Stand on the northern side of Tuanjiehu in the Chaganhaote Tourism Development Zone and the grassland runs flat to the horizon, with rows of Mongolian yurts behind you and wind turbines turning further out. The Taoerhe River cuts through the same zone, and in spring and autumn the wetlands around Baicheng fill with cranes.
Baicheng suits travellers who are drawn to grassland, marsh and birdlife rather than city sights, and who are willing to move between the city, Taonan, Da'an and the surrounding reserves. The climate is continental: winters are long and cold, summers hot and humid, and most rain falls from June to August, so spring and autumn are the rewarding seasons for wildlife.
This guide covers the reserves, grasslands, temples and parks named in the source material, with practical notes on how to combine them.
Top things to do in Baicheng
1. Momoge National Nature Reserve
Momoge National Nature Reserve (莫莫格国家级自然保护区) spreads across swamps, islands, river and grassland, and is inhabited by 193 kinds of birds, including cranes. Spring and autumn are when the number of birds here is most impressive.
To get there, take the train from Baicheng to Taonan (24 minutes) and then a bus. Plan the visit around the bird migration rather than a fixed itinerary.
2. Xianghai National Nature Reserve
Xianghai National Nature Reserve is a grassland and wetland landscape of swamps, marshes and lakes, with large numbers of cranes. It rewards a slow visit with binoculars rather than a quick stop.
Pair it with the other wetland sites if you are travelling in spring or autumn, when the birdlife is at its best.
3. Chaganhaote Tourism Development Zone
Chaganhaote means "white city", the same meaning as Baicheng, and the zone lies in the northwest of the city at the junction of Jilin, Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang. The Taoerhe River, Tuanjiehu, Banlashan, a wind power plant and grassland are all located here.
On the northern side of Tuanjiehu sits the Park of traditions of nationalities, with 39 Mongolian yurts, described as the biggest Mongolian-themed package group tour destination in the area. Allow time to walk the grassland and the lakeside in the same visit.
4. Jiangjiadian grassland
Jiangjiadian grassland (姜家甸草原风情旅游区) is rich in natural resources, with animals running across open grassland and stands of Leymus chinensis. The area is also known for medicinal plants including wild licorice, radix scutellariae, rhizoma anemarrhenae and stellera chamaejasme.
Yurts, hunting grounds, a racecourse and a fishing area give the grassland a set of organised activities. Combine it with a wider loop of the surrounding grassland if you have your own transport.
5. Daqintala grassland
Daqintala grassland is a large and beautiful grassland in Baicheng. It is a straightforward choice if you want open country and a quiet half-day rather than a developed site.
Go in the warmer months, and take sun protection and water, as there is little shade on open grassland.
6. Chengsijiazi Castles
The Chengsijiazi Castles (城四家子城址) stand in Deshun Township. The ancient city has a circumference of 5,748 m and was founded in the early Liao Dynasty.
This is an archaeological site rather than a reconstructed attraction, so read up on the Liao period before you go and combine it with a look at the surrounding countryside in Taobei District.
7. Hua Yan Temple
Hua Yan Temple (华严寺) lies in the south of Baicheng City and was established in the early years of the Republic of China. The buildings are grandiose and the temple has a high reputation, with carparks and a layout resembling classical architecture.
Many people come for blessings during the Puja, so check locally for the timing of observances if you want to see the temple at its busiest.
8. Nenjiang Vacation Village
Nenjiang Vacation Village (嫩江旅游度假村) sits on the right bank of the Da'an Nen River, 3 km from the city centre, with 10 km of beaches along the bank. The service facilities are complete, and there are European, Roman and modern Chinese villas.
The village runs a one-day tour from Daan Port to Yueliangpao Reservoir and another one-day tour from Daan Port to Yan Fu Temple, which makes it a practical base for a day on the water.
9. Donggou Wetland Hunting Field
Donggou Wetland Hunting Field lies at the convergence of Da'an City and Tongyu County. It is open for three months during spring and summer.
Because the opening window is short, check the season before you build a trip around it, and pair it with the Nenjiang riverbank if you are already in the Da'an area.
10. Venice Water Park
Venice Water Park (威尼斯水上乐园) is in Baicheng city, Taobei District, 033 Township, Road No. 999. It is the obvious choice for a hot summer day, when the humidity is at its peak.
Phone ahead on +86 436 5889955 or +86 436 5889977 before travelling out.
11. Forest Park
Forest Park is a small park where parents like going with their children to have fun on festivals. There are many kinds of animals and the scenery is beautiful.
Entry is ¥2 per person, which makes it an easy addition to a day in the city rather than a destination in itself.
12. Canal Model Park
Canal Model Park is a famous canal in Baicheng. When spring is coming, some people like to go on a hike there.
It works best as a short spring walk, combined with the city sights rather than treated as a full day out.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Hua Yan Temple in the south of the city, then continue to Canal Model Park for a spring walk along the canal.
Afternoon: Head northwest to the Chaganhaote Tourism Development Zone, where the Taoerhe River, Tuanjiehu, Banlashan, the wind power plant and the grassland sit together. Walk the northern side of Tuanjiehu and the Park of traditions of nationalities with its 39 Mongolian yurts.
Evening: Return to the city and finish at Forest Park, which is small, cheap at ¥2 per person, and easy to fit in before dark.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see birds in Baicheng?
Spring and autumn, when the number of birds at Momoge National Nature Reserve is especially impressive. Xianghai National Nature Reserve is also known for its cranes.
How do I reach Momoge National Nature Reserve?
Take the train from Baicheng to Taonan, which takes 24 minutes, and then a bus.
What does the name Chaganhaote mean?
"Chagan" means white and "haote" means city, so Chaganhaote means white city, which is also the meaning of Baicheng.
Is there anything to do on a hot summer day?
Venice Water Park in Taobei District is the water-based option, and Donggou Wetland Hunting Field is open for three months during spring and summer.
Decide whether you are travelling for the spring and autumn bird migration or for the summer grasslands, then start planning your route around Momoge, Xianghai and the Chaganhaote zone.