Zhangbei’s Birch Ridge takes its name from the dense birch trees covering its slopes. Its main peak stands at 2,128 meters, the highest point in Zhangbei County. Standing atop the ridge, visitors gaze out at vast forests blending into emerald green horizons, with lush meadows carpeted in wild blossoms everywhere. Birch Ridge lets visitors fully experience the wonder and charm of nature.

Zhongdu Grassland is located within Zhangbei County. Zhongdu was one of the three imperial capitals of the Yuan Dynasty, alongside Dadu (Beijing) and Shangdu (Kaiping), serving as a royal summer retreat for imperial clans.

Zhongdu Primitive Grassland remains the best-preserved original grassland, pure, grand and cool. It embodies the essence of Inner Mongolia’s steppe. It is the closest natural primitive grassland to Beijing (250 kilometers away) and sits at the lowest latitude among such grasslands in northern China.

Jimingyi Ancient Post Station is in Jimingyi Village, Jimingyi Township, Huailai County, Hebei Province, around a 130-kilometer drive from Beijing. It is a complete ancient postal town dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Magnificent ancient city walls enclose the town, which holds numerous Ming and Qing historic buildings. Among them are well-known old courtyards where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu once resided during their flight west, all open for visitors to tour. Additionally, it is a famous filming location featured in many movies.

Huanglong Mountain Villa sits north of Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City, about a 17-minute drive from the county seat. It is an integrated tourist zone featuring mountains, grasslands and a resort complex. Visitors can hike, admire alpine meadows and explore historic relics. The resort also offers leisure activities including bonfire parties and whole roasted lamb feasts, making it an ideal weekend getaway near Beijing.

Flying Fox Valley and Sky Grassland Scenic Area is south of Beikou Village, Songjiazhuang Town in southern Yu County, roughly a 250-kilometer drive from central Beijing. A natural scenic area centered on canyon and alpine meadow landscapes, it is one of Zhangjiakou’s most famous tourist destinations.

Jiming Mountain is located in Xiahuayuan District, Zhangjiakou City, around 10 kilometers north of Jimingyi Ancient Post Station. Standing at an altitude of 1,128 meters, it is the highest mountain in the surrounding area. Surrounded by wide open plains, it rises alone on the flat land, forming a uniquely striking landscape known as A Single Pillar Piercing the Sky.

Temples and other cultural structures dot the mountain slopes, and the peak itself is elegant and grand. Many tourists visiting Zhangjiakou come here to hike and enjoy panoramic views.

Xiaowutai Mountain straddles the border of Zhuolu County and Yu County in Zhangjiakou. It features five prominent peaks: East, West, South, North and Middle Platforms. To distinguish it from Wutai Mountain in Shanxi Province, it is named Xiaowutai (Lesser Wutai). Nicknamed the Roof of North China, its East Platform summit reaches 2,882 meters above sea level, around 180 kilometers from Beijing.

Unexpectedly rising abruptly from the frontier plateau, Xiaowutai Mountain harbors well-preserved primeval forests. In spring, valleys bloom with rare flowers and herbs. Clear mountain streams twist and tumble down from peaks over 2,400 meters high, tinkling all the way. In July, alpine meadows burst into bloom, with golden trollflowers and countless unnamed wildflowers competing in beauty.

Also known as Kulun Nao'er, Swan Lake lies north of Guyuan County, approximately a 5-kilometer drive from the county seat. It is a round lake on the grassland, ringed with soft green grass and rippling blue water. Swans and various waterfowl glide across the lake year-round, creating a serene, picturesque environment perfect for sightseeing and photography.

The Five-Color Flower Meadow sits between Shicheng Reservoir and Qingnian Reservoir in the heart of the Golden Lotus River Grassland. This natural grassland is China’s most typical original wetland steppe. The gentle Hulu River winds through the meadow, nourishing the fertile soil and sustaining lush vegetation.

The average height of the grass reaches 0.8 meters, and more than 170 plant species have been recorded here, dominated by buttercups plus over a dozen rare varieties. It is the best-preserved natural meadow in Hebei Province with the highest vegetation coverage and greatest ornamental value. It takes its name from the five hues of wild flowers blooming in summer and autumn, earning reputations as The No.1 Meadow Under Heaven and The Most Beautiful Flower Sea in North China