Cross-regional historical and cultural depth tour across mountains and seas
In 2024, "Beijing Central Axis — A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" was officially listed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Since then, China has 59 world cultural heritages.
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has 15 world cultural heritages, of which Beijing has 8. World Heritage has become the most high-quality, internationally influential, and desirable tourist resource. Checking in at world heritage sites is also an essential and unmissable part of tourists' itineraries.
From the winding Great Wall to the flowing canal, from the elegance of royal gardens to the mystery of human origins, from the order of China's ideal city to the magnificence of northern famous mountains, from the romance of exquisite murals to the power of Chinese characters, every step is a profound understanding of Chinese civilization, and every stop is a tribute to the lofty Chinese spirit.
On the occasion of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, let us embark on a journey along the 10 Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surrounding world heritage theme routes that we have carefully planned and designed, crossing mountains and seas, traversing time and space, to explore those cultural treasures that have experienced vicissitudes but still shine brightly.
In 2025, the Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar brings new changes, and world heritage sites are waiting for you to visit.
1 Walk on the majestic Great Wall
Main points
Shanhaiguan Great Wall in Hebei - Xifengkou Great Wall - Huangyaguan Great Wall in Tianjin - Jinshanling Great Wall in Hebei - Simatai Great Wall (Beijing WTown)
Route features
Between mountains and seas, the Great Wall is magnificent, with a rich history, like a poem and a painting. Shanhaiguan Great Wall, as one of the northeast passes of the Ming Great Wall, is known as the "the First Pass under Heaven." Xifengkou Great Wall is an important pass of the Jizhen section of the Ming Great Wall. It has a dangerous terrain and has always been a place of contention for military strategists. Huangyaguan Great Wall is famous for its three wonders of "Huangya Sunset," "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," and "Clouds and Waves," showcasing the magnificence, danger, beauty, and antiquity of the Great Wall. Jinshanling Great Wall is known as the "Ten Thousand Li Great Wall, Jingshan Unique" for its broad vision, dense watchtowers, and exquisite architectural art. Simatai Great Wall (Beijing WTown) retains the original appearance of the Ming Great Wall and is known for its "dangerous, dense, strange, ingenious, and complete" features.
Food recommendations
Simatai Village "Zhuang Guozi" hot pot, Gubei Roast Duck King, Miyun Barbecue Restaurant.
Accommodation recommendations
Beijing WTown, HOBO FARM, Yunding Yeshe Resort
Activity recommendations
Gu Bei "Ice" Town
(Late December 2024 - Mid-February 2025)
2 Overlook the Great Wall covered in snow and ice
Main points
Juyongguan Great Wall in Beijing - Badaling Great Wall - Dajingmen Great Wall in Hebei
Route features
Snowflakes flying, the Great Wall winding like a silver snake. Juyongguan Great Wall is known for its steepness, and the winter snow scenery adds a layer of mysterious and magnificent beauty to it. As one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall, the undulating walls of Badaling Great Wall appear even more magnificent under the cover of white snow. Dajingmen Great Wall, due to its unique geographical location, has become a gateway connecting the inside and outside, a "great land and rivers" Dajingmen. In this silver-wrapped winter, you can not only appreciate the ancient and magnificent Great Wall, but also feel the magnificent scenery of northern China in winter and the profound cultural heritage of the Great Wall.
Food recommendations
Ding Jia Xuan Lamb Spine Hot Pot, Yue Lang Zhai, Yang Fang Da Du Shuan Yang Rou (Badaling Branch), Commune by the Great Wall · Kitchen
Accommodation recommendations
Juyong Township Homestay Cluster, Commune by the Great Wall
Activity recommendations
Jundu Shan Ski Resort Snow Dance Show
(December 30th and 31st, 2024)
Spring Festival activities at Badaling Ski Resort
(December 31, 2024, January 29, 2025, February 3, 2025)
3 Experience canal culture by riding canal boats
Main points
Tianjin Yangliuqing Ancient Town - Hebei Xianghe North Canal Terminal Square - Beijing (Tongzhou) Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Area
Route features
Tianjin Yangliuqing Ancient Town not only carries rich canal culture, but also is the birthplace of Yangliuqing New Year paintings. During the Chinese New Year, visitors can enjoy the colorful and auspicious Yangliuqing New Year paintings, even buy a painting, experience traditional paper-cutting art, and feel the unique canal culture and folk art of the ancient town. Hebei Xianghe North Canal Terminal Square has various folk flower shows such as Zhongfan Club, Zhuma Club, Diyangge, and Gaoqiao Club during the festival, adding a strong folk cultural atmosphere to the canal. Beijing (Tongzhou) Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Area was newly upgraded to a national 5A-level tourist attraction in 2024. Visitors can not only experience intangible cultural heritage skills at the North Canal Intangible Cultural Heritage Learning Center, but also watch various folk performances at the Canal Culture Square and other places.
