2024 Huailai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)
Located in northwest Hebei Province, Huailai is China’s wine and grape capital. Huailai County has a long history and many tourist attractions. Historic sites include a section of the Great Wall built by the Yan state during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) and the stone caves carved during the Northern Wei era (386-535) at Tianhuang Mountain (“Celestial Emperor Mountain”). Huanglongshan Village (“Yellow Dragon Mountain Village”), on the north side of Huailai, is a scenic destination with mountain streams, meadows, and resorts. Here you can climb mountains and experience leisure activities such as an evening bonfire party where a whole goat is roasted.
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The West Town Hotel will soon be able to check in and live in a small villa located in the 8th group. The upper and lower floors and the four rooms are more comfortable! The interior is decorated with warm tones and wooden furniture, combined with modern elements to improve the Chinese style, but retains the calm and charm, and adds some fresh, leather sofa seats, American furniture contains a variety of cultural heritage! Simple vacation, friends who lived in the original township began to take us around.
Drive from Beijing, follow the Badaling Expressway and go straight to the ancient cliffs, but in just 2 hours, you can reach the Orengda tribe and the original township, the resort town at the foot of the Jingxi Mountains. Here is the pure American West style - the ups and downs of the "Route 66" in the town, the American country style cottages, the quaint chapel and the palatial wine museum... even the sculptures in the town are cowboys And the shape of the bull, full of rough and unrestrained meaning.
The owners who live here are affectionately known as the village people of the Orenda tribe and the original town. In addition to the residence, it also creates a complete authentic American western market and Settlement culture - In the quaint white chapel, I heard that there are often "villas" to practice the violin. Some people in the wine museum are tasting and even making wine. Huayou Huizhong has a "village folk" to make a collage of dried flowers. Some people are splashing ink creations. Surprisingly, these villas from all walks of life are not artistically professional, but their works are commendable. It seems that the relaxed and free atmosphere here has awakened their hearts. Dream, let them become artists of life.
What makes me most heart-warming is the garden courtyard built by the village people. The area is small, but it is a cluster of flowers. The ground is almost completely covered by green plants, and the winding stone path is from There is a greenery coming out of the way, and from time to time there is a big cat leisurely passing by - you see, no matter how embarrassing the world, some people will have their own days into poetry.
World's First Post Office | Jiming Post Station
|Jiming Post Station. 🏠Address: 139 Country Road, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province
🎫Ticket: CNY 36
💡Highlights: Ming Dynasty post station remains, world endangered heritage, less commercialized, mainly ancient villages, ancient city walls eroded by green bricks, a sense of broken beauty
⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:00
❗️❗️The ancient town is very small and it is not recommended to go there specially. If you are on the way, you can spend half a day to visit
It feels like traveling through a century | I didn't expect that Lafayette had been here.
▪️There is a kind of broken beauty here, not far from the capital. But there is a feeling of still living in the middle of the last century.
▫️More than a hundred years ago, the Eight-Power Allied Forces entered Beijing, and Cixi took Guangxu Emperor, the queen and others to escape to Xi'an. Cixi went west, and one of the stops was here.
▪️This is Jiwu Post, which was built in the Yuan Dynasty. It was named after the mountain and the city was set up because of the post. There are many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the square city outline, and there are two city towers in the east and west.
▫️The surface of the city wall is made of bricks, and the inner layer is rammed earth. The fingerprints left by the craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty can still be seen on the bricks of the city gate. There are 4 corner towers around the city wall. There is a city gate in the east and west, a city tower on the city gate, and a chimney outside the city. The roads in the city are crisscrossed, dividing the buildings in the city into twelve areas of different sizes. There are many historical shops and houses in the city.
[Tour route]
East Gate➡️Post Office Exhibition Hall➡️Taishan Palace➡️Wenchang Palace➡️Dragon King Temple
➡️Yi Chengshu➡️Hejia Courtyard➡️Climb the West Gate Tower➡️Walk half a circle along the city wall➡️East Gate
📷Recommended check-in:
📍Hejia Courtyard: In 1900, Empress Dowager Cixi lived in the west wing of this courtyard when she fled to the west. The brick carving "Hongxi Jiefu" is the highlight. (There are currently local people living, full of life)
📍Taishan Palace: It is dedicated to Bixia Yuanjun (commonly known as Taishan Grandma, it is said that the south is dedicated to Mazu, and the north is dedicated to Bixia Yuanjun), and there are 580-year-old murals in the Ming Dynasty in the hall.
📍Yi Chengshu: The government agency that governs the whole city, where the core officials of the Qing Dynasty post city and their officials work. (There are also local people living)
📝Note tips:
💰Ticket: 40 yuan
🕙Business hours: 8:30-17:30
📌To be honest, if such an ancient city is placed in the Yangtze River Delta region, it will have been repaired and there will be an endless stream of tourists. And here, local residents still live in ancient buildings (attractions), each collecting 1 or 2 yuan for tickets. Maybe the house was left by the ancestors, maybe not, it is hard to say good or bad, I still hope to plan well.
The room is exquisitely decorated and warmly furnished.
