Hidden in Tangshan: The "Great Wall Secret Realm"! Baiyangyu, a Niche Gem, Guarantees All Your Amazing Moments ✨
Hidden in Tangshan: The "Great Wall Secret Realm"! Baiyangyu, a Niche Gem, Guarantees All Your Amazing Moments ✨
Who says you can only go to Beijing to see the Great Wall? In Qian'an, Tangshan, there's a hidden gem with beautiful scenery and few crowds, where you can unlock "hidden ways" to experience the Great Wall – the Baiyangyu Great Wall Tourist Area! Here, you'll find both the majestic winding city walls and the graceful charm of mountains and water. Every shot is a stunning, atmospheric masterpiece, truly the "pinnacle of niche travel" 👑
🌟 Scenic Area Features: Unlock the Great Wall in N Ways
The Baiyangyu Great Wall is no ordinary section; it boasts two "exclusive labels"! First is the **"Water Pass Great Wall," where the Great Wall meets a river, and water flows through the pass. The city walls are reflected in the clear water, adding a touch of Jiangnan's tenderness to the ruggedness of the frontier. In spring and summer, with lush greenery, it's like stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting. Second is the "Marble Great Wall,"** where parts of the city wall are built with natural marble. Under the sunlight, it emits a faint luster and feels smooth to the touch, completely different from the common blue brick Great Wall. It's truly a "niche wonder" in the history of Great Wall architecture!
In addition, the scenic area also features an ancient scholar tree (over a thousand years old) and the ruins of the Qi Family Army Training Ground. Walking on the mottled city walls, you can almost hear the echoes of history. Moreover, the tourist density here is low, so you don't have to jostle with crowds. You can quietly enjoy your time alone with the Great Wall, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle~
📅 Super Practical Itinerary (Perfect for 2 Days and 1 Night)
Day 1: First Encounter with the Great Wall, Immersive Sightseeing
- Morning: Upon arrival at the scenic area, enter through the main gate and stroll along the wooden boardwalk to the Water Pass Great Wall. Experience the beauty of the "Great Wall reflected in water" up close. After checking in, directly ascend the wall and climb southeast from the Water Pass section. This section is moderately difficult, and along the way, you'll see various forms of watchtowers and beacon towers.
- Noon: Enjoy authentic local farmhouse dishes at a farmhouse restaurant within the scenic area to replenish your energy.
- Afternoon: Continue climbing the wall to "Shenwei Tower," which offers the best panoramic view of the entire Baiyangyu Grand Canyon. In the evening, you can also capture the "Great Wall sunset," with the sunset glow painting the city walls a stunning red!
- Evening: Check into a hotel near the scenic area. After dinner, you can take a walk on the nearby country roads and enjoy the mountain breeze and tranquility.
Day 2: In-depth Exploration, Unlocking Niche Experiences
- Morning: Head straight to the "Marble Great Wall section" and carefully observe the special material of the city wall. After checking in, visit the Qi Family Army Training Ground Ruins and experience a "time travel" sensation to an ancient military camp.
- Noon: Savor local specialty foods. After a satisfying meal, prepare for your return journey.
🚗 Transportation Guide: Super Convenient Ways to Get There
- Self-driving: Highly recommended! It takes about 1.5 hours from Tangshan city center and about 2.5 hours from Beijing. There's ample parking at the scenic area entrance, and parking fees are inexpensive.
- Public Transportation: From Tangshan Railway Station, take a long-distance bus to Qian'an. From Qian'an Bus Station, transfer to a rural bus bound for Baiyangyu. The journey takes about 1 hour, but bus services are infrequent, so it's advisable to check the schedule in advance~
🍜 Dining Recommendations: Local Favorites
When in Baiyangyu, you must try the local specialties! There are many hidden gem eateries around the scenic area and in Qian'an city:
- Qizi Shaobing: A classic Tangshan snack. The crust is crispy, and the fillings include meat, red bean paste, etc. You can't stop at just one! Many shops allow you to buy and eat on the spot, or take them as souvenirs.
