2025 Kuancheng Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

The moment you step into Panjiakou, nature unfolds like an inkstone of mountains and rivers, grinding millennia-old fortress walls into ink, painting a breathtaking masterpiece. Distant emerald peaks resemble brushed eyebrows, their layered ridges veiled in mist like celestial silk scarves; beneath your feet, vast azure waters shimmer, where half-submerged beacon towers stand proudly amidst the ripples, their weathered stones etched with the marks of time. Here, the Great Wall meets the landscape in a singular embrace—some sections submerged, silently coexisting with swaying aquatic plants and darting fish; while exposed ruins stretch skyward, defiantly preserving their ancient grandeur. When the wind stirs, ripples fracture and reassemble the wall's reflection, as if history and reality collide in the glimmering light. The mountains' majesty, the water's grace, and the wall's solemnity blend perfectly in this moment, composing a magnificent symphony that transcends time—captivating the soul and igniting the imagination.

Complete Travel Guide to Panjiakou Reservoir in Tangshan Panjiakou Reservoir is located at the border between Qianxi County, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, and Kuancheng Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde City. It is a key project of the "Luan River Diversion to Tianjin" initiative. The vast water surface, flanked by steep mountains and bizarre rock formations, combines the delicate charm of southern water towns with the grandeur of northern landscapes, earning it the nickname "Little Guilin of the North." Part of the ancient Great Wall is submerged underwater, creating a unique underwater Great Wall landscape that attracts numerous visitors. 1. Best Time to Visit - **Spring (March-May):** As nature awakens, the reservoir area turns green with blooming wildflowers. A boat ride offers fresh air and vibrant scenery. - **Autumn (September-November):** Clear skies and colorful foliage contrast beautifully with the emerald lake, making it an ideal time to enjoy fresh fish and shrimp from the reservoir. - **Summer (June-August):** Though hot, it's perfect for water activities and escaping the heat. - **Winter (December-February):** The snow-covered surroundings create a serene beauty, though some water activities may be suspended. 2. Transportation - **By Car:** - From Tangshan: Take the Jingha Expressway, exit at Qianxi, and follow signs to Panjiakou Reservoir (~2 hours). - From Chengde: Take the Chengqin Expressway, exit at Kuancheng, and drive to the reservoir (~2.5 hours). Scenic views of North China’s mountains along the way. - **Public Transport:** Take a long-distance bus to Tangshan or Chengde, then transfer to Qianxi or Kuancheng. Taxis or local buses are available to the reservoir. 3. Must-Visit Attractions - **Underwater Great Wall:** Submerged sections of the ancient wall create a surreal sight. Speedboat tours offer close-up views of this historical-natural wonder. - **Ten-Mile Gallery:** A boat ride reveals towering peaks and bizarre rocks against blue skies and water, resembling a traditional Chinese painting. - **Panlong Lake:** A winding section of the reservoir resembling a coiled dragon. Enjoy boat rides, speedboats, or fishing. 4. Activities - **Boat Tours:** Speedboats for thrill-seekers; leisurely cruises with guided commentary. - **Water Sports:** Summer offers kayaking, jet skiing, and flyboarding. - **Hiking:** Trails around the reservoir provide close encounters with nature and hidden historical sites. 5. Food Recommendations - **Wood-Fire Stewed Fish:** Fresh reservoir fish slow-cooked with tofu and greens in a rustic pot. Tender meat and rich broth. - **Wild Mountain Vegetables:** Locally foraged ferns, bitter greens, and magnolia buds, simply prepared for a fresh, nutritious taste. - **Roast Whole Lamb:** A local specialty at nearby farmhouses—crispy skin, juicy meat, and aromatic flavors, best shared. 6. Accommodation - **Farmstays:** Affordable and immersive, with homegrown produce. - **Resort Hotels:** Well-equipped, some offering lakeside views. 7. Tips - Wear life jackets on boats. - Follow safety instructions for water sports. - Check weather forecasts and pack accordingly. - Preserve the environment—no littering.

