Four Must-Visit Weekend Getaways Around Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region

Gubei Water Town • Transportation: Drive via the Daguang Expressway and exit at the 24th Simatai Great Wall exit; or take the direct shuttle from Dongzhimen (¥48/person, 2-hour ride). • Attractions: Simatai Great Wall (day/night visits available) with "Eight Famous Night Activities" at its base; Yongshun Dyehouse for traditional dyeing techniques and DIY; Eight Banners Hall showcasing Manchu culture and archery; Hilltop Church with rustic exterior and elegant interior. • Food: Try Simatai Shaoxing wine (one of Miyun's "Three Roasts"), roasted pears, fried sausages, lamb spine hotpot, etc. • Accommodation: 2 five-star hotels, 4 boutique hotels, 5 themed hotels, and 20+ B&Bs within the resort (overnight guests enjoy unlimited park entry). Beidaihe • Transportation: Fly to Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport or take trains to Beidaihe/Qinhuangdao Station. • Attractions: Dove Nest Park for sunrise-over-sea views; Biluota Seaside Bar Park (photogenic with night shows); Qinhuangdao Wildlife Park; Xianluo Island's viral sea-crossing cable car. • Food: Fresh seafood (crabs, mantis shrimp, scallops), Yangchangzi ham sausages, Sitiao steamed buns. • Accommodation: Oceanview rooms/hotels/B&Bs like Eton Sunrise Seaview Hotel, Flower Villa·Villa (instagrammable pool courtyard). Chengde • Transportation: Fly to Chengde Puning Airport or take trains to Chengde/Chengde South Station. • Attractions: Mountain Resort (imperial garden beyond the Great Wall); "The Golden Age·Kangxi Spectacular" live show; breathtaking 100-Mile Sky Road; China Horse Town for equestrian culture. • Food: Chengde jelly rolls, lüdagunr (glutinous rice snack), buckwheat noodles, Manchu Eight Bowls banquet. • Accommodation: Luxury hotels (Zhaofeng International, Chengde Xingong) or boutique B&Bs (Kairen Huafu Inn). Tianjin • Transportation: Convenient international flights, extensive rail network, and metro coverage. • Attractions: Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel (panoramic city views); Five Avenues' eclectic Western-style buildings; Italian Style Town; National Maritime Museum. • Food: Goubuli steamed buns, jianbing guozi (savory crepes), ear-hole fried cakes; signature dishes like garlic beef cubes, eight-treasure tofu. • Accommodation: Luxury (Ritz-Carlton, Banyan Tree Riverside) or family-friendly options (Lakeside Castle Hotel).