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

Preparation Tips - Documents: Bring necessary IDs like ID card, driver's license, and vehicle registration. - Clothing: Even in summer, pack warm clothes like down jackets and windbreakers, plus sun protection gear (UV shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen). - Camping gear: Prepare tents, sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats, tables/chairs, cookware, and utensils. - Other items: Carry basic medicines and enough cash in case of poor network signals. Transportation Guide - Self-drive: From Beijing, take Route 1: G6 → Xuanda Expy → Zhangshi Expy → Yuxian East → Xiaguang Line → G112 → turn left to Mucun Village & Tea Mountain Village (282 km). Or Route 2: 6th Ring Road → G5 → Rongwu Expy (Laiyuan) → Zhangshi Expy → Yuxian East → Xiaguang Line → G112 → turn left to Mucun Village & Tea Mountain Village (350 km). - Public transport: First reach Yuxian County, then take the direct shuttle bus to Tea Mountain Scenic Area (departs every 30 mins, 8:00–17:00 daily). Attractions - Tea Mountain Village: Dubbed the "Ancient Village Above Clouds" (elevation: 1,950m), it’s Hebei’s highest village. Features include the Dragon King Temple and century-old larch trees, offering an authentic rural experience. - Alpine Meadow: At 2,524m, Tea Mountain is Hebei’s second-highest peak. The summit boasts vast meadows dotted with grazing livestock and wind turbines, creating a fairy-tale landscape. - East Dianzi Ridge: Connected to Tea Mountain, it offers unique cliffs. Perfect for sunrise at dawn and sunset views in the evening. Itineraries - Day Trip: Depart from Yuxian County in the morning (navigate to "Tea Mountain Village"), enjoy scenic drives, explore the ancient village, hike to alpine meadows in the afternoon, and return by evening. - 2-Day Trip: Arrive at Tea Mountain Village by noon on Day 1, settle in (accommodation/campsite), then tour the village. On Day 2, catch sunrise and visit East Dianzi Ridge before returning. Food Recommendations - Farmhouse Cuisine: Try local dishes like free-range chicken stew, scrambled farm eggs, and wild herb salads—fresh and flavorful. - Specialty Noodles: Don’t miss Yuxian’s unique oat flour nests (youmian wowotou) and buckwheat noodles (qiaomian hele). Accommodation Options - Camping: Pitch tents near Tea Mountain Village or under wind turbines on the summit. - Farm Stays: Budget-friendly options like Tea Mountain Changxiangju Farmhouse offer clean and cozy rooms.

A Foolproof Guide for Out-of-Town Visitors 📝 First-time visitors to Tianjin, this way please! This "Museum of World Architecture" city is packed with surprises—the Haihe River winding through, European-style buildings lining the streets, the aroma of crosstalk performances, and delicious food everywhere... This 3-day, 2-night guide will help you effortlessly unlock the charm of Jinmen 👏 🏨【Recommended Accommodations】 ✨Heping District (Downtown Center) - Recommendations: The Ritz-Carlton/Conrad - Super convenient for exploring Five Great Avenues/Binjiang Road ✨Nankai District (Cultural Zone) - Recommendations: The Westin/Holiday Inn Express - Close to Ancient Culture Street with direct subway access ✨Hebei District (Top Choice for Night Views) - Recommendations: Holiday Inn Riverside - Stunning night views, near the train station 🚗【3-Day Itinerary】 📍Day 1: Old Town Exploration ☀️Morning - Ancient Culture Street (Free folk culture experience) - Tianhou Palace (Largest Mazu Temple in Northern China) 🍚Lunch Hongqilai Restaurant 👉 Must-try Lao Bao San! ☀️Afternoon - Climb Drum Tower for panoramic views - Photo ops at Italian Style Street 🌙Evening - Haihe River Cruise (Night views are worth it!) - Stroll along Liberation Bridge 📍Day 2: Architecture & Food Day ☀️Morning In-depth tour of Five Great Avenues 👉 Horse-drawn carriage ride + Prince Qing's Mansion 🍚Lunch Guiyuan Restaurant 👉 Garlic Beef Cubes are a must! ☀️Afternoon - Xikai Church - Shopping spree on Binjiang Road 🌙Evening - West Lake Road Snack Street - Crosstalk show at Mingliu Teahouse 📍Day 3: Artsy Finale ☀️Morning Tianjin Eye or Museum visit 🍚Lunch Zhangji Steamed Buns 👉 Three Delicacies filling is amazing! ☀️Afternoon Binhai Library 📸 or Republic of China Museum 🍜【Must-Try Food List】 1️⃣Jianbing Guozi 👉 Only with fried dough sticks for authenticity 2️⃣Guobacai 👉 The soul of Tianjin breakfast 3️⃣Steamed Buns 👉 Zhangji is the best 4️⃣Tianjin Cuisine 👉 Generous portions at great value ⚠️【Important Tips to Avoid Pitfalls】 🚫Don’t buy overpriced souvenirs in tourist areas 🚫Be cautious with "trendy restaurants" 🚫Just take photos outside the Porcelain House 🚫Book Haihe River cruise tickets in advance ✨Tianjin’s romance hides in every corner— Come experience the unique charm of "Gén'er City"!

