Imperial Horse Trail Grassland and Forest Scenic Area

Imperial Horse Trail Grassland and Forest Scenic Area

Imperial Horse Trail Grassland and Forest Scenic Area

The Imperial Horse Trail Grassland and Forest Scenic Area is situated in the Mulan Paddock region of Chengde City. It is a sub-area of the national scenic spot — the Chengde Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples. With a total area of one thousand square kilometers, an altitude ranging from 1,230 to 1,820 meters, and a cold temperate continental monsoon plateau climate, the scenic area contains 700,000 mu of pristine grassland, 200,000 mu of wetlands, 500,000 mu of natural secondary forests, 21 natural freshwater lakes, 47 springs, and 13 rivers. It is also one of the sources of the Luan River. The area hosts 659 species of plants across 50 families, over 100 types of wild animals, and dozens of wild delicacies, showcasing typical biodiversity. In spring and summer, the grasslands are lush and wildflowers bloom abundantly; in autumn, the forests turn golden and wild fruits are fragrant; in winter, the landscape is draped in silvery white, with crystal-like trees and snow flowers.

This area complements the country’s largest imperial garden, the “Mountain Resort,” forming an important part of the Beijing-Chengde golden tourism route. It was once part of the Mulan Paddock, the imperial hunting ground of the Qing Dynasty. Historical sites such as Emperor Kangxi’s Drill Platform, Imperial Spring, Reclining Ox Loop, Sky Ladder Ridge, and the Ancient Imperial Road are rich in Qing Dynasty cultural heritage. Scenic spots like the Immortal Cave, Peach Blossom Lake, Moon Lake, Hundred Flowers Slope, Grand Gorge, and Turtle Mountain are breathtaking and unforgettable. With fresh air, serene surroundings, abundant resources, and a pleasant climate, it is an ideal destination for grassland sightseeing, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, boating, bonfires, off-road racing, leisure vacations, ice skating, skiing, and hunting. The location is easily accessible — just 400 km from Beijing, 240 km from Chengde, and 100 km from Weichang, with main highways leading directly to the scenic area and complete power and communication facilities.

Geographic Location: The Imperial Horse Trail Ranch (Imperial Horse Trail Grassland and Forest Scenic Area) is located in the Bashang area of the Mulan Paddock in Chengde City, at an altitude of 1,230–1,820 meters. It lies on the southeastern edge of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, bordering Duolun County of Inner Mongolia to the west, adjacent to the Yudaokou Township of Weichang County to the south, and connected to the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm (Saihanba Forest Park) to the north and east. Its geographical coordinates are longitude 116°46′–117°26′ and latitude 42°07′–42°25′. The ranch stretches 50 km from east to west and 33 km from north to south, covering a total area of one thousand square kilometers (1.5 million mu), including 700,000 mu of pristine grassland, 200,000 mu of wetlands, 300,000 mu of natural secondary forests, 21 natural freshwater lakes, 47 springs, and 13 rivers. It is also one of the sources of the Luan River. There are 659 species of plants across 50 families, over 100 types of wild animals, and dozens of wild delicacies, demonstrating typical biodiversity. The terrain is a classic undulating plateau, higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest. The climate is a cold temperate continental monsoon plateau type, with an average annual temperature of 5°C, annual precipitation of 460 mm, and an average frost-free period of 90 days.

In 2001, the scenic area was planned by tourism experts into five zones. In 2002, with approval from the provincial government, a provincial nature reserve spanning 300,000 mu was established within the scenic area. With its distinctive features and ever-changing colors throughout the four seasons, the scenic area forms a magnificent and beautiful picture of the Imperial Horse Trail, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors for sightseeing and vacation every year.

Travel the Bashang Plateau, follow the Imperial Horse Trail — for a visit to the Mulan Paddock, the Imperial Horse Trail Scenic Area is your ideal destination to connect with nature and enjoy a cool summer retreat.

Address:

Mulan Paddock region, Chengde City

Postal Code:

068463

Telephone:

0314-7996641