Much of Zhangjiakou lies in the transitional terrain between the mountains and the plains. Called "ba" by the locals, it refers to an elevation of 1,200-1,400 meters above sea level, which means it is several degrees cooler in summer than places like Beijing and hence a perfect retreat from the heat.

Hidden among the rolling steppes and gently sinuous mountain ranges is a 133-km road officially called "Grass Skyline" and often compared to Route 66 in the United States.

Meandering from Zhangbei all the way to Chongli, this scenic drive has been a big attraction since it opened in 2012.