a discount on admission; the exact concession depends on the current ticket rules. The one-way shuttle ride takes about 15–20 minutes. Listed hours are 08:00–18:00; any evening show is announced separately. If buying a package that includes the Sky Mirror, a small train or grass sliding (滑草), check what is included to avoid paying twice for the same item.
How much time to allow
Allow about 2 hours on the summit for the Cloud Meadow (云中草原) boardwalk, Sky Mirror and Cloud Top Ovoo (云顶敖包). Add the round-trip shuttle ride and waiting time to your visit from the Visitor Center. If you also go to Shidonggou Birch Forest and walk its open trails, allow 3–4 hours or more for the full visit.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Cloud Meadow and the boardwalk
The summit meadows meet rolling mountain slopes, and the Cloud Meadow boardwalk is the main walking area. At about 2,340 m, the views are broad on clear days, and it is windier than at lower elevations.
Sky Mirror and Cloud Top Ovoo
The Sky Mirror reflects the sky and mountain outlines, while Cloud Top Ovoo looks over the meadows. Both are in the summit area reached by the sightseeing shuttle and can be visited on the same walk.
Shidonggou Birch Forest
Shidonggou Birch Forest has trails through the trees, a different landscape from the open summit meadows. Add it to a longer route only along trails that are open; do not cross pasture or walk on grassland vegetation.
Grass colors by season
The grass is greener and wildflowers are more common from June through August. After September, the grass turns yellow and the landscape shifts into autumn. In autumn and winter, you can still walk the boardwalk and visit viewpoints to see the mountain grassland in its seasonal colors.
Build your day
About 2 hours on the summit: the Cloud Meadow boardwalk short route
Take the sightseeing shuttle uphill from the Visitor Center. Walk along the Cloud Meadow boardwalk, continue to the Sky Mirror and Cloud Top Ovoo, then return to the shuttle stop for the ride down. The summit visit takes about 2 hours; allow another 15–20 minutes each way for the shuttle, plus waiting time.
Full route: about 3–4 hours or more
After exploring the Cloud Meadow boardwalk, Sky Mirror and Cloud Top Ovoo, continue toward Shidonggou Birch Forest along the marked trails that are open. Allow about 3–4 hours or more for the full visit, including shuttle rides and waiting time. Follow the designated route back to the shuttle stop before descending to the Visitor Center.
Evening shows and the return trip
Molten-iron fireworks (打铁花), bonfires and fireworks depend on the date and ticket type; they are not daily fixed shows. Before buying a ticket, confirm the show date and entry time, and how you will get back down after it ends. The final shuttle departure may determine whether you can stay for the full show.
Get there
Driving and parking
The drive from central Baotou takes about 1.5–2 hours. Navigate to the Chunkun Mountain Visitor Center. The parking area has EV chargers; transfer to the scenic shuttle at the Visitor Center.
The shuttle uphill
The ride from the Visitor Center to the main summit area takes about 15–20 minutes each way. A round-trip ticket costs CNY 50 per person. Admission and shuttle tickets are sold separately.
Public transport and private cars
Public transport is inconvenient; driving or arranging a private car in advance is more suitable. If hiring a car, agree on the pickup point and return time. Confirm separately whether a shuttle will run downhill after any evening show.
Know before you go
Mountain weather and walking
The summit is windy and temperatures can vary, so bring a warm jacket and sun protection. The main route includes boardwalks and steps; wear comfortable walking shoes. Restrooms are mainly near the entrance and on the summit, with few along the way.
Food and supplies
The summit has simple food such as instant noodles. Mongolian Camp serves milk tea, shouba rou (Mongolian boiled lamb) and other Mongolian dishes, but choices are limited. Bring enough water and snacks before boarding the sightseeing shuttle at the Visitor Center. Food options along the mountain trails are limited.
Horse riding and other activities
Ask about the price and duration before joining a horse ride. Grass sliding can involve a long queue and a short ride; the scenic area’s small train also follows a short route. Decide whether to take part based on the day’s operations and queue.
Bringing pets
The scenic area is generally accommodating to visitors with pets, but check separately whether pets are accepted on the shuttle and in specific activities. Keep pets leashed and follow on-site hygiene rules.