The villa is in a great location, with a small courtyard next to the artificial lake. You can enjoy the green mountains and rivers by opening the curtains. The room is exquisitely decorated and warmly furnished to meet daily needs. The boss is very enthusiastic and the service is timely. There are several canteens in the community, which is very convenient for dining. The town also has a lot of activities, everyone is having fun. The tribe is next to the ancient cliff dwelling scenic spot, and it takes an hour to climb to the top, with pleasant scenery. Both young and old are very satisfied with this trip. Will come again next time.
A little-known "Little South France" 1.5 hours from Beijing.
Enjoy the clear autumn sky, the open view of the lake and mountains, and the white windmills. Feel the cool autumn breeze and enjoy every moment surrounded by nature. Run in the vast green fields, stroll through the endless vineyards, eat big fish from the Guanting Reservoir, and have a happy weekend.
📍Allen Winery, Guanting Reservoir, Huailai County
🚄: Depart from Beijing North or Qinghe Station to [Donghuayuan North Station]
After getting off, you can take a taxi directly 🚗: 1.5 hours drive from Beijing
✍🏻Tips: The winery production site and wine cellar need to be booked in advance for visits
🍇【Travel Guide】
⛺Camping by Guanting Lake
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, and the green area provides camping equipment
🍇Visit the vineyard and winery
The green vineyard area is very beautiful, as if you have been instantly transported to South France
Visit the wine cellar and the staff will explain the process of making wine
The sight of oak barrels piled up into a mountain is really eye-opening!
🍷Taste wine on site (all you can drink)
You can also customize your own wine, engrave your name on the bottle, DIY blessings, and take away two bottles, which is very memorable.
🛝Cute outdoor children's playground
The tree house in the dream, rich children's entertainment facilities, there is also a large indoor children's playground, ocean ball, climbing frame... free play, suitable for walking
🔥Eat big fish in the reservoir
You must eat fish when you come to Guanting! The nearby iron pot stewed big fish is burned with firewood on the spot, the pancakes are super fragrant, it is recommended to make an appointment in advance, let the boss stew in advance🐟
📸Interior of the French architectural complex
The entire architectural complex is French-style, and many wedding photos are taken here. The interior is a comprehensive service area with a reading room, swimming pool, insect exhibition for research and study, coffee shop, and hotel for accommodation.
Zhangjiakou City.
Zhangjiakou City is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province and a second-tier city. It has 6 districts and 10 counties, with a population of over 4.05 million and an area of 36,800 square kilometers.
Zhangjiakou City has a long history, profound culture, beautiful natural scenery, and rich tourism resources. It is home to famous attractions such as the Emperor City, Dajingmen, the Great Wall, Bashang Grassland, Xiaowutai Mountain, and Jiming Post.
In 2020, seven ski resorts including Genting, Taiwu, and Wanlong were built in Chongli District, Zhangjiakou City, and the 2022 Winter Olympics were successfully held with Beijing.
Zhangjiakou City is a city that integrates natural beauty, historical culture, and modern fashion. Whether you are a history and culture enthusiast or an outdoor travel enthusiast, you can find your own fun and love here.
Jingbei Post Station | Jimingyi Ancient Town.
During the holidays, I took my two kids to visit the Jimingyi Ancient Town in Jingbei. Located at the foot of Jiming Mountain (Hebei), in 1219, Genghis Khan led his troops on a western expedition and opened a post road on the way to the Western Regions. A post station (then called: Zhan Chi) was set up here. During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, it was expanded into the largest post station and military fortress around the capital. The 800-year-long post history witnessed history. People traveling west and returning east met here. They stopped here to rest. Letters and weapons passed through the city (Jimingyi is the largest post station and the smallest city). The old city wall is well preserved. The various brick carvings in the ancient city courtyard are very beautiful... In 1900, when the Eight-Power Allied Forces approached Beijing, Cixi and Guangxu fled to Xi'an and passed by here and stayed in the He Family Courtyard (hence the name Cixi's One-Night Palace). It is considered the earliest homestay... The ancients understood art and culture better than us. Even in such a cold place in the north, there would be a big stage. It's so charming. The people of ancient times are no longer here, but the stage is still here (modern people often disappear due to stage collapse...). Some descendants of the post station still live in the ancient city (self-sufficient). They have their own land and vegetable garden. They grow their own vegetables and eat pure organic food. They pick apricots in the courtyard. They have plenty of purple garlic. They produce their own oatmeal specialties... This kind of life is too comfortable.
Summer Retreat in Northern Beijing|Popular Photo Spots|Guanlan Little Erhai
Traditional old Beijingers love to go to Northern Beijing to escape the summer heat (a few degrees cooler). I took my two kids to temporarily stay at Badaling Peacock City Holiday House and discovered this Guanlan Villa community nearby. The atmosphere is very European (many Beijing-licensed cars parked inside). There is a waterfront viewing platform nicknamed Little Erhai, which is a popular photo spot for young people. Laketime Coffee café is fully occupied; tourists rest inside when they are tired and hot from walking ☕️. The outdoor area at the entrance has entertainment facilities and a water park ⛲️, making both adults and children very happy... We encountered a smiling dog (probably because it was hot). The owner hadn't returned yet, so we bought mineral water to cool it down... It's a great atmosphere at Guanlan Little Erhai~
See the big windmills, ride horses, and eat reservoir fish in Huailai
If you want to see super large windmills, so close and so beautiful, head to Huailai in Zhangjiakou this weekend!
It takes just over an hour to drive from the city center. Reservoir + windmills, super beautiful!
