[2025 Yu County Attraction] Travel Guide for Nuanquan Town (Updated May)

#discoverchina 🗺️ Itinerary: 📍 Day 1: Beijing → Yu County → Warm Spring Ancient Town or Weizhou Ancient Town (pick one & relax) 🏯✨ 📍 Day 2: Feihu Gorge → Yizhuxiang → Jianshan Village (grilled lamb skewers for ¥3/each!) → Shuipen Village (spotting cattle & sheep) → Back to the guesthouse for dinner 🍢🐑 📍 Day 3: Matianling Hiking Trail (9km scenic route) → Return to Beijing 🚶♂️🌿 (Stay another night if time allows) 🍽 Must-Try Local Food: 🔥 Fruitwood Roasted Duck – ¥138 🦆 🍚 Millet Rice Dish – ¥58 🍛 🍢 Grilled Lamb Skewers – ¥10/skewer (fresh & tasty!) 🧡 Sea Buckthorn Sticky Rice Cake – Highly recommended! Sweet & tangy goodness 🤤 🌟 Perfect for a weekend escape with nature, ancient towns & delicious food!#travel #thingstodo

This thousand-year-old town can no longer be hidden! Nuanquan Ancient Town is waiting for you to explore! Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Looking for a place to relax and unwind? Yu County's Nuanquan Ancient Town is only 200 km from Beijing. It only takes two or three hours to get there～ Nuanquan Ancient Town, founded in the Yuan Dynasty, gets its name from a hot spring in the town that never freezes. The town still retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with blue bricks and gray tiles, full of ancient charm. 🌸Things to do: **Dashuhua (Molten Iron Fireworks)** This is a unique traditional folk activity in Nuanquan Ancient Town, with a history of more than 500 years. Artisans splash molten iron onto the city walls, and the iron bursts into thousands of sparks upon cooling, forming a magnificent tree-like crown! **Visit the ancient castles** There are three ancient castles in the town: Beiguan Fort, Xigu Fort, and Zhongxiao Fort. Each one carries a rich history, worth savoring. **Opera** There is a stage just inside the town gate, and occasionally people are invited to perform. I went on the 15th and even encountered the God of Wealth handing out red envelopes at the entrance～ 🍚Food: Yu County has a wide variety of special snacks, such as Nuanquan dried tofu, yellow rice cake, and fento… At the entrance, there are starch-coated sausages, two large ones for 5 yuan, absolutely a bargain, and delicious! 💝Souvenirs: **Yu County Paper-cuts** As a national intangible cultural heritage, Yu County paper-cuts are known for their exquisite patterns and unique craftsmanship. **Nuanquan Pottery** Made from local clay, it has a fine texture and simple shapes.

