Self-Driving Paradise near Beijing: A Grassland Sky Road That Soars into the Clouds, with Stunning Scenery Rivaling Sichuan-Tibet

Roads, it seems, have become a symbol in travel. For me, they represent the unknown, carefree spontaneity, and freedom, so they attract me eternally.

The annual road trip has become the best way to heal myself. Driving on this end of the road, looking forward to the boundless other end, travel guides me to keep moving forward bravely.

This time, after a long journey, I finally headed to the ultimate destination of this trip—Jingbei First Sky Road.

Jingbei First Sky Road, located in Datan Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, lies at the intersection of the northern Hebei mountains and the Inner Mongolia Plateau. The entire route is over 100 kilometers long and is one of China's ten most beautiful roads. With winding turns and undulating hills, it passes through seas of flowers, washed-clean blue skies, ink-green grasslands, as well as terraced fields and windmills—a paradise for self-driving and photography enthusiasts.

This road was originally a firebreak built for wind turbine construction and village access. Because it runs along the tops of hills, offering winding curves and panoramic views of rivers and mountains, it was discovered by many hikers and photographers.

Originally, the Grassland Sky Road was not called that; it was called 'Grass-Edge Sky Road', but because it was awkward to say, it was later renamed 'Grassland Sky Road'.

But unlike the Grassland Sky Road in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, Jingbei First Sky Road stretches across the Jingbei First Grassland on the Bashang area of Fengning. Therefore, it passes through two forest park scenic areas: Liushugou and Qiansongba. Such diverse vegetation makes the landscapes around Jingbei First Sky Road even richer and more colorful—mountains, forests, grasslands, wetlands, farmland, flower seas, lakes, rivers... everything you could want.

It is beautiful all year round, and many photographers and photography enthusiasts always come here with their cameras to capture inspiration.

We set off in early July, a fairly suitable month. At this time, the grasslands are an endless expanse of green, with temperatures around 20°C. However, the wind is strong on the grasslands and there is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so it's still necessary to bring extra clothing. Additionally, although the temperature is pleasant, the sun is still quite strong, so it's best to bring sunglasses, a hat, and remember to use sun protection.

The sky was clear all the way, the air fresh. The beautiful sunlight penetrated the retina and spread through every capillary in my body. Driving on Jingbei First Sky Road, my inner free soul began to awaken~

The first stop after a 4-hour drive—Liushugou Savanna Grassland.

Liushugou is located at the starting point of the Bashang edge of Jingbei First Grassland, on sections D and E of Jingbei First Sky Road. Driving into Liushugou, it feels like entering a little-known primordial paradise.

Here, peaks stretch on both sides, windmills are fresh and artistic, meadows are lush and lovely, and cattle, sheep, and horses leisurely stroll on the grassland. Every blade of grass and tree exudes tranquility and comfort.

Driving along the mountain road towards the summit, sometimes passing a pool of water, sometimes encountering a herd of cattle or sheep, and occasionally spotting a couple of prairie dogs.

Not rushing the itinerary or ticking off sites, I fully enjoy the thrill of driving on unmanned dirt roads. Whenever I see a landscape I love, I stop and go as I please.

One of the high points in Liushugou is East Mountain Top, famous for its sunset and evening glow views. We drove up the dirt road to the top of the hill. Standing high and looking out, in the distance there are hills, windmills, pine soughing, and spruce trees; nearby, leisurely horses and cattle, and beneath our feet, colorful wildflowers. This place overturned my imagination of a typical grassland.

The vast meadow is like a carefully woven grass carpet, dotted with wildflowers and clusters of shrubs. The unpaved narrow dirt road stretches into the distance. Trollius flowers, Mongolian jujubes, and wild chrysanthemums swaying in the wind, under the deep blue dome, together form a tranquil oil painting landscape.

We arrived early just to wait for the most beautiful sunset. By five or six o'clock, there were already many tourists looking for the best viewing spots.

Fortunately, the weather was good, and we saw the gentle glow of the sunset. Sitting with friends on the hilltop, chatting and laughing, gazing at the sun setting every minute was a delight.

Satisfied after watching the sunset, when we went down the mountain, it was already past eight o'clock. The Sky Road Inn at the foot of the mountain had already prepared dinner for us.

Liushugou entrance fee: 70 yuan per ticket.

Compared to the relatively undeveloped and more primitive 'wild' Liushugou, Qiansongba Scenic Area on the next day's itinerary is more developed, with paved roads throughout, but the ticket is also a bit more expensive, 80 yuan per ticket. The terrain in Liushugou is relatively flat, while the slopes in Qiansongba are steeper, making it more suitable for drivers who enjoy the fun of bumpy self-driving.

Qiansongba is named after the tens of thousands of original spruce trees growing in its valleys and ravines. The average age of each tree here is 280 years.

Its unique scenery, vegetation, and animal resources make the ecology here as enchanting as a paradise.

Standing among the deep forest, closing your eyes, you can feel the vibrant life force. This long-lost relaxation can only be fully recovered during a journey.

Although this self-driving route is long, it brings together many elements—meadows with cattle and sheep, canyons and mountains, terraced fields and lakes—richness, unknowns, and warmth, making the camera's shutter constantly click and making the road trip infinitely fun.

Feel every encounter with your heart, capture every sight with your heart, and on the journey, reignite the soul that has been worn down by life, then set off again, better than before.