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After two long years, the road from Beijing to Fengning Bashang has finally been repaired. Without traffic, it takes just 3.5 hours to reach Bashang. The winding mountain road from Huairou to Tanghekou has been converted into one-way dual lanes, and tunnels have been built through all four mountains—the longest tunnel is 3.3 kilometers (driving through it always feels like I’m playing Need for Speed…), making your drive safer and giving your family greater peace of mind!!!
Fengning Bashang Grassland (also known as Beijing North’s No.1 Grassland), or Datan Grassland, is located in the northwest of Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Hebei Province, and is an important part of the Bashang Plateau. Here, the pools are crystal-clear, the grass grows shoulder-high, and herds of Mongolian gazelles roam. The ecological environment is pristine. In Mongolian, this place is called “Hailiutu,” meaning “a land of water and grass.” With an average July temperature of 17.4°C and a maximum yearly temperature of no more than 24°C, it’s an ideal destination for a vacation. Driving from Beijing to Bashang typically takes about 5 hours, but the newly repaired road can get you there in just 3.5 hours when traffic is light. The one-way distance is 260 kilometers, with few intersections. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the picturesque valley scenery of the Huairou mountain area—truly a unique experience.
● Reset your odometer at the Fifth Ring Road entrance of the Beijing-Chengde Expressway.
● After 2.9 kilometers, you’ll reach the toll gate—pick up your ticket here.
● After 37 kilometers, you’ll reach the Huairou exit. Pay the 20 RMB toll (for sedans) here to exit the expressway and get onto the Jingmi Road. Sometimes there’s heavy traffic here, so you can continue to the Yangsong exit, which also charges 20 RMB. After exiting, head toward Yanqi Lake, then turn right onto the JingShun Road after reaching the lake.
● After 43 kilometers, you’ll reach the Kaifang Roundabout. Turn left, then take the first right after seeing the sign for “Fengning” (the first right after turning left). This is a newly built road that bypasses downtown Huairou. There are five intersections here, so pay close attention.
● After 48 kilometers, you’ll reach the Yanqi Roundabout—go straight.
● After 56 kilometers, you’ll reach the Qinglong Gorge junction—this marks the start of the mountain road.
● From Qinglong Gorge onward, the road is newly built, one-way dual-lane, with newly opened tunnels through all four mountains. Driving here is a real treat.
● After 100 kilometers, you’ll reach the Tanghekou checkpoint. Turn right—there’s a gas station 500 meters ahead where you can refuel and take a break.
● After 112 kilometers, you’ll reach the Changshao Camp gas station, which is the last gas station in Beijing. If you didn’t refuel at Tanghekou, consider doing it here and taking a break. Both right and straight routes are possible here, but the straight route goes through the village, which is narrow and crowded—recommended to turn right for the outer ring road.
● After 114 kilometers, you’ll reach the Changshao Camp Y-intersection. Turn left (going straight leads to Luanping). There are no forks afterward, and the road is relatively easy to drive.
● After 159 kilometers, you’ll reach the boundary between Hebei Province and Beijing at Nandaliang.
● After 177 kilometers, you’ll reach the Fengning County South Bridge gas station (a popular spot for refueling and rest stops, with many vendors around). Turn left (right turns lead to Chengde). After crossing the bridge, take the roundabout and turn right (going straight leads to downtown Fengning). Taking the outer ring road around the county means fewer people and wider roads.
● After 186 kilometers, you’ll reach the Saidaigoumen T-intersection. Go straight (left turns lead to Shacheng). Many people turn left here—please pay extra attention.
● After 193 kilometers, you’ll reach the Tucheng Town T-intersection. Turn left (going straight leads to Weichang). This intersection is often confused with the previous one—remember, it’s the second left turn after passing through Fengning. There’s a road sign, so keep an eye out.
● After 206 kilometers, you’ll reach the Labashan Scenic Area in Fengning County. This area is rich in myth and legend, home to the Buddha Bead Cave and Dajue Temple. The first right turn after crossing the bridge is quite sharp—slow down.
● After 220 kilometers, you’ll reach the Kulongshan Town in Fengning County. Look to the left—isn’t that a mountain peak with two holes? That’s how Kulong Mountain got its name.
● After 233 kilometers, you’ll reach the base of the mountain. Ready? Time to climb. At the foot of the mountain lies our dream destination: Bashang Grassland. Isn’t the view beautiful? Enjoy the scenery as you ascend.
● After 240 kilometers, you’ll reach the mountaintop. The altitude here is around 1,380 meters—stretch your arms and relax. You’ll also find many locals asking if you’d like to stay at a farmhouse. Decide for yourself. I recommend booking accommodations in advance to avoid unnecessary hassle.
● After 256 kilometers, you’ll reach the Hailiutu intersection. On the left is an amusement area with activities like grass sledding and go-karting—currently, most Bashang entertainment options are here, making it a convenient place to stay. On the right side of the intersection, there's a billboard that reads: “Hailiutu Grassland Club, Filming Location of ‘The Road Home.’” Then go straight to reach Datan, where Xiao Su will be waiting to greet you.