[2025 Fuping Attraction] Travel Guide for Camel Bay (Updated Oct)

As the car rounds the mountain bend, the autumn colors cascade down in a flurry. This is not the kind of autumn that requires you to strain your neck to look up. Here in the Taihang Mountains, the landscape unfolds like a broad-shouldered elder, spreading out his years of treasured keepsakes. The sunlight is heavy and rich, carrying the texture of aged honey, flowing over the layers of rooftops in Camel Bay village. Those tiles are not the blue-black of Jiangnan, but the northern kind, mixed with a bit of gray-brown. After years of wind and frost, they have absorbed the essence of sun and moon, and now, under the autumn sun, they emit a warm glow reminiscent of old rice paper. The village road is clean, winding upward with a gentle slope. Your steps naturally slow down. The pear trees by the roadside have lost most of their leaves, with only a few golden ones stubbornly clinging to the sturdy branches, like the last verses written to the sky. Below the trees, the low stone courtyard walls have gaps where unknown grasses peek out, their tips tinged with autumn frost, bending slightly, forming their own kind of spirit. Pushing open a slightly ajar wooden door with a creak feels like opening a piece of old time. Inside the courtyard, corn is drying, spreading a golden carpet on the ground. This is not a still life from a picture book, but a living, breathing abundance filled with the scent of everyday life. An old man sits on the doorstep weaving a basket, his fingers flying without looking up. That tranquility blends seamlessly with the village and this autumn day. Suddenly, I feel that the autumn of Camel Bay is not about seeing, but about "immersing." It does not offer you a visual spectacle, nor that overwhelming brilliance. Its beauty is immersive. You soak in this rich scene composed of mountains, stones, old houses, and sunlight, and the wrinkles in your heart gradually smooth out. This autumn light is soul-cleansing.

Waterfalls strike the mountains covered in red leaves, mist wraps around the natural stone bridge, and autumn here looks like a spilled palette. When the late autumn wind sweeps across the Taihang Mountains, Fuping in Hebei welcomes the most brilliant moment of the year. From late October to mid-November is the season when Fuping’s autumn colors are at their peak, with the entire mountain range dyed in red, yellow, orange, and green, creating a colorful painting like a giant "Rainbow Wonderland." As the largest waterfall group in northern China and home to the country’s largest natural bridge formed from metamorphic rock, Fuping’s autumn offers not only visual shock but also a unique experience of geological wonders. This late autumn, why not avoid the crowds and unlock this stunning hidden gem nestled in the Taihang Mountains? --- 01 Natural Bridge Waterfalls: An Autumn Spectacle of Mountains and Water The perfect dance of waterfalls and red leaves The autumn at Fuping’s Natural Bridge Waterfall group is like a flowing painting. The waterfalls complement the colorful autumn leaves covering the mountains, with mist rising from the cascading water, dreamy and smoky. There are nine waterfalls of various sizes here, with the tallest, Yaotai Waterfall, having a drop of 112.5 meters. In autumn, the water volume is abundant, and the waterfalls plunge down the colorful cliffs, creating a natural masterpiece combining movement and stillness. China’s largest metamorphic rock natural bridge The Natural Bridge is a unique geological wonder formed by waterfall erosion and collapse along valley fissures. It is 27 meters long, 13 meters wide, and 13 meters high, forming a natural geological museum together with the waterfalls. Standing on the bridge, overlooking the deep canyon below and the colorful surrounding forests, is an unmissable autumn experience. Photo and check-in guide Best photo spots: Natural Bridge viewing platform, platform below Yaotai Waterfall Recommended shooting time: 9-11 AM, when the light is soft and you can capture the beauty of waterfalls and red leaves together Composition tips: Try using the flowing waterfall as the foreground and the colorful forest as the background to create depth 02 Baicaotuo: Golden Mountains with Panoramic Views Elevation advantage of 2144.5 meters As one of Fuping’s high points, climbing Baicaotuo offers a panoramic view of the entire scenic area’s autumn colors. The dense vegetation here shows a gradient of colors from green to gold to fiery red in autumn. Legend has it that the story of the well-known "Lotus Lantern" took place in Liaodaobei Village on the western slope of Baicaotuo, adding a mythical touch to the autumn scenery. A different kind of autumn in alpine meadows The Baicaotuo area covers hundreds of thousands of acres of wild terrain. In autumn, the meadows are no longer just green but form a colorful picture together with surrounding shrubs and white birch forests. Known as the place of "hundreds of grasses, hundreds of flowers, and hundreds of medicines," walking here lets you enjoy the scenery and the scent of grass. 