A travel guide to the pure and stunning Saihanba National Nature Reserve

A travel guide to the pure and stunning Saihanba National Nature Reserve. You'll want to visit again and again. We bought tickets to enter from Yudaokou Scenic Area. The scenery was beautiful, with the main scenic spots being the birch forest, Qixing Lake Wetland Park, and Shenlongtan. We visited in October, during autumn. The scenery was colorful, the air was crisp, and the air was fresh. It was like a natural oxygen bar. Next time, we plan to visit in summer, which should be a completely different experience. Below is a detailed travel guide to Saihanba National Forest Park: 1. Best time to visit • Summer (June to August): The grass and trees are lush, and the climate is pleasant. It's a great time to escape the heat and enjoy the natural scenery. • Autumn (September to October): The maple leaves are beautiful, making it a great time for photography enthusiasts. 2. Transportation • Self-driving: From Beijing, take the Beijing-Chengde Expressway, Daguang Expressway, Chengde-Weichang Expressway, and Qisai Line. The drive takes about 7 hours. • Public transportation: Take a high-speed train or train to Chengde, then transfer to a bus. There are direct buses from Chengde East Bus Station to Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm. 3. Must-see attractions • Saihanba National Forest Park: The core scenic area, with dense forests and clear lakes. You can climb Saihan Tower for a panoramic view. • Qixing Lake Wetland Park: Get up close to the lakes and wetlands. It's also a filming location for TV shows and movies. • Wulanbutong Grassland: Experience the grassland culture, with activities like horseback riding, archery, and rafting. • Kangxi Point General Platform and Wulanbutong Ancient Battlefield: Experience the weight of history. 4. Accommodation and dining • Accommodation: There are many accommodation options near the mechanical forest farm, including hotels and guesthouses. Farmhouse standard rooms cost about CNY 150, while hotel standard rooms cost CNY 200–400. • Dining: Local delicacies include roast whole lamb, dried beef, and milk tea. You can also dine at restaurants in the forest farm town. 5. Tickets and tour routes • Tickets: Joint tickets for Saihanba Forest Park and Yudaokou Scenic Area to the south cost CNY 130. There are also joint tickets for CNY 150 that include these two scenic areas and the Hongsongwa Scenic Area to the northeast. • Tour routes: If you have enough time, you can visit Yudaokou and Moon Lake Scenic Area on the first day, and the Sun Lake and Qixing Lake Scenic Areas to the west and north on the second day. 6. Travel tips • The temperature difference between day and night in Saihanba is large, so bring warm clothes. • Bring sun protection, such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. • Be careful when riding horses and follow the staff's instructions. • Respect local customs and cultural traditions.