🌸Spring is the time to climb spring mountains, but I almost died of heatstroke in the spring mountains. · 😭I went hiking in Xifengkou, Qianxi, Hebei Province on the weekend. The temperature felt like 30+ degrees Celsius. It was like suddenly going from winter to summer. I almost got heatstroke. I still know too little about this unpredictable weather. · ⛰️Xifengkou and Panjiakou Castles are two important passes of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. They were the main thoroughfares from the Central Plains to the northern border and the northeastern frontier at that time. · ⛰️Xifengkou, formerly known as Lulong Pass, is located in the eastern section of the Yanshan Mountains. As an ancient pass, many touching and legendary historical events have taken place here. · 🏞️Cao Cao passed through here when he fought against the Wuhuan in western Liaoning; "East out of Lulong Pass, my thoughts drift afar" is a line from Gao Shi's poem "On the Frontier," which he wrote here; Qi Jiguang repelled Dong Fox, the leader of the Doyan tribe, here... · 🏔️Emerging from the dust of history, part of the Great Wall at Xifengkou was submerged due to the construction of the Panjiakou Reservoir, forming the wonder of the "underwater Great Wall." The Great Wall hidden underwater will appear and disappear with the change of the reservoir's water level, becoming a unique tourist attraction. · 🏔️The Panjiakou Reservoir is the main project of the Luan River Diversion Project, and I unintentionally toured it along with my geography textbook. · 🌱We hiked from Xifengkou Village to the reservoir, then to the beacon tower, and back again, a total distance of 14 km round trip. · 🏠The hiking route is divided into two parts. One part is through Xifengkou Village One and Village Two, all of which are paved roads. · ⛰️The other part is a mountain road. This part of the journey is through mountains and across waters. There are many gravels, thorns, and dust on the road. ○Pay attention to your feet and don't sprain your ankle on the stones; ○Also pay attention to what's in front of you and don't get hit in the face by branches; ○Keep a distance from the person in front of you, as dust will rise wherever people pass. ○After the whole journey, I was covered in dust, but it was very refreshing. · 📮Itinerary information 1️⃣This is not a scenic route. The total distance is about 14 km, with a cumulative climb of about 700 meters. It is an out-and-back route. 2️⃣The terrain is rich and varied. Starting from Xifengkou, the terrain is mainly wild mountain forest dirt and stone roads, country roads, gravel roads, and sections of the Wild Great Wall, combined with some mountain ridge roads. 3️⃣Suitable for people with some outdoor experience and who are not afraid of heights. 4️⃣This route is said to be a beginner route, but it is not easy at all. There are many places where you need to use both your hands and feet. · 📮Transportation 🚌Joined a group with an outdoor club, departing from Tianjin and heading straight to the starting point of the hike. · 📮Important notes 1️⃣The weather is getting hotter and hotter, so pay attention to sun protection; 2️⃣Wear comfortable shoes, preferably high-top ones; 3️⃣Bring plenty of water and food; 4️⃣Bring trekking poles!!! 5️⃣If you are tired on the way back, you can take a boat.

