Chifeng Travel Tips

Chifeng City (赤峰市) is one of the most diverse travel destinations in Inner Mongolia. Compared with Hexigten Banner (克什克腾旗), which is famous for its concentrated natural landscapes, Chifeng offers a much larger and more complex travel map. Here, travelers can experience almost every classic landscape of northern China: the endless grasslands of Ulan Butong (乌兰布统), the mysterious stone formations of Arshihaty Stone Forest (阿斯哈图石林), the desert scenery of Yulong Sand Lake (玉龙沙湖), the wetlands of Dalai Lake (达里湖), the forests of Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭), and the ancient civilization of Hongshan Culture (红山文化).

Chifeng is not only a destination for nature lovers but also an important historical and cultural region with more than 8,000 years of civilization. From prehistoric jade culture to Mongolian grassland traditions, from deserts to alpine forests, Chifeng provides one of the most complete northern China travel experiences.

The best way to explore Chifeng is by self-driving or private tour because attractions are widely scattered. A well-planned itinerary can combine desert, grassland, forest, lakes, and cultural heritage in one unforgettable journey.

Why Visit Chifeng City (赤峰市)?

The biggest feature of Chifeng tourism is its incredible landscape diversity. Few destinations allow travelers to enjoy such different environments within one trip.

In the morning, you can ride a camel across the dunes of Yulong Sand Lake. In the afternoon, you can stand among ancient granite stone forests in Hexigten Banner. The next day, you can drive through grassland highways surrounded by cattle and sheep, then watch the sunset over Dalai Lake.

This dramatic change of scenery is the unique charm of Chifeng.

Best Time to Visit Chifeng

The ideal travel seasons are from June to October.

Summer (June-August) is the peak season, especially for grassland travel. The average temperature is around 20-25°C, making it a comfortable summer escape. The grasslands are green, wildflowers bloom, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding and camping are available.

Autumn (mid-September to early October) is considered the most beautiful season. The forests around Ulan Butong, Huanggangliang (黄岗梁), and Baiyin Aobao (白音敖包) turn golden, creating some of the best photography conditions of the year.

How to Plan Chifeng Tours

Because Chifeng covers a large area, travelers should avoid trying to visit everything in one or two days. A minimum of 3 days is recommended, while 5-7 days allows a more complete experience.

The most popular travel style is a northbound scenic route:

Chifeng City → Yulong Sand Lake → Hexigten Banner → Arshihaty Stone Forest → Dalai Lake → Ulan Butong Grassland → Return

This route connects Chifeng’s major landscapes without excessive backtracking.

Classic 3-Day Chifeng Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Chifeng City Culture and Yulong Sand Lake Desert Experience

Arrive in Chifeng City and begin with the city’s cultural attractions.

Visit the Hongshan National Cultural Heritage Park area or the Chifeng Museum to learn about Hongshan Culture, one of the earliest civilizations in northern China. The famous jade artifacts discovered here show that this region had advanced cultural development thousands of years ago.

If you prefer a relaxing start, visit Hongshan National Forest Park (红山国家森林公园), the green lung of the city, where red mountain landscapes combine with urban scenery.

At lunchtime, try Chifeng’s famous local snack, Chifeng Dui Jia (赤峰对夹). This crispy baked bread filled with smoked meat is considered the city’s signature food.

In the afternoon, drive to Yulong Sand Lake, where desert and lake scenery meet. Visitors can experience camel riding, sand sliding, desert off-road vehicles, and photography.

Staying overnight near Yulong Sand Lake is highly recommended. The desert sunset and clear night sky are among the highlights of the trip.

Day 2: Grassland Highway and Arshihaty Stone Forest

Start the journey north toward Hexigten Banner.

The route can connect with the famous Re’a Line (热阿线) and Dada Line (达达线), two of Inner Mongolia’s most scenic driving routes.

The Re’a Line passes through Huanggangliang forests, where mountains, forests, and grasslands blend together. The Dada Line crosses the vast Gongger Grassland (贡格尔草原), offering endless views of grazing animals, blue skies, and winding roads.

Continue to Arshihaty Stone Forest, a major geological attraction formed by ancient glacial movements. Giant granite formations stand across the grassland like natural sculptures.

The best visiting time is around 3-5 pm when sunlight creates strong shadows and highlights the shapes of the rocks.

Stay overnight in Jingpeng Town (经棚镇), Hot Water Town (热水塘镇), or near the scenic area.

Day 3: Ulan Butong Grassland Exploration

Spend the final day exploring Ulan Butong Grassland, one of Inner Mongolia’s most famous grassland destinations.

Once part of the Qing Dynasty royal hunting grounds, Ulan Butong combines rolling grassland hills, lakes, forests, and sandy landscapes.

Recommended places include:

Princess Lake (公主湖) — famous for reflections of forests and mountains.

General Paozi (将军泡子) — one of the best sunset photography locations.

