Grassland Sky Road

Historical Overview

• Construction Era (2011–2012): Built by China Guodian Corporation as a service road for the 100-MW Cypress Gorge Wind Farm.
• Tourism Development (2015–Present): Upgraded with viewing platforms, rest stops, and digital signage after viral social media exposure.
• Cultural Significance: Symbolizes China’s shift toward green energy, with turbines doubling as modern "wind sculptures."
• Key Events: Hosted the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics torch relay leg and annual "Sky Road Marathon."

Structural Layout

The road follows a sinuous east-west path divided into three sections:

1. Eastern Segment (0–40 km): Gentle slopes with cypress groves and the "Five-Flower Pasture" camping area.
2. Central Segment (40–90 km): Steep hairpin turns, wind farms, and the 1,800-meter-high "Cloud-Piercing Pavilion."
3. Western Segment (90–132 km): Volcanic rock canyons, solar panel arrays, and the "Sun Valley" photovoltaic park.

Key structures:

• Glass-Bottomed Skywalk: A 50-meter悬空 platform overlooking the Cypress Gorge.
• Wind Turbine Alley: A 3-km stretch flanked by 30-meter-tall windmill blades.

Major Attractions

1. Cypress Gorge: A 200-meter-deep canyon with layered sedimentary rock formations.
2. Wind Valley Observation Deck: Offers 360-degree views of 18 spinning turbines.
3. Five-Flower Pasture: Seasonal meadows blooming with lupines, poppies, and edelweiss.
4. Sun Valley Photovoltaic Park: A 1.2-sq-km solar farm with artistically arranged panels.
5. Cloud-Piercing Pavilion: A Ming Dynasty-style tower rebuilt in 2018 with modern earthquake resistance.
6. Volcanic Rock Trail: A 1.5-km hiking path through hexagonal basalt columns.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (3–4 hours):
   Eastern Entrance → Five-Flower Pasture → Cypress Gorge → Wind Turbine Alley → Glass Skywalk → Western Exit
   Highlights: Wind farms, canyon vistas, and solar arrays.

2. Extended Route (5–6 hours):
   Eastern Entrance → Five-Flower Pasture → Cypress Gorge → Wind Turbine Alley → Glass Skywalk → Cloud-Piercing Pavilion → Volcanic Rock Trail → Western Exit
   Highlights: Addition of Ming-style pavilion and geological formations.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Eastern Entrance → Guided Tour of Wind Farm Control Center → Five-Flower Pasture → Cypress Gorge → Wind Turbine Alley → Glass Skywalk → Cloud-Piercing Pavilion → Volcanic Rock Trail → Sun Valley Photovoltaic Park → Western Exit
   Highlights: Behind-the-scenes renewable energy access and full landscape immersion.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fee: ¥80 (peak season: Jun–Oct), ¥50 (off-season: Nov–May).
• Concessions: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
• Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat platform "Grassland Sky Road" (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Tickets available at eastern/western entrances; queues average 15 minutes.

Transportation

• From Zhangjiakou City: 1.5-hour drive via S242 Provincial Road (¥30 toll).
• Bus: Zhangjiakou Bus Station → Grassland Sky Road Direct Bus (¥15, 2 hours).
• Taxi: ¥200 one-way from Zhangjiakou downtown.
• Parking: Free lots at eastern/western entrances and major attractions.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: June–August (wildflowers), September–October (golden grasslands).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends host motorcycle clubs and photography tours.
• Essentials:
  • Drive a high-clearance vehicle (many unpaved sections).
  • Bring a polarizing filter for wind turbine photography.
  • Download the "Sky Road Nav" app for real-time traffic/weather updates.
• Prohibited Items: Off-road driving, camping outside designated zones.
• Cultural Tip: Attend the "Wind Symphony" night light show (July–Aug weekends).