Kids watched the windmills for a long time, filling up their long-distance vision reserves in one day!
The endless grasslands let the children run wild!
This time, a few friends made plans together, and with so many kids, it was a blast!
For kids, grasslands = horseback riding.
You can first sit/ride an all-terrain beach vehicle to feel the vastness of the grasslands.
Then choose a horse that perfectly matches you and experience the long-awaited grasslands.
There is laughter, there are screams, there is fear, and there is a desire to try!
With many kids, there are all kinds of stories.
Guanting Reservoir is huge, with places for horseback riding and camping.
Although it's in Hebei, it's actually very close to Beijing, right next to Wild Duck Lake.
One moment you're back in Beijing, the next you're in Hebei.
Grasslands, reservoirs, windmills, the grassland species are highly diverse, with a rich variety of insects.
A few kids together, holding nets, catching bugs, and getting to know nature!
Guanlan Little Erhai ~ Mini version of Erhai
It feels like being back in Dali. The white tables and chairs outside the Guanlan Time Cafe face the water and back against the distant mountains, perfect for daydreaming! When you come to the Guanlan small square, the winding rainbow-colored 🌈 plastic boardwalk extends all the way to the 'seaside', like a fairy tale world. The white railings nearby echo with the windmills and mountains in the distance. The piano 🎹 on the second floor of the small viewing platform is filled with red roses, creating a poetic and romantic atmosphere! The frog 🐸 seats next to it also give a sense of security! Enjoy the natural breeze and the pure feeling!
The Yangxin Hotel has a small swimming pool, with a moon-shaped lamp in the middle that might light up at night. Wade through the water, sit down to meditate, and step on the water, and the heat will disappear instantly.
Command Post and Empress Dowager Cixi's Palace
The Command Post is located on the north side of the first street of the ancient city of Jimingyi, Jimingyi Village, Jimingyi Township, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. Before the 35th year of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty, it was the station of the highest military commander of the entire city, responsible for postal and city defense duties, with a total of five courtyards. In 1900, when the Eight-Nation Alliance occupied Beijing, Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu stayed here on their way to Xi'an.
Ticket Price: Adult ticket 40 yuan/person
Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00
Transportation Information: You can take bus 104 or 304 from Huailai County to get there.
Special Cuisine: Caibeizi is a famous local snack that should not be missed.
The Living Fossil of China's Postal History - Jiming Post Station
Jiming Post Station is located in Jiming Post Village, Jiming Post Township, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, 15 kilometers east of Huailai County. The Jiming Post Station was first built during the Yuan Dynasty, with a history of over 780 years. In 1219 AD, Genghis Khan led his army on a western expedition and built this city on the road to the Western Regions. The city was named Jiming Post Station because it is located at the foot of Jiming Mountain. In the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420 AD), the Jiming Post Station was expanded and became the largest station on the route from Xuanhua Prefecture to the capital. The Jiming Post Station served both military and civilian functions until 1913 AD when the Beiyang Government decided to abolish all post stations nationwide and establish post offices, ending Jiming Post Station's 694-year history as a post station.
Jiming Ancient City is currently the best-preserved, largest, and most distinctive ancient postal building complex in China, with significant historical, artistic, and scientific value. It is known as the 'living fossil' of China's postal history.
Ticket Price: 40 RMB per adult
Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00
Transportation Information: You can take bus 104 or 304 from Huailai County to get there.
Special Cuisine: Caibeizi is a famous local snack that you must not miss.
China Jimingyi Post Station Exhibition Hall (1)
China Jimingyi Post Station Exhibition Hall is located at the foot of Jiming Mountain in Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province.
China Jimingyi Post Station Exhibition Hall is a professional museum that collects and displays ancient post station culture. The exhibition hall has an exhibition area of 328 square meters, showcasing the origin and development of Jimingyi from four aspects: ancient post stations, Jimingyi City, the stories of Jimingyi, the cultural charm of Jimingyi, and the revival of Jimingyi. It presents a microcosm of the changes in postal, military, and transportation history in ancient Chinese society to visitors and tourists.
Ticket information: Adults 40 yuan/person
Opening hours: 08:30-17:30
Transportation information: You can take bus No. 104 or No. 304 from Huailai County to get there.
Special food: Cai Beizi is a famous local snack that should not be missed.
National Heritage Check-in: Jiming Post Town (National Level 5)
Jiming Post Town is located in Huailai County, more than seventy kilometers away from the urban area of Zhangjiakou. It is a key cultural relic protection unit of the fifth batch nationwide, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and classified as ancient architecture.
The post town was situated on the post road, which was the 'Shanggu Main Road' during the pre-Qin period and remained an important route throughout various dynasties. In the Ming Dynasty, the post town was a significant post station of the Xuanfu Town Great Wall, covering an area of 2.2 hectares. Inside the city walls, there is a ring road, and the crisscrossing roads divide the town into twelve areas of varying sizes. The buildings are orderly distributed, with the post office area in the center of the town, the northwest area housing the stables, and the northeast area serving as the post warehouse. To the south of the town, there is a post road running east-west along the city wall. Originally, there were more than a dozen temples in the town, but now only seven remain: the Dragon God Temple, the God of Wealth Temple, the Taishan Palace, the City God Temple, the Pudu Temple, the Yongning Temple, and the White-robed Guanyin Hall. The town also retains ancient shops and residences.
