1. Recommended scenic spots for weekend self-driving tour in Baoding
2. Free scenic spots for self-driving tours around Baoding
The scenic spots for self-driving tours around Baoding include Yesanpo, Bailixia, Laiyuan Baishishan National Geopark, Yi Shui Lake, Qingxi Tomb, Langya Mountain, Taihang Water Town, Sita, Dingzhou Gongyuan scenic area, Dapingtai Longju Waterfall Tourist Area, Quanshengxia, Baishishan Shí Pùxiá, Tiansheng Bridge Waterfall Group. Baoding has rich cultural and natural landscapes, including many historical sites and beautiful scenery. Some of the popular tourist spots include Daci Pavillon, The Former Residence of the Governor General of Zhili, Ancient Lotus Pool, Yaoshan Wang’s Manor, Baiyangdian, Mancheng Mausoleum of the Han Dynasty, Yi County Qingxi Tomb, Lai River Yesanpo, Laiyuan Liangcheng Baishishan, and Zhuozhou City.
In the summer, visitors can escape the heat in Liangcheng or boat on the lake, making it a popular destination for tourists near Beijing. Baoding is a city with a diverse landscape, including plains, lakes, wetlands, hills, mountains, and sub-alpine grasslands, which makes it an excellent tourist destination. It has three 5A-level scenic spots (Baiyangdian, Yesanpo, and Baishishan), seven 4A-level scenic spots, two global geoparks, one national key scenic spot, three national geoparks, and four national forest parks.
Yesanpo
The Yesanpo scenic area is located in Laiyuan County, Baoding, about 100 kilometers west of Beijing. It is a popular destination for enjoying natural scenery and summer vacation. Yesanpo is a collective term for the scenic spots, including gorges, cliffs, alpine meadows, cave wonders, and river scenery, each with its own unique features. Visitors can enjoy the mountains and waters here from April to October, making it an ideal place for leisure and relaxation.
The Yesanpo scenic area is centered around Sanspo, with several scenic spots including Bailixia, Baicaopan, Yugu Cave, Longmen Tianguan, and Juma River. Each scenic spot individually sells tickets, with distances between them roughly 10-30 kilometers apart, and there are no shuttle services. It is recommended to travel by self-driving or hire a local car for sightseeing, which usually takes several tens of yuan per person for a day trip. It generally requires two days to visit Yesanpo, with a recommended itinerary of visiting Bailixia scenic area on the first day and watching the Impression Yesanpo show at night. The second day includes visiting the Baicaopan scenic area in the morning and then having fun with the river cave rafting in Juma River in the afternoon. Visitors can return to the departure point in the evening. Those who have extra time can visit the Dragon Gate scenic area on the third day. If only one day is available, it is recommended to visit the Bailixia scenic area and then return.
Bailixia
The Bailixia scenic area is located in Sanspo Town, Laiyuan County, the most important scenic spot in the Yesanpo scenic area. The scenic area is mainly composed of a narrow and deep canyon, where visitors can enjoy the magnificent cliffs and mountain scenery, as well as streams, waterfalls, and more inside the valley. In the summer, the scenic area is very cool, so it's an ideal place for a summer holiday.
The Bailixia scenic area includes Haitangyu, Shixuanxia, and Scorpion Gully. Currently, Scorpion Gully is undeveloped and cannot be visited. Haitangyu and Shixuanxia can be visited. The two canyons are circular, with Haitangyu on the right and Shixuanxia on the left. The entrance to the canyon is located near Niujiaofeng, about 2 kilometers away from the scenic spot's gate. From the gate to Niujiaofeng, there is a shuttle service that operates at a cost of RMB 10 per trip or RMB 18 for a round trip. Both canyons lead to Tianladder in the deep, which is a 2,800-step stone step road with a pavilion at the highest point known as Tian Pavilion. Climbing from both sides of the ladder requires about one hour, and there is a cable car up and down the Tian Pavilion on both sides, with a cost of RMB 50 for a single trip and RMB 90 for a round trip.
Langya Mountain
Langya Mountain is located on the eastern foot of the Taihang Mountains, west of Yixian County, Baoding. It is about 45 kilometers from the county seat. The mountain peaks are steep with sharp edges, getting its name due to their wolf tooth shape. The story of the five soldiers of the Eighth Route Army fighting bravely against Japanese invaders and sacrificing themselves matches this location, so it is also known for this story people know.
Langya Mountain has a relatively high elevation, with the main peak of Lianhua Ban at about 1,100 meters. Several mountain peaks are connected, and there is a cable car to take. There are scenic spots to visit at the foot of the mountain, inside the mountain, and on top of the mountain. The main scenic spots include the Chen Lieguan, Memorial Tower for the Five Brave Soldiers, Red Agate Cave, Xitianmen and Qipan Tuo, which can help people enjoy a mix of historical culture and romantic natural scenery, make your journey enjoyable.