The Xifengkou Great Wall, located within the Panjiakou Reservoir area, is mostly submerged, with its underwater sections faintly visible, creating a unique spectacle among the Great Wall. The blend of mountains and water resembles a picturesque landscape painting, showcasing a fusion of ancient and modern civilizations. Introduction to Xifengkou Great Wall ● Construction Time: Xifengkou, known as Songting Pass during the Song and Liao dynasties, had its gate rebuilt during the Ming Yongle period and renamed Xifengkou. The construction of the pass, including walls connecting to the Great Wall, was completed in July 1452 (the third year of the Jingtai period). ● Military Significance: Xifengkou has always been a strategic transportation hub and a battleground for military strategists. The patriotic poet Lu You of the Southern Song Dynasty wrote, "In the dead of night, I suddenly cried out, dreaming of capturing Songting Pass," highlighting its military importance. In 1933, the invading Japanese army attempted to enter through Xifengkou, but were met by the resistance led by General Song Zheyuan. ● Historical Significance: The Xifengkou Great Wall, stretching approximately 50 km within Kuancheng Manchu Autonomous County, served as a vital gateway connecting central China to the northern frontier and northeastern border during the Ming Dynasty. It is renowned for its well-preserved original state, untouched by artificial restoration. Due to its strategic location, this crucial pass has been a contested territory throughout history, witnessing the Battle of Xifengkou during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. ● Recognition: In 2009, the Xifengkou Great Wall War of Resistance Relics were designated as a provincial-level patriotic education base. In January 2017, the National Development and Reform Commission included the Xifengkou Great Wall War of Resistance Relics in the "National List of Classic Red Tourism Scenic Spots." In June 2021, it was selected as a newly designated national patriotic education demonstration base. Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Difficulty Description: This is a non-scenic route, approximately 10 km long, with a total ascent of about 700 meters. It's an out-and-back trail with diverse terrain, starting from Xifengkou. The terrain mainly consists of wild mountain forest dirt and stone paths, country roads, gravel roads, and wilderness paths, combined with some ridge trails. Suitable for: Healthy individuals aged 10-55 with some outdoor experience. Precautions: (1) Due to recent rain and snow, all hiking activities will proceed regardless of weather conditions, except in extreme cases. Please bring rain gear and warm clothing. (2) Hiking activities may be affected by unforeseen circumstances such as flood control, which may prevent access to the mountains. In such cases, the team leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly. Please understand this situation if you participate. (3) Strict fire prevention measures are in place, and access to the mountains may be restricted. Alternative routes will be arranged if necessary. Do not bring fire sources into the mountains. (4) Please assess your physical fitness realistically. Once the hike begins, strictly follow the team leader's instructions and do not descend the mountain alone. (5) This is a purely recreational outdoor activity with no shopping stops at stores or farmhouses. (6) There are no tour guides for this activity, only a team leader to coordinate group actions. Babysitting services are not provided. Participants are expected to have a sense of teamwork and outdoor spirit, helping each other and working together to solve any problems.

❄️ Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park on the first day of winter ⛰️ Zhangjiajie Wonderland, a natural wonder Every mountain peak is like a divine brushstroke Like a fairyland fallen to earth 🌄 At sunset, climb to the top of Tianzi Mountain Overlooking the rolling mountains, magnificent Inspiring awe —————— Zhangjiajie National Forest Park The uncanny craftsmanship of nature is breathtaking Every view is a treasure of the earth Goodbye, Zhangjiajie 👋 I haven't left yet, but I'm already looking forward to our next meeting!

Highly recommended lesser-known attractions in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei! The scenery is absolutely stunning! Known as Little Guilin!!! No crowds, no noise, just fresh air, green water, mountains, and waves. Perfect for family outings, friends gatherings, and team-building activities! The main theme is relaxation and happiness!!! Panjiakou Reservoir. The reservoir is flanked by steep peaks and strange rocks, making it very dangerous. The area around the reservoir, Xifengkou, is an ancient Great Wall fortress. Due to parts of the Great Wall being submerged in water, it forms a unique spectacle—the underwater Great Wall! The only one in the country! The mountains are green, the water is clear, and the waves are rippling. Things to do: Take a boat to various attractions. There are large boats for groups, and for thrill-seekers, there are speedboats. The reservoir is very, very large, taking 2-3 hours round trip. Along the way, you can not only enjoy the scenery but also marvel at the charm of nature, unconsciously releasing all your stress! This is also a highly recommended aspect. √ Transportation: Self-drive navigation to the reservoir. Food recommendations: Farmhouse meals, fried river shrimp, Stir-fried eggs, Wild vegetables mixed with tofu, Big pot stewed reservoir fish. Various types of rooms, each with unique features, high privacy, a secluded mountain forest feel, different styles, choose according to your preference for a fun trip.