Beijing Surroundings-Weixian County When I arrived in Wei County, the locals told me that they do not pronounce this word as yù, but always as yǔ, which is the pronunciation habit of the local dialect. 🌈Black Myth: Wukong brought popularity to Shanxi and also brought popularity to Weixian County. It is located at the intersection of Hengshan Mountain, Taihang Mountain and Yanshan Mountain. It was built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty and is now more than a thousand years old. Weizhou had a very unfortunate fate in history. After the "Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun" were occupied by the Khitans, Weizhou was incorporated into the Liao Kingdom, and then occupied by the Mongols. It was not until the Ming and Qing Dynasties that it became a prosperous commercial center. To be honest, in the whole Zhangjiakou, I particularly like Wei County (Weizhou), where there are many historical sites, various temples, Taoist temples, ancient towers, ancient castles, theaters and houses full of fireworks. It is obviously in Hebei, but I think it looks a bit like Shanxi. 🌈Weizhou Ancient City seems to be a hidden corner of time and space in Wei County. It is like a paradise isolated from the world and a door to the past. The residents here seem to live a life completely different from that outside the ancient city, finding a unique balance between modernity and tradition. The lack of excessive tourist commercialization makes this ancient city more authentic, full of life and historical charm. 🌈Main attractions in the city: 🔸Yuhuang Pavilion (🎫20) Recommended👍🏻 The filming location of "Black Myth: Wukong", the fairy palace on the clouds, was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 600 years. The Jade Emperor Pavilion is a wooden structure without a single iron nail. It is entirely held together by wooden mortise and tenon joints. The pavilion contains exquisite Ming Dynasty murals, paintings, and carvings, reflecting the ancient religious culture and artistic level! Coming here is like traveling through time and space. Walking into the main hall, there is a solemn statue of the Jade Emperor, and on the walls are breathtaking murals. The large murals on the east, west and north walls, with their exquisite gilding technique, present vivid mythological stories. Especially the mural of "Thirty-six Thunder Gods", each of which has a different image, holding a magical instrument, and is both majestic and dynamic. 🔸Zhenwu Temple The Zhenwu Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty and is a place dedicated to the Zhenwu Emperor. There are well-preserved Taoist murals in the temple. 🔸Nan'an Temple Pagoda (🎫6) A landmark ancient building, this tower is a historical heritage that was first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty and later rebuilt during the Liao Dynasty. The 13-story solid brick tower with dense eaves had some parts of the first and second floors having been bombarded, and the eaves had also been damaged, but it still stands tenaciously! It is also the filming location of Black Myth, but there is not much to see inside. Instead, the most photographed photo of Nan'an Temple Pagoda at Wanshan Tower is the best📷 🔸Wanshan Tower (🎫15) Wanshan Tower is located at the south gate of the ancient city. It is one of the important symbols of Weizhou Ancient City. The view on the city wall is excellent. Standing on the city wall, you can take pictures of Nan'an Temple Pagoda and Jixing Tower opposite 🔸Lingyan Temple (🎫10) The filming location of Black Myth, the Wudianding Hall (Supreme Master Hall), was first built in the Yuan Dynasty and later rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. There are exquisite caissons here, where you can feel the tranquil Buddhist atmosphere 🔸Shakya Temple (🎫15) Sakyamuni Temple is one of the earliest temples in Weizhou. It is located outside the ancient city, about 300 meters south of Wanshan Tower. You can come here to savor the ancient Buddhist culture. The plaque of smiling with flowers is more worth seeing than Lingyan Temple. It is the only wooden structure in the Yuan Dynasty in the ancient city. It is open to the public at random. The caisson inside is also extremely exquisite. 🔸Fortune Temple: The largest temple of the God of Wealth in Hebei during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, now it is a very small temple 🔸Zhenwu Pavilion: There are murals in the Beiji Hall, but it was not open when I went there. 🔸Changping Warehouse | Gulou (🎫16) Changping Warehouse is an ancient military granary in Weizhou, which was first built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. The Drum Tower was built in the Yuan Dynasty. Its main function was to report the incident to the police and to command the enemy. It was once an important alarm tower. Although it is a national protected unit, it is not very interesting to see. There are only two Cang'ao and a Xilou Cang Temple. However, the Drum Tower looks very nice from a distance. 🔸Uiju Office (🎫30) Weizhou Office was the seat of Weizhou in ancient times. It was once the seat of Weixian Yamen. It was rebuilt in 2010. It looks grand, but it is a later building and not very worth seeing. 🌈About transportation 🚄The high-speed rail👉🏻 does not go directly to Weixian, you can only take it to Zhangjiakou and then take a bus 🚗Self-driving👉🏻 is recommended. It takes about 3 hours to navigate to the parking lot of Weizhou Ancient City Scenic Area (free parking), and then start from Yuhuang Pavilion, walk or scan a shared electric car🛵 to tour the ancient city. 🚌Public 👉🏻There are buses to Weixian from Beijing Liuliqiao Long-distance Bus Station 🌈About the tour route Jade Emperor Pavilion➡️Temple of the God of Wealth➡️Zhenwu Temple➡️Lingyan Temple➡️Jixing Tower➡️Drum Tower➡️Weizhou Office➡️Nan'an Temple Pagoda➡️Wanshan Tower➡️Jingxian Gate➡️Shakya Temple 📌 If time permits, you can go to Weixian Museum 🌈About food Hehelou (4.5 stars) A restaurant with a low rating but has been open for more than 20 years and has a rich menu. Specials recommended by the waiter. ✔️Small Four Bowls: Four small bowls of beef, meatballs, and shredded tofu. The taste is salty but acceptable. ✔️Chicken rack stewed with potatoes: It is said that the locals love to order it, it is salty and fresh, cooked with soybean sauce and various spices, a bit of the Northeast flavor, tastes good ✔️You can order half a portion of yellow rice fried cakes and sugar crispy biscuits. The crust is slightly bitter, and they say it’s made with local sesame oil. People from other places may not be used to it, but the biscuits are very crispy. 🌈Nearby attractions ✔️Nuanquan Ancient Town Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00 Nuanquan Ancient Town is a typical northern ancient town, famous for its springs, markets, ancient buildings and folk culture. In winter, the ancient town is covered with snow, with red lanterns hanging high, and is full of a festive atmosphere. The most famous performance here is the tree flower performance (separate charge, I think it is 🎫120). The molten iron is poured onto the ancient city wall, splashing to form thousands of sparks, like a lush tree crown, which is called "tree flower". The spectacular degree is breathtaking😃. ✔️West Great Fortress It was first built in the Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 600 years. It is also the filming location for a segment in the TV series "Going West". You can choose this stop on the way back to Beijing. Many people take pictures of the sunset here, which is quite nice! ✔️Qiupo Village This place is really recommended❗️You must go there, the lake and the mountains are so beautiful, at one moment I felt like I saw a snow-capped mountain ✔️Feihu Valley A place you will pass by on the way to Xiushuipen Village, a classic place to check in and take photos. The mountains in front of me always give me a sense of isolation from the world, and there is indeed no signal📶 The scenery along the way is really nice, and you can stop by the roadside to take pictures. ✔️Sniff Basin Village Navigate here and you can go to the free 🆓sky grassland, the prairie, the grand canyon, and the mountains ⛰️, which is super healing. 🌈 Last words Wei County is a place worth visiting again and again, not for tourism, but to experience life! ✔️Wandering around the city for the first time ✔️The second time you can hike, Feihu Valley, Sky Grassland, Matan Ridge, and Tea Mountain. Newbies can choose Feihu Valley and Matan Ridge. For advanced consideration, consider Chashan Village and Dongdianziliang. But the Sky Grassland is too expensive and not worth it. (I will write a detailed article about hiking later)

#favouriteitinerary A while ago, I visited Nuanquan Ancient Town, famous for its springs, markets, ancient architecture, and folk culture. With over 2,500 years of history, this town was once a major transportation hub and commercial center in western Yuxian. Exploring the well-preserved buildings in Xigubao and the cultural heritage at Nuanquan Academy was fascinating. The highlight was the Dashuhua Square, where the evening "Dashuhua" performance left me in awe. Despite the cold winter temperatures, wearing a thick coat and scarf kept me warm. Nuanquan Ancient Town's historical charm and cultural richness made it an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend a visit to this unique and captivating town.

