Whenever ancient towns are mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is often Gubei Water Town. However, around Beijing, there is not only Gubei Water Town; there are also some less crowded, beautiful, and even free ancient towns.
Luanzhou Ancient Town
Emperor Qianlong once wrote, "A thousand years in Luanzhou," praising the prosperity of this place. Walking into the ancient town, the Qinglong River flows continuously with its clear blue water, and the night scenery on both sides is picturesque, resembling a real-life version of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival."
The welcoming square, Confucius Temple, and Luanzhou Yamen in the ancient town are worth exploring. The seven theme streets, including the Folk Culture Street, and Korean Style Street, are full of surprises.
Address: Within the old city of Luan County, Tangshan City, Hebei Province
Ticket: Free
Transportation:
Self-driving route: Take the Jingshen Expressway and switch to National Highway 205 at Tangjin Expressway to reach the ancient town
Train route: Take a train from Beijing Station to Luan County, then take bus 101 from the train station square to reach the ancient town.
Guangfu Ancient Town
Guangfu Ancient Town is a renowned birthplace of Chinese Tai Chi, with two major Tai Chi schools, Yang-style and Wu-style, both known as "living sculptures," originating here. The ancient city was built over 1400 years ago at the end of the Sui Dynasty, and the millennium-old ripples still dance on the moat.
Surrounded by a 5-kilometer-long moat, the wetlands beyond the moat seem endless.
As the sun sets, riding a bike to admire the beautiful scenery of the city while imagining the chariots and horses of King Zhao passing through here, it's truly pleasant.
Address: Located 20 kilometers southeast of Yongnian District, Handan City, Hebei Province
Ticket: Free to enter the city; internal attractions have admission fees.
Transportation:
Self-driving route: Take the Jingzhu Expressway, exit at Yongnian, and turn to the provincial road to Guangfu Town. If driving into the city, it's better to enter from the south gate as the north gate has narrow roads. You can also park at the south gate parking lot, walk, or take a sightseeing electric car into the city, as the roads inside the city are narrow and driving can be challenging.
Bus route: Bus 605 departs from the Handan City, with a fare of 5 yuan/person for the entire journey. The first bus departs at 6:00, the last at 19:00, and buses run every 10-15 minutes.
Yangliuqing Ancient Town
Yangliuqing Ancient Town has a long history with grand and ancient buildings, exhibiting an antique charm with flying eaves, upturned corners, and showcasing the ancient street style of the town. The ancient-style shops on both sides of the street recreate the bustling scenes of merchants and traders in the Qing Dynasty.
The Mingqing Street, a thousand-year-old ancient town, is a must-pass road for visiting various attractions. To the east lies the imposing Wenchang Pavilion, to the west is the "number one mansion west of Tianjin," the Shijia Dayuan, and to the south is the ancient Nan Canal. It is a street that integrates ancient culture, tourism, commerce, and film and television.
Yangliuqing Town has a deep cultural heritage and rich folk art. Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings are praised as the premier in China. In addition, paper-cutting, kites, brick carving, and stone carving are also treasures of Chinese folk art.
Address: Yangliuqing Town, Tianjin
Ticket: Free
Transportation:
Train route: Take a train from Beijing to Tianjin, then take bus 175 or 669 to Yangliuqing Station in Tianjin.
Self-driving route: Jingjin Expressway—Jinghu Expressway—Wangqingtuo Interchange—Beijing Ring Road—Jintong Line—Xiqing Road—Liukou Road—Yangliuqing Town
Beitang Ancient Town
Beitang Ancient Town has a history of more than 600 years. In the early days of the coastal formation, it thrived with a bustling coastal scene. Beitang witnessed the rise and fall of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and historians have commented: "One Beitang Town, half of the late Qing Dynasty history."
The ancient town is picturesque, with the twin forts becoming an excellent spot for watching the tide. As night falls, under the dim lights, the mottled ancient forts appear particularly solemn in the moonlight.
The ancient town is also a paradise for food lovers. Beitang produces various delicious seafood, such as crabs, shrimp, conch, and croaker, with rich and tender meat, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Address: Binhai New Area, Tianjin
Ticket: Free
Transportation:
Train route: Take a train from Beijing to Tianjin, then transfer to the Jinbin Light Rail Line 9 at Donghai Road Station. Change to bus 127 at Beitang Street Station.
Self-driving route: Enter the Jingjin Expressway from the southeast Fifth Ring, continue for 136 kilometers to Beitang Toll Station, then proceed along the main road for 8 kilometers to the north side of Beitang Street. The total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Translator: TANG Yuxin
Reviewer: WEN Min
