马镇’s Summer Never Lacks Joy
It’s been two years since my last trip to the grasslands. In 2019, I visited the winter grasslands and the summer grasslands with wetlands. This time, I went to a grassland that’s home to over 8,000 horses—马镇.
Beneath your feet stretches an endless expanse of lush green, and above, the sky is like ‘bright blue splashed amidst white clouds.’ Immersed in a 17°C summer, you can feast on roast lamb and sing songs...
If you want to escape the heat and stuffiness, head to the natural grassland closest to Beijing—马镇, just 260 kilometers away.
Step into the grassland, far from the city's noise and horns, and embrace nature's tranquility. #避暑就去中国马镇
马镇 in Sight and Sound
‘Dreaming of Trumpets Echoing Through the Camp’
Live Horse Battle – God of War Zhao Zilong
‘God of War Zhao Zilong’ is an exclusive, epic live horse battle show created by Dancing Horse World, featuring many high-difficulty equestrian stunts.
The performers have powerful stage presence, and with exquisite costumes and props, you feel like you’ve traveled back to the Three Kingdoms era. The battle scenes are intense, evoking the line ‘the steed gallops like the wind, the bowstring thunders.’ Watching Zhao Yun single-handedly charge into enemy lines to rescue his lord’s child with such solitary bravery almost brought tears to my eyes...
The Dancing Horse World theme park faithfully recreates the architectural style of the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The street shops and restaurants, from décor to tableware, are all richly antique, creating a deeply immersive atmosphere.
The Three Kingdoms block has martial arts, acrobatics, parades, and other performances throughout the day, keeping visitors thoroughly entertained. Enjoying shows in this highly authentic 马镇 setting is what people nowadays call ‘maxed-out vibes’ — truly a fully immersive experience.
The horseback wedding is full of ceremony, and guests are drawn into the whole process, from the bridal escort to the bowing rituals. Afterwards, you can visit the Manchu Culture Museum to delve into the distinctive features of Manchu culture and experience its charm firsthand.
‘Qiang flute melodies and Sogdian whirl dances, I smile for you, I cry for you’
Big Circus Show – ‘Grassland Silk Road’
The Dancing Horse World entrance gate already has a strong circus vibe, so you simply must catch the big circus show ‘Grassland Silk Road.’ With original music, it brings to life the prosperity of the Bashang Grassland. The cultural exchanges along this silk road leave a lasting impression.
‘How I wish our chats never end and the garden party never closes’
A summer with only passion but no speed won’t do! Go-karting is a fantastic dopamine booster. When you’re feeling down, just floor the pedal and all your worries will be left far behind. Here, go-karting means cool wind roaring past, not the scorching heat and sun you’d endure in a big city.
The go-kart track is perfect for photo ops dressed in ‘Game for Peace’ style outfits.
If that’s not enough to quicken your pulse, try grass sliding. On a colorful rainbow slide, you sit in a sled and shoot down from the top, zipping through the greenery — this novel experience will have you hooked. (Ladies, it's not recommended during your period; plan your trip accordingly.)
The scenic area also has many rides for all ages, like the large swinging pendulum, spinning rose teacups, pirate ship, and more. Kids can also get up close with small animals: they can ride a pony like a little knight, or feed ducklings, goats, alpacas, and other cute critters, nurturing their love for animals.
The Royal Stables house many prized horses from both China and abroad, their muscular physiques marking them out as noble steeds capable of galloping a thousand li. You’ll feast your eyes and marvel at how such magnificent horses can be so delightful to behold.
Those keen on horse culture can explore the Horse Science Museum and the Horse Culture Museum.
For Instagram-worthy spots, there are quirky places like the Weird House, Tilted House, and Mirror House waiting for you. To snap atmospheric photos, I’d suggest wearing an exotic dress or a vaquero outfit so you can capture high-end Mongolia-like travel shots right here in 马镇, near Beijing.
When night falls, the EDM party kicks in; dancing is the grand finale of a day of fun. The feverish atmosphere gets you hyped, and the pulsating music makes you move your body without thinking, casting all else aside and just living in the moment. Come release your true self with everyone here! After the electro party, there’s a spectacular fireworks show! But since I went on a weekday, I missed it. Next weekend, I’ll definitely head back to 马镇 to catch this grand fireworks display hahaha.
（Because it's really so close to Beijing — truly lives up to its name as the ‘Backyard Garden of Beijing,’ absolutely GOAT!)
马镇 on the Plate
You need to eat well to have the energy to explore, and when it comes to food, the roast whole lamb is a must. A steaming hot lamb emerges, tender and juicy inside with a slightly charred, crispy skin — it's mouthwatering! With six ways to enjoy one lamb, this traditional grassland delicacy won’t disappoint. Come savor the thrill of eating hearty chunks of meat.
The food street is lined with all sorts of restaurants to please every palate. From fusion cuisine and Manchu Eight Bowls to Bashang coarse grain eateries and crayfish joints, you can try something new at every meal.
When you’re tired from wandering, grab a creative cultural ice cream. Its unique shapes range from cute 3D cartoon ponies to majestic, lifelike relief sculptures. I got a pistachio flavor, which is rare on the market — distinctively unique, and as a first-timer, I was amazed.
Don’t forget to bring home some Mili cookies as souvenirs. The black bean flavor is quite novel — with one bite, it's crispy, soft, and intensely fragrant. Don’t rush to throw away the package; inside there’s a creative postcard that you can display on your desk to remind you of your 马镇 memories. Collectors of travel souvenirs shouldn’t miss out.
We stayed at the Dream Horse Hotel, just a short walk from Dancing Horse World. The hotel is imbued with rich ethnic cultural touches everywhere. It’s also well-equipped with a gym, children’s playground, and a creative souvenir shop.
Our room was a grassland-view room, spacious and clean. The vanity mirror’s ring light was especially handy for makeup removal and application — a thoughtful touch for women.
Notably, the Dream Horse Hotel in 马镇 has no air conditioning. Don’t be surprised by this design: the large day-night temperature difference here means AC isn’t needed — proof of how cool and comfortable the summer is. P.S. The hotel does have underfloor heating. Winter travelers to 马镇, chilly friends needn’t worry; floor heating is cozier than AC and won’t dry out the room.
At the Dream Horse Hotel, you can admire the beautiful grassland scenery under the sun, moon, and stars while indulging in total relaxation — this is the right way to vacation.
Basically, two days is enough for the whole trip, perfect for a weekend or short holiday family getaway or a chill escape with a few friends to beat the heat.
Transportation: High-speed trains to 马镇 are available from Beijing North Station and Qinghe, very convenient. Friends from Beijing can also drive in about three hours, so 马镇 is a great choice for a nearby getaway.
The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so remember to bring a couple of long-sleeved layers.
Gentle breeze, blue sky, grasslands, speed, screams, comfort —
#避暑就去中国马镇#, enjoy the coolness and memories that 马镇 brings us.