Baozis😎, listen to me👂! Today I'm going to bring you a super detailed travel guide for Zhangjiajie in June🎈🎈🎈! Get your notebooks ready📔, and let's explore this beautiful place together😍! 👀Zhangjiajie, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province💖, is a place with unique charm😎! It's like a work of art crafted by nature👏, every scene is intoxicating🤩. 🎯Travel Route Planning: Day One🎈: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Yuanjiajie - Tianzi Mountain🌄, experience the magic and grandeur of nature😍. Day Two🎈: Jinbian Stream - Huangshizhai - Grand Canyon Glass Bridge🌉, enjoy the thrill of adventure amidst the mountains and waters😎. 📸9 must-visit spots🤩: Yuanjiajie🧐: Peaks stand in great numbers, each with its own shape👍, as if you've stepped into a fantasy world🤩. Tianzi Mountain😎: Known as 'an enlarged bonsai, a miniature fairyland'💖, its beauty is overwhelming👏. Jinbian Stream🌊: The stream babbles, clear to the bottom🤓, refreshing the mind and spirit😍. Huangshizhai🤔: Excellent natural scenery👍, a paradise for photography enthusiasts📸. Grand Canyon Glass Bridge😎: Challenge your courage👏, look down at the beautiful scenery from above😍, thrilling and spectacular🤩. Baofeng Lake💧: The lake is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains🧐, dreamy and enchanting🤗. Tianmen Mountain👆: Spectacular, marveling at nature's incredible craftsmanship🤩. Furong Town🤗: Full of ethnic charm, making people linger😍. Fenghuang Ancient Town🏯: At night, the lights are brilliant, romantic and charming🤩, as if entering a fairy tale world😎. 🎫Among them, Baofeng Lake is free😎, Baozis can enjoy to the fullest🤩! 👀Let's introduce these 9 spots in detail👇: Yuanjiajie👉Take the world's highest outdoor elevator 'Bailong Elevator' to the top🤩, enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way👏. Tianzi Mountain👉Choose to take the cable car🚡, easily reach the top😎, and take in the breathtaking views👍. Jinbian Stream👉Stroll along the stream🚶♀️, breathe the fresh air🤗, and appreciate the beauty of nature🤩. Huangshizhai👉Climb to the top👆, overlooking the magnificent scenery of the entire area👏. Grand Canyon Glass Bridge👉Bravely step onto the transparent bridge😎, challenging your courage👏. Baofeng Lake👉Take a boat tour🚣♀️, enjoy the tranquil lake and mountain scenery🤩. Tianmen Mountain👉Experience the high-altitude cableway🚡, feel the excitement and thrill👍. Furong Town👉Walk through the quaint streets🚶♀️, experience the unique ethnic culture🤗. Fenghuang Ancient Town👉Stroll on the stone-paved roads at night🚶♀️, enjoy the dazzling night lights🤩. 💕Personal travel experience and tips💕: The scenic area of Zhangjiajie is really huge😎, so it's important to plan your itinerary in advance🤔. The weather in June is quite hot🥵, Baozis must take sun protection measures👒, otherwise, you'll get tanned😜. The food prices inside the scenic area are relatively high🤑, you can prepare some snacks and water🥤. 🤩4 local food streets🤩: Xibu Street🎉: A dazzling array of delicacies😍, making you eat non-stop👏. Nanzhuangping Market🎉: A variety of foods at reasonable prices😎. Wulingyuan Food Street🎉: Taste authentic local delicacies🤗, satisfying your taste buds👍. Bubugao Plaza🎉: Not only food😍, but also various entertainment facilities🎳, a great place to relax👏. 💖Food Recommendations💖: Zhangjiajie Sanxia Pot😍: Aromatic and appetizing🤤. Tujia Smoked Meat👉: Tender meat😎, rich but not greasy👏, leaving a lingering fragrance with every bite🤩. Gegen Powder👉: Refreshing and greasy-cutting🤗, the best choice for summer😍. Rice Tofu👉: Soft and chewy🤩, excellent texture👏, unforgettable taste😜. 🎉In summary🎉, Zhangjiajie is simply a paradise for tourism😎! The natural scenery here is breathtaking🤩, the food is unforgettable😍, and I believe Baozis will have a memorable and wonderful holiday here👏👏👏!