Recommended scenic spots for weekend self-driving tour in Baoding
The recommended one-day tour scenic spots around Baoding are Yesanpo Scenic Area, Baiyangdian Scenic Area, Baishishan Scenic Area, Yixian Langya Mountain Scenic Area, and Qingxi Tomb.
1. Yesanpo Scenic Area
The Yesanpo Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Baoding, which is a natural scenic spot mainly composed of gorges and natural landscapes. It boasts a variety of natural landscapes, such as Danxia landforms, streams, waterfalls, and wildlife. All of these can inspire people to do some activities here such as hiking, exploration, and shooting.
2. Baiyangdian Scenic Area
The Baiyangdian Scenic Area is located in the southern part of Baoding and is a place where wetland ecology and water tourism combine. Many ecological wetlands and water projects can be found here, such as lotus, sailboats, and fishing. Visitors can also do various kinds of activities here, including sailing, bird watching, and photography to appreciate the charm and beauty of nature.
3. Laiyuan Baishishan National Geopark
The Laiyuan Baishishan National Geopark is located in the southeast of Baoding, featuring mountain and water scenery and rich cultural background. Visitors can enjoy many landscapes here, such as mountain forests, streams, and ancient buildings, like Baishishan, Baishi Rock, and Baishi Temple. Visitors can enjoy hiking, exploration, sightseeing, and other activities, and understand the traditional culture of China and Baoding's historical culture.
4. Yixian Langya Mountain Scenic Area
The Yixian Langya Mountain Scenic Area is located in the southwest of Baoding, where it has a combination of red culture and natural scenery. It is also one of our new revolutionary scenic spots. Visitors can learn about the historical and cultural revolution here. In addition, there are many natural landscapes and special projects in the park, such as caves, waterfalls, and hiking.
5. Qingxi Tomb
The Qingxi Tomb is located in the northern part of Baoding, and is a tourist attraction with the cultural heritage of the Qing Dynasty's tombs. Visitors can learn about history and culture. Moreover, there are many ancient buildings and humanities in the park, such as Dahan Gate, Danfeng Pavilion, and more.
Free scenic spots for self-driving tours around Baoding
There are many good places near Baoding that are suitable for short self-driving tours. Some recommendations included are the Longtan Canyon Scenic Area, Mulan Valley Scenic Area, Cao Xian Cave, etc.
1. Longtan Canyon Scenic Area
It is located 20 kilometers north of Mancheng County, including Longmen Lake and Longtan Canyon. The scenic area is connected by mountains and waterfalls with beautiful scenery and tranquil surroundings. The peaks are towering, green, and lush, with unique and exquisite beauty, and can be compared with "Little Guilin in the North." Longmen Lake covers an area of 10 square kilometers and is like a sparkling gem, embedded in the mountains. The lake area is surrounded by clouds and mist and has a serene and comfortable feel. It comes with many ancient buildings such as Kangxi Fishing Terrace, Laojun Hall, Double Dragon Cave, and the observation of Grandmother Temple.
2. Mulan Valley Scenic Area
The Mulan Valley Scenic Area is located in Xizhao Village, Mancheng County, west-north 25 kilometers away. The famous Mulan Cave is hidden in the secluded part of the Mulan Valley, surrounded by mountains and scenic valleys. The scenery is beautiful, and the climate is pleasant. The inside of the cave has spectacular and diverse stalactites, and stalagmites look more beautiful than Southern Karst landscapes. They form a colourful effect, transparent and sparkling. The waterfall’s momentum is more outstanding than real ones. The performances of various lights in the cave enhance the mystery of the cave.
3. Cao Xian Cave
Located in Caojiawu Village, Zhangyewu Town, Mancheng County, about 38 kilometers south of Baoding. According to legend, in the cave, there was a Taoist named Cao Guojiu, who later became one of the eight immortals in Taoism. He lived here when he was in retirement. He taught people how to grow mulberry trees and raise silkworms to make their livings. Later, he rose to heaven from here. Cao Xian Cave is a rare limestone cave in northern China. The whole cave is full of lumps of different sizes and shapes, like jade. The stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, such as pillars, cones, pear flowers, and so on, are very delicate and breathtaking. There are also other places to see like Zhongling, stone bed, Qingfeng, and Duangua.
4. Cangu Scenic Area
Cangu Scenic Area, which covers an area of 13 square meters, is located in Cangu Town, where concentrates many intimacy scenes. The climate is cool. It used to be a summer resort for the court. There are many cultural relics and natural scenery with distinctive features. The terrain is complicated, and the river is meandering.
5. Dingxing Mosque
It covers an area of 3,600 square meters, with a building area of 600 square meters, a place where Muslim people gather and carry out religious activities. It has a unique style of architecture. Three petal-type arches are towering, decorated with exquisite religious patterns on the top. The central entrance is the main entrance, and the west side is the side entrance. It has a unique ancient Chinese Islamic style of architecture.
