Prince’s Tomb Grassland Flora and Fauna Reserve

Prince’s Tomb Grassland Flora and Fauna Reserve

Prince’s Tomb Grassland Flora and Fauna Reserve

The Prince’s Tomb Grassland Flora and Fauna Reserve is located within the territory of Yanyoufang Township and is a uniquely charming attraction along the Bashang eco-tourism route. A provincial-level asphalt road runs across the entire area. The reserve is centrally situated among the various tourist spots of the Bashang grassland, enjoying a highly strategic location. Heading 20 kilometers westward leads to the lost site of the “He Shi Bi Imperial Seal”—the Wolongtu Mongolian Garden in Kangbao County and the majestic mountain pass of the grassland—Nantianmen; traveling east takes you to the Paotaiying Pasture in Taibus Banner, Inner Mongolia, and the Dressing Tower in Guyuan; a slight southeast journey leads to the Zhongdu Grassland Resort in Zhangbei. An ancient section of the Jin Dynasty’s Great Wall stretches across the reserve.

Within the reserve lies a small village established in the 1940s, originally called Jiumiaowan and under the jurisdiction of Yanyoufang Township. In 1949, it was renamed Prince’s Tomb due to the presence of a Mongolian chieftain’s tomb 1,500 meters north of the village. Historical research indicates that in 1294 AD, Kublai Khan’s son, Zhen’erge, came here for hunting but fell ill and died in this area, hence the name “Prince’s Tomb Hunting Area.” Today, one prince’s tomb site remains. The tomb was damaged in earlier years but was later restored by the local government to its original state, peacefully nestled within the scenic area amidst the rolling hills. There are many legends about the cause of Zhen’erge’s death, but none can be verified. Elders from Prince’s Tomb Village say that the young and vigorous Zhen’erge once led his entourage on hunting expeditions. Upon arriving here, he took a particular liking to the place and hunted here for several consecutive days. He hunted countless pheasants, rabbits, and foxes but never managed to catch the herders’ nemesis—the wolf. Hunting has its own rules: pheasants and rabbits are hunted during the day, known as “slope hunting”; foxes and wolves are hunted at night, known as “proper hunting.” Each night, Zhen’erge and his companions scoured the area widely for prey. One night, the prince went out alone and accidentally stepped on a wolf trap set by hunters. Blood flowed instantly, and the scent attracted wolves. A fierce battle ensued between man and beast; the prince was bitten, and the wolf died with its belly torn open. Zhen’erge fell ill from the encounter and eventually passed away despite medical efforts. Kublai Khan, moved by the land stained with his son’s blood, had him buried there. Thus, the Prince’s Tomb Hunting Area gradually took shape. To this day, many Mongolian herders still come here in early spring every year to honor their ancestors.

Since 2000, Yanyoufang Township, as a comprehensive demonstration zone for the “Grain for Green and Grazing Land Conversion” policy in Kangbao County, has concentrated on converting 39,000 acres of farmland in contiguous blocks and allocated 17,000 acres of suitable barren hills and wastelands. Following principles of adapting trees and grasses to local conditions, preventing disasters, and developing tourism, the township adopted a combined approach of arbor, shrub, and grass planting along with the “grass hat ring” management model. This resulted in the afforestation of 20,000 acres and the planting of 10,500 acres of grass, forming an initial large-scale restoration. Standing atop Prince’s Tomb Mountain, one can see various types of drought-resistant grasses—such as sand lovegrass, feather fingergrass, and alkaligrass—forming lush green carpets. Grid-like plantings of poplar and elm trees are interspersed throughout, while rows of sea buckthorn, over two feet tall and arranged in triangular patterns, climb up the mountainside. Thanks to effective ecological vegetation recovery, over 20 species of wildlife—including foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, snowcocks, and hemipterans—that had disappeared for years have now returned to settle in the reserve.

Autumn in the reserve is poetic. The grasslands bloom with a variety of flowers, such as lilies, dandelions, astragalus, and plantain. The hillsides are systematically covered with apricot trees, sand willows, poplars, elms, and timothy grass, all lush, verdant, and brimming with life. There are many activities to enjoy on the grasslands: horse racing, wrestling, and hunting—allowing visitors to take in the natural scenery while experiencing the unique charm of grassland life. Riding a horse brings an exhilarating sense of freedom. Wrestling is a spontaneous performance on the grass, both entertaining to watch and fun to try. The reserve also features two unique “waterscapes”: a 300-acre natural Na’er (small lake) Water Park, where rippling waters host wild ducks and waterfowl playing on the surface. Gentle boating on the na’er offers a different sensation than battling ocean waves. The blue sky, white clouds, green grass, and clear water create a scene straight out of poetry. For a different mood, head to the 50-acre artificial fishpond for fishing—bringing surprises, frustrations, failures, and rewards. Taste the deliciousness of the fish you’ve caught with your own hands, then stroll to a nearby cottage where a kind and hospitable village host serves up a meal. Pair bitter greens, wild vegetable roots, and wolfberry sprouts with a few cups of Kangbao Laojiao liquor brewed from grassland spring water, and enjoy some cat-ear noodles served with mushroom soup. The rich culture of grassland cuisine is vividly on display.

In winter, the reserve is blanketed in silver, resembling a world of jade trees and crystal flowers. About a mile northeast of Wanlongdian Village at the southern end of the reserve stands a solitary large elm tree, hence earning the name “The Lone Elm of Western Beijing.” The tree stands 11 meters tall, with a girth of 250 cm, a crown spanning 15m x 14m, and is estimated to be 300 years old. The ancient elm has a sturdy trunk, a full crown, dense foliage, and gracefully swaying branches. From a distance, it resembles a giant mushroom. Not far to the southeast of the tree once stood a Temple to the Goddess (Nainai Miao). For decades, locals from the surrounding area would come here to offer incense on the Goddess Festival, celebrated on the 18th day of the fourth lunar month. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple was demolished, and villagers began regarding the large elm as the incarnation of the goddess temple—a tradition that continues to this day. The reserve opened to tourists in 2005.