Jiming Post Town is still a small town where residents live, and it is open as a tourist attraction. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. The town is relatively dilapidated, with occasional sights of broken walls and desolate courtyards. There are almost no protective measures. Standing on the city wall and looking into the distance, the towering mountains, sparse fields, and vast sky create a very refreshing and pleasant feeling.
8~10 go there to play
Come to Taishizhuang 🫨 Enjoy the thrill of karting and experience the intense excitement of real-life CS!
Professional tracks, high-performance karts, let you feel the speed and passion 😎
Realistic battlefield, fully armed, team cooperation, showing wisdom and courage.
Friends gathering, team building, the perfect choice!
Come and start the exciting journey 🥳
Hebei’s Jimingyi Ancient Town 🏯
This is a historical post station built during the Ming Dynasty, over 600 years ago! 🏯 It is the largest and best-preserved ancient post station in China. Walking through its ancient streets, you will feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Ming Dynasty! 🌟✨
Jimingyi Ancient Town offers a unique glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture and historical ambiance. 🏘️ Each corner of the town tells a story of its rich heritage, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. 📜🛤️
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the charm of this ancient town, where history comes alive! 📸🌄
#Travel #History #AncientTown #China #Hebei #Jimingyi #MingDynasty #HistoricalSites #CulturalHeritage #TravelBackInTime #ExploreChina #HistoricalArchitecture
Free and Lesser-Known Spots in the Suburbs of Beijing for Summer Escapes, Bird Watching, and Lotus Viewing
Nature lovers, ecologists, and bird enthusiasts, take note. This is a perfect spot for a leisurely drive, ideal for the elderly, children, and those who prefer not to walk much.
The sightseeing bus has five stops:
✅ First Stop: Children's Play Area - Colorful Non-Powered Park and Lakeside Mini Train
✅ Second Stop: Wetland Museum, which features various VR experiences in addition to the exhibition hall, all at very affordable prices.
✅ Third Stop: Green Lake Reflection Area, where the lotus flowers gradually bloom in the summer, making it the best time for lotus viewing.
🌟 Fourth Stop: Reed Snow Area, where the summer reeds are lush and pleasing to the eye.
👍 Fifth Stop: Colorful Yao Bay Area
📝 Tips: The sightseeing bus route is a loop. Be sure to keep your ticket as it will be checked before boarding at each stop. You can skip stops that don't interest you. The ride is very cool and refreshing, so it's recommended to wear a beautiful dress for lotus viewing and photos. With blue skies, white clouds, lush greenery, distant windmills, and clear blue water nearby, it creates a perfect summer scene. The park is large enough to spend a whole day, so plan your time accordingly. The sightseeing bus stops operating at 5 PM.
📍 Guanting Reservoir National Wetland Park, South of Xixinbao Village, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province.
Admission: Free. You can rent bicycles or take the park's sightseeing bus. Sightseeing bus: 40 RMB/person (the loop is about 32 km); Sightseeing horse carriage (about 4 km): 20 RMB/ride
Transportation: Paid parking is available, and you can navigate directly by car.
Operating hours: 09:00-17:00
Hebei Huailai, A Natural and Graceful Journey
🌳Hebei Huailai, A Natural and Graceful Journey|Guanting Reservoir Wetland Park and Wetland Museum💖
🏞️Guanting Reservoir is not only the main source of drinking water for Beijing but also the backyard of Beijing. To protect this precious water source, strict protection measures are in place.
As soon as you enter the park, you can feel the fresh air and the vast view. Under the blue sky and white clouds, large green fields, clear lake water, swaying windmills, and various birds flying🕊️, it feels like stepping into a beautiful painting.
🚶♂️Walking along the lakeside, with a gentle breeze on your face, your mood becomes exceptionally pleasant. The reeds by the lake sway with the wind, and it is the season when lotus flowers are in full bloom, with delicate flowers blossoming. The ecological environment here is really well protected, allowing people to forget all their worries and fully immerse themselves in the embrace of nature.
🎪The Wetland Museum is also a must-visit place! It showcases rich wetland knowledge and ecological culture through various high-tech means, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries of wetlands. From the formation of wetlands to the ecosystem, and then to protection measures, it is truly enlightening📖.
👀In the museum, there are many interactive experience areas where children have a lot of fun. The spiral staircase is very photogenic, and adults can also find their own enjoyment.
💗Whether it is a family trip, a couple's date, or an outing with friends, you can have a wonderful time here.
Escape from Beijing | Workers, hurry up and bookmark this to get away from the city's hustle and bustle
Workers, hurry up and bookmark this to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. I have to say, Zhangjiakou Huailai, which is only half an hour away from Beijing, is really worth a visit.
Here you will find the nearest grasslands, deserts, blue skies, and clear lakes to Beijing, along with healing windmills.
Every snapshot here is like a blockbuster 📷.
Huailai is also known as the hometown of Chinese grapes (wine), with a total of 41 wineries in the county.
Here you can learn about the entire process of winemaking from planting, fermenting, to cellaring, and even taste the fine wine yourself 🍷.
A two-day, one-night trip to Huailai allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery, delicious food, and fine wine, perfect for taking photos and family outings 👶.
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🚄Transportation
1️⃣ There are high-speed trains from Beijing North Station/Qinghe Station.
