THE heat of summer makes people squirm at their desks and fidget while stuck in traffic. Why not escape all this heat and work-pressure on the grasslands of China. At this time of year, the pleasant climate, blue sky, white clouds, rolling grass, wandering flocks and herds, hard-working herdsmen and fine delicacies can provide a summer getaway to remember. Below are some spots that are popular among music, photography and travel fans.
Zhangbei Grassland, Hebei Province Every year, music lovers from around the country flock to Zhangbei Grassland for the music festival. Singing, dancing, camping, having fun and mingling with bands and their fans on the wild grassland is the ideal summer holiday for many music lovers. If you are mad about music, Zhangbei Grassland Music Festival is a must-go place this summer. Unlike most outdoor music festivals, which are held in tourism towns far away from big cities, this one takes place close to Beijing. For many rock fans in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, the festival has become their annual music carnival where they can drink beer, play football, chat and go wild with friends to the greatest Chinese rock & roll music being made today while enjoying the beautiful, natural and wild grassland. At this year’s festival, to be held Aug. 7 to 9, more than 60 well-known rock stars and bands from China and other parts of the world will be invited to perform. Top musicians such as Xu Wei, Zhang Xuan, Wan Xiaoli and Xie Tianxiao will come to experience the “Woodstock of China.” There are also areas for playing extreme sports, football and volleyball and flying kites. You can also find barbecue, karaoke and massage venues on the grassland. The price of attending the three-day festival is 180 yuan. Transport: Fly to Beijing from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and you can take special coaches to the festiva from the Beijing North Coach Station at 80 yuan per person. Accommodation: You can rent a tent for 10 yuan a day and sleep on the grassland. Hulun Buir Grassland, Inner Mongolia The experience of driving on the Hulun Buir Grassland is called “man’s wildest trip. It feels like you can take over the world.” The variety of roads on the prairie has brought challenges and fun for drivers. “Although the road is not hard to drive on, it feels exhilarating to take in magnificent views while driving. Hulun Buir Grassland has become a beautiful place with beautiful grass and cattle since the government took measures to regulate the herding of sheep and cattle. Travelers can drive in the daytime and then enjoy some fine local mutton at locals’ yurts. You can also ride horses and camels to the hilltops where you can enjoy different views that can never be seen in a big metropolis. Long pants are required at night. Transport: Fly to Beijing from Bao’an International Airport and take a train to Haila’er where you can take a coach to Hulun Buir. Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in downtown. | 