Little Guilin, Tangshan, a niche attraction in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region The scenery is so beautiful No crowds, no hustle and bustle There is only fresh air, green water, green mountains and waves. You can see such scenery without leaving Tangshan. I really like it and am very satisfied. Panjiakou Reservoir Located at the junction of Kuancheng Manchu Autonomous County in Chengde and Qianxi County in Tangshan, it is an important project for "diversion of Luan River into Tianjin". The peaks on both sides of the reservoir are steep and forested with strange rocks. The mountains are very precipitous. The Xifengkou area where the reservoir is located is the ancient Great Wall Xiongguan Fortress. Because part of the Great Wall has been submerged in the water, it forms a wonder of the Great Wall. The Underwater Great Wall is also the only one in the country Green water and green mountains are mountains of gold and silver. Beautiful green water and rippling green waves. Can temporarily forget all worries Attraction gameplay: Camping is allowed and accommodation is FREE Because I really want to eat farm food, so I went blue and everything except the boat ride is free. But the speedboat is still worth a try! After all, the reservoir is very, very big Even a round trip by speedboat takes 2 hours Have enough time to enjoy the natural scenery Experience the thrill of speed boating Transportation and accommodation: Depart from Tangshan city at 7:30 We passed through many large cars and villages along the way and arrived at the reservoir at 10:30 The lady at the door tried to persuade me to go to her house for dinner first and then come back to take the boat. I looked at the watch and saw what kind of food I was eating at this time. No, I didn’t want to eat. At this time, someone happened to come to join me for a price of 150 yuan per person for a small speedboat. It’s useless to negotiate without bargaining. Then the beautiful excitement began. Food recommendations for your itinerary: After landing at around 12:30, I was too lazy to make a choice. So I went to the eldest sister’s farmhouse for dinner. Fried river shrimp Delicious!!! Just be careful to chew slowly when eating and don’t eat in a hurry like me and hit the ceiling. Fried eggs Delicious!!! Fresh, oily eggs just out of the pan are greasy, but not oily and not delicious. Wild vegetables mixed with tofu Delicious!!! The pepper oil is very fragrant! Reservoir fish stewed in a big pot After waiting for a long time, it still didn’t stew. I was persuaded to quit and didn’t eat. Intimate TIPS: Pay attention to safety. Intimate TIPS: Pay attention to safety Have a happy holiday

"The Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan" - Tianmen Mountain 2024.3.28 Weather: Sunny, 11-28 degrees. A belated thunderstorm finally came in the evening. After checking the future weather trends again, I found that there would be only two days without rain, and the next few days would be cloudy and rainy. I decided to change my itinerary and go to Zhangjiajie, one of the main destinations first. Get up early, the weather is great. We set off immediately after the meal, driving on the highway all the way. We drove along the Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway for a while. The familiar road name inevitably reminded me of the main road I took when I was returning from a self-driving tour in Yunnan and Guizhou two years ago and preparing to "sneak into" Shanghai. I felt a sigh and emotion again. The road is still the same road, but the direction it carries is very different. After driving more than 380 kilometers, we arrived at the famous tourist city of Zhangjiajie at 1:00 p.m. Visit Tianmen Mountain in the afternoon. Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area (5A, World Heritage Site) is named after the natural wonder "Tianmen Cave" (Figure 1). There are three routes to choose from for visiting Tianmen Mountain. We chose Route A, which is chosen by most tourists. Taking the cable car up the mountain from the City Garden Cableway Station in the city center is the most convenient and special way to visit Tianmen Mountain. Today is an ordinary day, with quite a few tourists. It took half an hour just to queue up for the A-line cable car. You can imagine the situation during holidays. After the cable car arrives at the upper station, there are three hiking routes to choose from: east, middle, and west. Each has its own characteristics. We chose the east route. After the tour, I felt that the main attractions of Tianmen Mountain (Figure 2) are: "The gate of heaven is open." The Hanging Cave is located on a cliff with 999 stone steps at an altitude of more than 1,300 meters, which is the best in the world (Figures 3 and 4); "Sky-suspended plank road". It is built around the top of the mountain, suspended high in the air on the side of a cliff, with glass plank roads in between. When you climb up here, you can see various interesting "performances" (Figure 5). There is also an elevated plank road (Figure 6); "A divine journey through the sky". The nearly 7,500-meter-long cableway stretches across the sky, a rare sight in the world (Figure 7); "Nine Bends of the Heavenly Road". The total length is less than 10 kilometers, with an altitude rise of more than 1,000 meters, and it contains 99 thrilling sharp turns, a "sharp bend road wonder" (Figure 8); "Buddhist Kingdom in Heaven". Tianmenshan Temple, lying quietly on the top of the mountain, is ancient, elegant, quiet and majestic (Figure 9). After taking the cable car, escalator and hiking many times, more than five hours had passed unknowingly, and it was already past six in the evening when we returned to the parking lot. We will stay in Wulingyuan tonight and continue to visit Zhangjiajie tomorrow. I hope the weather will be good again.