2️⃣ Driving from Beijing takes about 1.5 hours 🚗.
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🗺️2-day tour itinerary
1️⃣Day 1
Guanlan Little Erhai - Guishui River Ecotourism Area (Guanting Reservoir) - Jingxi Grassland - Stay at Canaan Winery
2️⃣Day 2
Wine processing tour - Wine tasting - Vineyard tour - Nursery grafting experience - Animal courtyard tour - Photo ops at the Sino-French main building
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📷Tips for playing:
✅Guanlan Little Erhai
An environment reminiscent of Dali's Erhai, with a rainbow path leading to the 'sea', perfect for photo ops.
✅Guishui River Ecotourism Area
Guanting Reservoir never disappoints, with blue skies, windmills, and clear lakes, everything is so healing and beautiful.
✅Jingxi Grassland
The nearest grassland to Beijing, the 'Altay' around Beijing. There are many entertainment projects here, including horse riding, off-road go-karting, bamboo rafting, and speedboats.
✅Canaan Winery. Shibai Pian
A professional winery, one of the world's top 100 'World's Best Vineyards' (one of only two in China). Here you can learn about grape growing knowledge (remember to book in advance), understand wine culture, personally experience grafting, taste fine wine, and take beautiful photos (the second floor of Pushe Courtyard is perfect for photos).
✅Sino-French Manor
The main building of the Sino-French Manor next to Canaan Winery, with red walls perfect for photos, is now open for reservations.
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🙆♀️I am Fei Shishi, who loves to share my endless journeys.
📸Passionate about capturing the beauty of travel with my camera.
❤️Follow me 🤩
🙌Providing you with more photo-worthy travel guides.
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Suburban Self-Driving | Here you can find the "Blue Ocean and Route 66"
Spent three days in Chongli for the Dragon Boat Festival
I can't forget the grassland scenery here that resembles Altay
Unexpectedly, there was a surprise on the way back!
On the last day, I drove to Beijing and on the way to catch the high-speed train back to Shanghai, at the border of Beijing and Hebei
I encountered an island-like 💙"Blue Ocean"
and the same type of 🛣️"Route 66" as in Zhongwei
🌊The Guanting Reservoir is called the Gui River in Hebei and generally known as the Guihe River in Beijing. It is the oldest large reservoir on the Yongding River of the Haihe River system. Under the ☀️ clear sky, the water appears as blue as the ocean, and there are quite a few places along the way where you can get close to the water. Due to time constraints, we only stopped at two places⬇️
📍Guihe River Ecological Tourism Area
It is a developed tourist spot with facilities like speedboats for recreation. Here you can take photos with the Guanting Reservoir Bridge in the same frame, and the scenery is quite beautiful. The most shocking thing was that ❗️ I could still take pictures of rapeseed flowers in June‼️ The last time I was so amazed was when I saw cherry blossoms in Dalian in May 😂
📍Qingshui Fish Bay - Shanggu County
There are many windmills here, and you can take photos with the reservoir ➕ mountains ➕ windmills in the same frame. However, the road along the river is a bit rough, and after the rain, a sedan might scrape its chassis
🛣️In the northern part of the Guanting Reservoir in the Beijing area, there is a small mountain road. Because of the dense vegetation on both sides and the road's straight shape with a certain slope, and with the backdrop of a large mountain range, it appears very three-dimensional under the compression of a telephoto lens. It is also known as the "Suburban Route 66", and if time allows, you can take a detour to see it
📍Gulong Road, is an eastward road, and the shooting location is about one-quarter from the west side
🌟 Luxe Escapes in Huailai: Crowne Plaza's Finest 🌟
🏞️ Step into the grandeur of Huailai Crown Holiday Hotel, where classic meets contemporary in a dance of elegance. Nestled like a gem in a Chinese painting, the ambiance exudes cultural richness that'll steal your heart away.
🛏️ Dive into the lap of luxury with their tech-savvy suites that whisper 'home.' With a smart home system to boot, gadget gurus will find their slice of paradise!
🍽️ Elevate your taste buds in their executive lounge, where top chefs craft gastronomic wonders. From breakfast to dinner, indulge in a culinary journey that'll linger long after the last bite.
🏊♀️ Flex and unwind in their state-of-the-art fitness center or float under the stars by the outdoor pool. It's more than a stay; it's a lifestyle.
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for family fun, the waterpark and kids club are a hit! Plus, the warmth of the staff, like Vivian's above-and-beyond service, makes every moment special.
📍 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Putao Avenue, Donghuayuan Town, Huailai, Hebei, China - where every stay is a story waiting to be told.
#Huailai #HuailaiHotel #HuailaiTravel
This place is so cool, it's exactly the summer retreat I was looking for
Of course, summer is the time to go to a cool place and empty your mind🥳
Strolling between the hundred-mile sky road🏞
Grasslands, forests, wetlands, seas of flowers... everything you could want🈶️~
I never expected Chengde to have such fun places to go🉐️!!
You can also take photos📷 and have a close encounter with nature~
It's really super suitable🈴️ for families, couples, and summer retreats~
Friends who like traveling and self-driving tours can also start planning!!