| 20℃. 📍Coordinates: Matianling, Wei County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province 📌 Tags: --- 🔥Why choose Ma Tin Leng? "North China Shangri-La" certified by China National Geographic! Only 3 hours from Beijing, escape the scorching heat, embrace ** 20°C cool summer ❄️ Continuous meadow 🌱, magic pine forest 🌲, giant windmill, wild flowers 💐, brilliant starry sky ✨... realistic version of Windows desktop! Newbie friendly! A day's light hiking route, the scenery is beautiful and not hard. 🚗 Transportation Tips: 1️⃣ Self-driving choice: Navigate "Ma Tin Leng Village" 🛣️ Route: Beijing-Tibet Expressway → Beijing-Li Expressway → 109 National Road ⏱️ Driving time: about 3 hours 🚙 Recommended SUV: Some sections have gravel 🎐 Surprises along the way: spectacular windmills, stacked mountains, scenery worth the fuel money! 2️⃣ Safe tour: Every Saturday/Sunday, there is an outdoor tour bus 🚌 directly from Beijing, suitable for people without cars / want to meet like friends. 🗺️ One Day Essential Hiking Route & How to Play: 07:00 Happy Departure from Beijing ➡️ 10:30 Arrive at the starting point (beekeeper cabin 🐝 at the entrance of the village) 11:00 Across the Magic Pine Forest 🌲: Pine needle carpet + mottled light and shadow, a sense of fairytale world! 12:30 Meadow Picnic🧺: Enjoy a relaxing time with the sound of cattle and sheep bells🔔 (bring your own food, no supplies). 14:00 Conquer the Windmill Matrix⚡️: Stand on the top of the hill, giant windmills are within reach! 📸 Telephoto lens must be brought, take a shocking sense of space! 15:30 Explore the Wildflower Valley💐 (Best in July-August): Wolf poison flowers, blue pot flowers... all over the mountains and plains, beautiful to be speechless! 17:00 Return to enjoy the sunset 🌅: Watch the sunset dyed red grass waves, perfect ending visual feast! 📸 Five must-see fairy places: 1. 🌲Pine Forest Tunnel: Straight deciduous pine corridor, 0.5x wide angle seconds out of a blockbuster! 2. ⚡️ Windmill Cliff (Windmill No. 23): Telephoto lens YYDS, small scene is super shocking! 3. 💜Wild Leek Flower Slope (mid-July): Purple flower carpet as a background, running back atmosphere! 4. ☁️ Shepherd Cloud Terrace (around 15:00): Cloud shadow painting in the meadow, perfect place for time-lapse photography! 5. 🌌Starry Sky Camp (overnight accommodation optional): The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye! Take a long exposure star trail with a tripod! 🎒 Beginner's Equipment List (Lightweight): 👟 Shoes: Non-slip sneakers/hiking shoes (some slopes up to 40°) ☀️ Sunscreen: ice sleeves, fisherman hat, high power sunscreen (2 hours reapply! ⚠️ UV rays 3 times stronger!) 💧 Water: 2L water bag/water bottle (no resupply throughout the process, bring enough!) 🧺Kids: Folding seat cushion (meadow wet), portable raincoat 🌧️ (changeable weather), garbage bag (traceless mountain!) 📞Communication: Intercom (No signal on some sections📶) 🍱 Meal Suggestions: Sandwich, Energy Bar, Electrolyte Water, Ui County Dried Apricot (Lightweight Top) 🌟 Hidden Play & Featured Experience: 🐝 Beekeeping experience: Give $10 to shake honey 🍯 and take away freshly cut honeycomb honey! ⛺ Starry night stay: Village committee rent a tent (¥100/top including sleeping bag), sleep to see the Milky Way ✨, full of romance! 🍄 Farming Fun Mushroom Picking (August): Find porcini mushrooms, horse manure packets and experience the fun of harvesting! 🎇 Intangible cultural heritage eggs (on the way back): Wenquan Ancient Town to see 1600 °C "beating trees and flowers" 🔥, shocking! ⚠️ Important pitfall avoidance guide: 🚫 Love the meadow! It is strictly forbidden to drive and crush! Each square centimeter lasts for 5 years! ⛰️ Safety first! Must go down the mountain before 4pm! Thick fog may cover the ridge for 10 minutes! 🐮 Stay away from the herd! Keep a distance of 10 meters, especially the head bull wearing the bell! 🔥 Fire Prevention Period Note: Follow local regulations and do not use fire in the wild! --- 🌿The charm of Matianling lies in its uncarved wild beauty. There are no refined trails, only ridgelines stained green by rollergrass. The windmills turned the summer wind, and the pine waves hid the breath of the wilderness. When the urban heat wave hits, why not leave your footprints👣 in the cloud grassland at 20°C? 📌 Related Topics:

Escape the City 💨 Into a Hayao Miyazaki-Style Sky Grassland Hey fam 🌍 I can't believe anyone still doesn't know about Feihuyu Sky Grassland! This place is like a real-life Hayao Miyazaki anime world—absolutely healing! 🗺️ About the Scenic Area Feihuyu Sky Grassland consists of two parts: Feihuyu Gorge and the Sky Grassland. Feihuyu Gorge is one of the Eight Passes of Taihang Mountain, featuring unique cliff valley landscapes with bizarre peaks and rocks like "Erlang Shen's Eye" and "The Incense Stick." Nature's craftsmanship is truly awe-inspiring 😍 After traversing Feihuyu, you'll reach the Sky Grassland at the summit—a high-altitude wetland meadow averaging 2,158 meters above sea level. Summer temperatures hover around 15-20°C, making it cool and pleasant. The grassland is dotted with wildflowers, including rare edelweiss, creating a fairy-tale-like beauty! 🚗 Transportation - Self-drive: From Beijing, take the G6 Jingzang Expressway → Zhangshi Expressway (Yuxian South Exit) → via Xiaguang Line and Zhangshi Expressway Connector to Feihuyu. The total distance is about 280 km, taking roughly 4-5 hours. The 20-km Feihuyu Gorge section is a winding mountain road with steep cliffs on both sides—drive carefully! Novice drivers should avoid night travel 🚙 ​ - Public transport: First, get to Yuxian County, then take a bus to Songjiazhuang Town and alight at Beikou Village. From there, take a taxi to the scenic area. Note that public transport options are limited, so check schedules in advance. 💰 Ticket Info - Feihuyu Gorge: Free ​ - Sky Grassland: 65 RMB/person. Driving into the scenic area costs 200 RMB/vehicle in peak season and 100 RMB/vehicle in off-season. ​ - Free/discounted tickets: Children under 1.2m (excl.), seniors aged 70+, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans get free entry. Discounts apply for children 1.2m+, students, seniors aged 60-69, and active military personnel—bring relevant IDs 🧾 🎡 Activities - Feihuyu Gorge: Drive along the gorge road to admire the bizarre peaks and rocks. Experience nature's wonder at "One-Line Sky" and snap stunning photos! You can also hike short distances in safe areas to touch these unique rock formations up close. ​ - Sky Grassland: Gallop on horseback across the grassland (50-100 RMB/hour). From June to August, wildflowers bloom everywhere—don't miss this photogenic floral sea! There's also a 10,000-year ice cave that stays freezing even in summer—utterly magical 🧊 🏠 Accommodation - Yuxian County hotels: If you prefer not to stay in the scenic area, Yuxian offers many budget-friendly options like "Yuzhou International Hotel" (200-400 RMB/night), with clean rooms, convenient transport, and nearby food. ​ - Local guesthouses: Near the scenic area, guesthouses cost 100-200 RMB/night and serve local specialties, though amenities are simpler. ​ - Camping: Camping enthusiasts can pitch tents on the grassland, but nights are chilly—bring thick down jackets and warm sleeping bags. Tent rentals are available with advance booking ⛺ 🍜 Food Recs - Huanggao: A Yuxian specialty made from millet flour, chewy and delicious with meat or veggie toppings. ​ - Buckwheat noodles: Nutritious and smooth, served with special minced meat sauce for a satisfying bite. ​ - Dried tofu: Yuxian's firm, fragrant tofu can be eaten plain, cold-tossed, or stir-fried. ❗ Tips - Strong UV rays—pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. ​ - Large day-night temperature swings—even in summer, bring warm layers 🧥 ​ - Drive cautiously in Feihuyu Gorge—no random stops for photos; prioritize safety. ​ - Protect the environment—no littering to keep this beautiful grassland pristine. Come to Feihuyu Sky Grassland for a soul-healing getaway, lovelies 💕

