The truth is hard to hear, but this is the current situation in Chifeng...

Chifeng is a truly amazing place! It has vast grasslands, unique and magnificent stone forests, and a captivating ethnic culture. This three-day trip to Chifeng was an unforgettable visual and spiritual feast. Come and see for yourself! Chifeng is located in southeastern Inner Mongolia, at the intersection of the three provinces of Inner Mongolia, Hebei, and Liaoning. It is one of the birthplaces of Chinese culture, with a long history and rich culture. The area is rich in natural resources, with grasslands, forests, mountains, deserts, hot springs, and more, earning it the nickname "Miniature Inner Mongolia." Its unique geographical location and rich ethnic culture give Chifeng its unique charm, making it a great place to experience the wonders of nature and ethnic culture. Transportation Tips • External transportation: You can fly to Chifeng Yulong Airport, which has airport buses to the city center, or you can take a taxi to your destination. If you take the train, Chifeng Station and Chifeng South Station have many trains to meet different travel needs. • Internal transportation: Most city buses cost CNY 1 and you can pay with Alipay or WeChat. If you want to visit the grasslands or other nearby attractions, it is recommended to rent a car or hire a car, so you can enjoy the scenery along the way more freely and have more flexible time arrangements. Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Chifeng Museum - Hongshan National Forest Park - Erdaojingzi Ruins Museum Day 2: Asihatu Stone Forest - Baiyin Aobao Sandy Spruce Scenic Area Day 3: Ulan Butong Grassland 9 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Chifeng Museum: The museum has a rich collection of artifacts from various historical periods in the Chifeng area, from ancient stone tools to exquisite porcelain, from ancient rock paintings to ethnic costumes. Here, you can gain an in-depth understanding of the historical and cultural development of Chifeng and feel the deep heritage of this land. Walking through the exhibition halls, it feels like traveling through time and space, conversing with ancient people, and marveling at the wisdom and creativity of our ancestors. 2. Hongshan National Forest Park: Famous for its unique "Hongshan Culture," the red mountain body of Hongshan is particularly striking in the sunlight. You can hike along the mountain trails, enjoy the surrounding natural scenery, and breathe fresh air. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire Chifeng city, where the bustling city and the tranquil nature complement each other. Along the way, you can also see some ancient cultural sites and unique rock formations that inspire awe. 3. Erdaojingzi Ruins Museum: This is a well-preserved site of the Lower Xiajiadian Culture. Through the display of the site and the artifacts in the museum, you can clearly understand the lifestyle and living environment of ancient humans. Walking into the site protection area, looking at the ancient house ruins and unearthed artifacts, it feels like seeing the scenes of ancient people living and working here, feeling the vicissitudes of history. 4. Asihatu Stone Forest: Asihatu Stone Forest is a rare granite stone forest in the world, with various shapes, some like stone pillars, some like stalagmites, and some like castles, very spectacular. You can walk along the boardwalks in the scenic area, admire these unique stone forest landscapes, and feel the wonders of nature. Every photo taken here looks like a blockbuster, with the stone forest looking even more majestic against the blue sky and white clouds. The scenic area also has some popular science introductions about the formation of the stone forest, allowing you to gain knowledge while enjoying the scenery. 5. Baiyin Aobao Sandy Spruce Scenic Area: This is home to the only remaining sandy spruce forest in the world. The spruce trees are tall and lush, forming a green ocean. You can walk in the forest, breathe the air rich in negative oxygen ions, and feel the tranquility and harmony of nature. You can also see some rare wild animals, such as squirrels and hares, adding vitality and fun. Climb the observation deck and overlook the entire spruce forest, the scenery is breathtaking. 