Overview
A 3-day private 4x4 expedition across the legendary Bashang grasslands of Inner Mongolia, with wild horses, Mongol culture and starlit campfires.
About This Tour
Trade city noise for the endless emerald sweep of the Bashang Grasslands on this private 3-day off-road escape, one of northern China's most cinematic landscapes. Travelling in your own rugged 4x4 (Tank 300 / Haval H9) with a private English-speaking guide, you cross the Saihanba forest-steppe, the Hongsongwa high meadows and the Wulanbutong grasslands, rolling past herds of cattle and seasonal wildflower fields where every frame looks like a postcard. This is a small, fully private group of 2-4 guests, so the pace bends to you: stop for photos, ride horses through Panlong Canyon, meet tame sika deer and reindeer at the royal deer park, try sand-sledding at the Hunshandake dunes, and end the day around a roaring Mongol bonfire with live music and fireworks under one of China's clearest night skies. The grasslands sit at roughly 1,800m, giving cool, crisp summer air ideal for travellers escaping the heat. Best from June to September for green meadows and wildflowers, with golden autumn equally stunning. Perfect for families, photographers and culture-curious travellers wanting an authentic Inner Mongolian experience without crowds. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: June to September for green grasslands and wildflowers; autumn is golden and beautiful • Fitness level: easy; suitable for families with children and older travellers • Altitude: grasslands sit around 1,800m, generally comfortable with cool nights • Meeting/dispersal point: Chengde high-speed railway station • Bring sun protection, a warm layer for evenings and comfortable outdoor shoes • Off-road routes cross open pasture and may be adjusted on the day for weather and local conditions
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Chengde to Saihanba | Forest-Steppe & Deer Park
Meet your guide at Chengde high-speed railway station in the morning and receive a traditional blue Mongol hada scarf of welcome before transferring into your private off-road 4x4. Drive north along the Qisai line, cutting through the pine forests and rolling meadows of Saihanba, the famed plantation that turned desert into green, while your driver shares its story. After a free lunch in Jiangjiadian, push deeper into the Hongsongwa high meadows, racing across alpine grassland past giant wind-turbine arrays and wild yak herds, then summit Yuanbao Mountain for panoramic views. Visit the royal deer park to feed gentle sika deer, reindeer and alpacas. As the sun sets, return to your grassland hotel to rest. In the evening, head to a spectacular grassland bonfire party with live Mongol music, fire performances and fireworks under the stars. Meals: L. Overnight on the grassland.
2
Day 2: Twin Grassland Crossing | Wulanbutong & Barbecue Feast
After breakfast, set off on a deep twin-grassland traverse, driving through the heart of the steppe past herds of cattle and sheep, winding grassland rivers and seasonal wildflower fields where every shot needs no filter. Stop at hidden grassland viewpoints and enjoy a guided introduction to wild medicinal herbs of the steppe, learning their shapes and uses. There is time to fly kites across the open plain and simply soak in the vastness. At midday arrive at the Bange pastoral camp for a specially arranged wild-luxury 'cloud feast' grassland barbecue, relaxing through the afternoon. Try traditional games such as archery, pitch-pot, tug-of-war and frisbee, or dress in Mongol costume for photos and play at being a lord of the northern plains. Meals: B, L. Overnight on the grassland.
3
Day 3: Panlong Canyon | Horse Riding & Equestrian Show
After breakfast, drive to Panlong Canyon on the lower reaches of the Xilamulun River, a dramatic landscape where a winding river threads between white birch stands and rolling grassland hills. Here you can ride horses across the steppe under the guidance of professional handlers for an authentic taste of nomadic life, or choose a relaxed horse-cart ride or a short climb to overlook the canyon and its serpentine river. The morning closes with a thrilling equestrian show that captures the man-and-horse unity of this riding culture. After a final lunch, transfer back toward Chengde for your onward high-speed train, ending an unforgettable Inner Mongolian off-road journey. Meals: B, L. Trip ends in Chengde.
What's Included
✓ Included
Private English-speaking guide Private off-road 4x4 vehicle (Tank 300 / Haval H9) for the whole trip Grassland hotels / camp accommodation per itinerary (2 nights) Meals as specified in the itinerary including a grassland barbecue feast Horse riding / horse-cart experience at Panlong Canyon Deer park entry and feeding, sand-sledding experience Bonfire party and equestrian show experience
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance High-speed train to/from Chengde Personal expenses Optional self-paid activities Tips for guide and driver
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.6★★★★★Based on 116 reviews
Lucía L.🇺🇸 USA★★★★★2024-11
Perfect introduction to China for first-time visitors — relaxed pace and well organised.
Aoife J.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2025-10
Warm, professional service from start to finish. China was the highlight of two weeks in China.
Paul P.🇫🇷 France★★★★★2024-12
One of the best days of our trip. China is a must, and the private format is so much better.
Olivia N.🇳🇱 Netherlands★★★★☆2025-12
Picked up right on time and looked after all day. China was wonderful.