Feihuyu-Aerial Grassland Scenic Area is a natural landscape combining canyon peaks and alpine meadows, perfect for self-driving adventures and outdoor photography. Here’s a detailed self-driving guide to help you plan your trip: **1. Trip Overview** - **Location**: Yu County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. Navigate to "Feihuyu Aerial Grassland" or "Yu County Aerial Grassland Scenic Area". - **Best Season**: June to September (lush greenery and wildflowers in summer; colorful foliage in autumn). - **Suggested Duration**: 1-2 days (can be combined with visits to Yu County ancient forts or Nuanquan Ancient Town). **2. Self-Driving Routes** 1. **Starting Point Suggestions**: - **From Beijing**: Jingzang Expressway (G6) → Zhangshi Expressway (Yu County South Exit) → Via Xiaguang Line and Zhangshi Expressway Connector to Feihuyu (about 280 km, 4-5 hours). - **From Shijiazhuang**: Jingkun Expressway (G5) → Lai-Qu Expressway → Zhangshi Expressway (Yu County South Exit) → Feihuyu (about 350 km, 5 hours). 2. **Mountain Routes**: - Feihuyu Canyon Section: About 20 km of winding mountain roads with steep cliffs on both sides—drive carefully (beginners should avoid driving at night). - Aerial Grassland Summit: Continue about 15 km uphill from Feihuyu exit, with some gravel sections—SUVs are more suitable. **3. Attractions** 1. **Feihuyu Canyon** (Free): - Typical cliff valley terrain, with photo spots like "One-Line Sky" and "Sky-Piercing Pillar". 2. **Aerial Grassland** (Ticket: ¥65/person, additional fee for vehicles): - Alpine meadow at 2,158 meters above sea level. Horse riding (¥50-100/hour) and camping (bring your own gear) are available in summer. - Must-visit spots: Perennial Ice Cave (frozen year-round), wildflower fields (peak in July), wind turbine clusters. 3. **Nearby Attractions**: - Nuanquan Ancient Town (firework performances, 30-minute drive from Yu County). - Xiao Wutai Mountain (hiking required, suitable for advanced travelers). **4. Practical Tips** 1. **Vehicle Preparation**: - Check tires and brakes; bring a spare tire. Few gas stations in the mountains—refuel in Yu County. 2. **Accommodation**: - No formal hotels on the grassland. Camping (night temperatures drop to 10°C—bring a down jacket) or stay in Yu County (recommended: "Yuzhou International Hotel"). 3. **Dining**: - Bring snacks and water; only simple food stalls are available in the scenic area. Local specialties: Huanggao (millet cake), buckwheat noodles, dried tofu. 4. **Notes**: - Weak signal in the mountains—download offline maps in advance. - Protect the environment—do not drive on the grassland. - Watch for falling rocks during the rainy season (July-August); check the weather before departure. **5. Cost Reference** - Fuel + Toll: About ¥500-600 (round trip from Beijing). - Tickets + Parking: About ¥100/person. - Food & Lodging: Farm stays ¥100-200/night; county hotels ¥200-400. --- Feihuyu Aerial Grassland is ideal for self-driving enthusiasts who love pristine landscapes, offering a mix of rugged and serene views. Avoid weekends during peak season (July-August).

Matian Ridge, located in Yu County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, is hailed as the "Shangri-La of West Beijing" or "Little Tianshan," attracting many visitors with its alpine meadows, pine forests, wind turbines, and pristine natural scenery. For families traveling on a budget, here are some practical tips: 1. **Transportation** - **Self-drive**: About a 50-minute drive from the Hanting Hotel in Yu County. Navigate to "Matianling Village" for easy and free parking. - **Public transport**: If not driving, take a high-speed train or bus to Zhangjiakou/Yu County, then carpool or hire a private car (around ¥40 per vehicle). 2. **Recommended Hiking Routes** - **Short Loop (family-friendly)**: ~5 hours, 300m elevation gain, passing meadows and pine forests—ideal for parent-child trips. - **Route A (easy version)**: 8-10 km, gentle terrain, suitable for seniors and kids. 3. **Budget Tips** - **Admission**: Free (not part of Little Tianshan Scenic Area). - **Food**: Bring snacks and water (no supplies on the mountain). Watermelon sold at the entrance (¥5/box) for energy. - **Accommodation**: Day trips are possible; for camping, bring your own tent (free zones) or stay at nearby guesthouses (e.g., Caogoubao). 4. **Gear Suggestions** - **Clothing**: Windproof jacket in summer (large temperature swings), light down jacket in winter. - **Footwear**: Non-slip hiking or sports shoes. - **Extras**: Trekking poles, rain gear, sun protection, trash bags (leave no trace). 5. **Notes** - **Weak signal**: Download offline maps/tracks (e.g., Two Step App) in advance. - **Safety**: Follow signs or crowds; avoid undeveloped areas alone. - **Eco-friendly**: Pack out trash to protect nature. 6. **Nearby Attractions (optional)** - **Feihuyu Canyon**: Explore this scenic gorge, one of the Eight Passes of Taihang. - **Chashan Village**: Camp here if time allows (check road conditions). Matian Ridge offers raw, budget-friendly beauty—perfect for families! With good planning, you’ll enjoy a high-value nature escape.

Windmill meadows + cliff views make an unbeatable combo! Sharing this itinerary for adventure seekers~ 🚗【Itinerary】 D1: Beijing - Dataizi Village - No.17 Windmill Cliff - Camp at Dongdianzi Ridge D2: Campsite - Chashan Village - Beijing Total distance: ~560km (including ~58km off-road - sedans beware!) ✨【Must-visit Spots】 1️⃣ No.17 Windmill - The Great Cliff Park right on the cliff platform for that epic shot (see pic 1️⃣) ⚠️ Safety: Mind the strong winds! Remember to turn off engine + engage handbrake! 2️⃣ Alpine Meadow Camping We pitched tents on the windmill's leeward side Missed the stars this time - planning a July revisit (best season: June-Sept for perfect summer escape) 🐮【Bonus Surprise】 Met the cutest cow on Day 2! It devoured our spiced eggs and refused to leave lol (wish we got photos) 📸【Photo Tips】 1. Portraits: telephoto | Scenery: drone shots 2. Use telephoto to compress perspective at the cliff 3. Wear bright colors! (Think hiking jackets) 4. Keep a foldable chair in car - perfect for rugged vehicle shots 🚙【Vehicle Performance】 BJ40 Extended Range Edition crushed it! ✅ Silent EV mode for comfort | Powerful hybrid mode ✅ External discharge function = mountain-top coffee/hotpot feast ✅ Aced artillery shell craters & cross-axle challenges ⚠️ Remember: Fuel priority + Cross-country mode for off-roading 💡【Pro Tips】 ▪️ Navigate to Dataizi Village ▪️ Pack a down jacket - wild temperature swings ▪️ Leave no trace! Protect this pristine land ▪️ Download offline maps - zero signal in most areas

Zhangjiakou boasts abundant tourism resources, featuring both vast grassland scenery and profound historical cultural relics. Here's a 3-day travel itinerary: Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration 🌸Morning: After arriving in Zhangjiakou, head to Qiaoxi District to visit the "First Gate of the Great Wall" at Dajingmen Great Wall. Climb the watchtower for panoramic city views and feel the vicissitudes of history (entrance fee about ¥25). 🌸Afternoon: Stroll through Zhangjiakou Fort, an ancient architectural complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties where you can explore old Shanxi merchant banks and experience past prosperity (free admission). Then visit Wucheng Street to try local snacks like oat flour nests, Shao Nan Bei, and sugar twist pastries. 🌸Evening: Enjoy the night view along Qingshui River and savor hotpot lamb at time-honored restaurants like Xiangyuanlou. Day 2: Grassland Scenery Tour 🍀Full day: Charter a car or drive to the western section of Grassland Sky Road (Yehuling to Bailong Cave area) for less crowded, stunning views. Must-visit spots include Jiguan Mountain viewpoint for sea of clouds photography, Bailong Cave windmill farm's picturesque grassland scenery, and Shirenbei Geological Park's basalt columnar joints. Enjoy local specialties like hand-grabbed lamb and sand onion scrambled eggs at farmhouse restaurants. 🍀Evening: Return to downtown. If time permits, experience night tours at Qinghe Film Studio where movies like "The Battle at Lake Changjin" were filmed. Day 3: Folk Culture Experience 🥰Morning: Take a 1.5-hour ride to Nuanquan Ancient Town for the spectacular Dashuhua fireworks performance (check schedule in advance) showcasing intangible cultural heritage. Then visit Xigubao Wengcheng and climb Yuhuang Pavilion for town views. 🥰Afternoon: Explore Shangshuzhuang Ancient Village with well-preserved Ming Dynasty stone dwellings and "Yongluo Fort". Book DIY workshops for Yu County paper-cutting with inheritors of this traditional craft. 🥰Evening: Conclude your trip with local specialties like Yu County jelly noodles and yellow rice cake with pickles at ancient town restaurants like Gucheng Shaguoju. 🇨🇳With extra time, consider visiting Thaiwoo Ski Resort, Jimingyi Ancient Post Town, Luanhe River Scenic Area, or seasonal activities like Chongli skiing or Zhangbei Bashang Grassland tours.

