Saihanba National Forest Park (塞罕坝国家森林公园), situated in Weichang County, Chengde City, is a significant part of the royal hunting ground known as Mulan Weichang during the Qing Dynasty. Spanning an elevation between 1100 meters and 1940 meters, the park covers a vast area of 94,000 hectares. The primary landscape comprises 71,000 hectares of artificial larch forests and natural birch forests, with an additional 15,000 hectares of grassland, boasting a remarkable forest coverage of 75.2%.
The unique climate and rich history of Saihanba have given rise to a distinctive blend of natural and cultural attractions, including expansive forests, vast grasslands, clear highland lakes, and historical relics dating back to the Qing Dynasty. During the autumn season, the forests and meadows transform into a breathtaking sea of red and yellow hues, enhancing the park’s already picturesque scenery.
The park’s immense size, stretching over a dozen kilometers in length and width, incorporates a town and numerous scenic areas, accessible by vehicles. Currently, there are no shuttle services within the park, making it ideal for self-driving or chartering transportation.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Saihanba National Forest Park
- Vlog about Saihanba National Forest Park
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Natural Sceneries in Chengde
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | The park is free, but you need to pay an extra price for the attractions and entertainment. |
| Opening Hours | 5.00 – 20.00; Last admission: 19.20 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0314-7802275 |
Location and Transportation
Saihanba National Forest Park is situated in the northeastern part of Hebei Province, China, near the city of Chengde. This captivating park encompasses a vast expanse of approximately 94,000 hectares, showcasing a remarkable blend of pristine landscapes and thriving ecosystems. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 42.3607° N latitude and 118.1208° E longitude.
Tourists from Chengde or Beijing can first take a train to Siheyong Railway Station (四合永火车站) and then transfer to a coach to cover the remaining 110 kilometers, which generally takes about 2 hours and costs less than 20 RMB.
Highlights of Saihanba National Forest Park
Flora and Fauna
Saihanba National Forest is a convergence point for three botanical regions: Inner Mongolia, Northeast China, and North China. The park hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including 81 plant families, 312 genera, and 659 species. Among the wildlife, there are 11 families and 25 species of mammals, with roe deer being predominant, and 27 families and 88 species of birds, dominated by the black grouse. The park is home to five nationally protected second-level animal species and two provincially protected species.
Afforestation Achievements
Saihanba National Forest Park stands as a remarkable testament to unparalleled afforestation achievements. Once a barren landscape, the park now flourishes with over 72,000 hectares of thriving forests, a testament to China’s extraordinary reforestation efforts. This awe-inspiring transformation showcases the power of human commitment to environmental restoration, combating desertification, and fostering sustainable ecosystems. Visitors to Saihanba witness firsthand the inspiring journey from arid wasteland to a verdant paradise, reinforcing the park’s status as a living symbol of ecological triumph and a beacon of hope for a greener future.
Seven-Star Lake
Situated three kilometers north of Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm, Seven-Star Lake is nestled amid green mountains and trees. Originally comprising seven small lakes, the arrangement of these lakes resembles the Big Dipper constellation when viewed from afar, hence the name Seven-Star Lake. The lake’s waters are deep and expansive, with four distinct plant communities: aquatic plants, swamp plants, meadow plants, and forest plants, boasting a rich diversity of over 130 species.
Kangxi Inspection Platform
Kangxi Inspection Platform, also known as Liangbing Tai, is located in the Yinhe River area of the forest park. It is a solitary giant rock resembling a reclining tiger, with a narrow, elongated platform at the top, surrounded by flat and open terrain. Legend has it that after Emperor Kangxi’s victory in the Ulan Butung Campaign, he inspected the triumphant Qing army from this platform, earning it the name “Inspection Platform.”
Ulan Butung Ancient Battlefield
Located in the northwest of Saihanba National Forest Park, the Ulan Butung Ancient Battlefield is a historical site from the early years of the Qing Dynasty. During Kangxi’s reign, the western Mongolian Galdan Khan annexed the four tribes of Eletu and proclaimed himself the Khan of the Dzungar Khanate. Emperor Kangxi, against the advice of many, personally led an expedition and, after four days of intense battles, secured victory in the Ulan Butung Campaign.
Vlog about Saihanba National Forest Park
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Clothing and Accessories: Remember to bring windproof clothing, down jackets, sunscreen, sunglasses, some cash, toiletries, and towels. Conditions in the grassland hotels may be limited.
Temperature Variation: There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening. Daytime temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius, dropping to 3 to 5 degrees Celsius at night. It is strongly advised to bring a lightweight down jacket for the cooler evenings.
Snacks and Drinks: Bring snacks and beverages as the grassland is expansive, and there may not be supermarkets or convenience stores readily available. Having snacks on hand will be convenient for satisfying hunger during your explorations.
Mosquito Protection: Due to the abundance of mosquitoes on the grassland, mosquito repellent is essential for a comfortable experience.
Special Recommendation – Horse Racing Show: The horse racing performance is highly recommended. It is a unique and characteristic feature of the area, and the riders, both male and female, are skilled.
