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33 Best Stops Between Dalian and Xi'an
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Dalian to Xi'an?
The direct drive from Dalian to Xi'an is 1,175 mi (1,891 km), and should have a drive time of 21 hrs 14 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Dalian to Xi'an, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Beijing, Tianjin, and Pingyao County, as well as top places to visit like Dahei Mountain and Dabijia Mountain, or the ever-popular Bingyu Street.
Visiting Dalian or Xi'an? See our Dalian Trip Planner and our Xi'an Trip Planner.
1,175 mi
Total Distance
21 hrs 14 mins
Drive Time
33 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Dalian and Xi'an
The top cities between Dalian and Xi'an are Beijing, Tianjin, and Pingyao County. Beijing is the most popular city on the route. It's 9 hours from Dalian and 12 hours from Xi'an.
1
Tianjin
Tianjin, a major city in North China, has been a crucial trading port since the 14th Century and serves as the commercial gateway to Beijing. It boasts special economic development zones that attract both local and international businesses. The city's proximity to the Yellow Sea makes it an important link between Beijing and the sea, with a rich history evident in its European-style buildings from the 19th century foreign concession era.
3% as popular as Beijing
16 minutes off the main route, 42% of way to Xi'an
2
Beijing
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, is a city where ancient history meets modern innovation. With roots that trace back over 3,000 years, it boasts iconic landmarks like the majestic Forbidden City and the expansive Tiananmen Square. Here, visitors can explore Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and delve into China's rich heritage at the National Museum.
Most popular city on this route
12 minutes off the main route, 43% of way to Xi'an
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3
Pingyao
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Pingyao, also known as Pingyao Ancient City, is a historic walled city located in central Shanxi, China. It holds great significance in Chinese economic history and is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Ming and Qing urban planning and architecture. The city has a rich history dating back over 2,800 years to the Western Zhou Dynasty.
1% as popular as Beijing
4 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Xi'an
Best stops along Dalian to Xi'an drive
The top stops along the way from Dalian to Xi'an (with short detours) are Pingyao, 大连星海广场, and Jinshanling. Other popular stops include 天津之眼, Mount Wutai, and Chengde Mountain Resort.
1
Bingyu Street
Transportation service
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Beach & Pool Clubs
4.5
(106)
XX8F+6RW, 冰峪大街, Zhuanghe, Dalian, Liaoning, China, 116407
2C Y — Google reviewRahil C — Google reviewBomi L — Google review愛魚ちゃんねる — Google review대박천억행운감사 — Google review•
Dahei Mountain
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Dahei Mountain offers a highly enjoyable and secure climbing experience with breathtaking vistas. The scenic outlook during the ascent is truly remarkable, ensuring an immersive journey. Furthermore, the mountain boasts numerous temples to explore, preventing any possibility of monotony. While it may be slightly distant from urban boundaries, this majestic peak provides an excellent location for trekkers seeking adventure. However, caution should be exercised due to potential hazards associated with climbing.
It was very good, pretty safe and the view while climbing was terrific.. also it had plenty of temples to visit while climbing so you never get bored.
SueQueen 9 — Google review
Good place for climbing. Can be dangerous.
A GOOD TREKKING EXPERIENCE, A WHOLE Scenic View
(Translated by Google) If you like mountains, this is a place worth visiting. The height is the same as Gwanaksan Mountain, but there are stone steps all the way to the top, so wearing sneakers is not a problem. The mountain scenery is nice and the view from the top is also nice. When coming down, it is convenient to take a mini shuttle bus (10 yuan per person).
It was difficult to get there by public transportation, so I took a taxi and it cost about 150 yuan for a round trip from downtown.
(Original)
산을 좋아하는 분이시라면 가볼만한 곳입니다. 높이는 관악산과 같은데 정상까지 계속 돌계단이라 운동화 신어도 무리 없어요. 산 풍경도 멋지고 정상 전망도 좋아요. 내려올 땐 미니 셔틀버스 (1인당 10위안) 타면 편해요.
대중교통으로 가기엔 어려워 택시 타고 이동했는데 시내에서 왕복 택시비 150위안 정도 들었습니다.
(Translated by Google) A classic hiking mountain
It's over 600m, but it's easy.
There were surprisingly many different kinds of birds and squirrels (there was also a golden chicken).
(Original)
定番のハイキング山です
600m超えですが楽チンです
意外といろんな鳥やリスもいました（金鶏もいました）
(Translated by Google) Dalian Daheishan
(Original)
대련 대흑산
4.8
(8)
4.4
(113)
Jinzhou District, Dalian, China, 116622
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3
Dabijia Mountain
Island
Nature & Parks
Mountains
4.0
(89)
Taihe District, Jinzhou, China, 121007, USA
4Ider J — Google reviewJulie P — Google reviewYang Z — Google reviewMarco ( — Google review해리 — Google review周聖富 — Google reviewHパーク — Google review•
Laohutan Scenic Attraction
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Parks
Laohutan Scenic Attraction, also known as Tiger Beach Ocean Park, is situated in the central part of Dalian City's southern seashore. Spanning over 1,180,000 square meters with a coastline of more than 4,000 meters, it stands as China's largest modern lido. The park boasts natural and man-made attractions such as Tigers Sculpture Square.
Beautiful place, the park is big. To visit all the spots in the park takes about 3-4 hours walk.
Lynette L — Google review
Quite a place to have some fun. Wasnt crowded as expected. By metro is best way to go. You can find many food places around the area. It is quite a big park including many attractions.
Lots of things to see. Really enjoy the place. A good place to have a quiet cozy time. ❤️ 😍 💖
The harbour is a popular spot for tourists & locals alike. Vibrant stalls & stands set up for local crafts.
Beautiful area
Nothing to see
(Translated by Google) Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park is located in the central part of Dalian's southern coast, a national scenic area. It covers 1.18 million square meters and boasts over 4,000 meters of winding coastline.
Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park boasts the Polar Hall, a venue showcasing polar marine animals and offering a glimpse into polar ecology; the Coral Hall, a comprehensive marine life venue showcasing coral reef biomes; the Bird's Singing Forest, China's largest semi-natural aviary; the Marine Animal Hall, showcasing the social lives of wild walruses, sea lions, and fur seals; the Happy Theater, a venue combining situational drama with animal performances; Blue Bay Happy Island, an artificial island where you can admire the adorable roaming seals; the Tiger Sculpture, China's largest granite animal sculpture; and the Maju Gelding Root Carving Art Museum, a museum showcasing the magical and transformative beauty of the ordinary. Other nationally renowned attractions include the country's longest large-scale cross-sea aerial cableway; the Dalian Southern Coast sightseeing boat; and the thrilling Jurassic Rapids Adventure. Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park, a perfect fusion of nature and artificial intelligence, is a stunning feature of Dalian's coastal city, welcoming nearly two million visitors annually from home and abroad. In 2002, the park was recognized as a renowned Chinese tourism brand. In 2007, it was designated a National 5A Tourist Attraction by the National Tourism Administration for the first time. It has also successfully passed ISO9001 quality management system and ISO14001 environmental management system certifications.
Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park is a modern marine theme park showcasing marine culture and highlighting the unique characteristics of Dalian's coastal city. It integrates marine animal and marine life displays, marine animal performances, marine recreational activities, and marine science education.
(Original)
大連老虎灘海洋公園坐落在國家級風景名勝區－大連南部海濱的中部，佔地118萬平方米，有著4,000餘米的曲折海岸線。
大連老虎灘海洋公園擁有展示極地海洋動物、體驗極地生態的場館——極地館；展示珊瑚礁生物群為主的綜合類海洋生物場館——珊瑚館；全國最大的半自然狀態的人工鳥籠——鳥語林；展示野生海象、海獅、海狗群居生活的場館－海獸館；將情境劇同動物表演結合的場館－歡樂劇場；悅賞群居海豹憨態可掬的人工島嶼－藍灣開心島；全國最大的花崗岩動物石雕－群虎雕塑，以及化腐朽為神奇的馬馿騸根雕藝術館等聞名全國的旅遊景點。這裡還有全國最長的大型跨海空中索道；大連南部海濱旅遊觀光船；以及驚險刺激的侏羅紀激流探險等遊樂設施。
大連老虎灘海洋公園是大自然與人工智慧的完美結合，是濱城大連的一道亮麗風景，每年接待海內外遊客近200萬人次。 2002年，園區被評為中國旅遊知名品牌，2007年，又被國家旅遊局首批評為國家5A級旅遊景區，並順利地通過了ISO9001品質管理系統和ISO14001環境管理系統的國際認證。
大連老虎灘海洋公園是展示海洋文化，突出濱城特色，集海洋動物、海洋生物展示，海洋動物表演，海洋遊樂，海洋科普教育為一體的現代化海洋主題公園。
(Translated by Google) Large parking lot available
(Original)
広い駐車場あり
4.4
(50)
4.2
(537)
9 Binhai Middle Rd, Zhongshan, Dalian, Liaoning, China
5Alicia U — Google reviewYang W — Google reviewDuck S — Google reviewAhmadshukri R — Google reviewOrlando T — Google reviewConnie Z — Google reviewS H — Google review•
Dalian Forest Zoo
Mentioned on
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Dalian Forest Zoo is a popular attraction in the tourist town of Dalian, offering a variety of sights and activities. The zoo features a panda pavilion where visitors can watch adorable pandas play and roam. In addition to pandas, the zoo is home to lions, bears, zebras, tigers, and various bird species. Visitors can also enjoy an elephant show and take a cable car ride for panoramic views of the mountainside.