Who would have thought! A weekend rush to Hebei Tianshan Yunhai Cliff camping completely changed my perception of weekend trips around Beijing! Only 400 per person, the cost performance is amazing! - 📍Destination: Tianshan Yunhai Cliff (in Hebei, not Xinjiang!) ⏰Duration: 2 days 1 night (weekend rush!) 🚌Transportation: Bus group, worry-free - 📝 My cloud camping diary: Day 1⃣: Enter the mountain! Embrace the wilderness! 07:30: Gather at Exit C of Beitucheng, sing and play games all the way to the campsite 11:00: Simple meal on the way, mainly for convenience. 12:30: Arrive at Yunhai Cliff parking lot! The leader distributes camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats all included) 14:00: Drop off luggage, travel light and rush with the leader to the big meadow! Oh my god! Instantly speechless from the beauty! 🌿 Green carpet-like hillside, wildflowers everywhere, layered mountains in the distance, every shot looks like a Windows desktop! 16:30: The highlight is here! Mountain top wild cooking time! Everyone pitches in to enjoy delicious barbecue (the leader prepared very fresh ingredients), blowing mountain breeze, listening to music, sipping drinks 🍻, the atmosphere is fully charged! Watching the sunset dye the sky orange and pink, so romantic it made me cry! 🌄 20:30: Night falls, bonfire lit 🔥! The atmosphere is super lively! There’s also a surprise light painting show 🎇 (super beautiful!) 22:00: The second highlight! Starry sky moment! The weather is great, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye! ✨ There’s even a professional star photographer in the group 📸, guiding everyone to shoot great photos, even phones can create miracles! 23:00: Crawl into the tent, fall asleep with the sound of wind and insects, super healing. - Day 2⃣: Sea of clouds sunrise! Return fully loaded! 05:00: Warriors get up to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds! I struggled to get up (though sleepy), but! Worth it! 🌅 Rolling sea of clouds with the bursting sunrise, spectacular beyond words! 07:00: Camp breakfast, then free photo time! The morning light is absolutely beautiful, dew sparkling on the meadow, every shot looks great! 10:00: Reluctantly break camp, pack up gear and trash (leave no trace camping is very important!), take the bus back to Beijing. 15:30: Arrive in Beijing smoothly, ending a perfect cloud journey! - 🌟 Why highly recommend? Stunning scenery: alpine meadows, wildflowers, starry sky, sunrise/sea of clouds (weather permitting), so many elements! Great atmosphere: barbecue wild cooking, bonfire party, star photography, group activities, making new friends is super fun! Worry-free and effortless: Group tour is so convenient! Transportation, camping gear, main meals, activity organization all included, just enjoy! Escape the heat: It’s much cooler on the mountain than Beijing! At night you even need a jacket, a perfect summer resort! 100% photo-worthy: Shoot from day to night, phone storage warning! 📸

Just a few hours' drive for the weekend... Everyone's asking if I went to Xinjiang!!! Now is the perfect time to go!! - 📍Yu County, Hebei 🚘2.5-hour drive from Beijing! Perfect for a weekend road trip!! ⌛️Save this for later!! - 1️⃣Recommended itinerary🗺️ Day 1: Beijing → Yu County → Choose between Nuangquan Ancient Town/Yuzhou Ancient Town (focus on resting) - Day 2: Road trip🚗 Feihuyu Yizhuxiang → Jianshan Village → Eat lamb skewers in Jianshan Village🍖 (¥3/skewer!!) → Xushuipen Village (you'll encounter large herds of cattle and sheep along the way) → Return to homestay for dinner - Day 3: Hiking in Matian Ridge (9km route) → Beijing (If time permits, stay another night at the homestay before returning) - 2️⃣Food guide🍜 🌈Yu County Hehelou Restaurant ✅Fruitwood roasted duck ¥138/serving ✅Millet delicacy ¥58/plate ✅Grilled lamb skewers ¥10/skewer (So delicious! The meat is fresh) ✅Sea buckthorn millet pudding (OMG MUST ORDER!!!! Especially for sweet-sour lovers!!! This was the best snack I had in Yu County) 🌈Nuangquan Ancient Town🦌 Lots of food and trinkets here! ✅Fried glutinous rice cake ¥5/piece Stuffed version, quite good ✅Sugar twist pastry ¥3/piece Sweet, texture like fried dough twists - ⚠️Tips: 1. There's hiking!! Beginners must learn proper downhill techniques online beforehand to protect your knees!! 2. Check the weather and avoid rainy days! 3. Download offline maps in advance - many areas have no signal! 4. Bring warm clothes! Big temperature differences!! PS: 🌈Friends can copy this note's link to the Compass Travel app to get my complete Yu County road trip route Includes attraction info, transportation, hotel recommendations, and navigation links!!🥰 Highly recommended

