https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/ying-county/best-things-to-do/10073006900000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Ying County [2025]
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The Palace Museum
4.8
/5
184738 reviews
10
From AU$ 12.63
Based on 14,232 reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864009501925
Address: No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Admire the flowers and plants in the Imperial Garden in Forbidden City
World Heritage Site
Saved by 11534 users117254 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The half-day guided tour with the Jing Zhuangyuan Palace Museum was truly worth it. Our guide, Mr. Niu, was incredibly dedicated and dedicated. Starting at one o'clock, he provided a non-stop, detailed and engaging explanation of each of the iconic palaces along the way. Even though strong winds forced the palace gates shut, Mr. Niu designed a route that allowed us to see as many sights as possible without taking unnecessary detours. Under Mr. Niu's guidance, we took stunning photos at every stop. The tour was supposed to end at four o'clock, but Mr. Niu volunteered to stay a few extra minutes, ensuring our visit to the Forbidden City was truly enjoyable. Thank you, Mr. Niu, for all your hard work!
The route that Teacher Niu brought today is very suitable for people like me who are visiting Beijing for the first time and visiting the Palace Museum for the first time. The introduction of the scenic spots is very comprehensive, and I also checked in at many places. The explanation is very detailed, which is much more suitable than visiting blindly on my own. Teacher Niu's way of explanation is very suitable for novices or friends who are visiting the Forbidden City again.
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Badaling Great Wall
4.7
/5
53758 reviews
10
From AU$ 8.42
Badaling Great Wall/Badaling Wildlife Park | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864008180088
Address: Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Take a cable car to enjoy the fall scenery of The Great Wall
World Heritage Site
Saved by 7819 users38200 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The cable car is very well designed. The two-way cable car saves a lot of physical energy, and you can experience the joy of climbing to the top after getting off the cable car. It is a good combination of work and rest. The supporting facilities are in place. It is worthy of being a landmark building and a key scenic spot. It is very convenient to drive to the Chaxi parking lot. It is not long before the shuttle bus connects. After getting off the shuttle bus, it is not long before you can get on the cable car. It is very convenient. The money you should spend is still worth spending. I recommend the cable car package.
The Badaling section of the Great Wall is certainly worth visiting. Despite the large number of visitors, the site is extremely well organised, with no sense of chaos. The experience of walking along the Wall was truly enjoyable, and the facilities are thoughtfully designed to be accessible, making it senior-friendly as well.
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
29146 reviews
8.9
From AU$ 25.26
Based on 995 reviews
62.2 km from downtown
Phone +8603527992666
Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
Saved by 721 users22595 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
During our visit to the Yungang Grottoes, we were fortunate to have our guide, Guan Hao. Despite his youth, he displayed exceptional professionalism and a passionate and responsible approach. His explanations were not only rich in content and historical data, but also infused with a lively and humorous style, making the already complex historical material accessible and engaging, greatly enhancing the visitor experience.
Guan's comprehensive knowledge of the Yungang Grottoes' cultural background, artistic characteristics, and historical evolution was particularly insightful. His explanations of key landmarks such as the "Five Tan Yao Grottoes," the Great Buddha in Cave 5, the Lotus Coffered Ceiling in Cave 6 and the Buddha's biography, and the open-air Buddha in Cave 20 were particularly captivating. He left us with a profound impression of the grandeur of Northern Wei Buddhist art and its unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures. He not only patiently answered our questions but also consistently addressed the safety and needs of our group, demonstrating a meticulous service approach.
Guan Hao's guidance filled the entire trip with energy and laughter, while also enriching our knowledge and insights. He truly delivered with warmth, demonstrating a remarkable balance of professional competence and personal charm. I sincerely thank him for his efforts and strongly recommend the travel agency to give praise and recognition!
Although it was drizzling, it did not affect the beauty of the grottoes! Every statue is a witness to history. The Yungang Grottoes are not a mountain, but an epic poem carved in stone.
No.
4
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Prince Kung's Palace Museum
4.7
/5
30124 reviews
8.8
From AU$ 8.42
Based on 430 reviews
Houhai Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8601083288149
Address: No.14, Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Ginkgo trees and ancient buildings create an autumn scene
Over 30 different architectural complexes
Saved by 3407 users22543 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenic area covers a large area, the layout of the park is reasonable, the scale of the buildings is top-notch even for private gardens, and the scenery is very beautiful. However, there are many thresholds and steps, which is not very suitable for visitors with wheelchairs or strollers.