03 Luotuo Bay Village: Autumn Warmth Under Red Lanterns An ancient village adorned with red lanterns Not far from the Natural Bridge scenic area, Luotuo Bay Village is a great place to experience Fuping’s rural autumn colors. In autumn, red lanterns decorate rows of guesthouses with blue bricks and gray tiles, harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding autumn mountains and forests. Autumn special experiences Here, you can stay in local guesthouses, savor the aroma of wild mountain stews on the dining table, and feel the simple rural life. At dusk, smoke curls from village chimneys, blending with the sunset and red lanterns to form a peaceful autumn countryside scene. 04 Sanyanzhai: Autumn Waters and Sky in One Color A tranquil place with clear lake water Autumn at Sanyanzhai has a unique charm, with dense vegetation, clear lake water, and layers of surrounding mountains and clouds, all painted in beautiful leaf colors. Ink-wash painting-like scenery The mountain rocks reflect in the clear water like an ink-wash painting, enchanting visitors. Compared to the spectacular waterfalls of the Natural Bridge, Sanyanzhai is more like a reserved maiden, showing the quiet beauty of Fuping’s autumn. 05 Practical Travel Guide Best visiting time Late October to mid-November: peak red leaves and richest colors Morning: fewer people, soft light, ideal for photography After rain and clear skies: mist lingers, making the scenery more poetic Transportation guide Location: Over 30 kilometers southwest of Fuping County, east side of Baicaotuo Suggestion: Self-driving is recommended; parking is available in the scenic area Itinerary suggestions One-day tour: Visit the Natural Bridge Waterfall group in the morning, then head to Baicaotuo for panoramic views in the afternoon Two-day tour: Day one visit Natural Bridge and Baicaotuo, stay overnight in Luotuo Bay Village guesthouse; day two visit Sanyanzhai Equipment recommendations · Comfortable hiking shoes · Camera (wide-angle lens for waterfalls, telephoto lens for close-ups of red leaves) · Warm clothing for the cooler mountain autumn temperatures --- As the sun sets, standing atop Baicaotuo, watching the afterglow gild the colorful forests, and the waterfall mist forming faint rainbows in the light and shadow, you will understand—Fuping’s late autumn is worth crossing mountains and seas to experience.

While 99% of people in Hebei are still crowding Xiangshan, Fuping has quietly become the 'autumn scenery ceiling of the Taihang Mountains'! The red leaves here are not just decoration; the whole mountain is on fire—the navigation leads you straight to 'eyes not enough' mode! 【Visual Triple Strike】 1. Red leaf density overload: The maple, smoke tree, and maple trees in the Tianshengqiao Waterfall Group have all gone 'crazy'! From the foot of the mountain to the top, it looks like a spilled rouge box from a drone's perspective (best viewing spot: Zhujia Ying Tianshengqiao). 2. Waterfall gilding technique: The streams in Shipuxia wrapped in fallen leaves turn amber-colored; when sunlight hits, the entire gorge flows with gold (key point: few people! Who understands the feeling of having the whole forest to yourself). 3. Ancient village barrier: The old persimmon trees in Luotuowan Village are still stubbornly thriving, stone walls are hung with drying corn and chili peppers, and every corner looks like a cover of China National Geographic! 【Autumn Cheat Sheet Routes】 1. Power walk version (for photographers): Tianshengqiao Scenic Area East Gate → Zhujia Ying Tianshengqiao (red leaf core area) → Liaodaobei Ancient Village (shooting drying autumn crops) → Overnight at Luotuowan homestay (perfect starry sky + mountain view) 2. Relaxed version (kid-friendly): Stroll along the Shipuxia plank road → pick chestnuts at Sanjianshan → taste Fuping big pot dishes (dried potatoes + mountain mushrooms, irresistibly fragrant) Devil in the details: 1. Red leaf peak: late October to early November (perfect timing now!) 2. Hidden spot: Behind Liaodaobei Village, there is a shepherd’s path where you can capture red leaves and terraced fields in the same frame. 3. Outfit tip: Wear white/light khaki coats to instantly become the center of attention among the red leaves. This place doesn’t need filters; sunlight is the best photo editor! Phone storage warning: your finger will get tired from pressing the shutter!"