Zhangjiakou: The Pearl Beyond the Great Wall Where Ice and Fire Intertwine Nestled where the Yanshan and Yin Mountains converge, at the crossroads of agricultural and nomadic civilizations, Zhangjiakou is like an amber gem embedded in Beijing's northern frontier, preserving the vastness of grasslands, the grandeur of the Great Wall, the weathered beauty of ancient forts, and the modern passion ignited by the Olympic flame. Known as the "Mountain City Beyond the Great Wall," it's one of the "Four Major Passes of the Great Wall," the starting point of the Grassland Silk Road, and the snowy stage for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Step into Zhangjiakou, and you step into a three-dimensional history of China's borderlands. I. Ancient Great Wall: Echoes of a Millennium Zhangjiakou's Great Wall is a frozen epic, a dialogue between nomadic and agricultural civilizations, with every brick engraved with memories of ancient battles. Dajingmen: "The First Gate of the Great Wall": Unlike other passes named "guan" or "zhai," Dajingmen is uniquely called a "gate," witnessing trade between the grasslands and the Central Plains. The bold inscription "Magnificent Rivers and Mountains" crowns its archway. From the tower, you can gaze at Chongli's snow peaks and the vast Bashang grasslands. Tea Horse Road Legacy: During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this was the starting point of the Zhangku Road, where camel caravans carried fur, tea, and porcelain between Zhangjiakou and Kulun (now Ulaanbaatar). Today, camel sculptures and ancient road relics at Dajingmen Square still whisper tales of the "Northern Silk Road." Great Wall Fortresses: Jimingyi Post Town: China's largest and most complete ancient postal relay site, with towering walls, post stations, temples, and stages. Stroll its stone-paved lanes, imagining couriers galloping with urgent messages, or visit filming locations from "A Chinese Odyssey" for timeless photos. Kaiyang Fort: Dubbed the "Loulan Beyond the Great Wall," this Warring States-era ruin features Tang Dynasty street layouts. At summer solstice, sunlight pierces the gate like a "light pillar," creating a time-travel illusion. Yangbian Great Wall: The "Model Section": A Ming Dynasty "demonstration project" with impeccably preserved bricks, watchtowers, and battlements. Hiking here lets you touch 600-year-old stones and feel the wall's indomitable spirit. II. Winter Wonderland: Olympic Legacy Meets Grassland Highways Zhangjiakou's winters are a snowy fairy tale; its summers, a poem of whirling windmills on the grasslands. Chongli Ski Resorts: Olympic Legacy: Seven major resorts, including Genting Snow Park and Wanlong Ski Resort, hosted freestyle and snowboarding events. Trails range from beginner to expert, with night skiing under star-like lights offering thrills. Four-Season Fun: Summer transforms ski slopes into mountain playgrounds for biking, UTV rides, and alpine hikes, with cloud-sea views from resort hotels. Grassland Highway: "China's Route 66": This 132-km scenic drive links birch forests, flower terraces, and wind turbines. Road-trip past dancing wildflowers and humming turbines to experience frontier vistas. Deep Dive: Stay in a Mongolian yurt at Dahuanlun Village, savor milk tea and hand-grabbed mutton, join bonfire parties, and listen to horsehead fiddle melodies. Zhongdu Original Grassland Resort: By the Yuan Dynasty ruins, summer brings flower-dotted meadows for horseback riding, archery, and grass sliding, plus epic "Zhongdu Memories" battle reenactments. III. Flavors of Zhangjiakou: Oats and Mutton Frontier Feast Local cuisine blends ruggedness and finesse, merging grassland flavors with Central Plains techniques—every bite radiates northern boldness. Must-Try Trio: Oat Noodle Rolls: Zhangjiakou's "top treasure," steamed oat tubes dipped in mushroom-lamb or tomato-egg sauce, praised in "A Bite of China." Chaigoubao Smoked Meat: Century-old recipe of crispy, fragrant pork belly, perfect in a "frontier burger" with baked buns. Huai'an Tofu Skin: Paper-thin, bean-rich sheets for hotpot or stir-fries, a "beyond-the-wall delicacy." Hidden Gems: Mushroom-Lamb Stew: Hearty broth with grassland mushrooms, a cold-weather classic from ancient texts. Roast Lamb Leg: Charcoal-grilled to crispy perfection, dusted with cumin—pure carnivorous joy. Millet Fried Cakes: Golden, red-bean-filled fritters symbolizing prosperity, a wedding staple. IV. Seasonal Adventures Spring (Apr-May): Cherry blossoms in Huailai, apricot blooms by Chicheng hot springs, and wildflowers along the Grassland Highway. Summer (Jun-Aug): Chongli music festivals, Grassland Highway road trips, and Nadam Fair wrestling/mounted archery in Zhongdu—all in 20°C bliss. Autumn (Sep-Nov): Red leaves at Huapiling Ridge, colorful forests in Haituo Valley, and "tree-flower" iron-fireworks in Nuanquan Ancient Town. Winter (Dec-Mar): Skiing in Chongli, hot springs in Chicheng, ice fishing at Kulun Nur Lake, and paper-cutting workshops in Yu County. V. Travel Tips Transport: High-speed trains from Beijing (1 hour); drive Grassland Highway west-to-east to avoid crowds. Stay: Luxury options like Element Chongli or rural homestays with kang beds and folk meals. Avoid Pitfalls: Ski newbies should hire instructors; confirm horseback riding fees upfront; pack layers for grassland temperature swings. Cultural Gems: Saturday night indoor "tree-flower" shows in Nuanquan, Liao Dynasty murals in Xuanhua, and the Yuan Zhongdu Museum's archaeological displays. VI. Deep Dives Great Wall Hikes: From Dajingmen to Shuimuguan, passing historic military sites. Handicrafts: Try paper-cutting in Yu County, fur-making in Yangyuan, or wine-tasting at Great Wall Sanggan Vineyard. Olympic Exploration: Ride cable cars up the "Snow Ruyi" ski jump for panoramic views. Zhangjiakou's beauty lies in the Great Wall's solemnity, the grasslands' expanse, the Olympics' fervor, and oat noodles' warmth. Here, desert grandeur meets pastoral tenderness, ancient ruins coexist with ski resorts. With this guide, let your soul gallop between history and modernity—where every brick tells a story, every snowflake whispers legend.

📍 Weixian County, Zhangjiakou City Escape the 40℃ furnace and step on the gas into a 20℃ natural oxygen bar, with meadows, pine forests, cattle, sheep, windmills, streams, and sea of clouds... Every snapshot looks like a Windows desktop wallpaper📸, truly breathtaking! Two-day one-night itinerary (cooling off + cultural experience) 1️⃣ Day 1: 🏞️ Navigate to "Duijiu Valley," experience the "Suburban Little Altay" Breathe fresh air, take photos📷, camp and stargaze 👗 Outfit: White clothes + hat for perfect photos ❌ Avoid shorts or skirts, there are bugs in the meadows, recommend wearing big yellow boots or high boots Must bring a windbreaker/thin down jacket (big temperature difference in the mountains) 📸 Photo tip: The meadow light after 3 PM naturally softens the scene! Must shoot pine forest backdrops and photos with cattle and sheep~ 📝 Tips: There are many cattle and sheep on the mountain Great for photos, the meadows are stunning, many wolfberry flowers (said to be poisonous) Low-clearance cars can only reach the foot of the mountain SUVs can go almost to the summit Big temperature difference between morning and night, bring thick blankets for camping. 2️⃣ Day 2: Feihu Valley - Weizhou Ancient City After descending the mountain, visit Weixian Ancient City. On the way, stop at the must-visit Feihu Valley, a road through the high mountains, super beautiful. 📸 Must-visit spots in Weixian Yuhuang Pavilion (one of the filming locations for the black myth Wukong): Ming Dynasty ancient building, climb the city wall to overlook the old town’s lively scenes, perfect for ancient-style photos~ Nan’an Temple Pagoda (one of the filming locations for the black myth Wukong): A Liao Dynasty gem! The Weizhou Office opposite is free at night, with dreamy lighting~ Weixian Museum: Encounter millennium treasures Nuanquan Ancient Town: Experience intangible cultural heritage tree flower making (at night) 🍲 Local favorite old-brand restaurants that never disappoint: ✅ Hehelou ✅ Weizhou Old Claypot ✅ Wang’s Steamed Buns (only breakfast and dinner) Must-try snacks ✅ Dried tofu ✅ Sugar sesame leaf ✅ Helu noodles (both white flour and buckwheat are delicious) ✅ Sweet porridge ✅ Sugar big pancake 📝📝 Tips: Weixian Xiaotianshan and tea mountains are also great for camping and hiking, optional choices. Duijiu Valley and the Sky Grassland are very close, can be combined for a trip. All Weixian Ancient City attractions are close by and can be visited in one day.