📍Hundred-Mile Sky Road
The Hundred-Mile Sky Road is a natural scenic area located in Fengning Bashang, Chengde, Hebei🌿
The total length is🈶️100 kilometers~
Here, not only is there fresh air and beautiful natural scenery‼️
But it also allows you to escape the scorching summer heat🧊
I highly recommend everyone to drive here~
It's definitely a comfortable way to travel, without the restrictions of time and route💯
You can stop wherever you want without traffic jams, take photos, and camp⛺️ (but you can't stay overnight)
Letting you fully enjoy this summer🥳
⏰Business Hours
Starting from June 8th
🚘Address: Chengde, Hebei, search for 'Hundred-Mile Sky Road' on the map
〽️Recommended Routes
From the south entrance to the north entrance of the Hundred-Mile Sky Road
✅1.5-hour tour route: Hundred Flowers Slope - Camel Peak - Heaven and Earth T Platform - Yellow Flower Summit - Exit ① - Qiansongba National Forest Park
✅3-hour tour route: Hundred Flowers Slope - Camel Peak - Heaven and Earth T Platform - Yellow Flower Summit - Liuyun Ridge - Windmill with Birch - Farmland Flower Sea - Birch Ridge - Exit ②
✅4-hour tour route: Hundred Flowers Slope - Camel Peak - Heaven and Earth T Platform - Yellow Flower Summit - Liuyun Ridge - Windmill with Birch - Farmland Flower Sea - Birch Ridge - Chayan Fort - Bright Summit - Five-Color Flower Field - End of Heaven - Hazelnut Ridge - North Entrance of the Hundred-Mile Sky Road
✔️Cloud Grassland
The Cloud Grassland is named for the clouds and mist that linger around it
Such a beautiful grassland is actually on top of this mountain (at an altitude of 1800 meters)☁️
The area is full of grasslands, wetlands, and streams~
Flowers bloom on the mountains, like entering a paradise💕
On the way, you will also encounter many unknown small lakes!!
With mountains, water, cows, horses, flowers, and grass💥
It is the longest self-driving route within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area🚘
✔️Beauty Valley
Most of Beauty Valley is wooden walkways, and you can choose to drive into the scenic area or walk on the wooden walkways~
The flowers and plants inside are all natural!!
The scenery is like a painting🖼
It is the largest natural forest flower sea hiking destination in the Fengning Bashang area!!
✔️East Slope
Friends who are not in a hurry to go home can also climb to the top of East Mountain to overlook the beauty of the dam head and watch the most beautiful sunset and evening glow🌄
At sunset, overlooking the beauty of the dam head
There are windmills in the distance, and the sky is a hazy orange~
It really feels like a movie🎬
Sitting on the hillside, just lying on any open space can make for a good photo📷
Lying down and daydreaming, the time spent with nature is really healing!!
Watching the sunset here is really a treat🥳
……
💓Warm Tips
①The Hundred-Mile Sky Road is located on the Bashang Grassland, where the temperature varies greatly between day and night☀️, so prepare warm clothing (such as a thin down jacket, hat, etc.)
②The Hundred-Mile Sky Road is located on a plateau, where the sun shines for a long time and the light is strong, so prepare a sun hat, sunglasses🕶️, sunscreen...
③The Hundred-Mile Sky Road is quite long, so it's recommended to bring some small snacks like chocolate, beef jerky, and biscuits to replenish energy~
Beijing's Surrounding Summer Retreats are so chill~ Pretend you're at Erhai Lake
🌸 With Beijing's temperature hitting summer highs of over 30 degrees next week, it's time to start thinking about summer retreats in the surrounding areas. The northwest direction is a great destination. Today's recommended spot offers a full view of the beauty of Guanting Reservoir, where you can also play in the water. It's very worthwhile.
🈶 With distant mountains like ink and vast blue waves, the 163 square kilometer Guanting Reservoir spans both Hebei and Beijing, making it a great tourist destination. However, given the size of the reservoir, there aren't many recommended tourist check-in spots.
🏡 The early summer heat in Beijing city is somewhat hot, but the area around Guanting Reservoir is very cool. Once you reach this check-in spot, you instantly feel refreshed and in close touch with nature. In your view, the Guanting Reservoir is surrounded by blue sky, with distant blue waters rippling and a gentle breeze blowing nearby. Large reeds meet the water's surface, extending to the foot of the mountains. The iconic landscape - wind turbines rotate in the sky, highly recognizable. There's also the Guanting Reservoir Iron Bridge next to it, which is a very iconic scene. It's a rare moment of relaxation to sit by the water and enjoy the waterscape sunset.
🌈 About time: The next three months from May to August are suitable for a temporary summer escape.
⏰ About the moment: It's recommended to arrive after 4 pm to catch the sunset. Playing around is just right, and the visiting time can be kept at about 3 hours.
🚻 Suggested best route: This park check-in spot is quite large and still very primitive. You can enjoy the scenery and take photos from three different directions. The popular platform - concrete walkway - sandy shore are all must-visit spots. Just take a round trip, and you can enjoy the scenery at the railway bridge during sunset. It's very healing.
❤ Which scenes are worth seeing? Basically, they are all natural landscapes, mainly for relaxation, with a few people camping or engaging in water sports here.
🏠 Which facilities are worth noting? The facilities are quite complete, able to satisfy the needs for food, drink, fun, and play, but the camping projects seem to be priced high.
📷 How to take beautiful portrait photos: It's really easy to shoot, especially those wide-angle portraits. The distant waterscape and wind turbines are great reference objects and very photogenic.
