Wulan Butong Tourist Area

　　The grasslands are boundless, pine forests rustle in the breeze, and small streams meander quietly. Historical relics from the era of Emperor Kangxi’s battle against Galdan, such as the military command platform and the Twelve Connected Military Camps, are still visible. Forty-one Mongolian yurts are arranged in a distinctive V-shape, charmingly welcoming visitors from all directions. In winter, the area is blanketed in snow, with an average snow cover of 300 mm and a snow season lasting up to five months, making it a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. The ancient battlefield of Wulan Butong is located on the southern edge of the Hunshandake Desert in the southwestern part of the region. Where the desert meets the grassland, a solitary peak rises majestically toward the sky. Emperor Kangxi deployed 200,000 troops to engage Galdan in a great battle here. To the northeast of Wulan Butong Peak, the sand is white as snow, and the birch and red willow trees shine emerald and crimson. To the southwest of the peak, the Nalan Gong River winds around the mountain. In front of the peak lies General’s Lake (where Qing Dynasty General Tong Guogang died in battle), spanning about a thousand acres. To the east lies Saihanba, renowned as the grassland above the dam, where the Twelve Connected Military Camps and the military command platform are also located. The Wulan Butong Tourism Development Zone currently features eight scenic areas: the Ancient Battlefield of Wulan Butong, film and television shooting locations, Colorful Mountain, Elephant Group Mountain, and Jiapi Valley.

　　The source of water, the home of clouds, the world of flowers, and the ocean of forests — the beautiful and magical Wulan Butong is a gift from nature, a wonder crafted by the divine hand of the earth. The stunning, picturesque Wulan Butong Grassland is a masterpiece of nature’s artistry.

　　Here you’ll find vast grasslands, tranquil birch forests, and rare species of trees like the sand pine. There are also 60,000 acres of wetlands, including the source of the Luan River and the Golden Lotus Beach. Historical and cultural sites include the Ancient Battlefield of Wulan Butong, General’s Lake, the Twelve Connected Military Camps, and the Tomb of Tong Guogang. The rich ethnic culture is embodied by the hardworking, kind, and hospitable grassland people who will invite you into their yurts, serve you aromatic mare’s milk wine, and offer you white hadas (ceremonial scarves). The melodious sound of the horsehead fiddle tells the history of a nomadic people and opens its arms wide in welcome.

　　In spring, life awakens and the grass turns lush and green; in summer, flowers bloom in vibrant competition and birds fly freely; in autumn, forests are painted in layers of color and livestock grow plump; in winter, the land is draped in silvery white and radiates exceptional beauty.

　　This is a summer retreat, a paradise for photographers, a famous location for film and television shoots, and a haven for skiing enthusiasts.

　　Wulan Butong Grassland is the closest grassland to Beijing (432 kilometers away) and is often referred to as Beijing’s back garden.

　　Come here to relax, ride horses, practice archery, go rafting, take photos, ski; ride in horse-drawn carriages, sheep carts, camel carts, or horse-pulled sleds; drive a jeep or ride an off-road motorcycle for some thrills; visit film and TV shooting locations to live like a “fan chasing stars”; taste the deliciousness of whole roasted lamb and experience the boldness and grace of Mongolian song and dance; take in the beauty of the grasslands and immerse yourself in ethnic culture — even just once, and it will be an unforgettable, deeply etched memory.