Not planning to stay home this holiday? Check out these hidden gems around Beijing. By high-speed train, you can reach them in just one to two hours — and unlock a whole new side of scenery with ease.

Slow Living in Tianjin

The Tianjin Eye

[Photo via Beijing Daily App]

Tianjin is located on the northeastern edge of the North China Plain, adjacent to Beijing. This modern port city is full of charm. Stroll along Wudadao (Five Great Avenues) and the Italian-Style Area to experience its rich history through Western-style architecture, or immerse yourself in folk traditions with crosstalk comedy and the aroma of local favorites like jianbing guozi and Go Believe (Goubuli) steamed buns.

Different trains arrive at different stations in Tianjin, each close to must-see attractions:

Beijingnan Railway Station → Tianjinnan Railway Station (C2571, 9:05–9:39, 34 min)
Attractions: Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel, Italian-Style Area, Wudadao Cultural District, Ancient Culture Street, Tianjin Drum Tower, Ci Fangzi (Porcelain House)

Beijingnan Railway Station→ Wuqing Railway Station (G2561, 8:38–8:59, 21 min)
Attractions: Florentia Village, Nanhu Park

Beijingnan Railway Station→ Binhai Railway Station (C2559, 8:01–9:03, 1h 2 min)
Attractions: Dongjiang Coastal Park, National Maritime Museum of China, Tianjin Haichang Polar Ocean World, Binhai Library, Yanghuo (Foreign Commodities) Market

Emerald Sea and Golden Sands in Qinhuangdao

Aranya

[Photo via Beijing Daily App]

 
Situated in northeastern Hebei, Qinhuangdao blends sweeping coastal scenery with deep history and vibrant modernity. Its cultural heritage and pleasant seaside climate make it a perennial holiday retreat. Here are the train options that will take you to Qinhuangdao.

Beijing Railway Station→ Qinhuangdao Railway Station (D507, 13:48–15:44, 1h 56 min)
Beijing Railway Station → Beidaihe Railway Station (G9897, 12:30–14:10, 1h 40 min)
Attractions: Aranya, Shanhaiguan, Geziwo Park, Beidaihe East Beach, Nandaihe Scenic Resort, Laolongtou Scenic Area

Historic Splendor: Chengde

Chengde Mountain Resort

[Photo via Beijing Daily App]

Located in northeastern Hebei, Chengde is where imperial grandeur meets natural beauty. The famous Chengde Mountain Resort — one of China's Four Great Scenic Resorts — sits among lush forests that cover over 60 percent of the area.

Beijing Railway Station→ Chengdenan Railway Station (G907, 9:14–10:26, 1h 12 min)
Attractions: Chengde Mountain Resort, Fengning Bashang Grassland, Puning Temple, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Mulan Weichang, China Horse Town Resort

Warring States Legacy in Handan

Taihang Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area

[Photo via Beijing Daily App]

Located in southern Hebei, Handan boasts more than 3,000 years of uninterrupted history and has never changed its name. As a designated National Historic and Cultural City, it remains steeped in heritage and timeless traditions.

Beijingxi Railway Station → Handandong Railway Station (G73, 1h 37 min)
Attractions: Guangfu Ancient Town Scenic Area, Wahuang Palace, Taihang Wuzhishan Scenic Area, Xiangtang Mountain Scenic Area

After reading about these amazing destinations, have you made your choice? Pick one and set off on your next adventure!

(Source: 12306.cn)