张北天外居山庄·餐厅

Not bad, not ...

Good taste, good environment, good service...

At 4:30 a.m., while Beijing was still drowsy, I had already packed my bags and rushed to the meeting point in the northern suburbs. My goal was clear: to travel the entire western route of the Zhangbei Grassland Sky Road in one day, on a budget of 600 yuan, to explore the black ribbon that snakes across the grasslands. As the wheels rolled through the gradually brightening sky, three and a half hours later, the view suddenly opened up. The hustle and bustle of the city was left behind, replaced by an endless green carpet stretching to the horizon. As I stepped off the bus, the grassland breeze washed over me, carrying the refreshing fragrance of grass and wildflowers, invigorating my soul. Morning: Yehuling Entrance to Jiguanshan (9:30-12:00) From the observation deck of the Yehuling Fortress, the Sky Road snaked like a dragon across the rolling grasslands. In the distance, white windmills slowly turned, drawing graceful arcs against the blue sky. I walked along the wooden plank road, my ears filled with the symphony of wind and birdsong, and before my eyes, a vast expanse of rolling green waves. Budget Tip: Entrance fee is 50 yuan (half-price with student ID). Total cost: 100 yuan round-trip transportation + 50 yuan entrance fee = 150 yuan. Lunch: Grassland Flavors and Relaxation (12:00-1:30 PM) At the scenic area's food court, I ordered the local specialty hand-pulled lamb and milk tea. The lamb was tender and flavorful, and the milk tea had a rich, salty aroma. The meal cost 68 yuan. Sitting in the yurt-style restaurant, watching the clouds drift across the grassland through the window, time seemed to slow down. Total cost: 150 yuan + 68 yuan = 218 yuan. Afternoon: Cycling the Sky Road and Exploring Bailong Cave (1:30-5:00 PM) Renting a bicycle (20 yuan per hour, 40 yuan total), I began cycling the most iconic section of the Sky Road. The slopes varied, sometimes gentle, sometimes steep, and with every step, new scenery unfolded. Wildflowers dotted the green grass, purple, yellow, and white, like stars scattered across the earth. I paused at the Bailong Cave Observation Deck. From here, I could overlook the most winding section of the Sky Road. The black highway contrasted sharply with the green grassland. A few horses leisurely grazed, creating a tranquil and poetic scene. Total cost: 218 yuan + 40 yuan = 258 yuan. Evening: Sunset and Return (5:00 PM - 8:30 PM) In the evening, I climbed to the Jiguan Mountain Observation Deck to wait for the sunset. The setting sun gilded the grassland, and the silhouettes of windmills against the crimson sky were breathtakingly beautiful. After snapping one last photo, I returned, feeling satisfied. On the return bus, I calculated the total cost: 100 yuan for transportation + 50 yuan for entrance fees + 68 yuan for food and beverages + 40 yuan for cycling + 42 yuan for snacks and water = exactly 300 yuan. I saved half my budget, yet I'm filled with wonderful memories. Practical Tips: 1. Best Time to Visit: June to September, when the grasslands are at their most beautiful in summer with pleasant weather. 2. Essential Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket (even in the summer, mornings and evenings are cool). 3. Transportation: Tour groups are the most economical, while self-driving offers more freedom. 4. Photo Tip: Light-colored clothing looks best on the grasslands. The beauty of the Grassland Sky Road lies not in any specific sights, but in the changing scenery along every step. Standing amidst that vast expanse, listening to the poetic dialogue between the wind and the road, you'll understand: some journeys can be short or long; some experiences are inexpensive but worthwhile. That day, I spent very little, yet I experienced the entire grassland summer.