Plan at a glance
Location, features and seasonal opening
Zhurihe Grassland Tourist Area is in the Zhurihe Pasture area of Horqin Left Middle Banner, Tongliao. The attraction listing gives its address as National Highway 304 and places it about 101 kilometres from Tongliao. Mongolian yurts, a horse-racing venue, painted haystacks and grassland-themed activities are the main draws. Plan a half-day or full-day visit by car.
The usual seasonal schedule is May 1 to October 8, with the site closed from October 9 through April 30. Its current online status conflicts with the detailed seasonal schedule, so neither confirms whether it is receiving visitors today. Call +86 475 237 6111 or +86 475 237 6029 before setting out.
Tickets and visit time
Use about CNY 40 as a reference adult-ticket price; ticket platforms also list a CNY 40 adult product. Check the ticket page and entrance notice for the actual price, child discounts and sales hours. Admission generally does not cover every activity inside the area. Before buying online, visitors using a foreign passport should confirm that the platform supports passport registration and a payment method they can use.
During the open season, allow about 2–3 hours for photos and a few activities, or 4–5 hours to visit the yurt area and horse-racing venue and take part in activities. The pace depends on which areas and activities are operating that day.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Painted haystacks and Mongolian yurts
Painted haystacks and photo installations give the site a distinctive look and make for playful grassland photos. The yurt area and welcome buildings are places to walk around; choose the yurt areas and rest services open that day.
This is a grassland-themed attraction with facilities and amusement activities. If you expect a broad, mostly natural grassland with few built features, check which areas are open and what the grass looks like before deciding to visit.
Horse-racing venue and grassland activities
Zhurihe's horse-racing grounds have hosted major grassland events, including the August 18 Jerim Horse Racing Festival in previous years. However, the festival venue can change. Check the official event announcement before planning a trip around horse races or performances. Outside the festival, do not assume that horse races or performances run on a regular schedule. Check whether archery, horse riding, crossbow shooting, traditional buuru throwing, camel rides and bonfires are available and what they cost.
Before riding, confirm the route, number of circuits, duration and price with the operator. Wear the safety equipment provided and follow staff instructions. If no suitable activity is operating, the painted haystacks, yurts and exterior of the horse-racing venue still make for an easy visit.
Choosing a visit style
If you drive, you can park and explore on foot, or use internal transport after confirming it is operating and what it costs. The different areas may be far apart. If travelling with older adults or children, first check walking distances, where vehicles can go and where to rest.
If people in your group have different stamina, start with the closer painted haystacks and yurt area, then decide whether to continue to the horse-racing venue or join an activity. You do not need to rush to cover the entire area.
For a separate historical and cultural stop in Horqin Left Middle Banner, see Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Area.
Build your day
2–3-hour photo route
Enter through the entrance designated that day. Check the map and activity price list, then visit the area with painted haystacks and photo installations. Walk near the yurt area or horse-racing venue and choose an activity that you have confirmed is open.
Allow about 2–3 hours, then return to the same entrance or parking area. If you only want photos and a walk, you can skip internal transport and paid activities. Before leaving, confirm the road back and where your vehicle is parked.
4–5-hour grassland experience route
Follow the site map from the entrance to the yurt area, then visit the horse-racing venue. If a race or folk activity is scheduled that day, plan around the published time. Choose one activity such as horse riding or archery, leave time for a break, then visit other areas that remain open.
Allow about 4–5 hours and adjust the route to the activities operating that day. If there is no performance or activity, focus on walking and scenery. Return to the entrance or parking area without relying on any one event to complete the route.
Get there
Driving and getting around the site
The drive from central Tongliao is about 100 kilometres; allow around 1.5 hours, with the actual time depending on your starting point, navigation route and road conditions that day. Search for “珠日河草原旅游区” in your navigation app. Call ahead to confirm whether the site is open, where vehicles can enter, where to park and whether you may drive inside.
Some sections of the highway and roads inside the area may be gravel or uneven. Slow down when the surface changes. The grounds are extensive, so check distances between stops before walking. Confirm on site whether sightseeing vehicles or rental vehicles are available and what they cost.
Public transport and return arrangements
Confirm bus or coach schedules, stops and any connection to the attraction in advance. If travelling by public transport, ask the ticket office and the carrier about the outbound trip, the last return service and transport from the stop. If you cannot arrange both directions, book a car in advance.
If you are considering visiting Xiaozhuang Cultural Tourism Area on the same day, first confirm that both sites are open. Check the road order, driving time and each site’s closing time, and allow enough time for the return trip.
Know before you go
Confirm opening and charges
Near the start or end of the season, or during winter, call to confirm whether the site is receiving visitors. Check the current year’s notice for seasonal dates.
Admission, internal transport, horse riding, grass skiing, archery, ethnic clothing and performances may each cost extra. Take a photo of the day’s price list and programme, and confirm each activity’s duration, coverage and whether it requires a separate ticket.
Season, weather and expectations
Grass conditions depend on the season and rainfall; the grass is usually greener in July and August. Check the forecast and bring sun and wind protection. If strong wind or rain is expected, adjust activities according to on-site notices.
The grounds combine grass, a horse-racing venue, yurts and photo installations, so the experience is a themed grassland visit. Keep a safe distance during horse riding and outdoor activities. Follow staff instructions and stay out of closed areas.
Dining and return trip
Food and meals in Mongolian yurts may vary by season. Confirm that they are being served before you set out. If you plan to eat back in central Tongliao, consider Mongolian hand-grabbed lamb (手把肉) or Mongolian stuffed pancakes (蒙古馅饼); Hajiuhai and Saiwai Tianrun are options in the city and require a separate route after leaving the attraction.
The attraction is far from central Tongliao. If you plan to return to the city for a meal, check the closing time and road conditions and allow enough driving time.