Sumu Mountain Tourist Area in Xinghe County, Ulanqab

A national 4A-rated scenic area located in Dianzhen Town, Xinghe County, Ulanqab, Sumushan Forest Park sits at the junction of Shanxi, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia. It is the largest artificial larch forest in central and western Inner Mongolia and is often known as the “Little Huangshan of Beyond the Great Wall.” Its main peak, Huangshiya (黄石崖), reaches 2,334.7 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Ulanqab. Alpine pine forests, sea of clouds, and colorful autumn woodland are the park’s defining features.

Address: Sumushan Forest Park, Dianzhen Town, Xinghe County, Ulanqab City

Essential Information

• Opening hours: During the peak season from May to the end of October, 07:00–18:00, with last admission at 16:30; closed from November through April.
• Recommended visit time: 3–4 hours is enough for a day trip; visitors with good physical fitness can spend longer on the hiking trails.
• Best travel seasons: July–August in summer is ideal for escaping the heat, with average midsummer temperatures below 20°C, high forest oxygen levels, and the unusual sight of residual ice in Binglinggou even in summer. Mid-September to early October in autumn is the golden season for photography, when the larches and birches turn bright yellow and the mountains are covered in colorful forests. For the best photography, visit between 07:00 and 09:00 when sea-of-clouds conditions are more likely, or between 16:00 and 18:00 for beautiful side light across the mountains and forests.

Transportation

By car (recommended): Navigate to “Sumushan Forest Park.” Exit the G7 Expressway at Xinghe South, then drive approximately 30 km south along the county road to reach the park. The drive takes about 1.5 hours from Jining, Ulanqab, and approximately 3.5–4 hours from Beijing. Paid parking is available at the scenic area. Private cars cannot drive directly up the mountain and must transfer to the park’s vehicles.

High-speed rail + taxi: Take a high-speed train to Xinghe North Railway Station, then take a taxi for approximately 30–40 minutes to the scenic area.

Public bus: Xinghe County Bus Station has a small number of buses serving the area, but departures are infrequent and the return services leave early, so this option is not recommended for travelers with limited time.

Tickets and Scenic-Area Transportation (2026)

The entrance ticket is RMB 50 for adults; students and visitors aged 60–69 receive half-price admission, while visitors aged 70 and above and children under 1.2 meters enter free of charge.

The shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the mountain gate costs RMB 15 round trip. The route covers 8 km of mountain road and is mandatory, as private cars are not allowed on this section. From the mountain gate to the mid-mountain sightseeing area, the sightseeing vehicle costs RMB 40 one way. It saves considerable uphill walking and is strongly recommended for seniors and visitors with limited stamina, although physically fit travelers can also hike the entire route via the wooden trails.

Main Attractions

Huangshiya Peak (望天涯)

The highest point of the scenic area, Huangshiya offers a spectacular summit viewing platform where you can experience the feeling of standing at the meeting point of three provinces, with mountains across Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Hebei visible from the top. Remains of the ancient Great Wall can also be seen in the distance. After rain, sea-of-clouds conditions are particularly likely in the early morning, creating dramatic views of wind turbines, forests, and layered mountains in a single panorama.

Golden Forest Wooden Trails

More than ten kilometers of wooden walkways wind through approximately 75,000 mu of artificial larch and birch forest. The sound of pine trees fills the air, while scenic spots such as Songtao Ridge and Wucai Pond can be visited along the way. Much of the route is relatively gentle, making it suitable for an easy forest hike and a refreshing escape into nature.

Binglinggou

Binglinggou is a canyon with a unique local microclimate where patches of residual ice can remain even in midsummer. Green trees, flowing streams, and lingering ice create an unusual summer landscape. The valley is quiet and cool, with streams running through the forest.

Lovers’ Rock and Divine Turtle Looking Out to Sea

These are distinctive rock formations and cliffside viewpoints shaped like familiar objects, making them popular spots for landscape and portrait photography. The Lama Cave (喇嘛洞) historical site can also be visited along the way.

Recommended Visiting Route

A Relaxed One-Day Route

Visitor Center → take the mandatory shuttle bus to the mountain gate → take the sightseeing vehicle to the mid-mountain trailhead → hike to the Huangshiya summit viewing platform, the main highlight → descend via the wooden trails, stopping at Lovers’ Rock, Binglinggou, and the birch forest → return to the mountain gate and take the shuttle bus back to the Visitor Center.

Visitors with good physical fitness can hike the entire wooden-trail route up and down the mountain, which takes approximately 4–5 hours.

Accommodation and Local Food

Where to Stay

You can stay in Xinghe County, where there are more hotels to choose from. The county is approximately 45 km from the scenic area and is the most convenient option for a day trip. There are also a small number of farmhouse-style guesthouses near the entrance, but availability is limited, so advance booking is recommended during the peak season. There is no accommodation on the mountain. Facilities in the mountain service areas are basic, so it is advisable to bring drinking water, snacks, and dry food.

Local Food

Local specialties include oat noodle nests (莜面窝窝), potato noodles (山药鱼鱼), Inner Mongolian hand-held mutton (手把肉), and wild mountain vegetables.

Practical Travel Tips

1. The main peak is at high altitude, and winds can be strong with a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, bring a windproof warm jacket. UV radiation is also strong, so sun protection is essential. Wear non-slip sports or hiking shoes and consider bringing trekking poles.
2. Forest fire prevention controls are extremely strict. Smoking and open flames are prohibited throughout the forest area. Do not leave the wooden trails or enter undeveloped forest areas on your own.
3. Mountain fog is common during the rainy season, and thunderstorms may occasionally occur at the summit. Do not climb to exposed high points during thunderstorms.
4. During public holidays, enter the park as early as possible to avoid the peak crowds brought by tour groups around midday.

Nearby Attractions

Sumushan Forest Park → Chahu Lake (察尔湖). You can also combine the trip with Ulan Hada Volcanoes and Huitengxile Grassland (辉腾锡勒草原) to create a self-driving loop through eastern Ulanqab.