- Jingdong Chestnut Stewed Chicken: Made with locally produced Jingdong chestnuts and free-range chickens. The chicken is tender, the chestnuts are soft and flavorful, and the broth is rich. It's absolutely amazing with rice!
- Qian'an Ganglu Shaobing: Different from Qizi Shaobing, it's thinner and crispier, with a charcoal aroma. It's super fragrant even eaten plain~
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Catering to All Needs
- Baiyangyu Great Wall Hotel: Located right at the scenic area entrance, it's a 5-minute walk to the scenic area. The hotel offers rooms with views, allowing you to see the Great Wall as soon as you open the curtains in the morning. It has complete facilities and is suitable for travelers seeking convenience.
- Qian'an Jinjiang Hotel: Located in Qian'an city, about a 20-minute drive from the scenic area. It's a mid-to-high-end hotel with a comfortable environment and convenient access to dining and shopping. Suitable for those who want to combine city exploration with their trip.
- Baiyangyu Farmhouse Inns (e.g., "Changcheng Renjia"): Excellent value for money, offering authentic farmhouse dishes. The owners are warm and hospitable, and you can experience rural life. Suitable for travelers who enjoy a down-to-earth experience.
📸 Photo Spots + Tips: Instantly Become a Social Media Photography Pro
1. Water Pass Great Wall Observation Deck: Stand on the observation deck to capture a panoramic view of the "Great Wall crossing water." It's recommended to wear a light-colored long dress and capture it when the wind blows the skirt, blurring out the crowd in the background to highlight the layers of the Great Wall and water. The light is soft before 10 AM, making for fresher photos.
2. Marble Great Wall Section: Take close-up shots near the city wall, with your hand touching the wall or your profile looking into the distance. Use the sunlight to make the marble glow. Choose dark-colored outfits (e.g., black, navy blue) to create a contrast with the light-colored wall for better photos.
3. Shenwei Tower: Ascend Shenwei Tower and use the canyon and distant mountains as a backdrop. Take photos of people's backs standing by the tower, or moments of turning around and smiling. In the evening, use backlighting to capture "atmospheric blockbusters."
4. Under the Ancient Scholar Tree: The ancient scholar tree has lush branches and leaves, perfect for ancient-style photos. Wear Hanfu or new Chinese-style clothing, stand under the tree looking up at the branches, or sit on a stone reading a book to create a quiet and leisurely feeling.
5. Inside the Great Wall Watchtower: Stand by the window of the watchtower and take "framed compositions," with half of the person's body leaning out the window and the distant Great Wall in the background. Use the wide-angle mode on your phone to capture the depth of the watchtower.
🌳 Nearby Attractions Recommended: Make the Most of Your Trip
- Eastern Qing Tombs: About a 1-hour drive from Baiyangyu. It's the largest and most complete imperial tomb complex in China, where you can experience the grandeur of royal mausoleums and learn about Qing Dynasty history.
- Tangshan Nanhu Lake Scenic Area: About a 1.5-hour drive from Baiyangyu. It features large lakes, greenery, and flower seas, as well as the Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park. Suitable for walking, picnicking, and taking photos.
- Shanyekou Scenic Area: About a 30-minute drive from Baiyangyu. Known for its "five-colored stones," with canyons, waterfalls, and streams throughout. It's super cool in summer, suitable for family trips.
- Jingzhongshan Scenic Area: About a 40-minute drive from Baiyangyu. It's a scenic area that combines natural landscapes and religious culture. There are many ancient temples on the mountain, and you can overlook the mountains from the summit.
- Qian'an Museum: About a 20-minute drive from Baiyangyu. You can learn about Qian'an's history, culture, and Great Wall culture. The museum houses many precious cultural relics, suitable for those interested in humanities and history.
The beauty of the Baiyangyu Great Wall needs to be experienced in person~ Whether you want to climb the Great Wall, admire the beautiful scenery, or take a set of photos that will amaze your friends, this place can satisfy you! Follow me for more niche travel gems and practical guides, taking you to unlock a different kind of poetry and distant lands~ ❤️