Huge zoo, can buy ticket for buggy as it's too big to walk, also not enough time. There's only 2 giant Panda but many Red Panda.
Ai C — Google review
I’ve visited this zoo in 2009, 2017, and now again in 2025, and I must say—it has improved a lot over the years. The facilities are more modern, and the conditions for the animals have gotten better. However, there’s still a long way to go.
Unfortunately, animal welfare isn’t where it should be. Many enclosures remain too small and not suited to the needs of the animals. It's concerning to see species housed together that should be separated—for example, the tigers. I also noticed an overcrowding issue with the snakes in the terrarium, which isn't ideal for their well-being.
It's a relief that elephant shows have finally stopped, but signs of animal mistreatment are still visible. I really hope the zoo continues to prioritize improving animal care standards.
Lastly, I think it would be great if the zoo stayed open longer. Closing at 16:30, with many animals already off-exhibit by 15:50, feels too early—especially for visitors who want to enjoy a full experience.
Great zoo, it is so big and so beautiful with a great natural view. Very educational for kids. However, some places are not well maintained. Panda is so dirty. also the park is a bad layout or did that on purpose to make more money. If you want to come out of the zoo from the same entrance you came in, you have to either take a cable car and pay extra money. Or you need to walk back long distances to the same road you came from.
Pretty abysmal conditions in the parrot enclosure as of 2024 - overcrowded and no enrichment. Many of the bear enclosures were just a pit in the ground with four concrete walls - some people were spitting their phlegm into them. Can't blame the zoo for the visitors' decisions to be disgusting but barriers could be put up... or at least have people supervising the enclosure. Raccoons were morbidly obese because visitors kept feeding them, and once again there was no supervision.
Saw a hyena with a festering open would when I visited in 2018... hopefully the zoo's care of animals has improved since then.
Good to see that the polar bears have since been removed (hopefully relocated to a place with better care) because their enclosures were completely unsuitable.
Huge..
A lot of animals.
Great place easy to visit almost everything has an English translation
Place was massive! We had to book a few more days to explore the whole park. When kids are on holiday, the liens are crazy!
pandas and more, huge space for animals
4.2
(79)
4.3
(420)
VJJ7+277, Yingchun Rd, Xigang District, Dalian, Dalian, Liaoning, China, 116016
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6TONGWEI Z — Google reviewJackson L — Google reviewYUANXIN X — Google reviewAi C — Google reviewHellen — Google reviewWhite-cat T — Google reviewLuis C — Google review•
大连星海广场
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Dalian Xinghai Square is a large, waterfront urban square that offers a variety of attractions for visitors. It features restaurants, sculptures, and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for recreation. The square provides ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the seaside views and nearby tall buildings. Visitors can also find small shops offering food and drinks.
An amazing place, a fairytale hotel, beautiful nature, stunning architecture, and lovely people... I highly recommend it!
Roman A — Google review
Xinghai Square, blue sky and white clouds, the air is very fresh, you can feed the seagulls, and you can reach the seagulls.
Must visit ~ to see nice sunset
【China - Liaoning - Dalian】Xinghai Square: The Heart of Dalian
🌟Geographical Location:
Xinghai Square in Dalian is the largest urban square in Asia, with a total area of 170,000 square meters. It is one of the landmark attractions in Dalian and a famous symbol of the city.
🌊Main Landscapes:
- Xinghai Bay Bridge: A cross - sea bridge connecting Xinghai Square and Xinghai Park, with a total length of about 668 meters. On the bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view and the scenery of downtown Dalian.
- Centennial City Sculpture: Located in the center of the square, it consists of a huge copper sculpture, symbolizing the historical changes and development process of Dalian in the past one hundred years.
- Musical Fountain: In the evening, the musical fountain on the square dances with the melody. The water column is dozens of meters high, and the lights are gorgeous, giving people a dual enjoyment of vision and hearing.
- Children's Playground: There are various amusement facilities, which is an ideal place for children to play.
- Beach: There is a clean beach adjacent to the square, where tourists can take a walk, play with water or have a sunbath.
🍽️Food Recommendations:
- There are several seafood restaurants around the square, providing fresh and delicious seafood, such as grilled oysters, steamed scallops, etc., which are great places to taste authentic Dalian seafood.
- There are also some special snack stalls selling various local snacks to meet the needs of different tourists.
🚌Traffic Guide:
There are several parking lots around the square. People also usually park their cars in various corners along the roadside near the square.
📸Best Shooting Spots:
- The best position to take a panorama of Xinghai Bay Bridge is on the sidewalk on the south side of the square.
- The Centennial City Sculpture is an excellent background for recording the historical changes of Dalian.
- If you want to capture the wonderful moments of the musical fountain, it is recommended to stand on the viewing platform around the fountain.
💡Tips:
- The bridge will be lit after dark in the evening, and there is also a light show at 7:30.
World's largest and most beautiful city square with magnificent musical fountain every evening at 8pm.
A must visit in Dalian. You will see different views in different seasons. I have been there more than 4 years ago. It was in September. The cool wind in the evening, the music in the square and the fountain ⛲️ dancing under the bright moon, all of these can only belong to you yourself at that moment. This time I visited again in the winter on Christmas eve. A total different stunning view impressed me. Just go and visit. You may remember in your whole life.
The weather is so good. View is great.
nice town specially the Venice area. an amazing replica of the Venecian canals complete with gondoliers.
4.5
(161)
4.3
(841)
China, Liaoning, Dalian, Shahekou District, 星海广场, 邮政编码: 116023
7
Shenyang Railway Public Security Bureau Jinzhou Public Security Division Chaoyang Chezhan Police Station
Police box
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Shenyang Railway Public Security Bureau Jinzhou Public Security Division Chaoyang Chezhan Police Station is a law enforcement facility located in Shenyang, China. It serves the area around the Jinzhou railway station and provides various police services to ensure the safety and security of residents and travelers. The station is staffed with dedicated officers who are responsible for maintaining public order, preventing crime, and assisting individuals in need.
4.0
(104)
China, CN 辽宁省 朝阳市 双塔区 友谊大街三段 25 25附近, 邮政编码: 122099
8Tony C — Google reviewPaul T — Google reviewNICHOLAS P — Google reviewZoynul A — Google reviewPius H — Google reviewSyamantak S — Google reviewLucas P — Google review
Lao Long Tou
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
"The Dragon Head"
This is where the famous wall ends at the sea. Most of this wall has been rebuilt but there are still some areas where they kept the original brick intact and protected. About 50rmb charge for the wall, beach side and areas around. Other activities cost a little extra but I didn't do them. Great place for taking pictures and lots of walking around. There is also a nice maze you can enjoy getting lost in. About 1.5hrs from Beijing or Tianjin on the bullet train. A day spent here should be enough.
Leo G — Google review
It's a great place to see the wisdom of building of histrionic Defence towers, walls and fortresses.
Great to be able to see where the great wall meets the sea. Has shops and food stalls too. Expect it to be busy.
The head of old dragon is the first gate of the Great Wall... about 20 minutes drive from Qinhuangdao (15 km) taxi will cost you about 45 RMB and the ticket 50 RMB, do not missed the first path of the Great Wall, recommend to take a jet ski to see the head of the old dragon from the sea side as well as to have a walk inside the park next to the monument. China and Greece are some of countries around the world with years of history
Enjoyed this place to viait here. Ticket 60 RMB per person.
The ending point of the Ming Great Wall. A must see.
