Luanhe Charm Scenic Area

Luanhe Charm Scenic Area

Luanhe Charm Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Luanhe Charm Scenic Area is located about 20 kilometers northeast of Guyuan County, bordered by Zhuanyue Mountain to the north, stretching across the vast Golden Lotus Prairie to the south, with Zhuanyue Temple to the east and Grassland Lake to the west. Across from it lies the Yuan Dynasty “Xiaohongcheng Ruins” (Jinlianchuan Mansion). The area boasts lush water and grass, stunning scenery, and a cool climate. Historically, it was once the Yu Yi Town of the Northern Wei Dynasty, as well as a sacred imperial hunting and summer retreat for emperors of the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties. It was praised by Emperor Kangxi as the “exquisite tribe where eight hundred li of Golden Lotus Prairie bloom in a riot of colors.” The headwaters of the Luanhe Charm, the Shandian River, meanders in graceful curves and loops, earning its name from the divine strokes of nature’s craftsmanship. It is the flagship ecological tourism attraction of the county. Covering a total area of 34.3 hectares, it represents 600,000 mu of wetland grassland in the county. The wetland is home to 210 species of wild plants and 222 species of terrestrial vertebrates. Its wetland types, landscapes, and biodiversity are highly typical and representative among grassland wetlands.

Standing atop Zhuanyue Mountain within the scenic area and looking into the distance, the sky and land merge, a vast sea of green stretches out, and the Luanhe River twists and turns like a winding ribbon. Strolling through the surroundings, the scenery of the frontier grassland unfolds before your eyes. Luanhe Charm ATV Ride: At the mountaintop, there is a flat area about half the size of a soccer field, with a stone monument of Luanhe Charm on the front slope. Under the blue sky, the Shandian River winds its way like a meandering thread into the grassland. The grassland is like a sheet of green paper, and the river is the ink with which nature paints the charm of the Luanhe here. Luanhe Charm Horse Riding: In this beautiful season, let’s continue the life on horseback. Leave the noisy city behind and head to the vast grassland to free yourself. Ride a steed across the boundless prairie, letting loose and having fun. Experience relaxation and seek joy. Ride together, speed across the grassland, feel the life on horseback, gather around a bonfire for roast lamb, dance and sing, ignite your passion on horseback, forget all worries, play childhood games, and recall the days of youth.

The Luanhe Charm Wetland Observation and Experience Zone is located within the Hebei Bashang Shandian River National Wetland Park, known as the “Best Wetland with Chinese Characteristics” and the “Most Beautiful Wetland of Yan-Zhao,” approximately 18.8 kilometers from Pingdingbao Town, Guyuan County. This zone focuses on elevated viewing and wetland experience, situated at an altitude of 1,437 meters with a gently sloping mountain top extending from north to south. Major constructions include a 240-square-meter antique-style gate, six management and reception buildings, and 2,200 meters of protective wooden boardwalks for viewing. The Zhuanyue Mountain greening project covers 270 acres, with 36,000 trees planted and over 70 acres of grass sown. In 2019, construction began on the Wetland Culture Garden. The overall design of the Cultural Garden centers on the theme of Luanhe Charm, structured along the axes of geographical context, ecological resources, cultural heritage, and humanistic sentiment. Using modern aesthetic art as a medium, it highlights how Shandian River Wetland is a collection of ecological culture and the cradle of human civilization, while also emphasizing its role as a lever of economic culture and a leader in the tourism industry. Now operational, the Wetland Culture Garden is divided into sections including the Wetland Culture Exhibition Hall, Tourism Culture Exhibition Hall, Migration Culture Exhibition Hall, Science Popularization Hall, Calligraphy and Painting Hall, and Photography Hall, used to display wetland plant and animal specimens, wetland knowledge, and wetland cultural landscapes. It has become a new platform for showcasing the natural and human elements of the wetland.

The observation area is rich in wildlife resources and serves as an important stopover and breeding ground for migratory birds, a concentrated habitat for waterfowl, and home to many rare and endangered bird species. Each year, over 180 species of birds visit here, including first and second-class nationally protected animals such as the great bustard, golden eagle, black stork, scaly-sided merganser, tundra swan, grey crane, white-naped crane, demoiselle crane, and redshank. Unique bird-watching scenes can often be observed. Along both sides of the Shandian River are typical Bashang meadow wetlands. The endless meadows are lush with green grass in spring, burst into brilliant blooms in summer, enjoy clear skies and light clouds in autumn, and display ice-like purity in winter. Here you can perceive and enjoy the wonderful experiences brought by the wetland.

On December 15, 2020, it was designated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction by the Hebei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Ticket: 60 RMB (for reference only)

Address: Approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Guyuan County, Zhangjiakou City

Transportation: Generally requires self-driving or hiring a chartered vehicle

Self-driving: Take the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Expressway — exit at Shacheng and drive toward Chicheng — then to Luanhe Charm

Chartered Vehicle: Charter a vehicle in Guyuan County for one or two days to explore Luanhe Charm and Shandian Lake scenic areas. Hiring a small car costs approximately 400–500 RMB per day.