In an era where travel has become a way of life, the self-promotion of various scenic spots has led to an information explosion, making it difficult to discern whether a popular attraction is truly worth visiting. The travel media section of the Sohu News app has gathered a community of over 700 professional travelers, travel experience experts, travel writers, and photographers who can conduct on-site, comprehensive investigations and publish the most authentic, comprehensive, and useful attraction introductions through the official Sohu Travel Media platform.
The Sohu News Client Travel Media Alliance always strides confidently at the forefront of the times. It remains untroubled by worldly strife yet dances with the heavens and earth, breathing in unison with travel content creators. On September 5th, the Sohu News Client Travel Media Inspection Team, in collaboration with the Sohu News Client Automotive Media Alliance and the magazine "Automobile Self-Drive Travel," embarked on a two-day self-drive inspection. This lively, capable, and mission-driven group—carrying a sacred and glorious task—set out to explore the legendary Hebei Highway 66.
This Hebei Highway 66, also known as the "Grassland Sky Road," was completed in 2011 and connects Chongli Hot Springs with Zhangbei Grassland. Stretching 132.7 kilometers, it features numerous historical sites along with abundant cultural, ecological, and geological tourism resources, all set against well-preserved natural landscapes. Once the inspection team’s journey and guide were released, they caused quite a stir, setting off a whirlwind in the travel community—anyone aspiring to conquer the Sky Road must first master the route.
I. Route Suggestions:
The round trip covers approximately 800 kilometers. This guide is designed for a two-day itinerary, which is the most reasonable plan.
Day 1 Itinerary: Beijing → Chongli (via G6 Expressway - Provincial Road S242) (lunch stop) → Huapiling (near S242, eastern entrance of Grassland Sky Road) → Yanpianshan → Wind Power Towers → Saibei Terraces → Yehuling (western exit of Grassland Sky Road, marked as County Road 001 on maps) → Overnight in Zhangbei County
Day 2 Itinerary: Zhangbei → Guyuan Luanhe River (lunch stop) → Chongli → Beijing
II. Notable Attractions Along the Way:
1. Grassland Sky Road
The Grassland Sky Road spans 132.7 kilometers. Starting from Huapiling in the east and ending at Yehuling in the west, the scenery is beautifully varied, especially in late autumn when the fields transform into a riot of colors. The road is winding and steep, so drive with caution. The journey is long, but life is endless.
2. Huapiling
Huapiling: Located at the eastern entrance of the Grassland Sky Road, this is the point where the altitude begins to rise and marks the edge of a vast forested area—a natural oxygen bar. If you keep driving forward without looking back, you might feel like you’re heading to the sky, but when you turn around, the view will take your breath away.
Sohu News Client Travel Media Inspection Team Tip: Huapiling is a separate scenic area, partially overlapping with the Grassland Sky Road, though not entirely included within it.
3. Yanpianshan
Yanpianshan: About 15 kilometers from the Huapiling entrance, there’s a high point that abruptly rises amid the gently rolling hills along one side of the Grassland Sky Road. Many travelers stop here to camp or admire the striking rocky landscape, a masterpiece of nature. The hill isn’t high, but you’ll need to use both hands and feet to climb to the top. From a distance, it resembles ancient stone fortresses standing watch together.
Sohu News Client Travel Media Inspection Team Tip: There are small vendors here, making it a great spot for close contact with the forested area. There’s limited parking, making it suitable as the first stop along the Grassland Sky Road.
4. Wind Power Towers
Wind Power Towers: Commonly known as windmills. The seemingly endless mountains owe much of their vitality to these steadfast wind turbines, which have rotated tirelessly for years. The windmills are full of character, never refusing the caress of the wind, and thus always appear a little more tender in your gaze.
5. Saibei Terraces
Saibei Terraces: A place rich in stories, its scenery is as genuine and unadorned as the people who live here. Layer upon layer of terraces lie quietly in nature’s embrace, breathing the purest air, basking in the brightest sunlight, and enjoying a peaceful, undisturbed atmosphere.
6. Swan Lake & Lightning River
The Charm of Luanhe River: The Lightning River, the source of the Luanhe, winds through forests and lakes before meandering freely across the vast wetland grasslands of Guyuan. Its winding curves create a long, evocative vista. The Charm of the Luanhe River has become another iconic landscape of Guyuan.
Sohu News Client Travel Media Inspection Team Tip: Swan Lake is near the Lightning River and can be enjoyed along the way. To fully appreciate the Charm of the Luanhe River, you’ll need to enter Swan Lake Scenic Area, which charges an admission fee. You’ll also have to climb to the highest point in the area for the best views. It’s best to avoid visiting at noon when the sunlight is too harsh for photography.
7. Scenery Along the Route
The scenery along the route features rolling landscapes, with more steep slopes in the eastern section and more curves in the western section. Wind turbines are scattered throughout. Some parts are incredibly beautiful, but not suitable for stopping convoys to take photos—please stay alert.
III. Dining and Accommodation Suggestions
Due to the long travel distance, it’s recommended to spend two days exploring and stay overnight in Zhangbei County.
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