Hengshui is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don’t recommend going in October because.........
In-depth Travel Guide to Hengshui (Including Per Capita Budget Reference)
Hengshui, a city famous for its wetland ecology and historical culture, boasts the elegant Hengshui Lake, known as the "Most Beautiful Wetland in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei," as well as the rich historical sites like Jizhou Ancient City and Luli Ancient Town. The following guide integrates attraction tickets, specialty foods, accommodation options, and transportation information to help you efficiently plan your trip.
1. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices
1. Hengshui Lake Tourist Area (Tickets from 30 RMB, discounted price 29 RMB)
As a 5A-level scenic spot ranking high on Hebei’s autumn viewing list, Hengshui Lake is renowned for its 120 square kilometers of wetland ecology. You can take a boat tour on the lake (about 50 RMB/hour), enjoy the reed marshes and migratory bird habitats, or hike on small islands like Plum Blossom Island and Sansheng Island. In autumn, the ginkgo forest and reed flower sea by the lakeside are perfect for photography.
2. Hengshui Wildlife Zoo (Tickets from 30 RMB, discounted price 29 RMB)
Located 20 kilometers from the city center in Wuyi County, this zoo features close-up views of wild animals. It has a carnivore zone, herbivore zone, and children’s play area. Visitors can drive through the carnivore zone (additional ticket required) or take a small train tour. Parking is convenient, making it ideal for family trips.
3. Jizhou Ancient City Ruins (Tickets from 20 RMB, discounted price 16 RMB)
Situated by Hengshui Lake, Jizhou Ancient City was an important military fortress during the Han Dynasty. The ruins preserve parts of the rammed earth city walls, and climbing the walls offers panoramic views of Hengshui Lake. Nearby museums display Han Dynasty pottery, weapons, and other artifacts, perfect for history enthusiasts.
4. Luli Ancient Town (Free Admission)
This 4A-level scenic area is themed around Han culture, recreating Han Dynasty streets, schools, and mansions. Visitors can experience Hanfu photo shoots, traditional papermaking, movable type printing, or watch Han Dynasty ritual performances. The ancient town has several teahouses and handicraft shops, ideal for a leisurely visit.
5. Hengshui Museum (Free Admission)
Located in the city center, this modern museum exhibits historical artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era in the Hengshui region, including bronzes, ceramics, and paintings. It features interactive exhibits with AR technology that reconstruct ancient life scenes, making it great for visiting with children.
2. Local Cuisine and Average Spending
1. Traditional Snacks
Jizhou Steamed Pancake (15-20 RMB per person): Soft pancakes stewed with shredded meat and bean sprouts. Recommended: "Jizhou Old Street Steamed Pancake Shop" for rich layered flavors.
Hengshui Lake Roasted Duck Egg (10-15 RMB per person): Made from Hengshui Lake duck eggs, cured in yellow clay and slow-roasted. The yolk is dense and the white is fragrant. Available at specialty shops around the scenic area.
Shoe Sole Biscuit (5-10 RMB per person): Named for its shoe sole shape, with a crispy crust and soft inside. Recommended: the long-established "Hengshui Shoe Sole Biscuit Shop" in the city.
2. Specialty Dishes
Wuyi Steamed Bowl (30-50 RMB per person): A steamed dish combining pork belly, ribs, meatballs, and vegetables. Recommended: "Wuyi Steamed Bowl Shop" for rich flavors.
Golden Thread Mixed Noodles (10-15 RMB per person): Made from mung beans, wheat, and sesame, the noodles are as thin as hair and taste best with chicken soup. Try it at "Hengshui Golden Thread Mixed Noodles Shop" in the city.
3. Night Markets and Snack Streets
Hongqi Street Night Market: A lively night market opening at dusk, offering grilled skewers, pancakes, cold noodles, and more. You can get full for 20-30 RMB per person.
Qingzhen Yishunzhai (19 RMB per person): A long-established halal restaurant on Xinhua West Road, known for lamb skewers and baked buns, great for late-night snacks.
3. Accommodation Recommendations and Price Ranges
1. High-End Resorts
Hengshui Taocheng Hilton Garden Inn (400-600 RMB/night): Near Wanda Plaza, with new and clean rooms, river and lake views, gym, and charging stations. Suitable for business or family trips.
Hengshui Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel (400-800 RMB/night): Close to Hengshui North Station, with above-ground and underground parking, café, and executive lounge. Excellent service for quality-seeking travelers.
2. Mid-Range Comfort
Vienna Hotel (Hengshui Middle School Branch, 300-500 RMB/night): A 10-minute walk to Hengshui Museum, offering buffet breakfast, charging stations, and childcare services. Ideal for families with children.
Yi He Boutique Hotel (Hengshui City Government Branch, 250-400 RMB/night): Near Xinyulou Department Store, spacious rooms, laundry facilities, and non-smoking floors. Great value for money.
3. Budget Options
Home Inn (Hengshui Heping West Road Hengshui College Branch, 150-250 RMB/night): Near Hengshui Railway Station, convenient transportation, clean and comfortable large beds. Suitable for backpackers.
99 Preferred Hotel (Hengshui Lake Hongqi South Street Branch, 100-200 RMB/night): 3 kilometers from Hengshui Lake, deluxe family rooms accommodate 3 people. Good for self-driving tourists.
4. Transportation Guide and Costs
1. Intercity Transportation
High-speed Rail: Multiple daily trains from Beijing to Hengshui, about 1.5 hours, ticket price around 100 RMB.
Self-driving: Direct access via Jing-Tai Expressway, toll about 80 RMB. Multiple parking lots around Hengshui Lake (5-10 RMB per use).
2. In-City Transportation
Bus: Main urban routes cost 1 RMB (e.g., Routes 1, 6, 28), express and suburban routes cost 2 RMB (e.g., Express 1, 15). Bus Route 6 goes directly to Hengshui Lake Scenic Area.
Taxi: Usually under 15 RMB per trip within the city; about 25 RMB from Hengshui Lake to the Wildlife Zoo.
Shared Bikes: Brands like Hello and Qingju cover the city, convenient for short trips.
5. Itinerary Planning and Budget Reference
Classic 2-Day Tour
Day 1: Hengshui Lake boat tour (50 RMB) + Jizhou Ancient City Ruins (16 RMB) + Jizhou Steamed Pancake (20 RMB) + Night market snacks (30 RMB).
Day 2: Hengshui Wildlife Zoo (29 RMB) + Luli Ancient Town (free) + Wuyi Steamed Bowl (50 RMB) + Hengshui Museum (free).
Accommodation: Mid-range hotel about 350 RMB per night.
Transportation: Taxi + bus in the city about 50 RMB.
Total budget: Approximately 600-700 RMB per person (excluding round-trip major transportation).
6. Practical Tips
Best Season: April-May for birdwatching, September-October for autumn viewing. In winter, the lake freezes for ice activities.
Clothing Advice: It’s windy by Hengshui Lake, so bring a windbreaker; use sun protection in summer and wear down jackets in winter.
Cultural Experience: Luli Ancient Town holds Han Dynasty ritual performances every Saturday; check the schedule in advance.
Avoid Pitfalls: “Low-price one-day tours” around scenic spots often include hidden costs. It’s recommended to travel independently or choose reputable travel agencies.
The beauty of Hengshui lies in the blend of wetlands and ancient cities, and also in the everyday charm of a bowl of steamed pancakes and a roasted duck egg. Whether exploring ecology or tracing cultural roots, this city offers an unexpectedly wonderful travel experience at an affordable price.