🗓 Slow Travel: Ancient Town Tour (Yuzhou Ancient Town - Xidashanbao Fort - Nuanquan Ancient Town) 🏨 Stay: Hanting Hotel, outside the moat on the north side of the ancient town 🗓 Itinerary: 📍 First Stop · Yuzhou Ancient Town: Depart at 9 AM, using shared e-bikes (staying at Hanting Hotel just north of the ancient town's moat, very close to the town). The ancient town feels like stepping back into childhood—everything seems frozen in time. Local product shops, daily chemical stores, and the Yuhuang Pavilion (ticket: ¥20/person) are must-visits. The pavilion is exceptionally well-preserved, and walking along the city walls offers unique views. ❤ Why Recommend: Shared e-bikes are available both inside and outside the town, and parking is hassle-free within the ancient town, making it super convenient. 📝 Tips: The town has no night views, and the city walls close from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Since the town is small, an hour of leisurely strolling is enough to explore. 📍 Second Stop · Xidashanbao Fort: Just a 30-minute drive from the ancient town, this is a must-visit for photos. Climbing up offers expansive views—perfect for stunning shots. Half an hour here is plenty. 📍 Third Stop · Nuanquan Ancient Town: By 11 AM, we'd already finished two spots. Nuanquan Ancient Town is about 50 km away, arriving by noon. It's a tiny town with little to do, though the night views are said to be decent. We spent half an hour browsing and eating! Tried the sweet "huhu" dessert—refreshingly sweet, sour, and icy [Awesome], perfect for beating the heat. 👎 Paid Activity in Nuanquan: The iron-flower show costs over ¥100. Skip it if you've seen it before. Due to time constraints, we didn’t stay for the night show and headed back. 🍽 Lunch: At the entrance of Nuanquan Ancient Town (there’s also a small stall inside), we had "fentuo" (buckwheat noodles, slightly bitter), "xuanfen," and fried "maye" (essentially Shijiazhuang's sugar crisps in a different shape). 🍽 Dinner Recommendation: After resting until 2 PM, we returned to the county. A relaxed trip led us to "Fucheng Cake Shop (Heping Road Branch)"—delicious, generous portions, and reasonably priced. The owner was very kind; seeing we were two girls, she gave us half-portions of fried cakes, which were amazing. We also ordered a huge plate of millet steamed rice with stir-fried meat (apologies, forgot the name while devouring it)—way too much for two people! 🌟 Highlights: All Yuxian ancient towns are free to visit!

Hidden deep within the Taihang Mountains, Matian Ridge is like a secret realm meticulously carved by nature, waiting to be explored by visitors. Located in Yu County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, it's just over 200 kilometers from Beijing, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. Upon entering Matian Ridge, the scenery along the way immediately catches the eye. The winding mountain road is flanked by lush vegetation, with towering pines and cypresses, wildflowers dotting the landscape, and the fresh scent of grass and trees filling the air. As you walk along the ridge, the view suddenly opens up, revealing rolling mountains in the distance shrouded in mist, like a flowing ink painting. The mountain breeze brushes against your face, refreshing both body and mind. Here, you'll find not only breathtaking natural scenery but also a wealth of outdoor experiences. Hiking enthusiasts can stroll along the ridgeline, soaking in the tranquility and grandeur of nature, while photography lovers can capture stunning moments of sea of clouds, sunrises, and sunsets. The open area at the mountain top is perfect for camping, where you can gaze up at the starry night sky, with twinkling stars seemingly within reach. The beauty of Matian Ridge needs no embellishment—it presents itself in the most unadorned way, leaving visitors enchanted and reluctant to leave.

🌄 Hebei Tea Mountain | Dreaming under the stars on a cloud prairie atop the Taihang Mountains Quick Facts Location: Yu County, Zhangjiakou. 5-hour drive from Beijing or 2.5-hour car rental after high-speed rail to Zhangjiakou. Best Seasons: June–August (alpine flower fields), September–October (golden meadows) Must-Do: Summit Tea Mountain's main peak, camp under the stars, hike through alpine pastures Hidden Gem: Witness the sunrise over a sea of clouds at dawn 🌅 First Glimpse: North China's "Little Switzerland" Departing at 4 AM from a 2,000m-altitude campsite, headlamps illuminate the rocky path. Upon reaching the summit, the eastern sky begins to glow. Suddenly, rolling clouds rise beneath your feet, with distant wind turbines peeking through the mist—this isn't the Alps, yet the alpine prairie scenery is equally breathtaking. 💭 Moment of Awe When the first sunlight pierces the clouds, the entire meadow turns gold. Grazing cattle stroll by, their brass bells chiming softly. Suddenly, you understand why locals say, "Tea Mountain's weather shows all four seasons in a single day." 🚶 In-Depth Guide 1. Hiking Challenges Classic Route: Tea Mountain Village → Main Peak (2,524m) → East Dianzi Ridge (6-hour loop) Hidden Gem: Discover the secluded "Tear Lake" nestled in the mountains 2. Stargazing Camping Best Spot: Grassy slope west of Tea Mountain Village (sheltered with open views) Galaxy Moment: On moonless clear nights, witness the full Milky Way arch 3. Pastoral Experiences Milking Cows: Learn traditional techniques from local herders Mushroom Foraging: Hunt for delicious wild mushrooms during rainy season 📸 Top Photo Spots Summit Stone Forest At sunrise, bizarre rock formations and clouds create a magical scene Wind Turbine Road Capture white turbines silhouetted against sunset hues Alpine Pastures In July, wildflowers bloom like an oil painting dotted with grazing livestock 🍖 Mountain Delicacies Roast Whole Lamb: Marinated with local mountain peppercorns, crispy-skinned and tender Oat Dumplings: Traditional recipe served with wild mushroom sauce Sea Buckthorn Juice: Freshly squeezed from wild berries, tart and refreshing 💭 Flavorful Memory While gnawing lamb chops by the campfire, a herder points to the stars: "The sheep you're eating grazed on that very pasture yesterday." Suddenly, you realize this is true "farm-to-table" dining. 🏕️ Accommodation Tips Camping: Bring your own gear or rent tents in the village Farm Stays: Experience authentic kang beds in Tea Mountain's stone houses Heads Up: Book weekends well in advance—rooms sell out fast in peak season ❗ Pro Tips Gear: Essential windproof jacket—summit temperatures near 0°C at night Road Conditions: Last 20km are narrow mountain roads—caution advised for novice drivers Eco-Friendly: Pack out all trash to protect the alpine meadows Safety: Keep distance from herding dogs to avoid conflicts 🌠 Final Soul-Stirring Moment Lying in your tent at midnight, listening to distant cowbells fade away. The Milky Way brightens as shooting stars streak across the sky. A fellow photographer murmurs, "I've waited three years to capture this star trail." Suddenly you understand—Tea Mountain's beauty belongs only to those willing to wait.