Gujiatai Luotuo Bay Scenic Area not only attracts visitors with its picturesque mountain village scenery but also holds special significance as a key witness to the poverty alleviation strategy. This area showcases the tremendous transformation of rural life under the guidance of national policies. As you step into this small village nestled deep in the mountains of Fuping, you will see orderly residences, abundant agricultural products, and local villagers living with hope. This is not just about enjoying the scenery; it is an opportunity to experience the changes of the times and witness the vivid practice of rural revitalization. It is a journey filled with positive energy, allowing you to feel the power of the people and the progress of the era.

Baoding's Hidden Gem! Gujiatai Luotuowan is So Healing!🌿 Who could refuse a treasure scenic spot hidden deep in the Taihang Mountains, with both picturesque landscapes and rural warmth! Gujiatai Luotuowan, as a model village for poverty alleviation, is now a proper "influencer check-in spot." White walls and gray tiles reflect the green mountains and clear waters, with surprises around every corner. It's perfect for family trips, girlfriend photoshoots, or just some alone time to relax~ 🌟Must-Visit Features: More than just beautiful, it has a story! - 「Rural Charm Picture Scroll」: Stroll through the village along the stone paths. The white-walled, gray-tiled houses are adorned with colorful murals on their courtyard walls, and corn and chili strings hanging by the doors give a strong sense of everyday life. Every casual shot looks like "Aspirations for Life"~ - 「Natural Beauty of Mountains and Waters」: Around the village, there are babbling brooks and terraced fields. In spring, rapeseed flowers bloom all over the slopes (March-April); in summer, lush trees provide shade, and you can wade in the water (July-August); in autumn, the rice fields turn golden (September-October). Each season offers its unique beauty! - 「Red Memory Check-in」: You must visit the Luotuowan Poverty Alleviation Exhibition Hall in the village! It holds the story of the village's transformation. The red slogans and old photos on the exterior walls of the exhibition hall also make for very retro photos~ 🚗Itinerary & Transportation Guide: How to get there conveniently? 1. Transportation (with routes) - Self-driving (Recommended!): From Baoding city, take Jingkun Expressway → Xifu Expressway, exit at Fuping, then take Baofu Highway/G207. The whole journey takes about 2.5-3 hours. Navigate to "Baoding Fuping Gujiatai Luotuowan Scenic Area." There's free parking available near the scenic area 🅿️ - Public Transportation: Take a bus from Baoding Passenger Transport Center to Fuping County (approx. 2 hours, ticket price 30+ yuan). After arriving in Fuping, transfer to a rural bus (Fuping-Luotuowan line), which takes about 1 hour. Suitable for those who don't want to drive~ 2. Itinerary Suggestions (Choose one of two options) - 「Relaxed Day Trip」: Arrive at the scenic area at 9:00 → Explore the village + take photos of houses (1.5 hours) → Eat local dishes at 11:30 → Play in the terraced fields/streams at 13:00 (take beautiful photos!) → Visit the Poverty Alleviation Exhibition Hall at 15:00 → Return at 16:30 - 「In-depth Two-Day Trip」: Day 1 same as above, stay overnight in a guesthouse to experience the rural night view (stars are super bright!); Day 2, visit nearby scenic spots in the morning (e.g., Tiansheng Bridge), return in the afternoon for a more fulfilling trip~ 🍲Local Food Recommendations: Mountain flavors are super satisfying! When you're here, you must try "Taihang Mountain specialty dishes." The ingredients are all locally grown, fresh and flavorful! - Recommended Restaurant 1: Luotuowan Renjia Restaurant (near the village entrance). Must-try dishes: 「Fuping Stew」 (braised pork belly + cabbage + tofu, cooked until tender), 「Tiebingzi with Sauce」 (corn pancakes are super fragrant), 「Wild Vegetable Scrambled Eggs」 (refreshing and cuts through richness) - Recommended Restaurant 2: Gujiatai Country Kitchen (mid-section of the village). 