Beijing High-Speed Rail: A Complete Guide to 9 Seriously Underrated Treasure Towns Within 1 Hour

Hey there! 😘 Today, I'm sharing 9 treasure towns that you can reach from Beijing in about 1 hour by high-speed rail. 👏 These places are seriously underrated, with fun, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. 🌼 Save this guide now! 💕 --- ### **1. Tianjin – A Romantic Blend of Chinese and Western Styles** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Five Avenues**: An international architecture museum. Cycle through European-style buildings and take retro-style photos anywhere. - **Tianjin Eye**: Ride the Ferris wheel at dusk for a panoramic view of the Hai River and the city's nightscape. - **Ancient Culture Street**: Listen to cross-talk, eat Erduoyan Fried Cake, and experience the lively atmosphere of "Jinmen Hometown." **Tips**: - Must-try breakfast: Jianbing Guozi (recommended from street vendors in old neighborhoods). For lunch, try "Eight Treasures Tofu." In the evening, enjoy a drink in the Italian Style Town. - Subway + shared bikes are the most convenient way to get around, as the attractions are concentrated. --- ### **2. Baoding – The Cultural Center of Zhili** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Baiyang Lake** (Xiongan New Area): In summer, take a wooden boat to admire the lotus flowers and enjoy salted duck eggs and a full fish banquet. - **Zhili Governor's Office**: The site of the Qing Dynasty "Provincial Government," where you can learn about Northern official culture. - **Yesanpo** (near Baoding): Rafting, canyon hiking – a summer resort for Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. **Tips**: - It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Baoding city to Baiyang Lake. It's recommended to stay in a B&B in the lake area to experience the life of a fisherman. --- ### **3. Langfang – A Pearl on the Beijing-Tianjin Corridor** **Must-See Attractions**: - **The First City Under Heaven**: A resort area modeled after the Ming and Qing Dynasty Beijing City. Wear Hanfu for photos and watch the light show. - **Wen'an Luneng Ecological Park**: Wetland hot springs and a parent-child farm, perfect for weekend relaxation. **Tips**: - It's a 1-hour drive from Beijing and Tianjin. It's recommended to combine a hot spring visit with a day trip to the First City. --- ### **4. Tangshan – A Collision of Industry and the Sea** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Nanhu Park**: An ecological lake transformed from an industrial wasteland, with beautiful night views. - **Kailuan National Mine Park**: Go down the mine to experience the history of the "Coal Capital." - **Yuetuo Island**: A Dutch-style island with a summer beach music festival. **Tips**: - Tangshan Banquet (Food Museum) is a must-visit. Qizi Shaobing and Gezha Hezi are local specialties. --- ### **5. Cangzhou – The Home of Martial Arts and Acrobatics** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Wuqiao Acrobatics World**: Watch thrilling acrobatics performances and experience "Jianghu Culture." - **Cangzhou Iron Lion** (Zhenhai Hou): A thousand-year-old cultural relic and a landmark of Cangzhou. **Tips**: - Pair it with Donkey Burger (recommended "Gaomana"). Cangzhou Hot Pot Chicken is also worth a try. --- ### **6. Chengde – A Royal Summer Resort** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Mountain Resort**: China's largest royal garden. A must-visit is the "Rainy Tower" in the lake area. - **Outer Eight Temples**: A temple complex combining Han and Tibetan styles. The Little Potala Palace (Putuo Zongcheng Temple) is the most photogenic. - **Bashang Grassland** (Mulan Paddock): Horseback riding and photography in the fall, with stunning starry skies. **Tips**: - There is a big temperature difference between day and night in Chengde. Bring a jacket even in summer. Recommended: "Lao San Yang Soup" with sesame cake. --- ### **7. Zhangjiakou – Winter Olympics and Grassland Scenery** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Chongli Ski Resort** (Genting/Wanlong): Skiing in winter, mountain biking in summer. - **Grassland Sky Road**: Drive along "China's Route 66," accompanied by windmills, terraced fields, and wildflowers. - **Dajingmen**: One of the four major passes of the Great Wall. Hike to experience the history of the borderlands. **Tips**: - The Grassland Sky Road is most beautiful from June to August. Be prepared with sunscreen. Zhangjiakou Naked Oat Noodles are a local staple. --- ### **8. Qinhuangdao – Where the Mountains, Sea, and Great Wall Meet** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Shanhaiguan** (Laolongtou): Where the Great Wall enters the sea. Climb the tower to see the Bohai Sea. - **Aranya**: The Lonely Library + Seaside Auditorium, a mecca for literary and artistic youths. - **Pigeon Nest Park**: The best place to watch the sunrise in Beidaihe. The autumn bird migration is spectacular. **Tips**: - Aranya requires reservations or staying at a hotel within the park. Recommended seafood: "Steamed Seafood Buffet." --- ### **9. Zhuozhou – The Starting Point of the Three Kingdoms Culture** **Must-See Attractions**: - **Sanyi Palace**: The site where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden, perfect for Three Kingdoms fans. - **Zhuozhou Film and Television City**: Take photos in ancient costumes and maybe run into a film crew. **Tips**: - It's a 1-hour trip from Beijing. You can combine it with a day trip to Baoding attractions. --- Take this guide with you and unlock diverse ways to play in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region! 🌟