Nice place to visit
Great site and scenic spot. Lots of good picture spots. Cheap entrance fee of 20 RMB as of 04/2019. The beach is beautiful and the breeze from the sea refreshing. The part of the wall is rather small but there is a reconstructed garrison and village. It's easy to get there by Bus 25 (have small change ready because it's only 2 RMB and the driver does not go be change) from the train station. In Apt l it was almost empty and really nice to explore so I cannot say what it is like when packed. Worth a day trip from Beijing.
9Antony R — Google reviewDanny H — Google reviewMorning H — Google reviewJosé L — Google reviewAdilton S — Google reviewPONNANAND P — Google reviewThomas C — Google review•
Shanhaiguan Great Wall Culture Qiguanyuan
Museums
Specialty Museums
To compare with chinese wall in Beijing (badaling and mutianyu), here are not so crowded like there. It‘s also a nice place for kids to play (on the beach and in the Labyrinth)
Nhi S — Google review
I visited there in April 1989, it was amazing, it had been newly reconstructed, it was far more impressive that the main section of the walk nearer to Beijing.
Very easy to get a ticket as a foreigner, just go inside and show your passport. Ticket was only ¥50 RMB.
There only one fort you can go inside. Short way easy going up, smooth way.
Nice place to visit and stay around for a while.
(Translated by Google) Beautiful fort. There is a museum inside where visitors can visit an old army barracks. You can also visit part of the wall that reaches the sea. It is worth a visit!
(Original)
Bonito forte. Há um museu dentro onde o visitante pode visitar um antigo quartel do exército. Além disso, pode visitar parte da muralha que chega até o mar. Vale a visita!
Shanhai Pass is the eastern end of the Great Wall, and is the first barrier for guarding the frontier, therefore it is called the "First Pass Under Heaven" (天下第一关).
(Translated by Google) Shanhaiguan, the world's first pass
(Original)
天下第一關山海關 萬里長城鎮守邊關多少風流文物 多少風花雪月
4.5
(32)
4.3
(224)
China, Hebei, Qinhuangdao, Shanhaiguan District, 龙海大道与海口道交口
10Sergian T — Google reviewThe M — Google review•
Qinhuangdao Wildlife Park
Mentioned on
Zoo
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
(Translated by Google) I give this place full marks! Let’s talk about the ticket price first. It’s 100 for adults in peak season, half price for students, and only 25 in off-season! It can be said to be very conscientious, and the quality is also very high, especially in the wild animal area where there are many animals. There are about 6 or 7 of each type of lions, tigers, and bears. Unlike other zoos where the animals can't move. The animals here are very active, at least they are walking around. The lion rubbed against our cage car, and a tiger came over and lay on the railway track. The sika deer are free-range, so you can get close to them, and no one charges. I also I took a photo with the sika deer. The only thing that needs to be improved is the safety issue. The wolves seem to be free-range...really won't escape? The two iron gates in the beast area actually open and close at the same time? ? ? Then there is no point in building two doors! ! !
(Original)
这个地方我给满分！先说说票价，旺季成人100，学生半价，淡季只要25！可以说是非常良心了，而且质量也非常高，尤其是猛兽区动物非常多，狮子、老虎、熊大概每种都有6、7只的样子，不像别的动物园的动物帕着不动，这里的动物都很活跃，至少走来走去的，狮子蹭着我们的笼子车，还有只老虎走过来趴铁轨上，梅花鹿是散养的，可以近距离接触，也没有人收费，我还和梅花鹿照了相。唯一有待提高的就是安全性问题，狼看起来都是散养...真的不会跑出来？猛兽区的两道铁门竟然是一起开关？？？那建两道门都啥用！！！
Xyan ( — Google review
(Translated by Google) A large park, many animals, but the carriages were uncomfortable and the staff took us past zebras, kulans, and antelopes.
(Original)
Большой парк, много зверей,но вагоны были некомфортные и сотрудники провезли нас мимо зебр, куланов, антилоп.
(Translated by Google) There are few animals
(Original)
Животных мало
4.2
(9)
4.1
(99)
VG99+82Q, Beidaihe District, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China, 066199
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11Quansheng C — Google reviewSiew T — Google reviewMichal T — Google reviewNhi S — Google reviewSnow M — Google reviewMike X — Google reviewDanny C — Google review•
Chengde Mountain Resort
Mentioned on
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Chengde Mountain Resort, also known as Bishu Shanzhuang, is a sprawling complex of Qing dynasty palaces, imperial gardens, and temples located in the northeastern part of Chengde City. This UNESCO-listed site covers 120,000 square meters and was once the palace of Puyi, the emperor of Qing Dynasty.
We booked a private English Speaking driver through TripAdvisor. It worked beautiful and our driver was great. Chengde is a small city by Chinese standards about 3.5 million people. Chengde is in the Hebei province about 250 KM northeast of Beijing and was established during the Qing-dynasty as an imperial summer residence. The city’s core remains the 18th-century Mountain Resort palace complex. To give you a perspective. We visited on a Friday…leaving Beijing at 5 a.m. and arrived in less than 2.5 hours. However, our drive back to the city on Friday afternoon took us over 5 hours. It was long, tiring and filled with accidents. We also traveled during the National Holiday in October so there were more people out and about than normal.
The Summer Mountain Resort was built on a lake and had at least 36 different points of interested. At each point there was a different description such as: 1) This is where one would be entertained by music 2) this is where one would relax in the morning sun and warm oneself or 3) this is a place where one would be entertained by jesters. It was kind of funny to me that they took the time to point this out. They had buildings at all these sights, many of which were closed.
As we walked the property, My husband stated the obvious, you know why the emperor chose this location. It was simply gorgeous and relaxing, even with the holiday crowds. Everywhere you looked there was something new to look at and something interesting to see. The space was beautiful and we are from the State of Washington in the US.
You entered the main campus through what felt like a village and a museum like area with artifacts. We did not spend a lot of time here because it was incredibly crowded. Then you walked down a hill and the beauty opened up to you. We headed to the island in the middle of the lake first and worked our way over to the palace.
We chose to stay to the right and walk along the stone pathway. The path we took was long and along the waters edge. The inlet was built in the early 1700's. Their was a boat out in the water that day that had a lady dancing to someone playing the harp on it. The music filled the valley. It was so peaceful and relaxing as we walked along the waters edge.
The temple is a long way over, so plan for walking shoes, but the walk is beautiful. We enjoyed the walk as a family and had fun along the way. As we approached the palace, we chose to climb up to it along a rock path in the back and among the trees. You can take a boat over the the palace if you chose and the boat drop off point was in the front. The main entrance was packed on the holiday week and you could hardly move, so our access point made getting to the top fairly easy. As we approached the top and looked back, we noted a garden on the other side of the hill. We had to go take a look at that as well.
Over all it was a busy 3 hours for us. You could spend all day at the property, enjoy a picnic along the lake. Because we had the driver for only one day, we moved on to our next adventure.
Paulette C — Google review
It is a hidden gem in northern China. Very beautiful place.
Went on a Monday afternoon after lunch, we were on a private guided tour. The palace was much more modest than the Forbidden City in Beijing but the grounds were huge. We walked through the palace and by the lake, did not go into the forested mountain area. Saw the porcelain gallery although quite a number of the buildings were under restoration/scaffolding. Tbh, I much preferred the Summer Palace in Beijing to this but it was worth the trip to Chengde to see the temples outside the mountain resort.
We have been to the Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng (Potala Palace) Temple and Puning Si Temple in Chengde and I definitely preferred the temples over the Mountain Resort, although only a slight bit. Very nice place for taking a stroll and admiring the buildings in harmony with the nature and the lakes.
Very nice place to walk and enjoy the nature. Suitable for kids and trolley.
Went in winter. Very cold. Lakes froze over. They made it into ice rinks. Place is historical but probably more fun in summer.
Not as beautiful in the winter. The lakes are frozen so you can walk on them. Also there are a lot of activities for kids on the ice.
Good history, yet to be at its best, reasonably maintained history site, must see with Forbidden City for context
4.5
(134)
4.3
(429)
XWQV+HM6, Lizhengmen Ave, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Chengde, Hebei, China, 067022
12Rafael V — Google reviewJason M — Google reviewMatthew L — Google reviewMute. T — Google reviewAnno V — Google reviewANGELO S — Google reviewLee H — Google review
Huangyaguan Great Wall Scenic Area Ticket Selling Hall
Mentioned on
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The admission cost to the Huangyaguan Great Wall Scenic Area Ticket Selling Hall is 65RMB, with a discount of half-price for individuals over the age of 60 who possess a passport. Accommodation nearby without meals costs approximately $30 per night. The Taipingzhai village can be reached via transportation provided by Li Bo Farmhouse for 15RMB per person.
