This Underrated Old City in Hebei Has a Night Market That's More Addictive Than Its Attractions

❤ Tangshan Old Street at dusk explodes with the aroma of food sizzling in oil. ❤ Qizi Shaobing (chess-piece-shaped sesame flatbread) sizzles on the griddle, Gezha (mung bean pancake) is rolled into golden edges with sauce, and freshly baked honey sesame candy fills the air with its sweet fragrance. Tourists crowd around the old stalls at the Meiyidao Night Market, watching the vendors greet customers in the Tangshan dialect: "Eat it while it's hot, plenty for everyone!" ❤ The locomotive of Kailuan Coal Mine still slumbers in the square, and the lights of the Anti-Seismic Monument have gradually lit up. But the old Tangshan locals know that the real soul is hidden under the plastic sheds in the folds of the night market—fried skewer vendors and fried Menzi (a local jelly-like food) sellers chat from across the way, young couples share a bowl of hot and sour noodles, and the atmosphere is so lively that it can't be dispelled. ❤ At 10pm late at night, the copper pot selling pear soup is still bubbling. This reborn city has simmered its scalding sincerity into the fireworks of Old Street. 👉 Tangshan Old Street Travel Guide, Hebei: I. Recommended Itinerary One-Day Essential Route Morning Peiren Historical and Cultural Street (Retro building complex + coffee bookstore) → Kailuan National Mine Park (Underground exploration + industrial exhibition) Afternoon Tangshan Earthquake Ruins Memorial Park (Historical remembrance) → Qixin 1889 Cultural Block (Cement industrial ruins + art space) Evening Nanhu Tourist Scenic Area (Light and water dance show + Yunfeng Island live performance) Two-Day In-Depth Route Day 1: Luanzhou Ancient City (Ming and Qing Dynasty streets, shadow puppetry) → Overnight stay in the ancient city inn Day 2: Qing Dongling (Royal Mausoleums) → Return to the city to experience Tangshan Banquet (Folk food museum) II. Must-Visit Attractions Luanzhou Ancient City (1 hour drive from the city) Features: Restored Ming and Qing style, Qinglong River boating, shadow puppetry experience, Khitan culture exhibition Tickets: Free (some attractions require payment) Night Tour Highlights: Lantern night view, bar street singing Peiren Historical and Cultural Street Highlights: Former site of the century-old Peiren Girls' High School, immersive drama "The Youthful Years," popular photo wall Qixin 1889 Cultural Block Industrial Style Hot Spots: Cement kiln ruins, art gallery, creative studio Tangshan Banquet (Food culture landmark) How to play: First floor snack street (Qizi Shaobing, Gezha box), second floor folk exhibition, third floor academy tea tasting III. Authentic Food Guide Must-Try Snacks 🔹 Qizi Shaobing: Meat filling/red bean paste filling, recommended "Jiu Mei Zhai" 🔹 Gezha: Mung bean pancake, can be fried, stir-fried, or vinegared 🔹 Wanlixiang Roasted Chicken: Century-old shop, tender meat 🔹 Honey Sesame Candy: Crispy and sweet, best with tea Recommended Restaurants ✅ Hongyan Restaurant: Pork knuckles, Southern braised winter bamboo shoots ✅ Tangshan Banquet Snack Street: One-stop shop to taste local flavors IV. Transportation and Accommodation Transportation City Attractions: Convenient by bus/taxi (Tangshan Station to Peiren Street is about 15 minutes by car) Luanzhou Ancient City: Take the high-speed train from Tangshan Station to Luanhe Station (20 minutes), then transfer to bus/taxi Accommodation City: Nanhu International Convention and Exhibition Center Hotel (near the scenic area), Wanda business district homestay Luanzhou Ancient City: Qinglong River Inn (ancient courtyard, approx. CNY 200–400/night) V. Travel Tips Best Season: April–October (spring flower viewing, cool autumn) Outfit Suggestions: Old streets have many stone roads, wear comfortable sneakers Cultural Experience: Check the Luanzhou Ancient City shadow puppet show performance time in advance, you can participate in DIY activities Surrounding Linkage: If you have enough time, you can combine Yuetuo Island (3 hours drive) or Qing Dongling (2 hours drive) VI. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Luanzhou Ancient City is quite commercial, it is recommended to go in the evening to avoid crowds, focus on visiting both sides of the Qinglong River Choose vacuum-packed sesame candy for easy carrying The Earthquake Ruins Park is closed on Mondays, plan your time in advance