Gongger Grassland

　　       Gongger Grassland is situated within the territory of Hexigten Banner, to the east of Dalinor Town, 47 kilometers from Jingpeng Town. It is the Inner Mongolian grassland closest to Beijing, blending natural scenery with Mongolian culture. The grassland here boasts lush pastures and stunning landscapes, with several rivers connecting chains of lakes. The three sister lakes—Dalinor, Ganggenor, and Duolunor—are linked by the Shali River, Liangzi River, Gongger River, and Haolai River, forming a beautiful necklace around the Gongger Grassland. In spring, wildflowers dot the landscape, and migratory birds such as red-crowned cranes, white swans, and geese gather here in large numbers. In summer, the endless green grass meets the blue sky, and the lakes shine with crystal-clear waters. In autumn, dark green mushroom rings spread across the plains. In winter, the vast land turns into a silvery white expanse. The unique grassland ethnic customs and culinary culture here offer a taste of the grassland’s boundless breadth and grandeur. The grassland is rich in flora and fauna, with over 500 species of wild plants, more than 300 species of wild animals, and over 130 species of birds. As you walk across the grassland, you may spot rare birds and adorable small animals like wild rabbits and deer. In the northeastern part of the grassland, there is also a rare stand of Korean pine forest, one of only two remaining in the world, known as the “sacred tree” or “living fossil.”

　　　    The Gongger Grassland, with its lush green grass, flat terrain, and majestic expanse, covers a total area of over 4.8 million mu, accounting for 18.8% of the banner’s natural grasslands. The grass mainly consists of alkaline grasses and needlegrass, mixed with feather grass, cleistogenes, alfalfa, flat beans, and wild vetch. The grass grows to a height of 30–40 centimeters. The grassland is abundant in white mushrooms, daylilies, and medicinal herbs such as astragalus, licorice, peony, and sophora flavescens. Gongger Grassland is home to over 500 species of wild plants and dozens of wild animals including roe deer, deer, wolves, lynxes, and otters. There are 133 species of birds, including swans, waterfowl, larks, and herons. With its lush grass and picturesque scenery, the grassland is crisscrossed by winding rivers and serene lakes. The three sister lakes—Dalinor, Ganggenor, and Duolunor—are connected by the Shali River, Liangzi River, Gongger River, and Haolai River, forming a beautiful necklace around the grassland.

　　　　    In spring, the grassland is covered with fresh green grass, blooming cattails, scattered yellow flowers, and gathers large numbers of migratory birds such as red-crowned cranes, white swans, and geese.

　　　　    In summer, the grassland is a sea of endless green, with fragrant blossoms spreading freely like an ocean of flowers, while the lake waters shimmer like silver lamps scattered across the blue.

　　　　    In autumn, as the heat subsides and the autumn wind rises, the vibrant colors of the season become even more enchanting. The sky resembles a dome, with drifting white clouds, and the green waves of flowers and grass reveal the magical charm of nature through the dark green mushroom rings. As you follow the mysterious circles in search of tender white mushrooms, the excitement will bring you back to your childhood.

　　　　    In winter, the grassland is blanketed in silvery white, from the distant mountains to the nearby land. Gazing into the distance, the vast plains stretch endlessly, and standing amidst this scene offers a transcendent feeling akin to a fairyland on earth.

　　　　    Immersed in the blue skies and green grass of the grassland, you seem to enter a cool and tranquil world. All worldly noise naturally fades away in the refreshing air, purifying both body and mind. The serene grassland will surely delight your spirit and make you reluctant to leave.

　　　　    According to the *Mongolian Nomadic Records*: “The Keshiketeng tribe is 800 li from the ancient northern pass to the capital.” The unique grassland ethnic customs and culinary culture here are as colorful as the radiant morning glow. Stepping into a yurt, you will be warmly welcomed by the hospitable and sincere Mongolian people, who will serve you milk tea, fried rice, and hand-grabbed lamb. When golden butter, milk skin, white cheese, and milk tofu are presented before you, the immersive experience of this ethnic food culture, along with the musical, hardworking, and simple nature of the Mongolian people, allows you to better appreciate the vastness and generosity of the grassland.