#favouriteitinerary 📍 Nuanquan Ancient Town is renowned for its springs, markets, ancient architecture, and folk culture. Founded in the Yuan Dynasty and flourishing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it reached its peak as "Three Forts, Six Alleys, and Eighteen Villages," becoming a crucial transportation hub and commercial center in western Yuxian during that time. 🎫 Tickets: Free entry 🕐 Open: All day 🏮Must-Visit Attractions: 🔹 Xigubao: The core area of the ancient town, where the best-preserved ancient buildings are located. 🔹 Nuanquan Academy: Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the town. 🔹 Dashuhua Square: Be sure to visit in the evening to watch the "Dashuhua" (Tree Flower) performance, a spectacular display that will leave you in awe! 💡Travel Tips: 🔸The winter temperatures in the ancient town can be quite low, so wear a thick coat and scarf to stay warm. 🔸When exploring the ancient town, be mindful of preserving the cultural heritage and avoid littering or damaging the historical sites. Enjoy your journey through the historical charm and cultural richness of Nuanquan Ancient Town! 🏯🌿😊 #travel #china

Recommended homestay in Weixian County, Hebei Province: A quiet place that takes you back in time 🏘Chiyu Guyuan Homestay in Weixian County: A quiet place that takes you back in time In Nuanquan Ancient Town in Weixian County, there is a homestay called [Chiyu Guyuan]. It is not just a place to stay, but also a cultural experience and a touch of history💫. The three-entry courtyard from the Ming and Qing Dynasties has been transformed into a new Chinese style with a strong sense of design, allowing people to slow down and feel the tranquility and warmth of life🌈 🏘Homestay title: One of the top 100 boutique homestays in Hebei Province, and two of the first nine "Great Wall Family" boutique homestays in Zhangjiakou were selected👍 🏡Accommodation experience The room is spacious, clean, and hygienic, and the sofa bed is very practical, especially for family trips. Facilities such as a chess room🎲, conference hall, air conditioning, hair dryer, and 24-hour hot water are all available to ensure your comfort🙆 The simple yet warm breakfast and the aroma of millet porridge are enough to make you feel the warmth of home💕 🏟Explore the surroundings Nuanquan Ancient Town: Named after the constant temperature spring water that flows through the houses, bringing a warm winter and cool summer experience🍃 📺Ancient castle culture: Weixian County's ancient castles are cultural symbols, known as "the most beautiful ancient buildings in northern China." From the homestay, explore ancient villages and castles, and experience the well-preserved ancient buildings🏯 🐲Folk activities Experience rich folk activities such as Dashuhua and Bailengshan, and feel the charm of the "capital of northern China's New Year culture"🐉 ❣️Tips 📍Location: Located in Nuanquan Ancient Town, with convenient transportation. A 3-minute walk to the Dashuhua performance 🌟Service: The homestay owner is warm and hospitable, and is happy to share the history and culture of Weixian County💕

| Yu County Nuanquan Ancient Town | Experience the vicissitudes and glory of history. A small ancient town full of life 🏯 Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in the west of Yu County, Hebei Province. It was established in the Yuan Dynasty and developed into "three forts, six lanes, and eighteen villages" during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ancient town is named after a spring with a constant temperature all year round. It is also the best-preserved castle in the Yu State area. 🏯 The architectural style here is unique. The ancient city walls and city gates tell the glory and vicissitudes of the past. The ancient houses, ancient temples, and ancient opera buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are well preserved. The green bricks and gray tiles, carved beams and painted buildings, show the simplicity and charm. Xigubao is a landmark building in Nuanquan Ancient Town, integrating ancient castles, ancient opera buildings, temples, and courtyards. The structure is rigorous and the layout is ingenious. 🏯 Walking on the stone road of the ancient town, it seems to have traveled back to the past. The traditional handicraft shops on the street are full of treasures, and the paper-cutting, lanterns, etc. are unique to the local area. Here, you can taste local delicacies, such as Fen Tuo and dried tofu, and feel the life of the ancient town. — 📍 Self-driving must navigate to Nuanquan Ancient Town Xigubao (❌Do not directly navigate to Nuanquan Ancient Town, it will go to the visitor center, which is more than ten kilometers away from the core area) 🚌 You can take a township bus in Yu County to get there. There are fewer shifts, and you can also take a taxi. ⏳️ Tour route: Beiguanbao➠Laojun Temple➠Wang Min Academy➠Xigubao➠Zhongxiaobao➠Snack Square➠Huayan Temple➠Tree Flower Square 🥘 Specialty snacks: yellow cake, water-milled bean flour, rotating powder, dried tofu, mule meat... You can eat them in the snack square of the ancient town. I personally feel that the yellow cake and mule meat are the most delicious, and the others are too plain. 🎇 There is a tree flower performance at night, but it is charged 🎫138/person, depending on personal preference.

| A hidden gem near Beijing, full of life. ▫️▫️Nuanquan Ancient Town is famous for its spring water, markets, ancient buildings, and folk culture. It was established in the Yuan Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it developed into "three forts, six lanes, and eighteen villages", reaching the peak of the town's history and becoming the transportation hub and commercial center of the western part of Yu County at that time. . ▫️▫️Nuanquan Ancient Town has preserved a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, such as ancient forts, opera towers, temples, and courtyards, which are full of strong northern characteristics and are precious heritage of ancient Chinese architecture. . 🏛Main attractions: Xigubao, Nuanquan Academy, Huayan Temple, Laojun Temple . ❤: Folk culture 🔥Tree flower beating, paper cutting, lantern festival . 🎫Admission: Free for the ancient town 🕐Opening hours: All day 📍Address: Within Yu County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province

