Top 50 Best Things to Do in Hebei



_ZF***93

Visiting the Summer Palace during peak and off-peak seasons each has its own merits. During the off-peak season, there are fewer people, but the mountain areas may be closed due to dry weather (snow scenery is highly recommended). During peak season, it's more crowded but fully open (June is recommended; it's said that the number of visitors can reach 130,000 during the summer holidays in July and August). It's advisable to book a guided tour in advance through various platforms (entrance fee not included). They know the routes and all the secrets inside and out like the back of their hand (39 yuan per person for a large group of 30 people, generally 270 yuan per person for a small group of 10). I've tried my best to recall some of the highlights our guide mentioned: 1️⃣ Generally, four-character plaques are in the handwriting of Emperor Kangxi, such as "Bishu Shanzhuang" (避暑山庄). Three-character plaques are mostly in the handwriting of Emperor Qianlong, because this intelligent emperor said that the number of characters in his inscriptions would not exceed that of his grandfather. 2️⃣ The character "避" (bi) in "Bishu Shanzhuang" has an extra horizontal stroke. There are many theories about this. Some say it's for the sake of a fuller and more aesthetically pleasing calligraphy style, while others say it's to distinguish it from the meaning of "refuge," creating an alternate form. The meaning of protection is now clear. 3️⃣ The priceless residence in the Summer Palace Museum: 48 golden nanmu pillars, mainly located in the Danbo Jingcheng Hall. If we consider golden nanmu as priceless treasures, then the Summer Palace itself is also priceless. 4️⃣ The museum contains 6 replicas, reportedly damaged during transport by staff in the early days of its construction. If not for this human error, they would all be genuine. (This reminds me of an old podcast where a museum staff member put an artifact in a cardboard box, picked it up, and the bottom punctured, shattering it. The staff member was even docked eight yuan from their bonus for damaging the artifact and remained depressed for the following year. A truly regrettable situation.) 5️⃣ The Qingyang Study next to the Misty Rain Pavilion is said to be the place where Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong interacted and exchanged ideas. 6️⃣ The plaque of the Misty Rain Pavilion was inscribed by Emperor Qianlong. This plaque is a replica. The original artifacts are on display at the Chengde Museum. 7️⃣ Yanyu Tower and Shufangzhai were filming locations for "Princess Pearl" (Aunt Qiong Yao seems to particularly like the Summer Palace; "Looking for Husband Cliff" and "Xue Ke" were also filmed here. However, it's said that regulations were later introduced prohibiting filming within the scenic area, so it seems you should do things early). Last for the best! Remember to wish yourself good luck: 1️⃣ Wash your hands with the water of the Rehe River for a year of good fortune. 2️⃣ Walk clockwise three times around the Shangdi Pavilion on Jinshan Island for blessings, wealth, and health.

Anonymous user

The service was excellent, and the explanations were very detailed, especially regarding the historical information about the First Pass Under Heaven. It was much more interesting than exploring the scenic area on your own, making it a very good learning and travel experience.

天使的小猴子

The Araya scenic area is excellent and highly recommended. Located in the Gold Coast Resort, it boasts a long coastline and beautiful beaches. Summer is the best time to visit. Since it's a closed-door area, safety is guaranteed.

Anonymous user

It's definitely worth a visit. The park is very large, and once the lights are on, you can truly feel the prosperity of the "Tang Dynasty." There are many NPCs you can interact with to win silver tickets. The performance of the Tang Emperor's Eastern Expedition is very impressive. It was my first time visiting Tangshan, and I had a great experience. I'll definitely come back next time.

M52***62

As a frequent traveler, the only thing I recommend about Xianluo Island is the sea cable car. This suspended, non-enclosed gondola ride is incredibly thrilling, with the sea breeze caressing your face and the vast expanse of turquoise waters, making it well worth a try. However, Xianluo Island itself isn't worth exploring; it's a small area and the attractions are relatively old. The island's conch museum isn't particularly impressive, but there are plenty of parking lots nearby, making it relatively convenient.

北国之春一

Longxing Temple was originally named Longzang Temple, and its name was changed to Longxing Temple during the Tang Dynasty. In the fourth year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (971 AD), a Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue was cast and the Great Compassion Pavilion was built by order of Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, forming the main architectural complex of the Song Dynasty. It was repaired during the Jin, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, and underwent large-scale reconstruction during the Kangxi and Qianlong eras of the Qing Dynasty, forming a three-section layout of east, central, and west. After falling into disrepair in modern times, it was restored to its original appearance through scientific preservation after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Longxing Temple is a typical example for studying the layout of Buddhist temple architecture, integrating Buddhist art with traditional Chinese culture. Emperors of past dynasties, such as Kangxi and Qianlong, once stayed there. We also visited Longxing Temple to experience the architectural styles of the Tang, Song, and Qing dynasties, to feel the Buddha's broad-mindedness, and to feel the traces of the past.

M29***22

If you're interested, you can buy a package ticket, and also a transportation package ticket, which includes pick-up and drop-off at each attraction, making it convenient and fast. Be sure to visit Hongji Bridge and the Prefectural Government Office, enjoy the local delicacies on the main street, and climb the ancient city wall from the south gate to the east gate.

亲爱的小仙

Perhaps because of the rain, there weren't many people. It's a small ancient town with almost no interactive activities. There were only a few shows, which weren't as good as the online reviews suggested. The food at the small shops was expensive and mediocre. More importantly, while it's a half-hour taxi ride there, it took ages to get back. I finally managed to get a shared ride, but they wouldn't even charge extra. Transportation is inconvenient. The 98 yuan entrance fee only covered the night view.

Anonymous user

Cultural sites leave us with historical imprints, and the gilded tiles of the Little Potala Palace are awe-inspiring, highlighting the weakness of a nation that can't even protect its own treasures! The tourism regulations regarding fire prevention at the Little Potala Palace are played on repeat, and the background music during the tour is a bit unbearable. I don't understand it, but I respect it!

M51***36

Aside from the crowds, there are no other problems. It has a classic and antique feel, and the shops inside are very bustling, with everything you need for eating, drinking, and entertainment. Some local specialties are worth buying. The overall planning of the scenic area is also good, with both a sense of traditional history and a modern atmosphere. It's worth a visit.