Beijing to Laiyuan Ever wish to see grassland more than 2,000 metres above sea level? Well, it's possible at Tiger Mountain in Laiyuan - a county in northwest Hebei Province, 200 kilometres southwest of Beijing.

Situated 20 kilometres north of the county, the grassland sits on top of Tiger Mountain.

Climbing the mountain on a horse, available at the foot of the mound, tourists take about one hour to reach the top. Then the beautiful scenery covering approximately 2,300 hectares unfolds in front of your eyes.

The grassland is not the only scenic splendour in Laiyuan. Equally breathtaking sites include White Stone Mountain, Ten Falls Canyon and Wulonggou Great Wall.

White Stone Mountain, 15 kilometres south of the town of Laiyuan, is actually a huge white rock on a range of mountains. The rock is said to have stood there for 100 million years, and is crisscrossed by gullies and ravines. It is famous for its steep gradient and peculiar scenery.

Ten Falls Canyon is at the foot of the White Stone Mountain, boosting spectacular pools and falls. Wulonggou Great Wall was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is well preserved and not dangerous to climb.

Travel tips: Roads around Tiger Mountain are covered with pebbles, therefore it's wise not to drive cars except jeeps. This place is probably not an ideal choice for the frail. To reach the grassland, you must bump along the mountain road for four hours, then climb the 2,000-metre mountain. Don't forget to wear a cap, sunglasses and sun block.

Travel route: If you drive there from Beijing, you should go through the Jingshi Highway, and turn west on to the 112 national road at the Gaobeidian exit. Then reach Laiyuan via Laishui, Yin county and West Qing Tomb. It may take four hours.

If you choose to go there by train, go to Beijing South Railway Station to take No 897 at 17:40 pm and reach Laiyuan at 23:23 pm. Take the No 8 sightseeing train at 1:40 pm to return.

The transport system in Laiyuan is quite convenient. Regular buses and taxis are readily available. Hotels from the luxurious to the cheap are dotted around the town.

( China Daily April 27, 2002)