📍**Zhangjiakou Travel Guide** ✅ Zhangjiakou is located in the northwest of Hebei Province. It is a city with both natural scenery and history and culture. Here are a selection of travel recommendations: ‼ ️ **1.Classic Attractions** 🌨️ - **Chongli Ski Resort**: Winter ski resort, Yunding, Wanlong and other ski resort facilities are perfect, summer can hike to escape the heat. 🌿- **Zhang North Grassland Sky Road**: Known as "China's Highway 66", summer green grass, windmills in groups, suitable for self-driving photography. ✅- **Dajingmen Great Wall**: Zhangjiakou landmark, climbing the city tower can overlook the mountains and rivers, feel the history of the border. ✅**2.Cultural Experience** 🥳- **Wanquan Ancient Town**: Ming and Qing ancient buildings are well preserved, at night you can watch the intangible cultural heritage "beating trees and flowers" performance (iron water splashed into sparks). ❤️- **Ui County Paper Cutting Museum**: Learn about the local folk art, fine paper cutting is worth collecting. 😋 **3.Food Recommendations** 🥯- **Oatmeal Noodles**: A local specialty staple, served with mushroom soup or lamb sauerkraut. -🫔 **Wai An Tofu Skin**: Thin as cricket wings, so delicious in cold or shabu-shabu. -🐏 **Roasted whole lamb**: A must-eat delicacy of Zhangbei Grassland, charred on the outside and tender on the inside. ⚠️** 4. Practical Tips** 🚅- **Transportation**: Beijing to Zhangjiakou high-speed rail 1 hour, the city is recommended to charter or drive. 🏨- **Accommodation**: Chongliduo Ski Resort Hotel, Zhangbei Grassland can choose Mongolian bag experience. 🌱- **Season**: July-August the most beautiful grassland, December-February ski season, to book in advance. ✅ Zhangjiakou has both the magnificence of the Northern Kingdom and the style outside the Great Wall, perfect for short-distance leisure or in-depth exploration!

🌟Highlights: Liuhekou is located at the western end of Jiugong Mountain in Yu County, not far from Jiugong Pass on the eastern side. It serves as an important gateway to the Danan Mountain area. The path through Liuhekou Valley into Yu County's Danan Mountain is winding and rugged, accessible on foot but not by vehicle due to the stone riverbed. The South Liuhekou Village sits on the eastern slope outside the valley entrance, with houses built in terraced formations following the natural contours of the hillside. To the south of the village is a large barren area, with its southern edge adjacent to the northern slope of western Jiugong Mountain. The slope features a mixed forest, while the large sandy river flowing from the valley runs west of the village. About half a mile north is North Liuhekou Village, and terraced farmland covers the eastern slopes. The valley entrance is flanked by steep cliffs several dozen zhang (Chinese unit of measurement) high, with a "Grandma Temple" built on the eastern cliff. About one kilometer south of the valley entrance, the sandy river turns westward. At this bend, directly to the south, lies a winding uphill valley with peculiar rock formations on both cliff faces. Looking south from the bend, you can see a Guanyin Temple halfway up the mountainside. 👍Best Recommendation: April 10-25 is the peak blooming period for apricot blossoms 📝Tips: This area is often windy in spring. It's recommended to visit for hiking during clear mornings or afternoons. Yu County · Zhangjiakou 🚉Transportation Guide: For driving directions, navigate to Liuhekou Village

#discoverchina Yuxian, located in the southern part of Zhangjiakou city, is like a dreamlike snow kingdom filled with rich traditions, making it an unmissable treasure for travelers! Here are the highlights that capture the magical essence of this historical town: Warm Spring Ancient Town 🏘️ A charming northern town famous for its springs, ancient architecture, and folk culture. In winter, the town is covered in snow with festive red lanterns hanging everywhere, creating a warm, celebratory atmosphere. The "tree flower" performance, where molten iron is splashed onto the ancient city walls creating sparkling "flowers," is a breathtaking sight! 🌟🔥 Weizhou Ancient City 🏯 Steeped in history, this ancient city showcases well-preserved architecture like the Yuxing Pavilion and South Ansi Pagoda. Strolling through its streets during winter feels like stepping back in time, where peace and solemnity fill the air. 🏙️💫 Xiaowutai Mountain Golden River Scenic Area 🏞️ Covered in snow, the mountain’s crystal-clear frozen waterfalls make this an ideal spot for hiking and photography lovers. The serene beauty of this winter wonderland will leave you in awe! 📸❄️ Feihu Valley Sky Grassland 🌾 A high mountain meadow, completely blanketed in snow during winter. The vastness of the grassland against the clear blue sky offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. 🌿🌌 West Ancient Castle 🏰 A well-preserved ancient fortress with streets, temples, and residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties. In winter, the quiet and peaceful vibe adds a unique charm to this historic site. 🏰✨ Yuxian in winter offers a mix of breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making it a perfect destination for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and a taste of history. 🌨️❤️#myitinerary #familytravel

📍Location Matianling in Yuxian County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, is situated in the Taihang Mountains about 200 kilometers from Beijing. As a natural scenic spot near Beijing, it's known as the "Little Tianshan" and "Shangri-La of Western Beijing," perfect for summer retreats and nature experiences. 🏞️Attractions Matianling preserves its pristine natural landscape with rich biodiversity and stunning scenery year-round. In spring and summer, wildflowers carpet the mountains, while autumn transforms the forests into a living oil painting. From the 2,122-meter peak of Little Tianshan, visitors can enjoy panoramic views and experience "touching clouds while standing on green grass." 🚗Transportation Guide - Driving: About 2 hours from Beijing via Beijing-Kunming Expressway, with scenic views perfect for a road trip. - Public Transport: Take a long-distance bus from Beijing to Yuxian County, then transfer to local buses or rent a car to reach the destination. 🏡Accommodation Recommendations - Featured Homestays: Traditional northern rural-style homestays nearby offer an authentic local living experience. - Camping: Outdoor enthusiasts can camp under the starry sky. 🌟Nearby Attractions - Sky Prairie: Close to Matianling, featuring rich vegetation and unique terrain. - Xiaowutai Mountain: A short distance away, offering beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. - Jinhekou: A famous scenic spot in Yuxian County with crystal-clear waters and beautiful landscapes. 📸Photography Tips Perfect for photography enthusiasts, especially during sunrise and sunset. Recommended to bring wide-angle lenses and tripods for panoramic shots. 💡Tips - Best visiting seasons are May-June and July-August for good weather and blooming flowers. - Bring sun protection and comfortable hiking shoes. - Protect the environment and take your trash with you.

Hey folks, sitting at your desks but your hearts have already flown far away 🌌. It's that time of year again to decide where to go for May Day. If you don't want to be crowded, come to these hidden gems around Beijing. Friends in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, save this post 🌟! 🌳 Yudaokou: Stunning Forest Grassland 📍 Location: Chengde, Hebei 🕐 Best time to visit: May - June This place is simply a fairyland, I'd call it divine💖! Vast expanses of green grassland🌱, tall and straight pine trees🌲 shading you, clear lake water reflecting the blue sky and white clouds☁, water lilies quietly blooming in the water🪷, and you can occasionally see cattle grazing leisurely🐂, as if you have stepped into a dreamy comic book🖼. 🌾 Ulan Butong Grassland: A Paradise for Photography Enthusiasts 📍 Location: Chifeng, Inner Mongolia 🕐 May - July is the golden travel period 🎫 Combo ticket: CNY 120/person, unlimited fun for 72 hours 🎉 As the closest stunning grassland to Beijing🌿, the landscape of grassland intertwined with forest is super unique🍃. In May and June, wildflowers bloom everywhere🌼, the green grass is like a carpet, and the photos are super beautiful📷. This is also an excellent place to take photos of sunrise🌅, sunset🌇, and the starry sky🌃. Ride horses🐎, hike and feel the tranquility of nature, instantly away from the hustle and bustle of the city🚗. 🌋 Universe Thoughtland Park: Superb Artificial Volcano 📍 Location: Langfang, Hebei 🕐 Go for it in May - August Folks, who would have thought that so close to Beijing, there is such a beautiful "matcha snow-capped" volcano 🌋 - Solaris Mountain! Although it is an artificial natural volcano, it is a real land art piece🎨, not "pseudo-natural" at all! If you are lucky, you can see a rainbow at noon🌈, and you can take great photos in minutes📸. ⚠️ Key point: Solaris Mountain may erupt every day at 3:34 PM, don't miss this magical moment🔥! 🗿 Genghis Khan's Horse-Tying Post: The Sea at the End of the Grassland 📍 Location: Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia 🕐 Best experience to visit: June - August 📅 Open all day 🎫 Free admission, it's amazing 🥰 Once you get here, it's like coming to the end of the world🌍. Black stone cliffs 🪨, endless green grassland🌱, "the end of the grassland is the sea", this romantic sentence comes true here🌊. Any casual shot is a cinematic masterpiece🎬. 🌄 Matianling: Hiking and Camping Paradise 📍 Location: Zhangjiakou, Hebei 🕐 Just right to go in July - September Known as Little Tianshan, it has everything: alpine meadows🌱, herds of cattle and sheep🐄, mountain streams💧, and pine needle forests🌲. The clouds seem to be within reach☁. Whether it's hiking🚶‍ or camping🏕, it's super suitable. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can have a great time🥳. 🌸 May is nature's most romantic gift. While the sun is just right, quickly grab your loved ones and head to the mountains and seas together🌊