|||. Beijing Departure | Weekly search for new paradises Successfully discovered a treasure-like tourist city, This place is sparsely populated and has beautiful scenery, making it ideal for leisurely strolls. This is the birthplace of iron flower forging and paper cutting, It has ancient cities, ancient castles, and highland meadows. 🚘Transportation Overview: From Beijing, you cannot reach Yu County directly by high-speed rail. You need to first arrive at Zhangjiakou and then transfer to a shuttle bus. Therefore, driving is a better option, which takes about 3 hours from Beijing. 🚶‍♂️Tour Route: Beijing—Xidashan Fort—Yuzhou Ancient City—Nuanquan Ancient Town ✅Detailed Attractions: 1️⃣Xidashan Fort This earthen fort has a history of over 600 years. It was abandoned during the Ming and Qing dynasties and later became a refuge for people avoiding wars and bandits. 2️⃣Yuzhou Ancient City The attractions in this area are mainly ancient buildings, including Liao Dynasty temples, drum towers, ancient granaries, city towers, etc. To visit all of them, it is recommended to follow this order: Yuhuang Pavilion➡️Zhenwu Temple➡️Drum Tower➡️Changping Granary➡️Lingyan Temple➡️Nanan Temple Pagoda➡️Wanshan Tower➡️Shijia Temple➡️Guandi Temple 3️⃣Nuanquan Ancient Town Nuanquan Ancient Town is quite large. Compared to other ancient towns, it is less commercialized and retains much of its original charm. Moreover, except for the iron flower forging which requires a fee💰, all other attractions are free. ⚠️Must-visit Attractions: 1️⃣Xidashan Fort: This is a filming location for the TV drama 🎞️"Walking West Pass". Although it is not large, it is perfect for photography. Standing on the fort, the view is extremely expansive. 2️⃣Yuhuang Pavilion: This is arguably the most beautiful ancient building in Yu County, unparalleled. The moment you step in, you can deeply feel the sentiment of "the carved beams and painted rafters are still there, but the red face has changed". 3️⃣Nanan Temple Pagoda: One of the landmarks of Yu County, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, it is the oldest building in Yu County. 4️⃣Xigu Fort: One of the highlights of Nuanquan Ancient Town, the architectural complex is well-preserved and has a strong atmosphere. 5️⃣Iron Flower Forging: As the birthplace of iron flower forging, how can you not go to see it? Each hammer strike makes the iron flowers bloom like stars, a symphony of fire and iron, and a perfect blend of the craftsman's superb skills and passionate emotions. 📌Travel Tips: 🌈In Nuanquan Ancient Town, only the iron flower forging requires a ticket of 138 yuan, all other attractions are free. 🌈On the way to Nuanquan Ancient Town, be sure to add a stop at "Qupo Village". There is a lake on the right side, be sure to drive to the lakeside for a look, you will be greatly surprised. 🌈If you have enough time, you can take the Jingzang Expressway from Beijing and stop by the ancient city of Jimingyi in Zhangjiakou for half a day. This route only adds 7 minutes compared to going directly to Xidashan Fort and is not a detour.

|Nuanquan Ancient Town is a place where three national protected sites are integrated into one town. Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in the west of Wei County, Hebei Province. It is named "Nuanquan" because of the spring water with the same temperature all year round. The ancient town of Nuanquan was built in the Yuan Dynasty, grew stronger in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and developed into "three forts, six lanes, and eighteen villages". Xigubao is one of the "three forts", commonly known as "zhaibao", located in the southwest of Nuanquan Town. The ancient castle was built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. It is the most unique and well-preserved of the 800 forts in ancient Weizhou. Huayan Temple was built in the 32nd year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1399). From south to north there are the front and rear halls, and the east and west side halls on both sides. The front hall is three rooms wide and deep, with a single-eaved hip roof and five-section brackets under the eaves. It is said that the ceiling inside is painted with exquisite dragon and phoenix designs, but unfortunately we were not able to enter. Laojun Temple is located on the sand hill in the north of the ancient town and is a Ming and Qing dynasty building. The Taoist temple faces south and the Taoist murals preserved in the Sanqing Hall, including "Laozi's 81 Transformations of Nonsense", are linked together and all have inscriptions in regular script, which are relatively rare.

It took almost an hour to walk through the ancient town because I had no idea what to see. Some of the ancient monuments were abandoned and exposed in their most original state. I saw a dyeing workshop, but when I walked in, I didn't see any dyeing-related objects. There were quilts and pants hanging in the yard. This kind of scene is a microcosm and can be seen everywhere. I wanted to buy a souvenir but couldn't find any. In the alley, there was an old couple frying hemp leaves, so I bought two to try. As dinner time approaches, the ancient town is filled with the smell of barbecue smoke and gutter oil. What shocked me the most was the bathroom, which was a disgrace to the eyes. Some nearby merchants complained that no one was cleaning up the mess. In order to watch the tree-flowering performance in the evening, I stayed until 8pm. The 50-minute show is interspersed with folk performances and tree flower beating. A friend commented that Nuanquan Ancient Town is like begging with a golden bowl in hand, which is a very apt description. I hope the ancient town can be better protected.