6. Ulan Butong Grassland: The grassland is vast and lush, a famous filming location. You can ride horses on the grassland and feel the thrill of the wind whistling in your ears. Join a bonfire party, dance and sing with local herders, and experience the hospitality of the grassland people. You can also watch wonderful Mongolian song and dance performances and equestrian performances, feeling the rich ethnic cultural atmosphere. Camp on the grassland, look up at the starry sky at night, and feel like you can touch the Milky Way, intoxicating you. 7. Dalinuoer Lake: One of the four major inland lakes in Inner Mongolia, the lake is clear, surrounded by vast wetlands and grasslands. You can enjoy the lake and mountain scenery by the lake and watch various migratory birds. This is a paradise for birds, with many migratory birds resting and breeding here every year. Walk along the lake, feel the tranquility and beauty of nature, and taste fresh lake fish, which is delicious and tasty. 8. Yulong Sand Lake: It combines desert, sand, ancient pines, strange rocks, peaks, wetlands, grasslands, and lakes, forming a unique natural landscape. You can ride camels and slide sand in the desert, experiencing the thrill of desert adventure. You can also relax and fish by the lake, enjoying a peaceful time. The sand dunes have beautiful lines, glowing golden in the sunlight, perfect for photography. 9. Kalaqin Prince's Mansion: The residence of a Qing Dynasty prince, the architecture is magnificent, with a rigorous layout and a strong Manchu and Mongolian architectural style. Walk into the mansion, visit the halls and courtyards, and learn about the culture and history of the Qing Dynasty prince's mansion. Admire the exquisite architectural decorations and garden landscapes, feeling the luxury and solemnity of the ancient prince's mansion. Travel Experience During these three days in Chifeng, I felt like I entered a world full of fantasy. The vast grasslands, unique stone forests, and rich culture fascinated me. Every attraction left a deep impression on me, making me feel the greatness of nature and the brilliance of human civilization. Here, I not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery but also experienced a different ethnic culture, greatly relaxing and satisfying my mind. Chifeng is truly a place that makes people linger, and I am already looking forward to the next encounter! Local Food Recommendations 1. Shouba Meat: Bone-in lamb is cut along the joints and boiled in a large pot without adding salt or other seasonings. When eating, the cooked lamb is deboned and dipped in chive flower sauce, garlic paste, and other condiments. The meat is tender, juicy, and flavorful, a traditional Mongolian delicacy that is very satisfying to eat! 🐏 2. Hot Pot: A copper pot is used, with charcoal in the middle. The broth is usually clear, with only ginger slices, scallions, and goji berries. Fresh local lamb is sliced thinly and cooked in the broth, served with sesame sauce, chive flower, fermented bean curd, and other condiments. The lamb is tender and not gamey, melting in your mouth. Eating hot pot in cold weather warms you up. 🥘 3. Roast Whole Lamb: A whole lamb is marinated and roasted in a special oven with fruitwood charcoal. The skin is golden and crispy, the meat is tender and juicy, and the aroma is irresistible. The chef cuts the roast lamb into small pieces for everyone to taste. This is a Mongolian delicacy for entertaining distinguished guests, full of ceremony and unforgettable taste. 🍗 4. Hada Cake: Made with flour, melon seeds, peach kernels, sesame, and other ingredients, the cake is yellow and white, with distinct layers, a sweet aroma, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is crispy, sweet but not greasy, a specialty pastry of Chifeng, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. 🥮 5. Duijia: The dough is grilled over charcoal until golden and crispy, then filled with uniquely flavored smoked pork. The outside is crispy, and the inside is tender, fragrant but not greasy. The dough is crispy and crumbly, the smoked pork is tender and flavorful, and every bite is full of happiness. It is one of the traditional foods loved by Chifeng people. 🥪 6. Mongolian Milk Tea: A traditional Mongolian drink made by boiling brick tea and adding fresh cow or sheep milk, butter, and fried rice. It is rich in flavor and nutrients, quenching thirst and satisfying hunger. Drinking a bowl of steaming Mongolian milk tea on the grassland lets you feel the life of the grassland people. 🍵 Tips 1. Chifeng has a dry climate and strong sunlight, so prepare sunscreen and moisturizer before traveling, and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and moisturizing skincare products. 🌞 2. When visiting the grasslands, respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary trouble due to inappropriate behavior. 🙏 3. When riding horses, follow the coach's instructions and wear helmets and other protective gear to ensure your safety. 🏇 4. When tasting food, especially meat, choose fresh and hygienic restaurants to avoid stomach discomfort. If you have a sensitive stomach, prepare some stomach medicine in advance. 💊 Chifeng is a charming place, so pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Chifeng!