Food recommendations
Mo Cai Fang, Nanmen Shuanrou (Tongzhou branch), Hexinglou Royal Braised Pork Knuckle (Yuelianghe branch), Xiaolou Restaurant (Halal branch)
Accommodation recommendations
Hilton Garden Inn Beijing Canal Business District, Soluxe International Convention Center Beijing, Beijing Tongzhou Beitou Hilton Hotel, All Seasons Hotel (Beijing Tongzhou Global Yunhe Dajie branch)
Activity recommendations
City Green Heart Ice and Snow Carnival Season 5
(December 28, 2024 - February 15, 2025)
City Avenue Joy Skating Rink
(November 16, 2024 - February 28, 2025)
4 Explore royal mausoleums
Main points
Qingdong Mausoleum in Zunhua, Hebei - The Ming Tombs in Beijing - Qingxi Mausoleum in Yixian, Hebei
Route features
Enter the Qingdong Mausoleum in Zunhua and visit the largest and most complete ancient royal mausoleum in China. It not only contains the tombs of five emperors, 15 empresses, and numerous concubines of the Qing Dynasty, but also serves as a model of ancient Chinese tomb architecture. As the tomb group of Ming Dynasty emperors, the newly opened Yongling and Siling in 2024 provide visitors with a richer visiting experience. Visitors can experience the weight of history by making online reservations. As the resting place of Qing Dynasty emperors, the Qingxi Mausoleum is the pinnacle of ancient Chinese tomb architecture with its magnificent building scale and exquisite artistic achievements. Walking through the mausoleum, the scenery changes with every step, and every place tells the profound culture and exquisite architectural beauty of royal mausoleums.
Food recommendations
Kangling Village Spring Pancake Feast, Changling Village Halar Feast, Daolingjian Village Fried Cake Feast, Yangfang Dadu Shuan Yangrou (Beihuan Road Branch)
Accommodation recommendations
Beijing Baozhigu International Conference Center, All Seasons (Beijing Changping Xiguan Roundabout Branch), Lufeng Hotel (Beijing Changping Government Street Branch)
Activity recommendations
Baifuquan First Ice and Snow Carnival
(Mid-December 2024 - Mid-February 2025)
Jingzhihu Park Ice Camel Snow Play Park
(December 2024 - February 2025)
5 Explore royal gardens
Main points
Summer Palace in Beijing- Old Summer Palace in Beijing - Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde
Route features
In winter, Kunming Hu at the Summer Palace freezes over, creating the city's largest artificial ice rink. The towering Wanshou Mountain and the colorful paintings in the Long Corridor tell vivid stories, showcasing the grandeur and delicacy of the royal gardens. Although the Old Summer Palace is now a park of ruins, it still carries the weight of history. The magnificent "Garden of all Gardens" and the 40 scenic spots of the Old Summer Palace are still faintly visible, making people imagine its past glory. The Chengde Mountain Resort in Hebei Province, with its unique mountain and water resources and a blend of northern and southern garden art, has become a royal summer resort. The scenery of the north and the charm of the south blend together, showcasing the beauty and depth of Chinese garden culture.
