Yudaokou Ranch

Yudaokou Ranch

Yudaokou Ranch is located in the Bashang area of Weichang County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. The ranch stretches 50 kilometers from east to west and 33 kilometers from north to south. It is 260 kilometers from Chengde and 400 kilometers from Beijing. Situated on the southeastern edge of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, it borders Duolun County of Inner Mongolia to the west, the Yudaokou Township of Weichang County to the south, and connects to the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm to the north and east. The total land area spans 1.495 million mu, including 219,000 mu of natural forest, 1.2 million mu of natural grassland, 50,000 mu of arable land, and 5,000 mu of water area. There are 21 freshwater lakes each covering over 100 mu, 47 high-quality mineral springs, and 13 rivers of varying sizes. The Xiaoluan River runs from north to south, serving as the main river within the ranch.

The Yudaokou Ranch Grassland and Forest Scenic Area is located in the Bashang region of Chengde, Hebei Province, covering an area of one thousand square kilometers. Of the 72 hunting grounds of the Qing Dynasty’s Mulan Paddock Royal Hunting Reserve, six are situated here. This scenic area boasts vast terrain, abundant natural resources, and well-preserved ecological environment, making it the largest primitive grassland and forest scenic area in Hebei Province. With an elevation ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 meters, it features a cold temperate monsoon climate. The area enjoys distinct seasons, pleasant weather, and beautiful scenery. The unique climate and long history have given rise to numerous natural and cultural landscapes: towering ancient pines, twisted century-old elm trees, undulating hills, meandering streams, boundless grasslands, vibrant seas of flowers, and sapphire-like natural lakes. There are also cultural sites such as Emperor Kangxi’s Military Training Platform, Yadai Mountain, Immortal Cave, Imperial Spring, and Princess Tomb. The scenic area is rich in flora and fauna, as well as a variety of local specialty products, many of which hold significant ornamental, edible, and medicinal value. Abundant underground and surface water resources are found here, with dozens of high-quality natural mineral springs scattered across the ranch. The area is home to six ethnic groups including Manchu, Mongolian, and Han, whose residents are known for their simple and honest way of life and profound ethnic culture, giving rise to a strong grassland folk culture unique to the frontier. In spring, the area is covered with lush green grass and blooming flowers; in summer, it offers breathtaking views of lakes and mountains; in autumn, the hills are ablaze with red foliage and the air is fragrant with wild fruits; in winter, it transforms into a world of snow and ice, resembling a crystal forest. Hence, it is hailed as “the source of rivers, the homeland of clouds, the world of flowers, the ocean of forests, and the paradise of rare birds and animals.” With its superior geographical location and unique landscapes, it serves as an ideal destination for summer retreats, sightseeing, vacationing, hunting, and skiing.