🚗 How to get to this place? It's relatively inconspicuous because there are many check-in spots around the reservoir. Be sure to locate here: Guanhu Platform. It's only accessible by self-driving; public transportation can't reach it.
☎ How to buy tickets and make reservations? Just go directly, there's no entrance fee. There are costs only if you participate in play activities.
🔥 Must-see TIPS before checking in:
1. Check the weather before you go, not recommended on days with poor visibility.
2. Wear appropriate shoes, the paths are quite wild.
3. Mosquito protection.
4. Pets are allowed.
Specific location: Within the Guishui River Ecological Tourism Area, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City
Opening hours: Daytime
Type of play: Suburban self-driving, family
Dawn International Camp
🏕️ Located in the suburbs of Beijing, Dawn International Camp
❤️ Suitable for weekend and holiday outings all year round
🚩 East side boasts a 200-acre sorehsa lawn ⚡ A gathering place for outdoor activities
🇳🇵 To the west, there's a canyon crossing ⚡ Experience the tug-of-war of courage and strength
🔺 South is adjacent to a large lake for water sports ⚡ Professional equestrian club venue
🔻 North is backed by Emperor Mountain ⚡ A fun and niche beginner climbing trail
🏕️ The international camp has complete infrastructure 🔰 Closed to the public all year round
✨ Four-star hotels, western-style houses, multi-bedroom villas 🏪 Standard camp rooms
🍱 Camp canteen is cozy and comfortable | Exclusive youth meal menu
🚓 Ultra-high-level security system 🅿️ Convenient parking
🏟️ 12+ museums 🎨 Sports ⛹🏻♀️ Theater 🎭 Event venues
🈶 Craft workshop, fine arts, floristry, amusement park, museum, performances, horse riding, water sports, mountain hiking, 24h clinic
Zhenbiancheng | One of the five border towns of Beijing
🟡 Zhenbiancheng Tour Route:
→ Climb the city tower → Zhenbiancheng Supply and Marketing Cooperative → Explore the ancient opera stage and temples (Dafosi Temple, Grand Auditorium, ancient pines, Chairman Mao's quotations) → Search for revolutionary heritage sites → View the landlord's courtyard houses → Find the oldest locust tree in western Beijing, the 'Three Brothers of Zhenbiancheng' (2000-year-old locust trees) → Observe stone steles and carvings
🟡 Dafosi Temple
According to records, there was originally a bell and drum tower and 12 temples in the middle of the town. But now, only Dafosi Temple can be seen. Dafosi Temple, facing east and backed by the west, is built against the mountain. Behind it is the Pen Rack Mountain as its support, and in front is the Nine-Dragon Ridge, which is known for the honor of 'Nine Dragons Pilgrimage'.
🟡 Grand Auditorium
Next to Dafosi Temple, it was built in the 1960s and 1970s. It has an arch-shaped architectural style, and the facade is curved.
🟡 The ancient pine tree in front of the temple is over 400 years old and still lush, covering the sky.
🟡 The stone inscription 'Record of the Reconstruction of Taishan Palace' dates back to the seventh year of Emperor Kangxi's reign. It was a joint effort by the government office and villagers to rebuild, with inscriptions on both sides, and the overall preservation of the stele is good. The inscription roughly describes the importance of the Niangniang Temple in Zhenbiancheng Village, the disasters suffered at that time, and the grand occasion of the reconstruction effort by all parties.
🟡 The stone inscription 'Record of the Reconstruction and New Construction of the Guandi Temple Archway' dates back to the sixteenth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, with inscriptions on both sides. One side describes the achievements of Guandi and the matters related to the reconstruction of the Guandi Temple, and the other side lists the donors.
🧭 Navigation: Just search for Zhenbiancheng.
📍 Address: Zhenbiancheng, Huailai County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province
The Anywhere Door for Labor Day travel has arrived in Xuanhua, endorsing the Yellow-bellied Prinia and the Blue Whistling Thrush
The first to third photos
The Yellow-bellied Prinia has come to the paddy fields, with beautiful feathers and a pleasant call, making it very endearing.
The Yellow-bellied Prinia inhabits low hills, plains, and highlands and mountains above 4000 meters in altitude.
It is often active around forest edges, streams in forests, plain valleys, villages, lakesides, and near human settlements.
It prefers paddy fields, marsh edges, and grasslands. It often forms very large groups and feeds around livestock and water buffaloes.
It mainly feeds on insects, mostly foraging on the ground, but sometimes it is also seen flying in the air to catch prey.
The fourth to sixth photos
The streamside sprite, the Blue Whistling Thrush
The Blue Whistling Thrush is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family, with dark blue-purple feathers all over its body and bright purple drop-shaped spots at the tips of each feather.
It has high ecological requirements for its habitat, preferring places with clear mountains and beautiful waters, and is often active on the rocks of mountain streams.
The tail of the Blue Whistling Thrush is even more eye-catching, often opening and closing and swinging up and down, like dancing, which is very interesting.
Drive 2 hours west of Beijing, pretend to see the sea
Taking a laid-back holiday at home is not satisfying, so for the May Day holiday, I plan a spontaneous trip around Beijing DAY1, heading towards Yu County. To avoid the crowds, I set off in the evening of the 1st, staying overnight at Guanting Reservoir first~
🚉Transportation Strategy:
Drive to Huailai Bridge, after getting off the bridge, you can follow the small road along the roadside to the reservoir. Recently, wooden stakes have been added, and the roads that cars can take to the reservoir have decreased, so it's best to arrive before dawn to find a spot.
