How to Explore Yixian: This Guide Tells You All

In June, as the summer sun grows hotter, Yixian—the ancient garden of the Yan-Zhao region—unfolds like a poetic scroll, with its lively landscapes and rich history, inviting you on a romantic journey. Follow this ultra-detailed guide for a magical 3-day, 2-night adventure in Yixian! 📅 Itinerary **Day 1: A Day of Historical Exploration** - **Morning**: Arrive in Yixian and head to the **Western Qing Tombs**, the last imperial mausoleum complex in China, where four emperors and nine empresses are buried. Begin your exploration (combo ticket: ¥120/person, includes Tailing and Muling). Stroll along the 7-kilometer Sacred Way of Tailing, where six pairs of stone statues emerge from the morning mist, transporting you back 300 years to imperial times. - **Noon**: Enjoy authentic Yixian stewed free-range chicken at a nearby farmhouse. The dish, cooked with wild mushrooms and chestnuts, features rich broth and tender meat. Pair it with Yixian millet pancakes—soft and fragrant—for a satisfying meal. - **Afternoon**: Visit the **Yanxiadu Ruins** and explore the free-entry Yanxiadu Ruins Park. Climb the 40-meter-high Wuyang Terrace to imagine the grandeur of this Warring States capital 2,300 years ago. Check out bronze weapons and pottery in the cultural relics exhibition hall. - **Evening**: Return to the county town and wander the bustling night market. Try **Jingke Pancakes** (¥5 each)—buckwheat wrappers filled with minced donkey meat and scallions, crispy outside and fragrant inside—paired with a bowl of savory Yixian bean porridge (¥3) for warmth. **Day 2: A Day of Lakes and Mountains** - **Morning**: Head to **Yishui Lake**, hailed as the "Little Guilin of the North." Purchase a ¥140/person combo ticket (includes boat ride). Cruise past red cliffs and isolated islands, marveling at nature’s artistry, then hike up Laozifeng’s 318 steps for a panoramic lake view. - **Noon**: Feast on fresh lake delicacies at a lakeside restaurant (around ¥80/person). Must-tries: steamed transparent whitebait with lemon juice (boneless and tender) and crispy Yishui Lake shrimp cakes. - **Afternoon**: Stroll through **Lianxiang·Taihang Water Town** (free entry), with its Ming-Qing-style architecture, stone-paved lanes, and flowing streams. Visit traditional workshops like blacksmiths, breweries, and tofu makers. - **Evening**: Join the water town’s night market. Don’t miss Taihang grilled sausages (¥10/skewer) and **minjian noodles** (¥15/bowl)—pea-flour noodles with minced meat, tangy and spicy—paired with Yixian persimmon wine (¥10) for a relaxed evening. **Day 3: A Day of Red Culture** - **Morning**: Visit **Langya Mountain** (¥80/person). Hike the main peak, retracing the "Five Heroes Memorial Hall-Chessboard Summit" route, and pay respects at the "Five Heroes of Langya Mountain" cliff-jump monument. Challenge yourself on the glass viewing platform for a thrilling cliff view. - **Noon**: Lunch at a Langya Mountain farmhouse (around ¥60/person). Try their signature Yixian stewed chicken with cornbread—soaked in broth, the bread is even tastier than the meat! - **Afternoon**: Explore the **Langya Mountain Cultural Museum** to delve deeper into its history and revolutionary stories before heading back. 🚗 Transportation - **Self-drive**: From Beijing, take Jingkun or Rongwu Expressway (~2 hours). From Shijiazhuang, take Jingkun to Zhangshi Expressway (~3 hours). - **High-speed rail**: Arrive at Baoding East Station, then take a bus to Yixian (~1.5 hours). - **Flight**: From Beijing Daxing Airport, take a bus to Zhuozhou, then transfer to Yixian (~3 hours total). 🏠 Accommodation Picks - **Budget**: Hi Inn (Baoding Yixian Branch)—affordable, near Yixian Bus Station and Yandu Ancient Town. - **Comfort**: Tuke China Hotel (Yixian Branch)—close to Yandu Ancient Town and Cultural Square, clean and well-equipped. - **Luxury**: Langya Mountain Zhongkai Hotel—scenic surroundings near Langya Mountain, with stunning views. 📸 Photo Spots - **Western Qing Tombs**: Misty stone statues on Tailing’s Sacred Way and Muling’s fragrant nanmu halls—perfect for hanfu-clad photos. - **Yishui Lake**: Capture the jade-like lake from Laozifeng’s summit—a drone shot will wow your social media. - **Langya Mountain**: Brave the glass platform for a cliffside selfie, or dress in military attire at the Five Heroes Monument. - **Taihang Water Town**: Ming-Qing architecture and lively night markets offer photogenic backdrops. 📌 Tips - June is hot—pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. - Wear comfy shoes for long walks at scenic spots. - Dine in town or at local favorites for better prices than touristy restaurants. - Hire guides at historical sites like the Western Qing Tombs for deeper insights. Yixian in June blends nature and history with delicious food and stunning views. Come write your own summer story here! #YixianTravel #JuneGetaway #YixianGuide #HebeiTourism