Huangyaguan Great Wall is located in Jizhou District, Tianjin, China. It is a very nice Ming Dynasty Great Wall in China. The surrounding area has a nice scenic view covered by a green forest.
Charitha U — Google review
Very good experience from the great wall of China, in my opinion, much better than the mainstream one in Beijing. But also much more walking up and down hill, it's around 2.3 km.
But really recommend to take the shuttle bus to the other side of the wall that is higher and start from there.
The ticket to enter cost around 70 yuan and the shuttle bus 30 yuan per person.
Very empty and very good to take good photos!
Two hour taxi from Tianjin, worth the long drive, 100RMB gets you entry plus a bus ride one way. Then a 2-3km walk back to the main visitor center. 40 degree day made the walk hard as there are a lot of uneven steps. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for going up and down stairs. Water and refreshments are available to purchase along the walk.
A definite must for any visitor to China. How can one miss out on a visit to one of the 7 wonders of the world? Plan and time your travels carefully to avoid the usual massive crowds of the Chinese public holidays. Coming on the off season as I've did, rewarded me the whole of Huang Ya Pass to myself this wonderful chilly (-5C) day. Allowing me to take in the sight as well as take photographs of such breath taking pictures in peace.
Never imagine before that I would be able to come to China and even visiting this Greatwall.
It was an amazing experience, the view is
stunning, the air is so fresh.
From center of Tianjin, it took around 2 hours by
car to here Huangyaguan. I recommend to come
here in the early morning around 9am, It won't be so crowded at this hour. September or October is perfect to go here, not too cold.
The wall is well maintained, the facility quite good and clean. Anyway, there is OYO here, quite surprised me.
Entrance fee is 65RMB, over 60years old half-price, need to show passport. We stayed at Li Bo Farmhouse and they offer transportation to Taipingzhai village for 15RMB each. Go early, we got there at 8am and even the vendors is not yet open. There were no one and you get the walls to yourself. The walk from Taipingzhai to Huangyaguan pass is easier than the other way round, mostly downhill, esp the last part, took us almost 5hours with a senior citizen in thr group. In town, there is shop selling Lanzhou ramen and it was good. Accomodation nearby about 30USD per night without meals. Very small town, 20mins walk from one end to another.
Amazing!
Visited here as part of the Great Wall marathon 2025. The community all came out to support the local and international runners. This section of the Wall is well preserved and a section of 5000+ steps covered.
13Kian T — Google reviewStephen — Google reviewAndrew C — Google reviewAbhishek J — Google reviewC L — Google reviewSam L — Google reviewBen N — Google review
Simatai Great Wall Tourist Area
Mentioned on
National park
Sights & Landmarks
The Simatai Great Wall Tourist Area is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and photographers, with fewer tourists compared to other sections. This section of the wall offers stunning views in the morning and at dusk, as well as misty rainbows in summer and autumn. It's known for preserving the original appearance of the Ming Great Wall, built along a dangerous mountain ridge that creates diverse scenery.
Worth the 3 hours drive from Beijing. Area is so scenic especially the Gubei Watertown. The climb to the watchtower can be challenging in parts for seniors who don’t exercise much. We took the cable car up and down so that saves us time and energy. The view up at the watchtower is spectacular, with cool air and we were fortunate to experience sunny weather during our visit.
Alice ( — Google review
One of the steepest and dangerous Great wall among the four which opened to public. No boundaries wall beside. Cable car reach midway and need walk about 800m to reach the post on Great Wall
After visiting Badaling Great Wall last year, we went to Simatai this year. There is less to walk at Simatai, but the benefit is that the wall opens until the evening, meaning that you can witness an amazing sunset here. After sunset they turn the lights on which creates a magical atmosphere.
Make sure to queue around 5PM to go up from the Watertown, as it is really busy.
From the cable car it takes about 15 minutes walking to the actual wall.
When visiting the Great Wall, there are many places to choose from. This is one of the best. We went in May, so the evening lights were not turned on. Check with your tour or find out ahead to avoid disappointment. Less crowds, very warm and sunny. Bring your own lunch
Amazing Experience... Be ready to climb a bit... Has a little climb from the Cable to the Great Wall ... Suggestion to visit during the off-season to have the spot and village down below for all yourself!!!
Been to Mutianyu and Simatai. Both gives a different experience. If you liked a road less travelled, go for Simatai. It's the raw version of great wall. Only 10% restoration have been done which explains the low walls weathered down by the natural elements. Never regretted.
It does not get better than this. Less crowded, stunning, and the nearby Watertown is delightful. I would advise taking cable car one way up around 3pm, they will push you to start heading down by 430, but this allows u the perfect sunset view. Do not buy round-trip cable car if u want to see the sunset. It's easy coming down by hike. Don't miss this. Best stretch of great wall, better than badaling and mutianyu and much less crowded.
Great experience to visit the place. Wonder how our ancestors managed to build such a huge structure during the time when machinery was not available.
We did the claim in the morning and took a cable car again to go up the Great Wall in the evening to catch the sunset view.
Get ready a comfortable walking shoes, tracking wear, water and even cap if u are visiting the place.
14Victor L — Google reviewArChy — Google reviewJay S — Google reviewW T — Google reviewChuan C — Google reviewDanny F — Google reviewTanti R — Google review•
Gubei Water Town Great Wall Yunju Boutique Hotel
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
The first place in China have service for walking Great Wall at night with light. This romance town has it own beauty with good service, hotel and food. Oh and the cats so lovely
Ngoc D — Google review
Rustic location. Majestic entrance. Resort feeling. Back to ancient days.
Not your 5-Stars city type hotel but still a pretty decent hotel.
Be prepared to transact using WeChat Pay or AliPay.
Surroundings are restored or newly built buildings resembling the old town in ancient days.
Many food options, desserts, coffee joints etc. Lots of activities.
Climb the nearby 司马台长城. Must do activity. Great experience and fantastic scenery. Understand what ancient Chinese had to do to build the Great Wall. Not for faint hearted nor physically challenged.
Hotel air conditioning (Cold) for the rooms is disabled during winter and early spring as weather is still consider cold.
But the gap at the window is not barely sufficient to cool the room. So be prepared to have a warm night sleep.
This is a replica of an ancient water town! Most people stay til the evening to see the light show and drone. Also to see great wall with lights. Lots of food especially snacks to eat.
I am not a purist, it is not a real ancient place but it is modeled after many real water towns of China and they did a superb job. Modern amenities within old architecture models. Stone throw from the beautiful simatai Great Wall. Shops open till 10pm, free shuttle service to stops for hotel guests, drone shows, acrobatic performances, street acts, craft shops, amazing restaurant and street food choices, traditional wear photo shoots, luge ride, canal rides, onsen… the list goes on. It deserves a 6 star! Even Starbucks is there, lol.
2 hrs each direction to go from Dongzhimen bus station (48 bucks in cash each way unless you have the Yi Tong Ka which needed a mainland number). Not crowded when we were there and weather was great too. We only managed to finish the water town and walked to near the entrance for the Simatai Great Wall. Nice walk but we were tired after that.
A very relaxing place to chill... Nice cooling weather in mid Sept
Firstly why I did not rate this 5⭐️ is because I am not sure of its authenticity. My tour guide mentioned that the resort was built around 5 years back however websites are marketing it as if it’s real.
Anyways Gubei Water Town apparently a real town in the past which housed the family and soldiers which guarded the Simatai section of the wall.
Regardless of its authenticity, if your budget allows, stay a night in this resort because IT’S BEAUTIFUL. The entire place is designed and fashioned to resemble the buildings of the past giving you a taste of what it was like then.
As you walk the streets of this resort you are kinda like in a period drama. i was here during winter but I was told the best time to be here is fall when the red leaves of fall blankets the entire village.
Beautiful place with combination of mountains, water and ancient villages. The town is characterized by the northern architectural style, row upon row of houses, old quartzite streets and long Hutongs show the style and features of the old town.