❤Reasons to Recommend: Hi Dear travel enthusiasts , today I want to introduce you to a mysterious and beautiful place - Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain . This place is known as 'the most beautiful mountain peak on Earth' , and it's definitely not to be missed Imagine taking the cable car slowly upwards , surrounded by the blue sky and rolling mountains , as if you are in a fairyland . Along the way , the scenery is picturesque , making you unable to resist taking out your camera to capture every moment . Before reaching the summit , your mood has already been completely healed by this beautiful view Stepping onto the stone steps of Tianmen Mountain , you will find not only majestic peaks but also a long history and culture waiting for you to explore . Standing in front of 'Heaven's Gate' , it's as if you can touch the clouds and feel the power of nature . And if you like to challenge yourself, you can also hike to the top to experience the magnificent scenery . Wow , this kind of experience really makes your heart race Here , you can also taste local specialties , savoring the simple deliciousness , or sit in a mountaintop tea house , enjoy a cup of fragrant tea , have a chat , and appreciate the beauty of life . Tianmen Mountain not only allows you to experience the awe of nature but also helps you find inner peace and balance . Looking forward to everyone exploring the mysteries of this magical mountain together , finding your own moments of happiness in the embrace of nature , and feeling the unique charm of this travel experience 🌟💖🏞️ 📍Detailed Address Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie City, Yongding District, Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area 🚉Transportation Guide 1 Public Transportation From Zhangjiajie city center, take a bus or taxi to Zhangjiajie Bus Terminal (Address : No. 1 Yuanjiajie Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City) , and then take a shuttle bus to Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area from the bus terminal . The shuttle bus from the bus terminal to Tianmen Mountain runs about every 30 minutes, and the ticket price is about 10-20 RMB . 2 Self-driving If you are driving to Tianmen Mountain , you can enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park through the Wulingyuan gate, and then follow the signs to Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area . There is a parking lot within the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area , and the fee is about 10-20 per vehicle. 3 Cable Car In addition to the above methods , you can also choose to take the Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Cable Car directly to the top of the scenic area . The cable car is 7455 meters long , the longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world , and the journey takes about 28 minutes . The cable car station is located within the Zhangjiajie city area , and you can choose to take a bus or taxi to the cable car station . 💰Ticket Price Ticket Price Generally speaking , the ticket price for Tianmen Mountain is around 200-260 RMB . Discount Policies Children's Discount : Generally, children under 1.3 meters in height can enjoy half-price or free admission to the scenic area , subject to the official announcement of the scenic area . Student Discount: Students with a valid student ID may enjoy certain discounts, such as a reduced ticket price . Senior Discount : Seniors over 60 years old with valid ID may enjoy certain discounts, such as reduced ticket prices or free admission . ✅Must Experience 1 Take the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Experience the world's longest high-mountain passenger cableway , and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way , feeling the thrill and awe of being there . 2 Visit Heaven's Gate Heaven's Gate is the iconic attraction of Tianmen Mountain , you can walk up to the Heaven's Gate viewing platform , overlooking the stunning scenery , and feel the shock above the clouds . 3 Hike to the Summit If conditions permit , you can choose to hike to the summit of Tianmen Mountain, enjoying the natural scenery along the way , challenging yourself , and experiencing the joy of mountaineering . 4 Take Photos as Souvenirs Tianmen Mountain is a paradise for photography enthusiasts , bring your camera to capture every wonderful moment , and create beautiful memories .