🌟Highlights:
The scenery is truly beautiful, with the bridge and windmills looking amazing during sunrise and sunset. Sometimes, if the clouds are impressive, it's even more breathtaking. Besides fishermen, there are currently few tourists, and now there are some ducks and waterbirds, but their numbers have decreased, probably because they are about to leave. Camping and cooking are also possible without any fees for now, and I heard that a paid campsite has recently opened nearby for those who need water and electricity.
🍽Dining Recommendations:
I usually camp and cook here, but when I'm too lazy to cook, I go to the nearby Sizhuang Pillar Stewed Fish. After trying it once, I often go back because the taste is good and the prices are reasonable. This time, because I had to continue traveling, I didn't camp, and the dinner and breakfast in the picture cost ¥260, which was very filling for four people. It's a family-run place, and we usually call ahead to order, especially the stewed fish, to make sure they have fish.
🛏Accommodation Recommendations:
Now the temperature is suitable for camping, and it's relatively safe here without much difficulty. I don't usually like challenging outdoor activities, so I come here often without any pressure. However, there's no water or electricity, so you need to bring enough, and you'll have to 'go wild' for bathroom needs. I've also stayed at Pillar's place in the winter when it's cold, which is economical and basically at the level of a farmhouse.
I didn't leave until five in the afternoon, but I arrived just in time to see the sunset It's a great place to escape from Beijing for the weekend, and although I've been here many times, I've noticed the increasing management, so go and cherish it.
The guesthouse where both Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu once stayed
In 1900, as the Eight-Nation Alliance approached Beijing, Empress Dowager Cixi fled westward in a panic with Emperor Guangxu, and they stayed one night at the He family's large courtyard in Jiming Ancient Post. This large residence, with its five connected courtyards, was also the former command post of Jiming Ancient Post, the highest-ranking building in the entire ancient post. Today, it has become a famous attraction of Jiming Ancient Post—the one-night palace of Empress Dowager Cixi.
🖼️🖼️🖼️🖼️
After staying for one night, Empress Dowager Cixi personally wrote the characters 'Hongxi Jiefu' to express her gratitude to the He family, who treasured it like a precious gift and had it engraved on the stone wall of the fence. It has also become a famous spot for visitors today. Apart from this historical event, the brick carvings of the house are also quite impressive. It's rare to see such exquisite brick carvings in Hebei, which suggests the He family's wealth at the time.
Hebei•Zhangjiakou | Ultimate Guide for a Three-Day Self-Drive Tour during May Day
🎉Three-Day May Day Holiday Travel Guide🎉
❗Great Destinations for Self-Driving❗Complete Guide to Exploring and Eating in Zhangjiakou🎉
🎈Day One:
🚗Drive from your starting point to Zhangjiakou
🏨Check into the All Seasons Hotel upon arrival (Zhangbei County)
🌄Head to the Grassland Sky Road East Line, from Yehuling to Huapiling, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way🚗
🍚Stop at Wangcungu's local earth stove to taste local cuisine, recommended dishes include crispy bone fish, unique earth stove dish, and fried La Ba garlic oat noodles with black pork😋
🌟In the evening, experience horseback riding, camel riding, and watch a bonfire performance on the Grassland Sky Road🔥
🎈Day Two:
🌅Get up early to continue exploring the Grassland Sky Road West Line, admire the Shirenbei Geological Park, and the Dagelada Stone Pillar Cluster among other natural landscapes🗻
🐦Visit Swan Lake and Zhongdu Grassland (tickets 75), and experience the charm of the grasslands🦚
🍱Have lunch at the Jixiang Grassland Northwest Cuisine, recommended dishes include hand-grabbed meat, Mongolian milk tea, Bashang bean noodle jelly, and oat noodle Grandma's dish🥘
🌇In the evening, enjoy the sunset scenery in the surrounding area🌄
🎈Day Three:
🥘For breakfast, head to Fuyangyang's First Pot Whole Sheep Soup to taste whole sheep soup, mutton shaomai, mutton stewed noodles, and flatbread with egg😋
🚗Proceed to Jiming Mountain, free with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei annual pass, climb the mountain to enjoy the view, it takes about 2 hours to reach the top⛰️
🌟Afterwards, head to the Guanting Reservoir, navigate to the Guanting Reservoir Public Art Town, admire the panoramic view of the reservoir, and also watch the sunset, a breathtaking sight🌅
🚗End the trip, drive back home🚗
📌Notes:
🥾The Grassland Sky Road does not have an entrance fee or toll, but there are charged attractions along the way, be sure to ask about the costs and included services in advance🎫
🛏️Accommodations along the Grassland Sky Road are basic, you can choose hotels in Zhangbei County, Chongli County, or the Zhangjiakou city area🏨
🌞In summer, be sure to protect yourself from the sun, and in September and October, prepare a down jacket, staying warm is very important🧣
📸The Guanting Reservoir Art Town is open for entry, with some nice little landscapes, suitable for taking photos as souvenirs📷
Hope everyone has a pleasant holiday in Zhangjiakou🎉🎉🎉
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