Plan at a glance
Choose by area and type of operation
Zhangbei Bashang is a self-drive or charter-car destination made up of grassland roads and independently operated scenic areas. Grassland Sky Road is a free public road. Baili Sky Road Scenic Area has a reference ticket price of CNY 120, and Zhongdu Original Grassland Resort is about CNY 78. They sell separate tickets, and there is no region-wide pass. Before setting out, decide whether you want to take in views from the road or spend time inside a paid scenic area.
Season and number of days
The grass is generally green from June to August, a popular time to escape the heat; September and October bring autumn colours. Grassland roads are usually suitable for travel from late April to late October, but snowfall may close them from November onward. Each paid attraction manages its own entrance, ticketing, and opening hours, so confirm each one separately before planning the day. One road or one attraction can fit into a day. If you want to visit both Zhangbei and Guyuan, plan an overnight stay and split the return drive and supply stops across two days.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Free grassland roads
Grassland Sky Road suits visitors who want to see wind turbines, hillsides, terraced fields, and flower fields from the road. The East Line is the classic choice; the West Line is quieter, and the Guyuan section is more remote and peaceful. Details such as road conditions, distances, and the order of viewpoints are covered in the separate Grassland Sky Road guide. This regional page helps you decide which area to visit and how many days to allow.
Independently ticketed scenic areas
For Baili Sky Road Scenic Area, navigate to “百里天路南口” (Baili Sky Road South Entrance). The reference ticket price is CNY 120 and includes areas such as Qiansongba. Zhongdu Original Grassland Resort has its own entrance and a reference ticket price of CNY 78. Both have separate entrances and ticket offices, and suit visitors who want to park and explore within one managed area. You do not need either ticket to drive on the free public road.
Lightning Lake and Luan River Scenic Area
When travelling to Guyuan, you can make a separate stop at Lightning Lake or Luan River Scenic Area. Reference admission is CNY 30 for Lightning Lake and about CNY 60 for Luan River Scenic Area. Each sells its own ticket and sets its own opening arrangements. Choose a stop that fits your return direction and allow for the drive between areas.
Build your day
One day: choose one area
After arriving in Zhangjiakou, decide whether to stay in Zhangbei that day or continue to Guyuan. If you prefer road scenery, drive one section of Grassland Sky Road; a stop-and-go visit to the East Line takes about 4–5 hours. If you would rather park and explore at a slower pace, choose either Baili Sky Road Scenic Area or Zhongdu Original Grassland Resort. Follow the selected attraction’s entrance and opening hours.
Two days: split Zhangbei and Guyuan
On day one, travel from Beijing or Zhangjiakou and choose a section of public road or one paid attraction. Stay overnight in Zhangbei County, Guyuan County, or at accommodation along the route whose availability you have confirmed. On day two, visit another area. If you choose Lightning Lake or Luan River Scenic Area, first check its separate ticket and opening status, then plan the drive around your return direction.
Restock before the return drive
County towns are the main places to refuel, charge, eat, and replenish drinking water. Before leaving town, check your fuel or battery level, offline maps, and water in the car. The grassland roads have many bends and livestock may cross; plan to return in daylight and avoid driving between areas at night.
Get there
Starting from Zhangjiakou Station
After taking a high-speed train to Zhangjiakou Station, rent a car or arrange a charter vehicle to Zhangbei or Guyuan, depending on your plans. Attractions are spread out and public transport is limited, so connecting several stops by local buses is impractical. Foreign visitors who plan to drive a rental car need a valid Chinese driver’s licence or a Chinese temporary motor vehicle driving permit; an ordinary International Driving Permit (IDP) by itself cannot be used to drive in China. If you do not have the required permit, a chartered car is more practical. A charter is also an option if you are unfamiliar with mountain roads.
Mountain roads, navigation, and parking
Grassland roads are mostly two-way paved roads, with frequent bends and climbs and descents. Mobile reception may be weak in places. Fill the tank or charge in a county town before leaving and download an offline map. Stop only at signed scenic pull-offs; do not stop on a bend or block the road shoulder to take photos.
Know before you go
Check ticketing separately for each attraction
Grassland Sky Road is a free public road and does not require a reservation, but it may close temporarily because of weather or road management. Baili Sky Road Scenic Area and Zhongdu Original Grassland Resort sell separate tickets. Each operator sets its own reservation, last-entry, and temporary-closure arrangements; check the correct entrance and the day’s notice before buying.
Food, accommodation, and roadside services
There are no fuel stations along the grassland roads, and charging options are limited. Food choices along the way are sparse, and farmhouse restaurants vary in price and quality. In Zhangbei County, try Dawei Roast Whole Lamb, Tianyuanju, or Fuyangyang Lamb Soup. Guyuan County options include Guyuan Flavour, Jufu Restaurant, and Gerile Mongolian Restaurant. Confirm check-in and meal availability with roadside accommodation in advance; if the service hours do not fit your plans, stay in a county town.
Weather, livestock, and driving
Summer midday sun is strong, while autumn and nighttime temperatures drop quickly. Bring sun protection and an extra layer. Bends, steep sections, and livestock crossing the road add to the driving challenge. New drivers should shorten the itinerary or travel with a driver familiar with local roads. When mobile reception is unstable, follow your offline navigation and do not make sudden detours to chase a photo.