Beijing High-Speed Rail: A Complete Guide to 9 Seriously Underrated Treasure Towns Within 1 Hour
Hey there! 😘 Today, I'm sharing 9 treasure towns that you can reach from Beijing in about 1 hour by high-speed rail. 👏 These places are seriously underrated, with fun, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. 🌼 Save this guide now! 💕
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### **1. Tianjin – A Romantic Blend of Chinese and Western Styles**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Five Avenues**: An international architecture museum. Cycle through European-style buildings and take retro-style photos anywhere.
- **Tianjin Eye**: Ride the Ferris wheel at dusk for a panoramic view of the Hai River and the city's nightscape.
- **Ancient Culture Street**: Listen to cross-talk, eat Erduoyan Fried Cake, and experience the lively atmosphere of "Jinmen Hometown."
**Tips**:
- Must-try breakfast: Jianbing Guozi (recommended from street vendors in old neighborhoods). For lunch, try "Eight Treasures Tofu." In the evening, enjoy a drink in the Italian Style Town.
- Subway + shared bikes are the most convenient way to get around, as the attractions are concentrated.
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### **2. Baoding – The Cultural Center of Zhili**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Baiyang Lake** (Xiongan New Area): In summer, take a wooden boat to admire the lotus flowers and enjoy salted duck eggs and a full fish banquet.
- **Zhili Governor's Office**: The site of the Qing Dynasty "Provincial Government," where you can learn about Northern official culture.
- **Yesanpo** (near Baoding): Rafting, canyon hiking – a summer resort for Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.
**Tips**:
- It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Baoding city to Baiyang Lake. It's recommended to stay in a B&B in the lake area to experience the life of a fisherman.
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### **3. Langfang – A Pearl on the Beijing-Tianjin Corridor**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **The First City Under Heaven**: A resort area modeled after the Ming and Qing Dynasty Beijing City. Wear Hanfu for photos and watch the light show.
- **Wen'an Luneng Ecological Park**: Wetland hot springs and a parent-child farm, perfect for weekend relaxation.
**Tips**:
- It's a 1-hour drive from Beijing and Tianjin. It's recommended to combine a hot spring visit with a day trip to the First City.
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### **4. Tangshan – A Collision of Industry and the Sea**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Nanhu Park**: An ecological lake transformed from an industrial wasteland, with beautiful night views.
- **Kailuan National Mine Park**: Go down the mine to experience the history of the "Coal Capital."
- **Yuetuo Island**: A Dutch-style island with a summer beach music festival.
**Tips**:
- Tangshan Banquet (Food Museum) is a must-visit. Qizi Shaobing and Gezha Hezi are local specialties.
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### **5. Cangzhou – The Home of Martial Arts and Acrobatics**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Wuqiao Acrobatics World**: Watch thrilling acrobatics performances and experience "Jianghu Culture."
- **Cangzhou Iron Lion** (Zhenhai Hou): A thousand-year-old cultural relic and a landmark of Cangzhou.
**Tips**:
- Pair it with Donkey Burger (recommended "Gaomana"). Cangzhou Hot Pot Chicken is also worth a try.
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### **6. Chengde – A Royal Summer Resort**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Mountain Resort**: China's largest royal garden. A must-visit is the "Rainy Tower" in the lake area.
- **Outer Eight Temples**: A temple complex combining Han and Tibetan styles. The Little Potala Palace (Putuo Zongcheng Temple) is the most photogenic.
- **Bashang Grassland** (Mulan Paddock): Horseback riding and photography in the fall, with stunning starry skies.
**Tips**:
- There is a big temperature difference between day and night in Chengde. Bring a jacket even in summer. Recommended: "Lao San Yang Soup" with sesame cake.
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### **7. Zhangjiakou – Winter Olympics and Grassland Scenery**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Chongli Ski Resort** (Genting/Wanlong): Skiing in winter, mountain biking in summer.
- **Grassland Sky Road**: Drive along "China's Route 66," accompanied by windmills, terraced fields, and wildflowers.
- **Dajingmen**: One of the four major passes of the Great Wall. Hike to experience the history of the borderlands.
**Tips**:
- The Grassland Sky Road is most beautiful from June to August. Be prepared with sunscreen. Zhangjiakou Naked Oat Noodles are a local staple.
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### **8. Qinhuangdao – Where the Mountains, Sea, and Great Wall Meet**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Shanhaiguan** (Laolongtou): Where the Great Wall enters the sea. Climb the tower to see the Bohai Sea.
- **Aranya**: The Lonely Library + Seaside Auditorium, a mecca for literary and artistic youths.
- **Pigeon Nest Park**: The best place to watch the sunrise in Beidaihe. The autumn bird migration is spectacular.
**Tips**:
- Aranya requires reservations or staying at a hotel within the park. Recommended seafood: "Steamed Seafood Buffet."
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### **9. Zhuozhou – The Starting Point of the Three Kingdoms Culture**
**Must-See Attractions**:
- **Sanyi Palace**: The site where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden, perfect for Three Kingdoms fans.
- **Zhuozhou Film and Television City**: Take photos in ancient costumes and maybe run into a film crew.
**Tips**:
- It's a 1-hour trip from Beijing. You can combine it with a day trip to Baoding attractions.
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Take this guide with you and unlock diverse ways to play in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region! 🌟