After visiting Tiananmen Square and the Great Man Memorial Hall, we went to Prince Gong's Mansion. It was nice to walk around with my parents. It only took an hour or two to walk around. Fortunately, there were not many people because school had started.
No.
5
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Temple of Heaven
4.7
/5
19190 reviews
8.6
Qianmen, The Temple Of Heaven and Chongwenmen | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8601067028866
Address: No.1, Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Stroll on Ginkgo Avenue's Golden Carpet
World Heritage Site
Saved by 8164 users13442 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of imperial religious Confucian buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest.It's "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world's great civilizations..."It's a beautiful place.It's an excellent place for meditation as well.
On a summer evening, head to the Temple of Heaven. It boasts more than just the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall, but also ancient trees and shady trails. Birds can stroll through the grass, and squirrels happily forage for food. It's a pure, healing energy. The red walls near the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are a uniquely Beijing red. Surrounded by ancient trees dating back three to five hundred years, simply walking among them feels like visiting an ancient site. Mighty trees offer a shady umbrella, and relaxing on a bench beneath them, feeling the surging greenery and the setting sun, is a truly relaxing experience.
No.
6
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Jinci Museum
4.8
/5
12922 reviews
8.6
From AU$ 16.84
Based on 119 reviews
Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864006088608
Address: In Jinci Park, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Growing Buddhist Relics Tower overlooking Jinci's panorama
Jinci's Three Treasures showcase ancient architectural charm
Saved by 130 users9837 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Jinyang was the site where Emperor Taizong of Tang made his vows when he launched his rebellion. It has since undergone generations of development adhering to a holistic approach, resulting in its present vibrant and picturesque appearance. At 9:30, a volunteer guide will be available. I'll be taking a leisurely morning with a guided tour, sharing insights into ancient architecture and historical anecdotes. Before leaving the park, I even visited the Fu Qingzhu exhibition, where I learned that the "brain" was invented by Fu Qingzhu and that the name itself has a deeper meaning. It was a truly enriching and inspiring experience. I'll definitely be back.
This is one of Taiyuan's most worthwhile attractions, boasting rich cultural heritage, exquisite architecture, and stunning scenery. There are even cats roaming the area.
The only problem is that the entrance is quite far from the Jin Temple Museum. To collect shuttle tickets, I hope to see it further away so I can take the shuttle directly from my hotel in downtown Taiyuan.
No.
7
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Summer Palace
4.7
/5
48580 reviews
8.6
From AU$ 56.40
Zhongguancun Area | >100 km from downtown
Address: No. 19, Gongmeng Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Overlook autumn scenery from the Tower of Buddhist Incense(Summer Palace)
World Cultural Heritage
Saved by 7763 users27940 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Summer Palace is so huge, and I was worried I'd get tired exploring it on my own without understanding it, so I hired a guide. Guide Sun's explanations were humorous and thoughtful, and we were able to stop and walk around the garden without getting tired. Guide Sun was the best guide I had on my trip to Beijing! He was incredibly professional and a fantastic experience! Highly recommended!
I only know that the tour guide is Li, a male, and the explanation is detailed. Unfortunately, the cruise ship stopped, and the tour guide took the initiative to refund the boat ticket money, and did not mention a five-star praise throughout the whole process, 👍
No.
8
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Pingyao Ancient City
4.6
/5
20260 reviews
8.5
From AU$ 25.89
Based on 1,381 reviews
Inside Pingyao Ancient City | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603545690000
Address: No. 58 Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Enjoy stunning sunset views from the city wall in the evening
World-class photography exhibition
Saved by 433 users12767 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
During our three-hour in-depth tour of Pingyao Ancient City, guided by our guide and electric vehicles, we explored the city's history on foot. Our first stop was the ancient city wall. Climbing the steps, we saw old forts quietly standing on the mottled walls. Our fingertips brushed against the bricks and stone, as if we could touch the traces of time. From the vantage point, we could see the entire ancient city's blue bricks and gray tiles, a breathtaking sight from the outset.
After descending the city wall, the Pingyao County Yamen became the most detailed exploration of our trip. The "55-open courtyard," as the guide described it, was particularly eye-catching—it was originally designed to meet the standards of a provincial government, far exceeding the specifications of an ordinary county yamen. The distinct layers of the courtyard unfolded before us, showcasing the rigorous office buildings of the three provinces, the casual living quarters, and the elegant gardens. The most vivid moment was the county magistrate's court performance. A few humorous lines as he interrogated the robbers instantly broke the solemnity of the ancient yamen, bringing the historical scenes to life.