You can see beautiful lights at night..you can also see the place who produce chinese wines, and In the Yongshun Dye House, red, green, yellow and blue cloths hang flapping in the breeze. Some old-style looms and spinning machines are on display. Unfortunately it was raining when i was there so the roads were slippery..Good place to escape from the modern busy city in beijing and feel the real traditional old style chinese here..a must visit place
4.5
(23)
4.4
(346)
M72G+RQX, Near Sishui Road (Gubei Water Town Tourist Resort Scenic Area), Beijing, China, 100061
15Memtimin A — Google reviewRicky P — Google reviewLeo G — Google reviewAllen C — Google reviewAnna A — Google reviewK J — Google reviewVedran B — Google review
Tianjin Binhai Aircraft Carrier Theme Park
Mentioned on
Park
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme Parks
Tianjin Binhai Aircraft Carrier Theme Park is a large military amusement park in the Binhai New Area, featuring the retired aircraft carrier Kiev from the Russian navy. The park integrates marine military and Russian culture, offering water action shows, car shows, dance performances, and parades. Visitors can tour the aircraft carrier and explore a Russia-inspired town with various dining options.
The Chinese bought this Soviet aircraft carrier and used it for research and development before turning it into a hotel & tourist spot.
You can find a fake Russian village nearby as a tourist trap
The W — Google review
I visited here 5 years ago. An old Soviet Air Craft Carrier is built as a museum, where you have chance to see how a giant ship look like. The Chinese government bought it for the purpose of building a museum, but they did not. They use it to duplicate a real warship, a real Aircraft carrier, Liaoning.
Definitely worth visiting while in Tian Jin. I have never been on an aircraft carrier before, and the experience is priceless. Since it's a soviet carrier, you also find many russian themed tourist shops.
It's like Russia but in China! Good and entertaining water action show and the action car show with excellent performers. There are dance shows and a parade as well. The price of admission is about 220rmb(about 34 USD) per person. Some say it's a bit pricey but you get the water show, car show, dance show, a parade, the aircraft carrier tour and get to hang out in a nice Russia inspired town with lots of food to choose from. I think it's worth the trip if you happen to be in the TEDA/Tianjin area.
I have never been on an Aircraft carrier before and this was amazing. Unfortunately they do not cater for non Chinese reading for their signage but this did not deminish the excitement of exploring such a huge vessel.
My father served on this ship from 1984 to 1987, and seeing it again filled him with memories and pride. So much has changed over the years — parts are now closed or completely remodeled — yet walking its decks brought back the spirit of those times. It was truly a moving and unforgettable visit.
Overpriced attraction. Suits military funs.
Really interesting place!
Prices are little bit higher but worth to see and to experience the feeling.
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16Khaleefa — Google reviewS S — Google reviewBuschauer — Google reviewClara P — Google reviewElaine K — Google reviewWolfgang N — Google reviewTm D — Google review
Jinshanling
Mentioned on
National park
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Jinshanling is a natural area that boasts a significant portion of the Great Wall of China, offering breathtaking views. This section of the wall, established in 1368 and extended in 1567, is one of the typical and complete structures from the Ming Dynasty. While partially restored, it provides a wider variety of shots compared to other sections. Despite being a 2.5-hour journey from Beijing, visitors find it worth the trip due to its serene and peaceful ambiance.
In my personal opinion, this is by far the most under-rated scenic spots in and around Beijing area.
First, it is well connected with super highway only 2.5 hour drive from the downtown. Not like the other section, which is even more popular known as Mutianyu, 50% is super highway, the other half is normal state road, with many stop lights and intersections. Although it is much closer to the city, facting the time of traffic it normally takes the same time to get there. So although Jinshanling is even further but it takes almost the same time.
Second, the wall here are roughly half repaired the other half as original. By law and national protection regulations, the most authentic Great Wall near Beijing area you can see which opened as a scenic spot.
Third, 金山岭大酒店, Jinshanling Great Wall hotel, located less than 100m away from the west entrarea of the scenic spot, western standard 4-5 star hotel rooms, it also offers individual private courtyards with multiple rooms for family.
Last but not least, it is much much less crowded than the other sections of the Great Wall. So if you really want the climbing/walking/exploring experience, this is the best place you should be heading for.
Chen C — Google review
If you’re planning a trip to the Great Wall, skip the crowded touristy spots and find one of the quieter sections—you won’t regret it. I had this stunning stretch of the Wall almost entirely to myself, with epic mountain views and total peace. It felt like I had discovered a hidden gem. Perfect for photos, peaceful hikes, and just soaking in the history without the crowds!
One of the quieter parts of the great wall in the Beijing area. It's about two hours from downtown and never crowded. Some sections are unrestored, showing great insights on how the wall was built. Except for one cable car you have to use stairs to get from the valley to the wall on top of the hills. It is an exhausting hike, but absolutely worth it. The scenery is stunning, views are great.
Without a doubt, this is a phenomenal spot to enjoy the Great Wall! What an unforgettable experience—both breathtaking and amazing.
This section is beautifully accessible and lovingly restored, yet it still keeps its authentic charm. The panoramic views stretch endlessly into the horizon, giving you a true sense of the scale and magnificence of the Great Wall. Unlike the busier sections, it wasn’t too crowded when we visited, which made it even more special—we could really pause, take it all in, and marvel at its reach across the mountains.
Walking here is both inspiring and humbling. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to appreciate the Great Wall in all its glory!
Jinshanling listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 is also rated as a National 5A Scenic Area. It has 5 passes, 67 watchtowers, 3 beacon towers with rare blocking walls, barrier walls, inscribed brick walls, shadow walls and storehouse towers. Stunning wide view! Authentic rare landscape! Unique watchtowers! Fine military defense architecture system! Definitely one of the most magnificent section of the Great Wall of China not to be missed. Had the opportunity to go walked this beautiful part of the great wall away from the hustle and bustle of the famous modernised Mutianyu and Badaling sections. Just slightly further by around half hour you will get to enjoy Jingsanling with your own space instead of being pushed and rushed in others Great Wall sections. Fresh crisp air, good visibility perfectly clear view far and wide resulted in a very pleasant hike experience.
This place is the best location to climb the great wall for scenic views in a non crowded place. We went in August and weather was warm and a little humid, 25-27 degrees with clouds. Perfect actually. We had the wall all to ourselves and only met the odd family climbing. We took a didi cab from near forbidden city in Beijing for 360 yen, we also stayed the night at jinshaling great wall hotel which we recommend if you want 2 days. The first day we walked in the afternoon to West 5 gate and then came down via the cable car as it started to rain. The next day we went up after breakfast and again walked to west 5 gat then all the way to east gate. There are peiple selling water and snack so you don't have to carry a lot with you. We loved this quiet and peaceful part of the wall. We did struggle getting a didi cab back to Beijing centre. Instead we took a local cab to a subway station near beijing which was 500 yen then took the subway. They can of course make up the prices as that is your last resort. We also went on a Tuesday and Wednesday. There is local busses which only run weekends.
Good place to check out the Wall without getting crushed by tourists. A 2-3 hour drive outside of Beijing. I went in the middle of the day on a weekday and had an entire section of the Wall to myself.
The vendors are ruthless though, especially if you’re a foreigner, and especially if they see that you made a previous purchase.
‘A must visit if you want peace and quietness while exploring the great wall’
After considering many parts of the Chinese Wall, I decided to go the Jinshangling part. Getting there is confusing. I took a bus from Beijing to Luanping and then a taxi (DiDi). Be careful to check the destination. I accidentally put the destination at Jinshanling highway resting area and lost almost 1 hour searching for the main entrance….I got to the entrance at around 230PM. Which made me decide to not take the last bus back to Beijing (at Luanping terminal at around 3PM)
Fortunately this did mean I had most parts of the wall for myself since most visitors go there during the morning ! The weather was amazing with clear skies and sunny weather. The Jinshaling was the highlight of my China trip!
Be mindful that if you miss the last bus from Luanping to Beijing, you need to get a taxi to the nearest train station (Miyun) instead of Beijing. You can then take a train or another taxi back to Beijing. It took me some time to get a taxi (30minutes), so patience is required 😝
17
Jiang Jun Guan Lu
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites
Jiang Jun Guan Lu is a captivating destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Nestled in picturesque surroundings, this scenic route is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while exploring historical landmarks. The area boasts stunning views, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As you wander along Jiang Jun Guan Lu, you'll encounter charming local shops and eateries that showcase regional delicacies, adding to the overall experience.
4.5
(400)
Ping Gu Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China
18Jun X — Google reviewRuby A — Google reviewKrishna K — Google reviewBrendan N — Google reviewJan B — Google reviewMarkus F — Google reviewH.Y — Google review
Beijing Nanshan Ski Village
Resort hotel
Nature & Parks
Ski & Snowboard Areas
Stayed here for 1 night. Very nice but the snow was not very thick. Saw some sheep there also. Keep in mind that tourist can’t book the ski village so I stayed in an apartment nearby. Also have Starbucks there :)
Elijah H — Google review
Only good for beginners, more advanced skiers should go to the ski resorts in the mountains.
