Summer Family Getaway Guide: Puji Sea, Jiuzhaigou, Changbai County, and Ulan Butong Grassland

Travel Guide to Puji Sea, Jiuzhaigou, Changbai County, and Ulan Butong Grassland 1. Puji Sea (Haixin Pond at Puji Temple, Putuo Mountain, Zhoushan) - Transportation: First arrive at Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier in Zhoushan, then take a ferry to Putuo Mountain. After arrival, take the scenic area bus to Puji Temple. - Attraction Highlights: Haixin Pond, located in front of Puji Temple, was built during the Ming Dynasty and is filled with mountain spring water. The pond features swaying lotus flowers, creating a stunning contrast of green and pink during summer blooms. Schools of koi fish swim freely in the water. Three stone bridges cross the pond, connecting Puji Temple’s main gate, the Octagonal Pavilion, and the Imperial Stele Pavilion, exuding ancient charm. - Family Fun: Feed koi fish with your kids and enjoy interacting with the animals; teach them about lotus flowers and their growth habits; stroll and take photos on the stone bridges while admiring the blend of ancient temple and water scenery, and share stories about the temple’s history and culture. - Suggested Duration: 1–2 hours. - Nearby Food: Putuo Mountain has many vegetarian restaurants where you can introduce kids to light and healthy Buddhist cuisine, such as the affordable and diverse vegetarian meals at Puji Temple. 2. Jiuzhaigou - Transportation: - By Air: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, then take an airport shuttle or private car to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. - By High-Speed Rail: Take a train to Chengdu, then transfer from Chengdu East Station to Songpan County’s Zhenjiangguan Station, followed by a scenic area shuttle. - Attraction Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jiuzhaigou features emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. The Y-shaped valleys are dotted with breathtaking sights like Long Lake, Five-Color Pond, Nuorilang Waterfall, Five-Flower Lake, and Pearl Shoal Waterfall. - Family Fun: Explain the scenery to kids while riding the sightseeing bus; let them feel the power of Nuorilang Waterfall; admire the vibrant colors of Five-Flower Lake and try transparent boat rides to get close to the water; hike the plank roads to spot squirrels and observe forest plants. - Itinerary: - Morning: Take a bus from the entrance to Long Lake, enjoy its vast serenity, then walk to Five-Color Pond. - Noon: Have lunch at Nuorilang Center (try yak beef noodles). - Afternoon: Visit Nuorilang Waterfall, then explore Panda Lake, Five-Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, and Shuzheng Waterfall. - Suggested Duration: 1–2 days. - Accommodation: Stay at hotels or guesthouses near the entrance for convenience. - Tips: Due to high altitude, prepare for potential altitude sickness and avoid strenuous activities for kids. Bring warm clothing for large temperature swings. 3. Changbai County - Transportation: First reach Changchun, then take a train or long-distance bus to Changbai County. - Attraction Highlights: - Orchard Folk Village: A 3A-rated scenic spot and ethnic minority village showcasing Korean traditions, with museums, memorial arches, and scenic walls. - Thousand-Year Cliff City: A hidden gem blending Bohai Kingdom architecture with Korean folk culture, featuring ancient villages, traditional markets, glass walkways, and cliff swings. - Changbai Nili River National Wetland Park: Lush wetlands with diverse flora, including mixed forests of Korean pine and larch. - Family Fun: Learn Korean etiquette and make traditional rice cakes at Orchard Folk Village; challenge fun rides at Thousand-Year Cliff City; explore wetland plants and observe birds at the park. - Itinerary: - Day 1: Arrive in Changbai County – Visit Orchard Folk Village – Night stroll in the cultural town. - Day 2: Explore Thousand-Year Cliff City – Stay at Sihai Weijia Xijing Xuelu Campground (book in advance). - Day 3: Wetland Park – Xinfangzi Great Lake Waterfall – Try local cold-water fish – Return. - Suggested Duration: 3 days. - Accommodation: Stay in Korean-style guesthouses or camp outdoors. - Food: Try Korean dishes like cold noodles, kimchi, soybean paste soup, and barbecue. 4. Ulan Butong Grassland - Transportation: First reach Beijing, then take a long-distance bus or private car to Ulan Butong Grassland. - Attraction Highlights: Vast grasslands, herds of livestock, clear lakes, and sites like European Scenic Zone, General’s Lake, and Colorful Mountain. - Family Fun: Ride horses across the grasslands; fly kites and play by the lake; join a bonfire party with Mongolian performances and roasted lamb; watch the sunrise over the grassland. - Itinerary: - Day 1: Arrive at Ulan Butong – Explore European Scenic Zone – Enjoy grassland cuisine. - Day 2: Visit General’s Lake – Horseback riding – Bonfire party. - Day 3: Sunrise at Colorful Mountain – Free time – Return. - Suggested Duration: 3 days. - Accommodation: Stay in yurts for a unique experience or choose hotels. - Tips: Apply strong sunscreen due to intense UV rays; follow guides’ instructions for safe horseback riding.