Two Hours from Beijing, I Thought I Was in Guilin! Travel Guide Included

From Beijing, Experience "Guilin's Beauty" in Just 2 Hours! Complete Travel Guide People often say "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven," with its poetic landscapes captivating countless dreamers. However, you might not realize that just a short 2-hour drive from Beijing, you can experience scenery comparable to Guilin's breathtaking beauty. Here, ethereal mountains and shimmering waters create what seems like a paradise on earth. This place is Yishui Lake, located in Baoding, Hebei Province. ## Yishui Lake—Northern China's "Little Guilin" Yishui Lake is a national 4A-level scenic area. When you set foot on this land, you'll immediately feel its unique charm. The majestic, steep mountains lie like giant dragons across the landscape, showcasing nature's magnificent power. The rippling lake waters act as an enormous mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and blue skies with white clouds—a sight so beautiful it intoxicates both heart and soul. Here, mountains and waters blend perfectly, offering different scenery with every step, as if you're walking through an exquisite landscape painting. Yishui Lake is also an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. If you prefer a relaxing experience, you can choose a boat tour, drifting leisurely on the clear waters while enjoying the gentle breeze. For hiking enthusiasts, the mountain trails are an excellent choice. The paths are relatively gentle, making them manageable even for elderly visitors and children. Geographically, Yishui Lake is only 150 kilometers from Beijing, about a 2-hour drive. Compared to long-distance travel fatigue, this itinerary allows you to enjoy your trip without excessive exhaustion. Additionally, there are several distinctive attractions around Yishui Lake that you can combine according to your preferences for a rich and colorful journey. ## Detailed Itinerary ### Driving There At 9 AM, depart from Beijing with anticipation for Yishui Lake, embarking on this wonderful journey. Two hours later, around 11 AM, you'll arrive at the main entrance of Yishui Lake Scenic Area. Along the way, the changing scenery outside your window seems to prepare you for the beauty that awaits. ### Lake Cruise After entering the scenic area, taking a boat ride is an essential experience. Board a small boat and glide across the lake toward the mountain base. This 20-minute boat journey feels like a dreamlike water adventure, as if "a light boat has passed through ten thousand mountains." The water ripples under the oars, with sunlight dancing on the surface, creating a dazzling spectacle. The surrounding mountains rise and fall, complementing the lake waters to form a poetic landscape. ### Mountain Exploration After disembarking, begin your mountain hiking adventure. Following the scenic area's route map, you can first take the upper path and then circle down back to the dock. This loop is about 5 kilometers—though not short, the scenery along the way makes it all worthwhile. Throughout the journey, you can admire different natural landscapes, breathe fresh air, and feel nature's charm. The entire hiking process takes approximately 2-3 hours. Around 3:30 PM, take a boat back to the scenic area entrance. After a short rest, head to Taihang Water Town at 4:00 PM, located 10 kilometers from Yishui Lake. Taihang Water Town has the charm of a southern Chinese water town, with traditional architecture and flowing streams that transport you to an ancient southern water village. Here, you can stroll and sample local specialties while experiencing the rich folk culture. In the evening, you can enjoy a spectacular light show, adding a romantic touch to your trip. Around 7:30 PM, conclude your fulfilling day trip to Yishui Lake and start your journey back to Beijing. ## Recommended Attractions ### Gushen Cave Gushen Cave is a natural limestone cave with karst topography. Inside the cave, you'll be amazed by the unique high-mountain karst landscape. The stalactites within take various shapes—some like hanging swords, others like blooming flowers—making you marvel at nature's craftsmanship. When you use the cave entrance as a frame with the green mountains and waters as background for photos, your pictures will have a unique sense of extension, as if capturing all of nature within a frame. ### Zhixu Platform Zhixu Platform is the best viewpoint at Yishui Lake. Standing on the platform, a gentle breeze will caress your face, bringing a touch of coolness. Looking up, the warm sun shines down, giving you an incredibly comfortable feeling. Here, you can overlook the entire beauty of Yishui Lake, with mountains and waters in full view, creating a sense of expansiveness. ### Tianmen Cloud Ladder Tianmen Cloud Ladder is a steeper section of the boardwalk on Laozi Peak, with 156 steps in total. As you climb these stairs, feeling the joy of ascending step by step, each move feels like a challenge to yourself. After reaching the top, you'll experience the feeling of "standing at the highest peak, looking down at all mountains," enjoying an even more magnificent view. ## Practical Information ### Driving Directions When driving to Yishui Lake, you can set your navigation directly to "Yishui Lake Scenic Area" to arrive accurately at your destination. ### Tickets and Boat Fares The combined price for entrance and boat tickets is 140 yuan, as you need to take a boat to reach Laozi Peak Scenic Area before hiking. There are three docks to choose from: Jinpo, Jingui, and Daba. However, it's recommended to choose Jinpo Dock, which offers the most beautiful scenery, allowing you to enjoy more enchanting lake and mountain views during your boat ride. ## Nearby Attractions Guide There are many worthwhile attractions around Yishui Lake, such as Yesanpo, Yunmeng Mountain, Baishi Mountain, Langya Mountain, and Zijingguan Great Wall. - **Same-day Return**: If you're short on time, a day trip to Yishui Lake is a good choice, allowing you to enjoy beautiful mountain and water scenery without excessive fatigue. - **Two-day Return**: - **Day One**: First visit Yishui Lake to experience its mountain and water beauty; in the afternoon, head to Taihang Water Town to experience the charm of a southern water town; stay near Baishi Mountain at night, preparing for the next day's itinerary. - **Day Two**: Explore Baishi Mountain, where you can choose to hike, deeply exploring the mysteries of this peak and experiencing nature's wonders and magnificence. In conclusion, Yishui Lake is a place full of charm. Whether you prefer natural landscapes or cultural attractions, it can meet your needs. When you set foot on this land, you'll surely be captivated by its beauty and create unforgettable travel memories. Start your Yishui Lake journey now!