Bashang Grasslands, Datanzhen, China: July 26-28, 2024
Whether you're a nature lover, an avid hiker, or a photography enthusiast, the Bashang Grasslands in Hebei Province, just north of the Yanshan Mountains, have something for everyone. Explore miles of hiking trails that wind through lush valleys, or experience the thrill of horseback riding, a popular activity among visitors. The surrounding valley is dotted with small farms cultivating rapeseed, cabbage, potatoes, wheat, and buckwheat. You'll also encounter pastoral scenes of cows, goats, and sheep grazing along the countryside.
The main city, Datanzhen, provides a quaint backdrop with its small population of around 11,000 people, adding to the area's rustic charm. For those in Beijing or visitors exploring Hebei Province, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Bashang Grasslands, capture the essence of the village, and catch a glimpse of the drive there through my curated photo gallery. Plan your visit and experience the untouched beauty of one of China's most picturesque regions.
These are more candid shots from the van ride up and down the mountain and our exploration of the village near our guesthouse. Many of the shots are through a window from my vantage point in the back of the van. Some I was lucky enough to capture in their entirety, others, well let’s just say there are a bunch that didn’t make the cut.
I visited the area with a local hiking group, Beijing Hikers. The trip listing can be found here.
These pictures were taken with my iPhone and Fujifilm XT200. Light edits were made using Adobe Lightroom.
Soccer pitch in the shadow of a mountain.
Roadside fruit vendor on the way to the Datanzhen.
Trike scooter hauling something.
Moving. Cross legged. Reading a text. Excited about it.
Family stops for a photo along a busy mountain road.
That's not an organic cow.
Shops in Datanzhen.
Farmer in Datanzhen, just south of the village.
Guest house courtyard.
Local villager observing the foreigners walk down his street.
Youth's on a scooter. Not much different than Beijing.
Cows in pens along a back alley. Definitely not in Beijing.
Salam, pishi!
I love these trikes.
A puppy takes a nap next to a small grocery store.
Through the window. Resting. Checking we chat or something.
Dining al fresco in Datanzhen.
Off to do some digging?
A local bike shop working on the weekends.
The lamb butcher. Every afternoon he drives around and slaughters lambs for the local guest houses.
The owner of our guest house.
Our driver. He liked my beard. And filled us with Baiju.
Transportation for the beekeeper.
A busy rural highway.
The guesthouse's mascot.
Locals on a scooter on that busy rural highway.
An older couple out for a Sunday drive?
A couple riding home from the grocery.