Film Shooting Base (影视基地) — known for Chinese historical drama filming locations.

Horse riding is a popular activity, but always choose officially operated horse farms and confirm the total price before riding.

Return to Chifeng City after sightseeing.

6-Day Deep Chifeng Scenic Route

For travelers who want a complete experience, a 6-day itinerary is recommended.

Day 1: Chifeng City Historical Exploration

Explore Hongshan Culture, Chifeng Museum, and local city attractions.

Enjoy local food including Chifeng Dui Jia, hand-held lamb, and Mongolian milk tea.

Day 2: Daqing Mountain Geological Adventure

Visit Daqing Mountain Geological Park (大青山地质公园) and explore ancient glacial landforms.

The official scenic route provides safe access to mountain viewpoints and geological formations.

Stay overnight in Jingpeng Town.

Day 3: Re’a Line and Dada Line Scenic Drive

Drive through Huanggangliang forest and Gongger Grassland.

Visit Baiyin Aobao’s primitive sand spruce forest and enjoy one of Inner Mongolia’s most beautiful road trips.

Day 4: Arshihaty Stone Forest and Dalai Lake

Explore Arshihaty Stone Forest in the morning.

In the afternoon, visit Dalai Lake (达里湖), one of Inner Mongolia’s largest inland lakes, and enjoy the sunset.

Try local Huazi Fish (华子鱼), a famous lake specialty.

Day 5: Return toward Wengniute Banner

Drive south toward Yulong Sand Lake.

Enjoy a slower pace and prepare for the desert experience.

Day 6: Yulong Sand Lake Desert Experience

Experience camel riding, desert landscapes, and sunrise or sunset photography before returning to Chifeng.

Practical Travel Tips for Chifeng

Transportation Advice

Self-driving is the best option because scenic areas are far apart.

From Beijing, travelers can reach Chifeng by:

• High-speed rail: Beijing Chaoyang Station to Chifeng, about 2.5 hours.
• Driving: approximately 6 hours via Danxi Expressway.

For grassland routes, an SUV is recommended because some roads include gravel sections and uneven surfaces.

Private car tours and chartered vehicles are also popular, but travelers should choose licensed tourism companies and confirm the itinerary, vehicle type, and total price in advance.

Weather and Packing Tips

Chifeng has a dry continental climate with large temperature differences.

Even during summer:

• Bring a windproof jacket or light coat.
• Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Carry rain protection because summer thunderstorms can arrive quickly.
• Bring mosquito repellent when visiting grasslands and forests.

Safety and Avoiding Travel Problems

Travelers should pay attention to the following:

• Avoid entering undeveloped “secret spots” promoted online.
• Do not drive off-road vehicles onto protected grasslands.
• Choose licensed horse-riding and camel-riding operators.
• Confirm all prices before joining activities.
• Keep fuel supplies sufficient because gas stations are limited in remote areas.
• Download offline maps because mobile signals may be unstable in grassland areas.

During July and August, heavy rain can cause sudden flooding in mountain and grassland areas. Check weather forecasts before visiting remote scenic locations.

Food Guide: What to Eat in Chifeng

Chifeng combines Mongolian, northern Chinese, and local Inner Mongolian cuisine.

Chifeng Dui Jia (赤峰对夹)

The city’s most famous snack. Crispy baked bread is filled with smoked meat, creating a combination of crunchy texture and rich flavor.

Hand-held Lamb (手把肉)

A classic Mongolian dish served with simple seasoning to highlight the natural taste of fresh lamb.

Fried Huazi Fish (干炸华子鱼)

A must-try specialty near Dalai Lake. The fish has firm meat and a unique freshwater flavor.

Mongolian Milk Tea (蒙古锅茶)

A traditional drink made with milk tea, fried rice, dairy products, and other ingredients. It is a popular local breakfast and cultural experience.

Other local specialties include:

• Aohan noodles (敖汉拨面)
• Dairy products (奶制品)
• Mongolian pastries
• Lamb barbecue

Where to Stay in Chifeng

Chifeng City

The city center and areas near Chifeng Railway Station or Wanda Plaza are convenient choices. Hotels are suitable for travelers who need transportation and dining options.

Ulan Butong Grassland

Best for travelers who want grassland atmosphere, horseback riding, Mongolian yurts, and evening bonfire activities.

Yulong Sand Lake

Recommended for desert sunset, stargazing, and unique accommodation experiences.

Dalai Lake and Hot Water Town

Suitable for travelers who want slower travel, nature experiences, and hot spring relaxation.

During July-August and National Day holidays, accommodations in popular scenic areas fill quickly, so advance booking is strongly recommended.

Chifeng is not just a stop on an Inner Mongolia journey — it is a complete northern China destination combining ancient civilization, grassland culture, desert adventure, forests, lakes, and geological wonders. With proper planning, a Chifeng tour can become one of the most memorable self-driving journeys in Inner Mongolia.