Located in the western part of Yu County, Hebei Province, there is a place called Nuanquan Ancient Town, which was recorded in the 'Yu State Annals - Canal Map': 'Thirty miles west of the city, in the Nuanquan Fortress, the spring's source is divided by a stone urn to flow east and west,' which is the origin of the name 'Nuanquan'. As a famous historical and cultural town in China, Nuanquan Ancient Town gathers four major elements: ancient residences, ancient temples, ancient castles, and ancient opera stages. Commercialization is not severe, and it still retains the original flavor and a strong sense of life. More importantly, it is only a little over 3 hours' drive from Beijing's urban area, making it really suitable for a weekend or a short holiday leisure trip! The scale of Nuanquan Ancient Town is not small, and there are many residential houses. Aimlessly wandering might lead you to see nothing but 'ruined houses' and miss some of the most essential attractions. The original ecological ancient castle that can be reached in just over three hours has a gentle name called . Slow down and experience the slow life of an ancient town from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in Yu County, Hebei, named after a spring that maintains a constant temperature throughout the seasons. The town was built during the Yuan dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties, consisting of three fortresses, six alleys, and eighteen villages, and is the birthplace of 'Dashuhua'. The existing West Ancient Fortress, North Official Fortress, and Central Small Fortress have preserved the charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties. From north to south, the three ancient fortresses (read as 'bu') of the ancient town, passing through the city towers, ancient houses, Taoist temples, and walking on the stone-paved paths full of life, it's like traveling through the ancient streets of the Ming and Qing dynasties... The North Official Fortress is the largest of the three fortresses, with streets in a 'main' character structure, and the tall fortress gate tower is the dot of the character. The Lu Family Small Fortress on the north slope inside the fortress and the North Official Fortress form a 'fortress within a fortress' feature, and the underground ancient fortress nearby adds a touch of mystery. Huayan Temple | Huayan Temple was built in the Ming dynasty, with the existing Shuilu Hall and Mahavira Hall, preserving Shuilu paintings. Buddha Mirror | Historically, it was said that 'in front of the big temple is Buddha's mirror, and behind the big temple is a vegetable garden.' Wang Min Academy | The academy built by Wang Min, the Minister of Works, in his hometown. Laojun Temple | The mural of Laozi's 81 transformations and an 800-year-old Acacia tree (scientific name Albizia julibrissin). Dashuhua | Originated from the North Official Fortress, the iron water marks on the city tower are clearly visible. It is said to have been initiated by ironworkers, who splashed molten iron onto the city walls to create sparks. In the past, people said, 'Rich people set off fireworks, poor people perform Dashuhua.' Now there are performances on Saturdays and holidays, priced at around 160 yuan. The Central Small Fortress is the earliest of the three fortresses, with a Guanyin Hall under the city tower. The West Ancient Fortress is the most unique and best-preserved one. It combines an ancient fortress with an ancient opera stage, temples, and residences, with a distinctive north-south urn city structure. The stone road under the fortress gate bears deep ruts left by cargo carts, witnessing the historical trade prosperity here. Outside the fortress gate is the God of Wealth Temple, and inside the urn city are the Guanyin Pavilion, ancient opera stage, Maitreya Temple, and Ksitigarbha Temple architectural complex. Climbing the fortress wall, you can find defensive works. Overlooking the residential alleys, the heights and patterns are varied and orderly. Besides the main street, the branching alleys are also worth exploring, and you may discover a mysterious Taoist temple in a beautiful ancient residence... The small commercial street near the Wang Min Academy in the North Official Fortress is full of life, where locals cool off, buy vegetables, and eat breakfast. There are many local specialty foods, all reasonably priced and fair for all ages. Snacks | There are flat apricot meat zongzi, pea flour cold noodles, sugar ma leaves that look like fried dough sticks but taste like sugar oil cakes, sour and spicy buckwheat hozhao, pancakes made with mixed grains and chives, and soft and not greasy yellow rice fried cakes... Main meals | You can try the 'Eight Great Bowls' and mule meat, which has a familiar taste for first-timers... There are many homestays to choose from in the ancient town, with varying quality and prices. > Spend a warm spring in the ancient town

🌴Zhangjiakou City, also known as "Zhangyuan" and "Wucheng", is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province, with 6 districts and 10 counties under its jurisdiction. Located in the northwest of Hebei Province, the terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast, and it has a temperate continental monsoon climate. As of the end of 2022, the city’s total area is 36,357 square kilometers and its permanent population is 4.0746 million. Zhangjiakou specialties: milk grapes, Chaigou bacon, button mushrooms, Bashang oats Recommended scenic spots Octagonal platform The entire climbing mode is about three kilometers. Electric vehicles and motorcycles can be ridden up, but shared bicycles cannot. The night view is super beautiful and very suitable for taking pictures! Be sure to pay attention to safety when climbing. Nuanquan Ancient Town There are a wide variety of specialty foods in the town: sugar-coated hemp leaves, noodles, swirl noodles, dried tofu, etc. There are various time-honored shops with super low prices and super nice taste. You must try them. Intangible Cultural Heritage - Dashuhua (Iron Flower) is a visual feast of molten iron flying onto the city wall. Weizhou Ancient City Weizhou Ancient City is located in Wei County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. It is now a national AAA-level tourist attraction. The ancient city was built in the second year of Daxiang in the Northern Zhou Dynasty (580 AD), and has a history of more than 1,400 years. The ancient city has been a prosperous commercial port since ancient times. It is not only rich in products, but also famous for its colorful folk culture. The ancient buildings that can be seen everywhere in the city have a very strong cultural charm. Jade Emperor Pavilion The Jade Emperor Pavilion is a temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor. It was built in the tenth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Shi Zhoufang, the commander of the Weizhou Guard, rebuilt the earthen city of Weizhou into a brick city, opened three gates in the east, west and south, and built the Jade Emperor Pavilion in the north where there was no gate, facing the three gates in a distance. According to the "Weizhou Chronicles", there were 24 towers in the city wall in the past, and this tower was the most grand, tall, majestic and spectacular. Food recommendations 🍱 Mutton hotpot: The mutton in Zhangjiakou area is of excellent quality, and mutton hotpot is a local specialty. Roasted Whole Lamb: Roasted Whole Lamb is made of local high-quality lamb, roasted over charcoal fire, and tastes delicious. Donkey meat hot-baked bread: Donkey meat hot-baked bread is a traditional snack in Zhangjiakou, with tender meat and rich flavor. Hand-pulled pancake: Zhangjiakou's hand-pulled pancake has a crispy texture and is delicious when paired with sauces and vegetables. Transportation airplane: Zhangjiakou Ningyuan Airport, long-distance tourists can choose to arrive by plane Self-driving: Starting from Beijing, drive along the Beijing-Tibet Expressway or the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Expressway. The entire journey is about 200 kilometers and takes about 3 hours.

