Mulan Paddock— wanna be a Chinese cowboy?

Mulan Paddock. (File photo/China News Service)

 Located in China's northern Chengde city in Hebei Province, Mulan Paddock is regarded as Beijing's back garden. The tranquil meadows and charming scenery, together with flitting flocks of birds, endowed it as a famous hunting locale for imperial families. Nowadays, it's a paradise for shutterbugs.

You cannot leave Mulan Paddock without horse riding, river rafting, or best of all, staying in a Mongolian yurt—the whole Chinese cowboy package.

Address: Weichang Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde, Hebei Province, 068450

Driving time: approximately six hours

Accommodation: hotels and hostels in nearby villages; Mongolian yurts; camping

Tips: bring sunscreen to avoid sunburn; and don't forget a warm coat – mornings and evenings can be chilly.