#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

The eaves of the Jade Emperor Pavilion intercept the last winter cloud, The bells of the Nanan Temple Tower shatter six hundred Buddhist verses, In the shadow of the sundial at the Weizhou Office— The spring breeze is secretly changing the moss marks on the eaves. March in Weizhou is an unbound poetry collection, With the coordinates of the ancient castle courtyard pressed at the bottom of the page, Waiting for the south wind to unveil the prelude to April. Jade Emperor Pavilion Nanan Temple Tower Weizhou Office Weizhou Ancient City Scenic Area

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.

"Yuhuang Pavilion in Yu County: Ming and Qing Dynasty Charm Through Mythology" 📍Address: North End of Yu County Ancient City, Zhangjiakou, Hebei 🎫Tickets: ¥20 (Excellent value!) ⏰Suggested visit time: 1–2 hours (Climbing the city wall for sunset is super worthwhile!) 🔥Must-Go Reasons🔥 ❶ "Black Myth" players rejoice! Unlock the game scenes in real life. Red walls and gray tiles, flying eaves and mythical beasts, mottled ancient city walls… Perfectly replicating the oriental fantasy aesthetic in the game! Overlooking the scene from the pavilion, you'll instantly feel like Sun Wukong soaring through the clouds. Wearing Hanfu or battle-worn attire is recommended for taking stunning photos📸. ❷ Precious murals The interior walls of the pavilion are adorned with murals depicting the 28 constellations in Taoism. The characters are vivid, the lines are smooth, and the colors are still discernible after hundreds of years. ❸ Travel through the Ming and Qing dynasties in 1 hour Climb the creaking wooden stairs to the pavilion, touch the 600-year-old city bricks, and see the arrow holes on the city walls that bear the marks of time.✨ 📸Photo Tips ✔️Yuhuang Pavilion's main building—frame composition ✔️Southeast corner of the city wall—wide-angle shot of the winding city walls + modern county contrast ✔️Side vertical shot—taken at the edge of the ancient theater ✔️Outfit suggestions: Black/gold or red/white color schemes complement the ancient architecture. 💡Practical Tips ✅3-hour drive from Beijing/high-speed train to Zhangjiakou, then transfer to a bus ✅Pair with a day trip to Nuanquan Ancient Town/Yuzhou Government Office for even better value ✅The stairs inside the pavilion are steep, so wear comfortable flat shoes

In the shadows of the mossy gray bricks, Footsteps of passersby tread over the fleeting and careless life, The Nan'an Temple Tower leans over and gathers its mottled reflection, The Dougong brackets of the Jade Emperor Pavilion hang empty, waiting for their destined one! At this moment, the stone steps of the Shijia Temple are silent, Two stone lions carry a thousand years of time, accompanying me in the sun. Route: Jade Emperor Pavilion ➠ God of Wealth Temple ➠ Zhenwu Temple ➠ Lingyan Temple ➠ Jixing Tower ➠ Drum Tower ➠ Weizhou Government Office ➠ Nan'an Temple Tower ➠ Wanshan Tower ➠ Jingxian Gate ➠ Shijia Temple

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)

Originally built during the Northern Zhou Dynasty and rebuilt in the tenth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, Yuzhou Ancient City, the westernmost fortress of the YanYun Sixteen Prefectures, stands as a historical landmark. Controlling the grasslands to the north and the Taihang Mountains to the south, it served as the dividing line between nomadic and agricultural civilizations, earning the title of "The First Prefecture West of Beijing." Today, it retains a blend of vibrant daily life and historical charm. 📍 Yuxian County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei 🚘 Tour Route: West Great God Fortress ➡ Yuzhou Ancient City ➡ Yuxian Snow Mountain See Figures 5-7 ✅️Check-in Spots 1️⃣ West Great God Fortress ▸ Wasteland Aesthetics Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ With its rammed earth walls and natural cliff defenses, this Ming Dynasty military fortress against foreign enemies also served as a filming location for the TV series *Zou Xikou*. It's a 50-minute drive from Yuzhou Ancient City, which might not be worth a special trip, but combining it with a visit to the ancient city makes for a perfect itinerary. 2️⃣ Jade Emperor Pavilion ▸ The Same Camera Angle as in *Black Myth: Wukong*, the Highest Point of the Ancient City Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The pinnacle of ancient architecture in Yuxian County! With ample parking, it's recommended to start your ancient city tour here, proceeding counterclockwise to cover most of the highlights. Refer to P8. 3️⃣ Lingyan Temple ▸ The Vibrant Four Heavenly Kings Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Initially built during the Jin Dynasty and imperially renovated during the Ming Dynasty, the temple boasts lifelike statues of the Four Heavenly Kings in the front hall and an impressive octagonal coffered ceiling in the rear hall. 4️⃣ Yuzhou Government Office ▸ Reconstructed on Its Original Site Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️ A reconstructed Ming and Qing Dynasty government office, it's personally considered average and not worth the ticket price. 5️⃣ Nan'an Temple Pagoda ▸ Ancient Pagoda from the Northern Wei Dynasty Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty and renovated during the Liao Dynasty, this 8-sided, 13-story solid brick pagoda sits within a small area, making the ticket purchase less valuable. The stunning photos online are mostly taken from the next attraction, Wanshan Tower. 6️⃣ Wanshan Tower ▸ Check-in Point for Nan'an Temple Pagoda Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wanshan Tower itself is ordinary, but its main draw is the photo opportunity with Nan'an Temple Pagoda, a popular spot for bloggers. However, the afternoon light creates backlight from this angle, making the pagoda appear dark in photos. A morning visit is recommended. 7️⃣ Drum Tower ▸ Overlooking the Ancient City Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️ Located in the heart of the ancient city, ascending the tower offers a panoramic view. 8️⃣ Liyuan Xiaozhuang Village ▸ View of Yuxian Snow Mountain Recommended Index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Shooting Location: Navigate to "Liyuan Xiaozhuang Village." You'll pass a culvert on the way, but the view is visible throughout the journey. The key is to capture the sunset moment. 🚫 Avoid: Zhenwu Temple has been closed for over half a year. Changping Granary is suitable for architecture enthusiasts; general tourists can skip it.

#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.