The equipment here is as bad as it gets, and is included in the standard entry ticket fee. If you want better equipment there are shops inside that offer rental for a price (120-200 yuan).
The quality of the snow here is decent given thats its fake and the routes are well maintained.
If you come during weekends expect to see crowds of people and wait times for the ski lifts can go up to 20 minutes.
Price guide so you dont get scammed (in chinese yuan):
<Can buy from hotels and shops nearby>
Entry for the morning + afternoon - 350 Night ski - 165
<Can buy from shops outside the ski area>
Ski jacket and ski pants - 30
Ski glass - 10
Ski gloves - 5
Ski helmet - 15
nice place for skiing with your family, however just besure that you are already prepare the outfit to save time and go out asap to have fun.
Good place..nice view.they have english instructor if you want to learn skiing/snow board
Been here twice. Slope is quite short and not for people who want to do one long continuous ski. Nanshan has a lot of magic carpet for beginners to learn and practise their skills. Snow is abit rough in the mornings and can cause people to fall. The new introduction of night ski is pretty great. Equipments are quite old and of inferior quality. Improvements can be made but overall
, it’s not a bad ski resort.
NanShan Ski resort is only one hour drive from Beijing. We lived in Beijing between 1998 and 2015, and visited Nanshan every winter. It is perfect for kids to learn slalom or Snowboard. And me i liked going to the highest top, and doing the top slope again and again.
Nice ski resort and home of the infamous 'Nanshan Open', the longest running snowboard contest in China, happening every year in January. If you happen to be there around mid January, you shouldn't miss it. If you have a chance, go to the top station, you have a great view up there over the whole resort & to Miyun town. You might even witness a wedding fireworks from up there in a distance! Another great way to go downhill is the toboggan run, but I'm not sure if its open the whole year thru.
Skiing/Snowboarding is surprisingly good, since the show is very dry and the slopes are always in a good condition. Mind unexperienced skiers though :)
We have a great family time here💓💓
19Supreme — Google reviewQuasi D — Google review曾媄媄 — Google review
Home inn Plus Railway Station Italian Style Street
Mentioned on
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Home inn Plus Railway Station Italian Style Street offers a comfortable and clean stay with 5-star service. The rooms are equipped with essential items and the Italian-style street provides a picturesque setting, especially at night. While check-in procedures may be lengthy for foreigners, the location is convenient, just a 15-minute walk from the train station with plenty of dining options nearby. It's recommended to take a cruise to fully appreciate the beauty of this European-inspired destination.
5 stars service, each room provided all the essentials items like tea bags, water, the mini soap has rose petal, and the 2 in 1 (shower+shampoo) washing gel smelled nice.
Con: Check in procedure was long for foreigner, they were not familiar with the passport thing.
Pro: Clean and comfortable room. Great location, 15mins walk from the train station, many restaurants available downstairs. We have flight at night, but need to check out before noon, but we’re welcome to stay in the lobby, and beverage is available downstairs, they also provide desktop computers. (WiFi is available, but login processes is kinda odds)
Elliana L — Google review
Beautiful place
(Translated by Google) It's beautiful during the day, but the night view is even more beautiful.
A place that is perfectly suited to being called the Europe of the East.
Be sure to take a cruise
(Original)
낮에도 멋지지만 야경은 훨씬 아름다워요
동양의 유럽이라는말이 딱 어울리는곳
유람선은 꼭타세요
(Translated by Google) Still ok
(Original)
還ok
20Ninya Q — Google reviewFaraaz A — Google reviewLevente L — Google reviewDavid L — Google reviewReally U — Google reviewJames B — Google reviewNitin A — Google review
天津之眼
Mentioned on
Attraction
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The 天津之眼 or Tianjin Eye is a 120-meter tall Ferris wheel located above the Hai River that glows with vibrant colors at night. A ticket for one trip costs around 70 Yuan, and the wheel rotates continuously at a slow speed, taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes for one round.
It's a huge Ferris wheel that looks amazing at night. However, I'd suggest avoiding it during holidays, otherwise you'll probably be facing thousands of people lol
Mimicbug — Google review
We did not try to ride the Ferris Wheel, but its view from the riverside is nice. There are also a lot other things you can do around the area: there are food stalls along the riverside; there is an artblock nearby; and an oldtown.
It is a nice point in the city. The whole city has a daily light show till 2230, just enjoy the lights.
Awsome experience
The view at night is absolutely stunning, but for european tourists i highlight the information that the city light shows go off at around 21:00! The view is also amazing after this time. The queue for us was pretty long (1 hour) but it worth the waiting! You have to book tickets in advance!
Recommend it for everyone!
The Tianjin Eye is an engineering marvel. It is a 120-meter-tall Ferris wheel constructed atop the Yongle Bridge over the Haihe River, making it the only one of its kind in the world! A full rotation takes about 30 minutes in one of the 48 air-conditioned,, 8 seater capsules. The ride is truly magical after sunset. The wheel itself is illuminated with a dazzling light display, and TianJin below transforms into a sparkling tapestry of gold and neon. It's my favorite spot for photography.
Very beautiful especially at night. It is supposed to be the biggest Ferris wheel over the bridge in the whole world. It costs $10 USD to take it. It moves slowly and you can see nearby landscapes once above. The waiting line is very short off season. The ride takes 45 minutes. It looks a lot nicer at night than during the day.
Huge Ferris wheel that is temperature controlled
Not busy during the day
I visited this giant wheel during my weekend trip to Tianjin. You have to buy a ticket costing 70 Yuan for one trip. The wheel keeps on rotating with slow speed all the time and you need to get in quickly. It takes around 30 to 45 mins for one round. The city view from the top of the wheel is spectacular. Overall design and location of this world's 4th largest wheel is a true masterpiece. The wheel design is like an inverted bicycle wheel. In the evening you can see a pink colored image of the giant wheel in the river from bridge when whole of the Tianjin is illuminated with luminaries.
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21
Ancient Cultural Street Parking Lot
Parking
Shopping
Shopping Malls
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Ancient Cultural Street Parking Lot is a convenient place to park when visiting the historic area. It offers easy access to the ancient cultural street and its many attractions, making it a great starting point for exploring the area. The parking lot provides a safe and secure place to leave your vehicle while you immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the ancient cultural street. With its central location, it's an ideal spot for tourists looking to delve into the local culture and heritage.
4.0
(554)
China, Tianjin, Nankai District, Dahutong, 大胡同, 邮政编码: 300090
22Ricky C — Google reviewXyan ( — Google reviewChongfeng L — Google reviewHerro Y — Google review•
Baiyangdian
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
This was an awesome trip. The bus ride from Gu'An alone was worth the price of admission. Authentic rural China experience. I was the only Westerner on the whole lake. The boat ride was a fun ride through lotus covered waters. After the boat ride, we disembarked for a great locally sourced and prepared family style dinner. Not a Michelin star cuisine or ambiance experience, but certainly delicious.
Richard C — Google review
This place has good scenery if you manage to get a good and stable boat to take you on a tour. Wetlands area is windy and pleasant. Beware in summer though. Once the boat stops, mosquitos will attack.
(Translated by Google) Super beautiful
(Original)
超美的
(Translated by Google) A pearl of the north
(Original)
北方的一颗明珠
(Translated by Google) The scenic area is quite large and you need to take a boat to get there.
(Original)
景区蛮大，需要乘船去。
4.1
(8)
4.0
(63)
China
23Sanjaya D — Google reviewEdgard C — Google reviewVad K — Google review•
Shijiazhuang Municipal Zoo
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Amazing animals and a great day out if your on China
N.P. D — Google review
It's amaizing
(Translated by Google) Very beautiful, clean and organized place. I really enjoyed the experience and seeing a panda. :)
(Original)
Lugar muito bonito, limpo e organizado. Gostei muito da experiência e e ver um panda. :)
(Translated by Google) In the summer of 2013 there was a good zoo, whoever happens to be in this city will visit it, but it’s hard to walk long distances, there are electric cars
rent, but we didn’t, you miss a lot of interesting things with them
(Original)
Был летом 2013 года хороший зоопарк , кто по случаю будет в этом городе посетите , только расстояние большие ходить тяжело , есть машинки электрические
напрокат , но мы не брали , на них пропускаешь много интересного
4.8
(8)
4.0
(65)
3888+946, Luquan District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, 050200
24Asghar K — Google reviewYu J — Google review円古 — Google review초진영 — Google review•
Cangyan Mountain
Mentioned on
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Historic Walking Areas
Mountains
(Translated by Google) It is a very rare place with steep mountains and many ancient monuments. It is incredible how the Bridge Tower Hall was built. Fuqing Temple was built in the Sui and Tang Dynasties.