Food recommendations
Ting Li Guan Restaurant (Summer Palace branch), De Hua Ju Bao - Old Beijing Copper Hot Pot (Xiyuan Summer Palace branch), Hua Jia Yi Yuan (Qinghua West Road branch), Quan Ju De (Qinghua Garden branch), Shang Fu Yi Pin - Roast Duck - New Beijing Cuisine (Old Summer Palace branch)
Accommodation recommendations
Beijing Aman Summer Palace Hotel, Orange (Summer Palace branch), Beijing Peking University Boya International Hotel
Activity recommendations
The 11th Ice Fitness Event at the Summer Palace
(Early January 2025 - February 3, 2025)
The 4th Happy Ice and Snow Season at the Old Summer Palace - Ski Resort
(End of December 2024 - February 3, 2025)
6 Trace the origin of human beings
Main points
Nihewan in Zhangjiakou, Hebei - Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site in Beijing - Donghulin Human Site in Mentougou
Route features
Nihewan in Zhangjiakou, known as the "homeland of Eastern humans", is a treasure trove of Paleolithic sites. It reveals the mysterious veil of early human activities and records the production and living scenes of ancient humans from 2 million years ago to 10,000 years ago. Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site, as a world heritage site in China and a world-famous ancient human site, not only preserves rich "Peking Man" fossils, but also displays their traces of using fire and making stone tools, providing strong evidence for the theory of human evolution. Donghulin Human Site in Zhaitang Town, Mentougou, can be said to be a microcosm of life in the Neolithic Age, showing the production methods and customs of our ancestors. Following the footsteps of time, delving into the profound and long history of human beings, and exploring the treasure trove of cultural accumulation.
Food recommendations
Tianyu Mountain Villa Restaurant, Huangshan Shop Fire Pot, Cuandi Xia Village Sauce Meat, Baihua Renjia (Qingshuitianyuan Shop), Shennong Jiayan (Beijing Mentougou Shop), Dongmashanjia Mulan Academy Homestay (Beijing Mentougou Shop)
Accommodation recommendations
Tianyu Mountain Villa, Yinju Xiangli - Taoye Valley Homestay, Cotinus Coggygria in Bloom, Cuanshe, Zhaitang Zhongkun Mountain Villa, Yinbei Yeshe, Baihua Mountain Society, Liuguang Lisheshe
Activity recommendations
Yunju Powder Snow New Year's Eve
(Starting on December 31, 2024)
Tanko Ice and Snow Prayer Season
(Starting on December 21, 2024)
7 Appreciate the order of the Central Axis
Main points
Bell and Drum Towers on the Beijing Central Axis- Yuan Dynasty Capital Site Park - Site of Xanadu in Inner Mongolia
Route features
Step into the Bell and Drum Towers on the Beijing Central Axis, and explore the profound philosophy of "evening drums and morning bells" in the echoes of the bells and drums. Experience the order, magnificence, and solemnity of the ancient ideal capital of China, and understand the continuity and diversity of Chinese civilization. Visit the Yuan Dynasty Capital Site Park, which was once the location of the Yuan Dynasty's capital city. The historical relics and cultural landscapes in the park still reflect the glory of the Yuan Dynasty. The Inner Mongolia Yuan Site of Xanadu is the earliest, longest-lasting, most unique, and best-preserved site among the series of capital cities in the Yuan Dynasty, reflecting the essence of the combination of agricultural civilization and nomadic culture.
Food recommendations
Peking Chamber (Qianmen Branch), Kaorouji Restaurant (YANDAI Byway Branch), Halal Ya Er Li Ji Shuanrou (Yinding Bridge Branch), Laijinyuxuan Tea House, Dongyangdi Yangxiezi (Xiaoguan Branch), Gannan Renjia (Anzhen Olympic Sports Center Branch)
Accommodation recommendations
Zhe Fei Hotel (Bell and Drum Towers Subway Station Branch in Nanluogu Xiang), Junhe Hotel (Bell and Drum Towers Nanluogu Xiang Branch in Beijing), Beijing Anzhen Olympic Sports Center Meiju Hotel, All Seasons Hotel (National Stadium Branch in Beijing Olympic Sports Center)
Activity recommendations
Ice culture activities in Beihai Park
(Around New Year's Day 2025)
Skating at Shichahai
(January 1, 2025 - February 4, 2025)
8 Appreciate magnificent sculptures and exquisite murals
Main points
Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi - Fahai Temple in Beijing - Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum (BSCM)
Route features
Yungang Grottoes in Datong were built during the Northern Wei Dynasty over 1500 years ago and are famous for their grand scale and exquisite Buddhist art. The murals at Fahai Temple in Shijingshan showcase the ultimate in mural art during the Ming Dynasty with delicate brushstrokes and rich colors. The use of gold decorations in the technique enhances the artistic effect of the murals. The Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum (BSCM) (also known as the Wuta Temple) houses stone carvings from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These collections not only display the evolution of ancient Chinese stone carving art but also serve as valuable materials for studying ancient history, culture, and religion.
