Picturesque scenery, family fun: A poetic journey to Hebei's Little Guilin

⛰️ Taking the kids to climb 100 mountains (12/100) - Laozi Peak Every step amidst the mountains and rivers is a scenic view. The mountains, the wilderness, and my camera hold the other half of my life. 🏞️ Known as "Little Guilin of the North," Yishui Lake Scenic Area showcases the gentle charm of Jiangnan's waterscapes and the majestic beauty of northern mountains. Even the most imposing peaks take on a unique charm when they meet water. 📍 Yishui Lake Scenic Area, Yi County, Baoding, Hebei 🚗 2 hours from Shijiazhuang 🎫 Tickets + boat fare: 135. Free for children under 1.2m. 🏞️ The dynamic beauty of Little Guilin of the North 🔹 Poetic lake views: The clear lake water reflects the layered green mountains, resembling a flowing ink painting. 🔹 Unique mountain scenery: Laozi Peak is the heart of the lake area. A 3,100-meter-high mountain plank road winds its way up, offering panoramic views of the lake. When shrouded in clouds and mist, it looks like a fairyland. 🔹 Cultural heritage: Yishui Lake is famous for the historical allusion "The wind sighs, the Yi River runs cold." Laozi Peak further incorporates the artistic conception of Taoist culture, making you feel like you're in a dialogue with nature as you walk through it. 🔁 Tour route: Pier - boat trip - Lake Heart Island - Laozi Peak Plank Road loop - return by boat to the original pier 🌟 Family-friendly 🛥️ Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the clear waters, admiring the interconnected mountains and waters, and feeling the lake breeze on your face. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, it's like traveling through a painting. 🚶 The 3km circular plank road on Laozi Peak is gentle and easy to walk, with scenic views at every step, allowing for a relaxing stroll amidst the mountains and waters. ⛩️ There are viewing platforms, rest benches, and small shops along the way to replenish your energy. ⛵️ Pier selection (how to choose during holidays) ▪️ Jinpo Pier: Double-decker boats, the most crowded, longest boat ride (about 30 minutes), offering the best views of the lake along the way. Preferred on weekdays. ▪️ Jingui Pier: Less crowded than Jinpo Pier, medium boat ride (about 20 minutes). ▪️ Dam Pier: First choice for holidays❗️ Avoid the hassle of queuing for the mountain climb, like an express lane. Least crowded, shortest boat ride (about 10 minutes). Some people find the boat ride too short. It's also close to Lianshui Taihang Water Town, so you can choose this pier if you want to visit the water town as well. 📷 Photo spots: Capture fairytale-like memories of the mountains and waters ✅ Laozi Peak Plank Road: The winding wooden plank road forms a diagonal composition with the lake surface. Taking photos with your back or side facing the lake creates a beautiful and artistic atmosphere. ✅ Pier boat ride: Capture the moment of leaning on the railing and looking into the distance, with the lake reflection and distant mountains forming a natural frame. ✅ Gushen Cave: A naturally formed giant cave, suitable for taking silhouette photos against the light. ✅ Zhixu Terrace: The best viewpoint. Standing at the end of the plank road, with stunning lake and mountain views behind you, it offers a wide, unobstructed, and perfect angle for overlooking the lake. ➡️ Itinerary 1️⃣ One-day trip: Hiking at Yishui Lake + strolling through Taihang Water Town 2️⃣ Two-day trip: One day at Yishui Lake, one day at Baishi Mountain, overnight stay at Laishui Huaxia Town.