||Yu County: An Underrated Ancient City 2-Day Tour Guide. Located in the northwest of Hebei Province, Yu County, formerly known as Yuzhou, was once one of the 'Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun'. It borders Beijing to the east, Baoding to the south, Datong in Shanxi to the west, and Zhangjiakou to the north. Surrounded by such star cities, Yu County has its unique charm, with many existing cultural relics, of which 21 are national key protected cultural relics, which is relatively rare in China. To avoid the crowds during the Dragon Year Spring Festival, I chose to go to Yu County, which is not very well-known, so there are fewer people now. This is my third time to Yu County. The first time was to see the 'Iron Flower', the second time was passing by, and I went to Shang Suzhuang (a filming location in 'Party A and Party B'). This time, I spent 2 days for a deep tour! 🚉Travel Guide: Self-driving from Beijing to Yu County is about 280 kilometers, about 3 and a half hours; Two-day and one-night tour route: DAY1: Yuzhou Ancient City DAY2: Songjiazhuang, Nuanquan Ancient Town, Xidashenbao How to play? Yuzhou Ancient City: Directly navigate to Yuzhou Ancient City, where there is a large parking lot. It is recommended to park here and walk around the ancient city. The first scenic spot is Yuhuang Pavilion. It is recommended to buy a pass here directly for 80 yuan, covering 8 main relics in the ancient city: Yuhuang Pavilion, Lingyan Temple, Zhenwu Temple, Changping Warehouse, Nan'an Temple Tower, Shijia Temple, Wanshan Tower, Drum Tower. Each scenic spot is not large, but each has its own characteristics. The roads in the ancient city are relatively narrow, perhaps because it is after the snow, it is a bit muddy. The commercial atmosphere of the ancient city is not strong, there is only one street with more restaurants, there is not so much business, and it is more comfortable to stroll around. In addition to the 8 scenic spots included in the pass, there is also a Yuzhou government office that charges separately, with a ticket price of 30 yuan. (Did not enter) Songjiazhuang: It is a relatively pocket-sized ancient village. The city wall is a rammed earth structure. The entrance is a heart-shaped stage. When there is no opera, pedestrians can pass through the middle. When there is an opera, the stage is set up and pedestrians walk from both sides. There is a Han family courtyard in the village. The courtyard is well preserved. The owner of the courtyard can take you around and also explain it. The fee is 10 yuan. Nuanquan Ancient Town: The commercial atmosphere here is relatively strong. It is recommended to park the car in the parking lot at the entrance. The roads in the town are relatively narrow and not easy to drive. Nuanquan Ancient Town was built in the Yuan Dynasty and is a famous historical and cultural town in China. The ancient town is named 'Nuanquan' because of the spring water with the same temperature all year round. There are North Guanbao, Xigubao, Zhongxiaobao three castles, after entering from Zhongxiaobao, you can enter Xigubao and North Guanbao along the way. Among them, Xigubao is the best preserved and is also the most unique place in the ancient Yuzhou 800 Zhuangbao. Here are 'ancient houses, ancient temples, ancient castles, ancient opera buildings' in one, you can take a good stroll. In addition, there is a Wang Min Academy (Kuixing Tower). Huayan Temple is said to have famous murals, but the door is locked and not open. Looking in from the outside, the courtyard is a bit messy. Xidashenbao: It was a post on the Internet that I went to. It is more than 40 kilometers away from Nuanquan Ancient Town. After passing through Xidaping Village, it is a lonely place surrounded by three sides of earth walls. Maybe you can take a few beautiful photos. Because it is on the way back to Beijing, it's okay to go and see. If you go there specifically, it's really inappropriate. Specialty Food: There are many special snacks in Yu County: yellow cake, powder lump, zongzi, dried tofu, sweet porridge, eight big bowls, stir-fried puppets, spinning powder, etc. In a restaurant, I also ate 'frozen yam', which was very delicious. After asking, I found out that it was actually frozen potatoes, but the taste was great! About Accommodation There are some homestays in Nuanquan Ancient Town, which are transformed from Ming and Qing courtyards on the basis of protection, which is very good. There are also hotels for accommodation in the county.

Nuanquan Ancient Town in Wei County | See you in Wei County, west of Beijing, on weekends. The most worthwhile places to visit around Beijing! Food tours, cultural tours, check-in tours, absolutely a must-go! Wei County is located due west of Beijing, 27 kilometers away from Beijing. It can be reached in 3.5 hours by car. It is a great place for a weekend trip from Beijing! Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in the west of Wei County, Hebei Province, and is a famous historical and cultural town in China. The ancient town is named "Nuanquan" because of the spring water whose temperature remains the same all year round. The ancient town has a long history and is famous for its springs, markets, ancient buildings and folk culture. The tree-flowering performance is a special event of the local community fire festival and has a history of more than 300 years. It is to heat the iron to 1500 degrees Celsius to become red-hot molten iron, and then hit the city wall to create a spectacular "fire trees and silver flowers" landscape. Nuanquan Ancient Town, Weizhou Ancient City, Wei County

In the vast and empty land outside the Great Wall, there is a place far away from the hustle and bustle and disputes of the bustling city! Ancient wheel ruts lie here, and the ancient castles, courtyards, eaves and walls exude the lingering charm of history! A hot spring flows quietly in the village, emitting the body temperature of the earth! The main street of Nuanquan Ancient Town is located on a relatively flat terrain! Walking on the ancient street of Nuanquan Town, you will see quaint houses on both sides, exquisite brick-carved eaves, gurgling warm springs, misty water vapor, and women's laughter. It is like a picture of "Jiangnan Water Town"! The warm spring water in Nuanquan Town has nurtured the long history and culture here! The ancient dwellings in Nuanquan are like a sculpture art museum! The mounting stone, drum stone, carved foundation stone at the main entrance, the wooden carved door pins, lintels, carved window panes and exquisite brick-carved eaves and various beasts on the roof ridge all demonstrate the exquisite skills of the ancient architectural craftsmen. The Nuanquan ancient dwelling, which combines stone carving, wood carving and brick carving, is breathtaking! Ticket price: 100 yuan, free for seniors and children, students with student ID, and active military personnel are also free! Address: Wei County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province!