The rest of the journey was a leisurely pace. The rich aroma of vinegar lingered in the vinegar brewery; at the First Silver Shop, I glimpsed the prosperity of a former financial center; and within the ruins of the escort agency, I imagined the stories of the escorts' journeys across the country. Finally, I stopped by the City God Temple, where two crape myrtles in full bloom added an unexpected touch of color to my journey.
If I were to rate this trip, a 7.5 would be exactly what I wanted. The satisfaction was clear: adequate staff at each checkpoint provided smooth guidance; the bluestone pavement meandered through the air, creating a rhythmic, retro feel; and taking home a portion of Pingyao beef as a souvenir offered a taste of the ancient city.
Some regrets did exist: the bustling tourist scene diluted the tranquility of the ancient town, giving it a slightly more commercial feel. Shanxi, as a whole, lacks greenery; the few roses in the county government office and the crape myrtles in the City God Temple provided rare bursts of color and comfort during the trip. The most troubling thing was the vinegar from the vinegar workshop, priced at 48 or 58 yuan per bottle. While I've heard the brewing process is exquisite, this "scenic spot price" makes it a bit less cost-effective.
However, no trip is perfect, and this half-day Pingyao tour, with its highlights and regrets, is already satisfying enough. Perhaps this is just how the ancient city is, with its own unique charm and ambiance, welcoming visitors in its most authentic form, without any need for deliberate alteration; it already has its own unique flavor.
Pingyao is the birthplace of Shanxi merchants. Rishengchang Piaohao (Rishengchang Bank) is considered the "countryside forefather" of Chinese banking. Ancient city Piaohao accounted for nearly half of all banks in China during the Qing Dynasty, with branches spread across major commercial ports and in places like Japan and Singapore. West Street, known as the "Wall Street of the Qing Dynasty," witnessed the development of modern banking, offering visitors a glimpse into the wisdom and commercial splendor of Shanxi merchants. Pingyao Ancient City is not a static "museum" but a "living ancient city." The city's 11,000 original residents continue to live as they did during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The morning smoke from cooking fires, the shouts of vendors in the alleyways, and the casual conversations in the courtyards all exude an authentic, everyday feel, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique charm of the ancient city.
No.
9
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
9215 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 6.11
Based on 793 reviews
46.4 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333081
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
Saved by 645 users6848 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
After watching "Joy of Life," I'm craving a visit to the Hanging Temple. Hahaha. Shaped like a dragon, it hangs diagonally halfway up Mount Hengshan. It shelters from rain on the top, wind on the left, and is off the ground at the bottom. It receives less than two hours of sunlight daily, which is why it's been around for a thousand years. The wisdom of the ancients is truly astonishing!
Be sure to pay attention when buying tickets. If you're driving, you can only park at the visitor center and take the scenic shuttle bus to the scenic area. It costs 20 yuan per person, and both adults and children are the same price. Entrance to the scenic area is free on weekdays, and 15 yuan for adults and 8 yuan for children on weekends and holidays. To access the Hanging Temple, you need a temporary ticket, which can only be purchased through the WeChat mini-program. It costs 100 yuan for adults and 50 yuan for children. This temporary ticket grants free admission to the Hunyuan Prefecture Office that day, which we discovered by accident that day.
The Hanging Temple is located on the cliffs of Cuiping Peak, west of Jinlong Gorge on Hengshan Mountain, south of Hunyuan City in Shanxi Province. Built in the 15th year of the Taihe reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD), it is the only remaining temple in China that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Because of its steepness, the number of people who can reach the summit is limited each day, making it difficult to buy tickets. While the Ctrip VIP membership is a bit more expensive, firstly, you get a ticket and secondly, you don't have to wait in lines, which start at two hours, saving time. Very good.
No.
10
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Whistling Dune Bay
4.3
/5
4621 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 25.26
Based on 81 reviews
Xiangshawan | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864008785550
Address: Dalad, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Breathtaking desert views & panorama
Camel rides in the desert
Saved by 293 users2941 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Singing Sand Bay, a wonder in the desert! Enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, sandboarding, and bonfire parties all in one place. The sand sings, and the starry night sky is breathtaking. It's the perfect place to de-stress and connect with nature. You won't want to leave!
Xiangshawan is the desert I most want to visit when I go to Inner Mongolia. Because I need to bring children, there are food for sale there, which is a bit commercialized. But it’s my first time in the desert, and I still feel good.
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