(Original)
山势险峻古迹众多，非常难得的好地方，桥楼殿如何建造不可思议。福庆寺建于隋唐时期。
吴晓平 — Google review
Another architectural wonder! The Qiaolou Hall of Fuqing Temple in Mount Cangyan Scenic Area in north China's Hebei, hanging over two cliffs for over one thousand years, amazed numerous visitors with its awe-inspiring position and picturesque surrounding scenery.
(Translated by Google) When I was in school 40 years ago, I rode a bicycle from Shijiazhuang, but now I use a horse-drawn carriage from Pennsylvania, haha! Just kidding, the bus in the back is the mode of transportation we are using. When I used to work here, I drove a heavy-duty container truck!
(Original)
40年前上学时，骑车从石家庄过去，现在改用宾夕法尼亚州的马车了，haha！开玩笑了，后面的bus才是正在用的交通工具，之前在这里上班时，开的是重型货柜卡车！
(Translated by Google) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Scenic Spots
(Original)
臥虎藏龍選景地
(Translated by Google) It's truly a spectacle beyond words~~^^
(Original)
정말 말로 형용할수 없는 장관입니다~~^^
4.4
(7)
4.0
(77)
Jingxing County, Shijiazhuang, China, 050304
25Karen - — Google reviewShaoping S — Google reviewChristoph B — Google reviewTd T — Google reviewSeFok C — Google reviewSwopnil D — Google reviewYaseen A — Google review•
Mount Wutai
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Mountains
Mount Wutai, also known as Wutaishan or Qingliang Shan, is a 10,043-foot UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Taihuai Town, Wutai County. It is considered one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism and is believed to be the dwelling place of Manjusri Bodhisattva. The area boasts a rich history with 360 temples built during the Tang Dynasty, although only 47 remain today.
The renovation of various temples and buildings makes beautiful & colourful photos but takes away a bit of the feeling of the place’s long history. Still a must-visit place.
There are different temples and buildings of various architectural design positioned at different levels and parts of the mountain. The best and least physically demanding route is to take a ride to the very top and work your way down to the bottom.
Make sure you don’t miss the collection of ‘golden’ temples, pagodas and spires. Also, set aside sufficient time to admire and appreciate the intricately carved and sculpted Buddhas and Buddhist figurines.
R L — Google review
The skies at Mount Wutai 五台山 are always magical and beautiful. White clouds amidst blue skies.
Going for Da Chao Tai 大朝台
At the foot of the mountain, at Nan Shan Si temple, 山脚下，南山寺, the bus company can arrange the temples you want to go for Da Chao Tai 大朝台 and cater to your interest.
Otherwise, book the Da Chao Tai 大朝台 with your hotel. But this route is planned by the bus company.
It is freezing in the five peaks so winter wear is a must.
Note: After the China National Day, once it starts to snow, all five peaks will be closed until April the following year. Those who want to go for Da Chao Tai 大朝台 have to plan their trip in advance.
Watching 《又见五台山》Encore Mount Wutai performance.
8pm performance. 7.30 pm ticket check for performance.
Take Bus 8
Alight at 大甘河 Da Gan He bus stop.
Bus 8
Ming Yue Chi 明月池 bus stop
Ming Yue temple 明月寺
Bus 8 alight at Wuye temple 五爷庙站 bus stop
There are several temples around the same around within walking distance.
五爷庙
罗侯罗寺
塔院寺
显通寺
Bus 8
Alight at Dai Luo Ding 黛罗顶 bus stop
Can visit 广华寺，普寿寺
To go to 黛螺顶 Dai Luo Ding which is also known as Xiao Chao Tai, go to 黛螺顶 Dai Luo Ding bus stop.
Along the steep climb with people Three Steps, One Bow 三步一拜, there is Shan Cai Dong 善财洞 temple.
After getting to 黛螺顶, walk down from the cable car route. It is more gentle and not so steep. The view is also scenic. Halfway down, there is a temple Jin Jie Si temple 金界寺。Cross the bridge and enter the temple. The temple is ancient and has wall murals and ancient Buddha statues. Walk through the different temple halls. The path leads downwards. After entering the Xiang Mo Cheng Dao 降魔成道 doorway, the exit leads to the foot of the mountain. The way through the temple is like a shortcut to the foot of the mountain.
Mount Wutai with its five flat peaks is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. It is seen as the global centre for Buddhist Manjusri worship. Its fifty-three monasteries, include the East Main Hall of Foguang Temple, with life size clay sculptures, the highest ranking timber building to survive from the Tang Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty Shuxiang Temple with a huge complex of 500 ‘suspension’ statues, representing Buddhist stories woven into three dimensional pictures of mountains and water. The temples are inseparable from their mountain landscape. With its high peaks, snow covered for much of the year, thick forests of vertical pines, firs, poplar and willow trees and lush grassland, the beauty of the landscape has been celebrated by artists since at least the Tang Dynasty – including in the Dunhuang caves. Two millennia of temple building have delivered an assembly of temples that present a catalogue of the way Buddhist architecture developed and influenced palace building over a wide part of China and part of Asia. For a thousand years from the Northern Wei period (471-499) nine Emperors made 18 pilgrimages to pay tribute to the bodhisattvas, commemorated in stele and inscriptions. Started by the Emperors, the tradition of pilgrimage to the five peaks is still very much alive. With the extensive library of books collected by Emperors and scholars, the monasteries of Mount Wutai remain an important repository of Buddhist culture, and attract pilgrims from across a wide part of Asia.
Very impressive place with many temples and worship places to explore. But everything is very expensive (=2x) and there are many people.
Beautiful ,wonderful ,extraordinary valley 15 years ago…now hideous development for mass tourism with huge parking places and hotels yakkkkk.Excessive entry price. This was my last trip
Wutai Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a place of cultural significance in a beautiful natural setting. It is one of the four Buddhist holy sites in China. Wutai means five terraces. Basically it refers to a valley with over 50 temples surrounded by five peaks whose top is relatively flat, thus called terraces. It is a place where Tibetan Buddhism and Han Chinese Buddhism coexist. You see pilgrims of both kinds. Some of the temples were started as early as 5th Century. We spent a day just visiting the major temples and did not have time to go to any of the peaks. Best time to go is in the summer when the peak areas are covered with wild flowers. The highest peak , the North Terrace, is 3061 meters (9000 feet) high. Every peak has a temple. It is possible to do a loop to hike from peak to peak.
Note that there is a small fee for the entrance into most of the temples but it is free if you are over 60 and have your ID.
Amazing place. Lots of historical monuments. Got to chat with a few monks who were very nice. You can get a car to go there or use a shanxi auto transport group bus. Easy to navigate around because there are lots of visitor information center. Overall an amazing place.
I love this place, the monks are really kind! I love it here!
4.6
(147)
4.4
(440)
2H5W+2GR, 205 Sheng Dao, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi, China, 035515
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26CK C — Google reviewWayne T — Google reviewDaniel D — Google reviewFang W — Google reviewAbdelmaji M — Google reviewSakura G — Google reviewXin C — Google review•
Jinci
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Nestled in the heart of Taiyuan, Jinci Temple stands as a testament to the region's rich historical tapestry. This ancient temple complex is not only home to a remarkable 3,000-year-old cypress tree but also showcases stunning architectural marvels from various dynasties. Visitors can explore its intricate buildings and memorial halls while soaking in the serene beauty of nearby Yunji Park, complete with picturesque landscapes and tranquil lotus ponds.
Beautiful palace and we spent an entire afternoon here (I could spend all day here!)
The architecture is wonderful and I love the little (ok very famous) temple near the entrance that looks like a little owl with the round windows 😁😍 allegedly it inspired the temple in the famous journey to the west tv series.
W G — Google review
The Jin Temple was built to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding prince of the Jin State in the Zhou Dynasty, and his mother. It is the earliest existing royal sacrificial garden in China and the ancestral temple of the State of Jin. Besides featuring ancient Chinese architectural art, the coloured sculptures, murals and steles are also national treasures.