📌Address: Nuanquan Town, Yu County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei 🎫Ticket: Free🆓 🅿️Parking: You can directly navigate to the West Ancient Castle parking lot, which is also free. ⛩️About the Tree Flower Show🌸 ❤️The Tree Flower Show| originated from Beiguanbao, the iron water mark on the city tower is clearly visible. It is said to be initiated by iron workers, who splashed iron water on the city wall to create iron water sparks. In the past, people used to say 'rich people set off fireworks, poor people do the tree flower show'. ❤️Now there are performances on Saturdays and holidays, priced around 160 yuan. 🌟Highlights: The overall commercialization is not very serious, except for the slightly more shops in the West Ancient Castle, the Middle Ancient Castle, North Ancient Castle, etc. are basically normal residential areas, and there are even houses for rent... and Baishang Street, is basically the center of life for the people of the ancient castle. 📷In addition to the strong cultural and living atmosphere in Nuanquan Ancient Town, many of the buildings here still retain their historical appearance, suitable for bringing a camera, leisurely strolling and taking pictures! ⛩️About food and accommodation ❤️Local delicacies The small commercial street near Wang Min Academy in Beiguanbao has a strong life atmosphere, where local people cool off, buy vegetables, and eat breakfast. There are many local specialty foods, Apricot meat zongzi, pea flour jelly, sugar sesame leaves, buckwheat pancakes, pancakes, soft yellow rice fried cakes... eight big bowls and mule meat. 🏠＞Stay, there are many homestays in the ancient town to choose from, with varying quality and price. 📝Note tips: ⭕The roads in the ancient town are narrow, and the closer to the central area (near the West Ancient Castle), the easier it is to get lost, it is recommended to park the car as far out as possible for easy access; ⭕The seating area for the 'Tree Flower' performance is not important, if you don't get the ideal viewing area, you can directly get up and shoot standing at the back of the theater, the view is excellent; ⭕In addition to Nuanquan Ancient Town, you can also visit the nearby Yu State Ancient City, Yu State Museum, China's First Paper-cut Village, Songjiazhuang Ancient Castle and Shangzhuang Ancient Castle in Yu County, suitable for friends planning a two to three day trip.

🚀 Explore Zhangjiakou! 🌍 A journey full of adventure and surprise awaits you. I have personally prepared this guide, let's embark on this wonderful journey of food, history, and scenery together. 🍜 Must-try food 😋 In Zhangjiakou, food is the soul of a trip. Don't forget to try the local snacks, each bite is a challenge and enjoyment to the taste buds of this city. My personal favorite is... (share your food experience here). 🚊 Recommended itinerary: 📍 Dajingmen Scenic Area ➡ 🌟 The history here is not just confined to the ancient city gate. Wandering in the Dajingmen Scenic Area is like traveling through time. My netizens all say that this is a great place for photo check-ins, especially in the evening, the sunset shines on the city gate, it's breathtaking. 📍 Zhangjiakou Fort Scenic Area ➡ 🏰 The ancient city is filled with the taste of history. I felt a strong cultural heritage here, especially the Guandi Temple, which made me feel as if I was in an ancient mysterious atmosphere. 📍 Xuanhua Ancient City ➡ 🏛 Stepping into Xuanhua Ancient City is like traveling through time and space. Each stone slab here records an ancient story. My netizens say that the ancient city at night is picturesque, strolling along the ancient lanes, feeling the ancient breath. 📍 Jiming Post Ancient City ➡ 🕍 This well-preserved Ming Dynasty post station is a place I have always longed for. Although the alleys are narrow, places like Hejia Courtyard and Taishan Temple are all fascinating. Netizens suggest not to miss the special handicrafts in the ancient town. 📍 Nuanquan Ancient Town ➡ 🏰 Walking in Nuanquan Ancient Town is like being in an ancient fairyland. I found the architectural style here unique, especially the North Gate Urn City, which is really amazing. At night, the tree flower performance makes the whole ancient town full of vitality. 📍 Yuzhou Ancient City ➡ 🕌 Yuzhou Ancient City is not only a witness to history, but also a city full of spirituality. I felt a sense of tranquility and solemnity here. Netizens have said that this is a good place to slow down and settle the mind. Zhangjiakou Olympic Village Vacation Apartment

|A secret place in the north where time stands still. 🏮 Address: Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in Wei County, Hebei Province, China. The specific address is Nuanquan Village, Nuanquan Town, Wei County. 🚗 Transportation tips: 🔵 By plane: After arriving at the nearest airport, Zhangjiakou Airport, you can choose to rent a car or take a long-distance bus to Weixian, and then transfer to a bus or taxi directly to Nuanquan Ancient Town. 🔵 Train: Weixian has a railway station. After arriving at Weixian Station, you can take a bus or taxi to Nuanquan Ancient Town. 🔵 Car: You can take a long-distance bus directly to Wei County, and then take a bus or taxi to the ancient town. 🕒 Opening hours: The ancient town is open all day, with no specific visiting time limit. However, some special attractions or museums may have specific opening hours, so it is recommended to check the latest information in advance. 💰 Ticket price: Nuanquan Ancient Town implements a pass system, the price is RMB 80 per person, which includes the main attractions in the ancient town. Some special exhibits or events may require additional fees. ✨ Highlights: 🏮 Ancient town architecture: Nuanquan Ancient Town preserves the architecture in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. You can feel the weight of history with every step in the quaint streets and alleys. 🏮 Folk culture: Experience the folk customs of northern China and watch traditional art performances such as folk paper-cutting and Weixian Yangko. 🏮 Hot Spring Experience: Nuanquan Ancient Town is named after its hot springs. You can experience the mineral-rich hot springs and relax your body and mind. 🏮 Special food: Other local specialties not to be missed include Nuanquan tofu, Weixian sesame cakes, etc. 📝 Note tips: 🔍 When visiting, please pay attention to protecting the cultural relics of the ancient town, do not touch the ancient monuments at will, and keep the environment clean. 🔍 There are many residents living in the ancient town, please respect local customs and avoid making loud noises. 🔍 Maintain a proper tour speed, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient town, and experience a different travel rhythm.

