Escape the heat and bustle of the city on a two-day, two-night trip to the cool and breezy Bashang Grasslands, 280km north of Beijing. On this trip you’ll enjoy two days of hiking through the beautiful flowers and soft, waving, grass that covers the rolling hills of the prairie, with a BBQ and bonfire to keep you warm on the last night of the trip.
Trip overview
Day One main activities
Private bus to Bashang (5–6hrs), overnight in guesthouse.
Day Two main activities
“Hundred Flowers Valley” hike (approx. 17km, 5 hours of hiking, difficulty level 4), free time, dinner, bonfire.
Day Three main activities
Loop hike to “Spirit Wall” Mountain. (approx. 11km, 3–4 hours, difficulty level 3), private bus back to Beijing (5–6hrs).
Prices and inclusions
Prices
* Price on request for smaller groups. Includes return flights from/to Beijing.
Group size
6–7
8+
Kids price
Price per person
Price TBC
¥1,800
¥1,500
Inclusions
Return flights from/to Beijing
• Transport in private vehicles during the trip
• Accommodation at guesthouse
• Main meals, drinks with meals, bottled water
• Tickets and entry fees
• Beijing Hikers staff guide
• Local guides as required
The Bashang Grasslands are a part of the Bashang Plateau, a 16,000-square-kilometre area of rolling hills and valleys.
The grasslands are at a reasonably high altitude, and some of the hills in the area we visit have tops at elevations of 1,500–2,000m.
Much of the area is unfenced, which makes it great for hiking.
Our two favourite hikes in the area are the 'Hundred-Flowers Valley' Loop (17km, 657m ascent, 5–6 hours of hiking) and the 'Spirit-Wall Mountain' Loop (11km, 475m ascent, 3–4 hours of hiking).
Both of these hikes start with moderately difficult climbs up on to the ridgeline, and continue with ups and downs along the way. Up on the ridgelines, you'll have broad views of the rolling hills of the grasslands.
Horses and 4-wheel motorcycles are available for hire from locals at an hourly rate. The cost of hire is not included in the price of the hike because it's not likely that everyone will want to participate in these activities. We can help you arrange rental – the horses cost around ¥50–100 per hour; the motorbikes around ¥30 per hour. They cost a lot more if you break them!
Horses are usually available (and are occasionally a bit snippy); motorbikes are sometimes available. If you're particularly interested in either, we can call up in the week before the trip to confirm availability.
We arrange a bonfire and BBQ for the second night of the trip, and if your group is large enough we’ll be able to get a whole sheep to cook up. (And if you're interested, you might be able to pick which sheep is going to be the lucky one.)