Built over the ancient days by the emperor in respect of the mother.
Beautiful place. You should go there!
There are beautiful views even in winter. Don’t hesitate, this is a must-visit place in Taiyuan City.
This is a magic place feel relax combination between nature and man hand made with spirits
Nice and breezy temple with scenic views of pagodas and lakes.
Extraordinary place to peak the history of ZHOU Dynasty and the history of Shanxi.
4.6
(139)
4.3
(155)
PC4X+M2X, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China, 030025
27Wayne T — Google reviewAndrew G — Google reviewYANG S — Google reviewAlfred H — Google reviewPay M — Google reviewSeFok C — Google reviewWeedy T — Google review•
Qiao Family Compound
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites
The Qiao Family Compound is an 18th-century estate that serves as a prime example of a traditional private residence in China. Built by the wealthy financier Qiao Zhiyong, this vast courtyard complex boasts period decor and artifacts. With over 300 rooms spread across a labyrinthine network of courtyards and doorways, the austere yet captivating architecture is typical of Qing dynasty design.
Lovely place to visit. But the weather is already too hot! It’s now only April but feels like August Summer. Carpark/ visitors drop off point is over 1km without shade.
Pam — Google review
An astonishing family history and culture in the ancient days to have such an foresight in business management and family rules to cultivate their descendants.
Actually, I didn’t know about this place or family in the history. They are a successful businessman dated back to Qing dynasty. He is a trader for tea, beancurb and many others..this place becomes famous when a movie shot by Zhang Yi Mou director received a award in Cannes film festival for the movies red red lantern .. well decorated with red lantern everywhere. Big compound with historic architectural design of the mansion! Worth a visit if you do on way from Tai Yuan to Pingyao.
Historical and world heritage site, must see if you travel to Shanxi province. You can see the whole history of Qiao Family from Qing Dynasty to present, like a live Chinese history show.
A must go place, if you love to architecture design especially try know what is ideal Qing dynasty design. Go for it, you won't regret as it will be
A place full of history. Some women dress in traditional garb to take pictures here. Great to take family.
This major tourist attraction between Pingyao and Taiyuan was featured in the movie Raise the Red Lantern and a Chinese TV series. It was the housing compound of the scholarly merchant Mr Qiao and his extended family. Now the state owns it and turned it into a tourist joint. The compound is very nice. You get a good glimpse of how the rich lived. There are exhibits featuring daily life of the 19th century. The place is very crowded and parts of it becomes very commercialized.
The Qiao Family Compound (喬家大院), also known as Qiao Grand Courtyard, was the residential compound of the well-known 18th century financier Qiao Zhiyong (喬致庸) during the reign of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong (清朝乾隆皇帝). The estate covers 9,000 square meters and has 313 rooms within 6 courtyards.
This is now a museum and it was where main location of the movie "Raise the Red Lantern (大紅燈籠高高掛)" by famous director Zhang Yimou (張藝謀導演) was filmed. The 2006 Chinese historical TV drama series "Qiao's Grand Courtyard (喬家大院)" was filmed here as well.
4.4
(169)
4.1
(258)
CC4M+RFJ, 乔家堡村东观镇 Qixian, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China, 030901
28Manto P — Google reviewEric W — Google reviewWayne T — Google reviewMike C — Google reviewSimon G — Google reviewAnat S — Google reviewKH W — Google review
Pingyao Ancient City Wall
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Pingyao Ancient City Wall is a remarkable historical and cultural site, boasting well-preserved city walls that date back to 827 B.C. Initially constructed during the early Ming Dynasty for defense against invaders, the wall has undergone numerous renovations and stands in excellent condition today. It spans approximately 6 kilometers with a height of 12 meters and width ranging from 3 to 6 meters. The construction, featuring rammed earth inside and brick and stone outside, showcases impressive architectural craftsmanship.
Pingyao Ancient City is an absolute gem and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in China, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich past. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, traditional courtyards, and ancient city walls.
One of the highlights is the **City Wall**, which offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city. The sunset views from the wall, calling it a magical experience.
There’s a lot to see so I highly recommend hiring a guide as this place is massive and full of history.
Pingyao Ancient City is somewhat a commercialized tourist spot, but Pingyao retains its charm and cultural integrity. The local shops, street food, and traditional performances make the experience even more immersive.
There’s many historical places which they have rebuilt, maintained and a lot of authentic Chinese food with a dedicated street full of food vendors around the back.
Definitely try to go early as there’s a lot to explore.
In summary, Pingyao Ancient City is a perfect blend of history, culture, and charm. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Pingyao will not disappoint. It’s a 5-star destination that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
Kuan-Yu C — Google review
Beautiful ancient city with many tourists but still very genuine.
I didn’t regret making a day trip to this ancient city, even though it started really early and felt a bit rushed and tiring. The exhaustion was made worse by the sudden shift in weather, it turned unexpectedly sunny and hot. Honestly, it’s worth staying at least one night here. The city wall gave off a stronger sense of antiquity than Xi’an’s, though both have their own unique charm. One curious note is that every area I visited had a distinct, indescribable smell. It wasn’t like the musty scent of old UK castles or mansions I’ve been to before. I jokingly told my friend, maybe it’s the smell of death, centuries of it lingering in the air. It is a must come for once.
Only local Pingyao tour guide was allowed to guide your along the ancient city wall tour. Very experienced and knowledgeable.
Hotel living conditions were terrible during winter without a hot shower and heater. Freezing cold nite!
Not up to expectations if you are coming from city!
A wonderful experience... As is everything within the city wall .. A must see on any China tour...
Nice city wall of Pingyao. The wall is a bit far to walk all around. Along the way there are small towers and statues. You get a great view of the city from the wall.
Amazing area Pingyao. What an invited and nice people and good ♥️
A well restored defensive wall that encircles the old Pingyao. Its is more than 6km in length.
It is not of the same scale as Xi'an's wall: it is narrower on the top, towers are few and less grand, and there is no cycling facility.
If you plan to walk and do not plan to walk the while wall, do note that there are only a few places where you can enter/exit -- primarily the North/East/South/West gates, with a couple more in between.
For a short walk, it is best to start from South Gate, which is also more interesting. If you walk counter clockwise, there is an exit about 200m away.
29
Pingyao
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Pingyao, also known as Pingyao Ancient City, is a historic walled city located in central Shanxi, China. It holds great significance in Chinese economic history and is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Ming and Qing urban planning and architecture. The city has a rich history dating back over 2,800 years to the Western Zhou Dynasty.
1% as popular as Beijing
4 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Xi'an
30Yeanne L — Google reviewDX T — Google reviewJulian W — Google reviewTiansin P — Google reviewShakthi P — Google reviewAbhi R — Google reviewDr. G — Google review
Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River
National park
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Bodies of Water
Amazing & spectacular waterfall in Shanxi. View from Shanxi side, not from Shaanxi side. Big different for viewing pleasure.
Joe P — Google review
This waterfall is impressive! Beautiful to be exact.
Was there 2 weeks ago and it was hot, wet, sandy all at once!
If you don't mind being a little muddy here and there go and have all the fun! But if you do, you'd probably need a poncho of sorts.
There were little donkeys or horses for you to out on a traditional outfit and take pics with too.
Transportation there was easy as we got to go with Xiao Li travel agency. 2.5hrs from linfen by coach. Was pleasant. A must see!
I would advise that transportation and travel arrangements be made prior to this outdoor excursion especially for non chinese speaking visitors though.. and also for those of us who would think it would be easy and ok to do so when we are already here.
Loads of fruits and food places nearby too!
We had lunch at a restaurant by the big white hotel and coach parking and it was good too! The fish is a must eat!
Very impressive. Beautiful rainbow developing in the mist in sunlight. View especially good from the dragon cave. A mini version of Niagara falls.
There are two places where you can view the waterfall, one is on Shanxi side and the other one is on Shaanxi side. two different provinces. The Shaanxi side is all on ground level while the Shanxi side offers an opportunity to view it on a ledge of a cliff which is lower.
Most beautiful part of the Yellow river with it's waterfall, have to be here to appreciate this magnificent Mother River of China 🇨🇳
One of the great places we visited during our China tour! Haven't seen a waterfall in this nature and I will never forget this! We traveled from Xi'an to this place and you should have a vehicle for sure !4-5 hours one way, but worth the trouble!!
Impressive waterfall. Locals selling super juicy apples and wild dates around the car park
We visited during the labor holidays of 2016. It was a pleasant experience being there after visiting Xi'an city
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