Escape the city

Who can understand the 40-degree heat in Beijing, family? Over the weekend, I couldn't bear the high temperatures and went hiking at Ma Tian Ling in Yu County, Zhangjiakou. I thought it would be around 30 degrees in the mountains, so I was prepared for my clothes to get wet and dry repeatedly. But to my surprise, family, it was only 24 degrees on the mountain, with a cool breeze, and it was even a bit chilly. The natural air conditioning was really refreshing. ● Yu County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei - Ma Tian Ling (3.5-hour drive from Beijing) Elevation gain: 672 meters Total hiking distance: 24KM Time taken: 5 hours 50 minutes Difficulty index: The 24km route is of intermediate difficulty; beginners are advised to take the 15km route. 80% of Ma Tian Ling is flat, with an elevation gain of about 20%, but the descent is quite steep, so be sure to take care of your knees. 2 Recommendation index: Along the way, you will occasionally encounter cute cows grazing on the meadows. Many newborn calves are super adorable. The cows are not afraid of people, so you can take pictures with them, but be careful not to disturb them too much. Halfway through, I found a butterfly landed on my arm (see picture 3), and it wouldn't fly away. At an elevation of 2100 meters, you will also see cute little foals hopping around. Indeed, whether human or animal, the young ones are always the cutest! Equipment tips: Bring enough water (3L), as the route is quite long. It's best to buy a hiking water bag for convenience. You can also bring a thermos with some ice cubes. We brought two cups of ice this time, and drinking ice water when it's hot is really refreshing (aiming for a luxurious hiking experience). Don't bring protein bars, chocolate bars, or energy bars. Protein or carbohydrate-rich foods are better for quickly replenishing energy (beef, chicken breast, bread, etc.). Download the route in advance (Two Steps Outdoor Assistant). Start the app at the beginning of the journey, and it will notify you if you deviate from the route. Ma Tian Ling is a high-altitude area (2100 meters+), so be prepared for physical sun protection. Be sure to bring trekking poles and knee pads, as the descent is hard on the knees.