「Stewed Free-Range Chicken with Mushrooms」 is their signature dish. The chicken is firm, and the mushrooms soak up the broth. Paired with a bowl of handmade noodles, it's absolutely amazing! - Snack Bonus: At the village entrance, there are aunties selling handmade dried sweet potatoes and hawthorn strips. They're additive-free and super delicious. Remember to buy some as souvenirs~ 🏡Accommodation Recommendations: Live amidst the mountains and waters, wake up to birdsong! For those who don't want to rush back at night, there are many unique guesthouses/hotels in and around the scenic area, each with its own style. Choose according to your needs~ 1. Luotuowan Landscape Guesthouse: Located in the core area of the scenic spot. Open the window to terraced fields and green mountains. The rooms have a simple pastoral style, some with small balconies where you can watch the stars at night. Suitable for those who love peace and quiet ✨ 2. Gujiatai Yunjian Inn: Close to the stream, with a shallow beach right downstairs. In summer, you can go directly downstairs to wade in the water! There are family rooms, suitable for families with children. The owner will also recommend niche photo spots~ 3. Fuping Luotuowan Boutique Hotel: A bit further from the village, but with more complete facilities (elevator, parking). Rooms are spacious and clean, with high cost-performance. Suitable for elders or those seeking comfort~ 📸Photo Spots + Tips: 100% success rate! 1. Luotuowan Village Entrance Stone Archway: The iconic check-in spot of the scenic area! The three characters "Luotuowan" on the archway are super eye-catching, with green mountains in the background. It's recommended to stand to the side of the archway, turn slightly, and smile back. Use a wide-angle lens on your phone to capture both the mountains, water, and the archway~ 2. Terraced Fields/Flower Sea/Rice Fields: The scenery changes with the seasons! When photographing the flower sea, squat down low, have the person stand on a small path in the flower field, and use a large aperture (turn on "Portrait Mode" on your phone) to blur the background and highlight the person; for rice fields, choose a sunny day after 4 PM. The slanted sunlight will make the rice fields glow 🌾 3. Stream Shallows: Find a shallow area with pebbles. Wear a light-colored dress (white, light blue are perfect matches). Stand in the water and take reflection photos. Hold your phone lens close to the water surface to capture a dreamy "person swimming in the water" effect. Remember to wear non-slip shoes~ 4. White-Walled, Gray-Tiled Alleys: Choose an alley with a sense of depth. Have the person walk in the middle, and shoot from the alley entrance towards the end. Use "leading lines composition" (e.g., along the stone path, wall base) to add layers to the picture. Hold a string of corn as a prop for a more rustic feel~ 5. Mountain Top Observation Deck: Only a 10-minute climb! From here, you can overlook the entire village and terraced fields. It's recommended to go before 9 AM. When there's a light mist, the scene looks like a traditional Chinese ink painting. Use "Panorama Mode" on your phone for a stunning panoramic shot! Nearby Treasure Scenic Spots: After visiting Luotuowan, continue exploring without wasting time! 1. Tiansheng Bridge Waterfall Group (approx. 30 minutes drive from Luotuowan): The largest natural stone bridge and waterfall group in North China. It's super cool in summer. Walk along the wooden boardwalk to see the waterfalls and check in at the "Tiansheng Bridge" wonder. Suitable for nature lovers 🌊 2. Fuping Jin-Cha-Ji Border Region Revolutionary Memorial Hall (approx. 40 minutes drive from Luotuowan): A red education base with precious revolutionary relics and historical materials. Bring kids to learn. The exhibition hall's architecture is also unique, great for retro-style photos~ 3. Chengnanzhuang Revolutionary Memorial Hall (approx. 35 minutes drive from Luotuowan): Chairman Mao once resided here. The scenic area has old sites, a memorial hall, and a bronze statue square. The atmosphere is solemn, suitable for learning about red history~ 4. Shenxian Mountain (Waitou Mountain) (approx. 1 hour drive from Luotuowan): One of the main peaks of the Taihang Mountains. You can watch the sunrise and sunset from the summit. The hiking difficulty is moderate. Outdoor enthusiasts can challenge themselves. The view from the summit is super expansive! 5. Qianfeng Mountain (approx. 50 minutes drive from Luotuowan): Known for its "peculiar mountains and strange rocks," it's called "Little Huangshan of the North." You can see various oddly shaped rocks during the climb, which make for great photos. Suitable for those with good physical stamina~ 6. Yinhe Grand Canyon (approx. 45 minutes drive from Luotuowan): The canyon has streams and forests, making it especially cool in summer. You can set up tents and have picnics (allowed in some areas). It's all about "forest healing"~ Friends! Gujiatai Luotuowan is truly one of those places where you "don't want to leave once you're there." A whole day of exploring, eating, and taking photos feels like not enough, and you can even visit numerous nearby treasure scenic spots, making it incredibly cost-effective! This super detailed guide has compiled all the information on food, accommodation, transportation, and photography. Hurry up and like and save it, and follow me! Next time, I'll take you to discover more niche and photogenic scenic spots in Hebei that won't disappoint, so we can make our weekends super exciting~ 😘