What is the reason why this small town in Beiwan is so popular with tourists? I have seen too many traditional ancient towns, most of which are built with modern antique buildings. For someone like me who loves cultural tourism, I unexpectedly discovered the only ancient town in the north that retains the most original style - Nuanquan Ancient Town. Some people say that it is desolate and old, but if you want to truly feel its history and read its vicissitudes, it is not a simple walk around to gain something, but you need a complete guide to appreciate its history. It is winter, compared with summer. In other words, as one of the ten ancient towns in winter in the north, it perfectly restores the living environment of the northern Central Plains ethnic groups and can more accurately understand the passage of thousands of years of culture. Wei County, which is on the list as a place to preserve Chinese traditional culture, is particularly necessary to understand it at this moment. Here, you can appreciate the historical charm of the thousand-year-old county. Wei County was formerly known as "Weizhou" and was one of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun. There are many historical sites preserved here, such as Weizhou Ancient City, Nuanquan Ancient Town, Daiwang City Ruins, etc., which have witnessed the prosperity and vicissitudes of Wei County. Among them, Nuanquan Ancient Town, which is the best preserved and has the most ancient relics, has become the first choice for tourists to travel in winter. What kind of sparks will be produced when the sub-zero temperature collides with the 1600-degree molten iron? ! The New Year atmosphere of Nuanquan Ancient Town is soaked in dust and fireworks. After years of precipitation, it carries with it an ancient charm, which becomes more fragrant year after year. This place has a long history and rich cultural relics. There are more than 200 well-preserved ancient temples, ancient houses, ancient shops, ancient castles, ancient theaters, etc. with unique styles. The authentic Ming and Qing cultural atmosphere has attracted many film and television crews to come here for filming; and the Lantern Festival, "tree flower" beating, folk paper-cutting, paper sculpture art and various lively community performances have pushed the richness of the New Year customs in Nuanquan Ancient Town to a new height. The entire ancient town is not too big. The provincial key cultural relics protection units, Xigubao and Huayan Temple, the county key cultural relics protection units, Nuanquan Academy and Beiguanbao, as well as the town key cultural relics protection units, Chaoyang Tower, Guansheng Temple, Cangzhuxuan Ancient Courtyard, "Nine Linked Rings" courtyard, ancient flower hall and ancient pawnshop are all within walking distance. During the day, in addition to looking for historical traces in the ancient town, you can also experience the local unique snacks, such as Huhu noodles, vermicelli, dried tofu, chili oil, sugar cakes, and dried apricot candied haws. Eating and shopping should be the main theme of the festival. At night, don't miss the national intangible cultural heritage - the wonderful "tree flower" performance. High-temperature molten iron is poured onto the ancient city wall and melted into thousands of sparks, just like flowers blooming on dense branches. Trees are in bloom, and a tree full of flowers is more magnificent than fireworks. The local government has also arranged a number of programs: light shows, intangible cultural heritage noodle performances, drum books, ancient magic tricks, classical music, shadow puppetry, etc. (you can see the details by searching on Baidu), which can be said to be a special offer during the Chinese New Year. Practical Tips: 1. Parking in Nuanquan Ancient Town is quite chaotic. The parking lot that can be found on the navigation is 20 yuan per car. It is free to park on the roadside or in the alley. 2. The roads in the ancient town are narrow, and the closer you get to the central area (near the West Castle), the easier it is to get stuck. It is recommended that you park your car as close to the periphery as possible for easy access; 3. The seating area for the "Tree Blossom" performance is not important. If you don't buy an ideal viewing area, you can just get up and stand at the end of the theater to shoot, with an excellent view; 4. For dinner in the ancient town, we recommend Sanhetai Restaurant, which has a good environment, large tables (you can call ahead to make reservations), suitable for multiple people to dine, and the taste is good. There are also popular local foods on the menu, and the price-performance ratio is good; The recommended snack is Zhang Quanzhong's chili oil, which is delicious. If you are a hipster who wants to show off your coffee in the ancient town, try to find surprises at Xigu Huiyuan B&B and Bujuexiao Humanistic B&B! 5 In addition to Nuanquan Ancient Town, Wei County can also visit the nearby Weizhou Ancient City, Weizhou Museum, China's No. 1 Paper-Cutting Village, Songjiazhuang Ancient Castle and Shangsuzhuang Ancient Castle, which are suitable for friends who are planning a two to three-day trip.

Warm Spring Town to Yu County is more than 10 kilometers away. In addition to taking the bus, if you can choose to take a taxi, the journey takes 20 minutes. The cost is about 50 yuan. In addition, you can return to Yuxian from the warm spring. If you can't catch the bus, you can consider leaving the driver. The phone, then contact the driver to pick up. I liked it from the moment I stepped into the West Castle. This kind of love originated from the unique local culture, architecture and folk customs. What is more important is a sigh, so that precious things have gone through hundreds of years. But it is also difficult to save for a hundred years and is about to die. Walking the West Fortress, although I don't know anything about architectural art, I was amazed at the age of his existence and his strong life. Hot Spring Town tickets for 80 yuan per person, including Warm Spring College, West Castle, Agricultural Culture Exhibition Hall and Historical and Cultural Center. However, it is possible that the winter season is a low season for travel, and visitors are basically not seen, so there is no one who meets the tickets we want. In fact, the first time after arriving in Warm Spring Town is to find a hotel inn. Basically, there is no choice. There are only a few hotels in the whole town, and most of them are closed because there are no tourists in winter. The only hotel condition that opened. Its hard to accept that I cant even pick my accommodation. In the old castle, you can see the signs of the inn for a few days, but it is basically closed. It is best to stay in a farmhouse in a fort. Sleeping our sleeping bed is very warm, including one morning and one night. The meal plus accommodation for two people is 60 yuan.