Trip Overview
When: July 2021 (peak summer with ideal grassland weather)
Duration: 1 Day
Travelers: Group of friends
Budget: ~180 RMB (~$25 USD) per person
Transportation: Self-drive from Beijing (~4 hours)
Why This Road Trip Matters
Roads have become symbolic in my travel vocabulary. For me, they represent the unknown, freedom, and spontaneity—an eternal attraction that keeps calling me back.
My annual road trip has become my personal therapy. Driving from one end of the road while anticipating the endless horizon ahead, travel guides me to keep moving forward bravely.
This time, after a long journey on the road, we finally arrive at our ultimate destination—Beijing's First Grassland Sky Road (京北第一天路).
About Beijing's First Grassland Sky Road
Located in Datan Town (大滩镇), Fengning Manchu Autonomous County (丰宁满族自治县), this route sits at the junction of northern Hebei mountains and the Inner Mongolian plateau. Stretching over 100 kilometers, it's recognized as one of China's ten most beautiful highways. The winding road offers endless rolling hills, seas of wildflowers, crystal-clear blue skies, ink-green grasslands, and terraced windmills—a true paradise for self-drive enthusiasts and photographers.
Originally built as a fire prevention access road for windmill construction and village connectivity, this route perched atop hills offers panoramic views of winding rivers and mountain ridges. It was discovered by adventurous travelers and photographers who recognized its extraordinary beauty.
Name Origin
Originally called "Grassland Edge Road" (草沿天路), the name was changed to "Grassland Sky Road" (草原天路) because the former was awkward to pronounce. The new name captures the essence perfectly—driving through clouds on a grassland highway.
Unlike the famous Zhangjiakou Grassland Sky Road in Hebei Province, Beijing's First Grassland Sky Road traverses the Fengning Bashang grasslands (丰宁坝上), cutting through Liushugou (柳树沟) and Qiansongba (千松坝) forest parks. This diverse vegetation creates spectacular landscapes—mountains, forests, grasslands, wetlands, farmland, flower fields, lakes, and rivers all in one drive.
Beautiful in all four seasons, this area attracts countless photographers and photography enthusiasts who come to capture its natural beauty.
When to Visit
We set out in early July, which is an ideal time. The grasslands showcase endless greenery, with temperatures around 20°C. However, the grassland winds are strong and day-night temperature differences are significant—pack extra layers. Though pleasant, the sun is intense at this altitude. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential.
The Journey Begins
Clear blue skies stretch endlessly, the air is crisp and fresh. Beautiful sunlight penetrates through my retinas, spreading to every capillary in my body. Driving on Beijing's First Grassland Sky Road, something primal and free within my soul begins to awaken.
First Stop: Liushugou Sparse Tree Grassland
After 4 hours of driving from Beijing, our first stop is Liushugou Sparse Tree Grassland (柳树沟稀树草原).
Located at the starting point of the Fengning Bashang grasslands, covering sections D and E of the Sky Road, Liushugou feels like discovering a secret wilderness few know exists.
Rolling ridges flank both sides, windmills spin like modern sculptures, meadows glow emerald green, and horses, cattle, and sheep wander leisurely. Every blade of grass whispers tranquility.
Following the mountain road to the summit, we pass emerald pools, herds of livestock, and occasionally spot grassland rodents darting between rocks.
Freedom on the Road
No rushing, no checking boxes—just the pure joy of driving unpaved earth roads. See something beautiful? Stop immediately. That's the freedom here.
Dongshan Summit: Sunset Paradise
One of Liushugou's highest points, Dongshan Summit (东山顶) is legendary for sunset viewing. We drive up the dirt track to the ridge top.
From this vantage point: rolling hills, spinning windmills, pine forests, and spruce trees in the distance. Below, horses graze peacefully while wildflowers carpet the ground in gold and purple. This completely redefines my notion of what a grassland can be.
The expansive meadows resemble a carefully woven grass carpet, covered with scattered wildflowers and shrubs. Narrow dirt roads stretch into the distance. Golden lotus flowers, Mongolian red dates, and wild chrysanthemums sway in the wind, creating a serene oil painting under the azure dome.
We arrive early to secure the best sunset spot. By 5-6 PM, other travelers are already scouting positions.
Fortune smiles—clear skies reveal soft sunset glow. Sitting with friends, laughing and watching every minute of the sun's descent is pure bliss.
Satisfied, we descend after 8 PM to find dinner waiting at the base lodge. Ticket: Liushugou entrance fee is 70 RMB (~$10 USD) per person.
Second Stop: Qiansongba National Forest Park
Compared to Liushugou's raw wildness, Qiansongba National Forest Park (千松坝国家森林公园) is more developed with paved cement roads throughout—but commands a higher ticket price at 80 RMB (~$11 USD) per person. Liushugou's terrain is relatively flat, while Qiansongba's slopes are steeper, making it ideal for drivers seeking the thrill of elevation changes.
Named for its thousands of ancient spruce trees, each averaging 280 years old, Qiansongba feels like stepping into a living cathedral. The deep valleys and ravines harbor tens of thousands of original spruce trees.
Pristine scenery, diverse vegetation, and abundant wildlife create a Shangri-la-like ecosystem that feels intoxicatingly alive. The unique landscape, vegetation, and animal resources make this ecology as enchanting as a hidden paradise.
Standing among these ancient giants with eyes closed, you can feel the pulse of nature. This profound relaxation is something only travel can restore.
Reflections on the Road
Though this self-drive route is long, it gathers meadows and cattle, canyons and mountains, terraced fields and lakes—so many elements that every turn brings new surprises. The richness, the unknown, and the welcoming warmth keep my camera busy and make road trips infinitely joyful.
Feel each encounter deeply, capture every view with intention. On the road, reawaken the soul worn smooth by daily life—then return, ready to live more fully.