The Grassland Sky Road that makes people both love and hate (with detailed guide)

Zhangbei Grassland Sky Road, makes people both love and hate! Reasons to love: It contains about 70% of the scenery of the Inner Mongolia grassland. If you consider it as an alternative to Altay, it is not an exaggeration. After all, it is so close, the scenery is so beautiful, and you can save on airfare. Not only is it completely free to enter, but it is also very close to Beijing, only a little over three hours by car, allowing for a same-day round trip. Reasons to hate: In recent years, the trend of commercialization has become increasingly evident, and during peak seasons, traffic jams often occur, which greatly affects the mood of the trip. So how can you have a fun trip and avoid traffic jams? Here are some recommendations for you: Zhangbei Grassland Sky Road is divided into the East Line and the West Line. Let's talk about the East Line first: East Line: This refers to the section from Yeguling to Huapiling. Everyone loves the East Line because the scenery is better, especially the Huapiling section, which is the most beautiful part of the entire Sky Road grassland! In autumn, it is like God's palette, full of colors. From Beijing, take the Jingli Expressway and navigate directly to Huapiling (3.5 hours, 230 kilometers). Enter from Huapiling and then return to Beijing directly from Yeguling. Be sure to go in this reverse direction to avoid traffic jams. Navigation points: Huapiling - Grassland Potala - Dahao River Mountain Scenic Area (optional) - Yeguling Toll Station - Beijing, total 6 hours, 340 kilometers. In this way, you can accurately and completely travel the East Line without encountering traffic jams. If you happen to catch the sunset, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset at either Bulada or Dahao River Mountain. Eating, lodging, and playing: The East Line is already quite developed, with very convenient eating and lodging along the way. There are also many children's playgrounds along the way, such as pirate ships and carousels. Horse riding and camel riding projects, as well as commercial streets, are everywhere, making it very suitable for family trips, rest, and recharging. West Line: Yeguling is the dividing line between the East and West Lines. From Yeguling westward is the West Line, which can now extend to Shangyi County. Although the West Line is not as beautiful as the East Line, it is quiet and natural. Friends who like tranquility and small, beautiful places can choose the West Line. Navigation points: South Gate 1 of the Sumo Martyrs Cemetery - Jiguan Mountain Scenic Area - Bailong Cave - Shirenbei - Shangyi County Dacaogou. (2.5 hours, 120 kilometers) Eating and lodging: You can stay at Dacaogou or return to Beijing. Refueling: Only Yeguling/Huanghuaping Service Area/Tianlu Archway has refueling/charging stations. Be sure to fill up when you encounter a gas station! Several extended routes: For those with ample time, from Huapiling, head north for 100 kilometers to reach Guyuan Grassland, which also has beautiful scenery. Further north: You can reach Datanzhen, Lightning Lake⚡️. (The "Hundred Mile Sky Road" in Inner Mongolia is here, and it charges a fee. Personally, I feel it is not as good as Zhangbei Sky Road.) Continuing north: You can go to Saihanba, Wulanbutong, Dali Lake, Yulongsha Lake, and China's most beautiful road, Dada Line, where the scenery is even more charming!