Baiyangdian: A Sparkling Pearl

Located in Baoding, Hebei Province, Baiyangdian is the largest freshwater lake on the North China Plain, known as the "Pearl of North China" and the "Venice of the North." It features vast reed marshes, stunning lotus seas, a rich revolutionary history, and charming water town scenery. Recommended Attractions 1. Lotus Grand View Garden: Home to over 300 species of lotus flowers, the garden is in full bloom from July to September. Here, you can admire the giant Amazon waterlilies, take in panoramic views of the vast lotus ponds from the Lotus Viewing Tower, and enjoy activities such as lotus picking on a wooden boat. Admission is CNY 50. 2. Baiyangdian Cultural Garden: This garden includes the Yanling Team Memorial Hall, the Kangxi Water Encirclement Palace, and the Gazicun Village. You can learn about the history of the war against the Japanese and the Qing Dynasty emperors' inspection tours, as well as enjoy exciting performances. Admission is CNY 50. 3. Exotic Garden: Enjoy Thai transvestite shows, crocodile fights, high-wire acts, and other performances. This garden is perfect for family trips. Admission is CNY 40. 4. Mandarin Duck Island: With "love culture" as its theme, this island features the No. 1 Lock in the World and the Yue Lao Temple. The night scenery is picturesque. Admission is CNY 20. 5. Reed Marshes and Wetland Reserve: Take a boat ride through the marshes and feel as if you are in a reed maze. You can also see herons, wild ducks, and other water birds, and in the fall, the reed catkins are like snow. 6. Baiyangdian Long Corridor: Stroll along the corridor, surrounded by reeds, and see many wild birds. 7. Baiyangdian Yannan Dike: Connected by three small islands, this dike has open water on both sides. You can enjoy the unique scenery of Baiyangdian on the wooden boardwalk. Food Experiences 1. All-Fish Banquet: The fish in Baiyangdian is fresh and delicious and can be prepared in many ways, such as stewed in a firewood pot, steamed, braised, or in fish ball soup. We recommend the Wangyuedao No. 15 farmhouse outside the scenic area. 2. Corn Cakes and Stewed Small Fish: Corn cakes dipped in fish soup are very tasty. 3. Cold Wild Lotus Root Shoots: Available only in spring, these shoots are crisp and refreshing. 4. Smoked Fish: Made with bream, mud carp, and silver carp, this dish is marinated, steamed, and smoked, making it tender and elastic. 5. Red-Yolk Salted Duck Eggs: The eggs laid by free-range ducks in Baiyangdian are mostly red-yolk eggs, which are salty, fragrant, and oily after being pickled. 6. Tea-Marbled Songhua Eggs: These soft-centered Songhua eggs have a unique flavor. 7. Braised Wild Duck: The meat is tender and flavorful. Recommended Accommodations 1. Farmhouses: - Guolikou/Baiyangdian Village Farmhouse: CNY 150–200/night, including breakfast and dinner. Open the window to see the lotus fields. The owner can help you find reliable boatmen. - Yonghelou Farmhouse: A few dozen CNY per person, this farmhouse features modern and simple decor and has a waterside fishing village king room, making it perfect for families. 2. Comfort Hotels: - Wuduolan Yue Hotel (Anxin Baiyangdian Scenic Area Tourist Wharf Branch): Rated 4.8, this hotel is close to Anxin Bus Station and Baiyangdian Scenic Area. - All Seasons Hotel (Anxin Baiyangdian Scenic Area Branch): Rated 4.7, this hotel has comfortable rooms and complete facilities. 3. High-End Hotels: - Baiyangdian Zhuorun Hot Spring International Hotel: Starting at approx. CNY 500/night, you can enjoy garden views and soak in a private hot spring. Travel Tips 1. Best Time to Travel: The lotus flowers are in full bloom from July to September, making for the most beautiful scenery, but be aware of the heat. There are relatively few people in May and October, making these months ideal for in-depth tours. 2. Transportation: - High-Speed Rail: Take the high-speed rail from Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, or other cities to Baiyangdian Station, then transfer to bus route 16 to go directly to the scenic area wharf. - Bus: There are direct buses to Anxin County from Beijing Muxiyuan, Tianjin West Station, and Baoding Passenger Transport Center. From there, take a taxi to the wharf for approx. CNY 10. - Self-Driving: Navigate to Baiyangdian Tourist Wharf. Parking costs CNY 20/day (capped). 3. Precautions: - The ultraviolet rays are strong and there are many mosquitoes by the water in Baiyangdian, so be sure to bring mosquito repellent, hats, and other sun and mosquito protection products. - Be sure to wear a life jacket when boating. Do not rock the wooden boat, and it is best to put your phone in a waterproof bag. - Some farmhouses and stalls only accept cash, so it is recommended to prepare approx. CNY 200 in small bills. A trip to Baiyangdian will allow you to immerse yourself in the lotus fragrance and reed shadows of the "boundless lotus leaves," and you can also feel the weight of history in the revolutionary culture. Come to Baiyangdian and start a unique water town trip!