Up to Bashang for a northern-frontier excursion

By Zhang Dongya

Only 200-some kilometers from Beijing, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province is an accessible city and the nearest urban center to the Bashang Plateau, a natural grassland where one can camp, view sunrises and sunsets and go horseback riding.

Zhangjiakou is an old city that was once called the “northern-frontier city” because it was the first point of defense against invading armies. Visitors can explore what the city has to offer in a half a day.

With a high altitude and low temperatures, visitors who go will get a chance to experience autumn before it officially arrives.

Photo by Haiou

Across Birch Range to Bashang

The first stop out of downtown Zhangjiakou is Huapi Ling, or Birch Range, in Chongli County. It is the boundary between Chongli and Zhangbei counties, and the watershed between Bashang and Baxia (the high and low areas of Zhangjiakou).