Food recommendations
Old Beijing Restaurant, Huizhen Xiaochu, Daole Shaorou Jiuguan, Meishan 51, Fahai Temple Fried Cake King, Beijing's First Lamb (Zoo Branch), Haitangju New Huicai (Shou Ti Branch)
Accommodation recommendations
Moshikou Xiaoyuan, Jing 199 Courtyard, Moshikou Liuru Xiaozhu Homestay, Beijing New Century Hotel, Jinjiang Inn (Beijing Zoo Branch), Orange (Wukesong Branch)
Activity recommendations
Shougang Park Experience Cyberpunk-style Ice and Snow Fun
(Winter 2024-2025)
Manye Ice and Snow Park
(December 25, 2024 - February 4, 2025)
9 Enjoy the northern famous mountains
Main points
Fragrant Hill Park in Beijing - Panshan Mountain in Tianjin - Mount Taishan in Shandong
Route features
Beijing Fragrant Hill is famous for its autumn red leaves, with mountains and forests, maple trees like fire, painting the most beautiful picture of autumn in Beijing. Fragrant Hill is still beautiful in winter. Tianjin Pan Mountain is known for its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. The mountains here are majestic, surrounded by five peaks such as Zigai Peak and Zilai Peak. Pan Mountain has many ancient temples and historical sites, such as Tiancheng Temple and Wanfo Hall, and is a tourist destination where nature and culture complement each other. Shandong Mount Tai is known for its magnificent mountain scenery and profound cultural heritage, and is known as the "head of the Five Sacred Mountains". Mount Taishan's natural scenery is known for its magnificence, uniqueness, danger, beauty, seclusion, and mystery. The overlapping mountains and towering pines and rocks complement each other, and the changing clouds and smoke add to the mystery.
Food recommendations
Xiaodiaolitang (Fragrant Hill branch), Shanhaijing Chinese Style New Jinglu (Fragrant Hill branch), Najia Xiaoguan (Fragrant Hill branch)
Accommodation recommendations
Beijing Fragrant Hill Hotel, Golden Resources Fragrant Hill Business Travel Hotel, Lufeng Hotel (Beijing Shijingshan Wanda Plaza store)
Activity recommendations
Olympic Forest Park South Park South Gate Ice and Snow Carnival Market and Amount Aosen Fantasy Light and Shadow Ice and Snow Season (January 1, 2025- Mid-February 2025)
10 Understand Chinese characters in the north part of China
Main points
Beijing Daxing China Printing Museum - Handan, Hebei - Anyang, Henan Yin Xu (China Character Museum)
Route features
The China Printing Museum in Beijing Daxing is like a brilliant galaxy of printing history, showcasing the evolution of printing technology and cultural dissemination from ancient times to the present, with each exhibit carrying the wisdom of printing technology. Handan, Hebei, a city that has precipitated for three thousand years, is like a huge idiom treasury, containing 1584 idioms and allusions related to Handan. Walking in Handan, idiom sculptures can be seen everywhere, and ancient wisdom shines in modern cities. The China Character Museum in Anyang Yin Ru, Henan, as China's first museum with characters as its theme, focuses on the evolution of Chinese characters from oracle bone inscriptions to regular script.
Food recommendations
Ju Jing Min Fu Roast Duck Restaurant (Daxing Huangcun Branch), Yangji Xing Stinky Mandarin Fish (Zaoyuan Branch), Gezi Zhang Family Banquet (Daxing Branch)
Accommodation recommendations
Orange Hotel (Beijing Daxing Qingyuan Road Subway Station Branch), Hilton Garden Inn (Beijing Daxing Jinyuan Road Branch), GreenTree Inn (Beijing Daxing Lvyuan Binfen City Branch)
Activity recommendations
The Second Niantan Park Ice and Snow Fairy Tale Season
(December 4, 2024 - March 1, 2025)
