Yu County Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

500 kilometers west of Beijing, enjoy a weekend leisure tour of an ancient castle feast!

Located in the western part of Yu County, Hebei Province, there is a place called Nuanquan Ancient Town, which was recorded in the 'Yu State Annals - Canal Map': 'Thirty miles west of the city, in the Nuanquan Fortress, the spring's source is divided by a stone urn to flow east and west,' which is the origin of the name 'Nuanquan'. As a famous historical and cultural town in China, Nuanquan Ancient Town gathers four major elements: ancient residences, ancient temples, ancient castles, and ancient opera stages. Commercialization is not severe, and it still retains the original flavor and a strong sense of life. More importantly, it is only a little over 3 hours' drive from Beijing's urban area, making it really suitable for a weekend or a short holiday leisure trip! The scale of Nuanquan Ancient Town is not small, and there are many residential houses. Aimlessly wandering might lead you to see nothing but 'ruined houses' and miss some of the most essential attractions. The original ecological ancient castle that can be reached in just over three hours has a gentle name called . Slow down and experience the slow life of an ancient town from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in Yu County, Hebei, named after a spring that maintains a constant temperature throughout the seasons. The town was built during the Yuan dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties, consisting of three fortresses, six alleys, and eighteen villages, and is the birthplace of 'Dashuhua'. The existing West Ancient Fortress, North Official Fortress, and Central Small Fortress have preserved the charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties. From north to south, the three ancient fortresses (read as 'bu') of the ancient town, passing through the city towers, ancient houses, Taoist temples, and walking on the stone-paved paths full of life, it's like traveling through the ancient streets of the Ming and Qing dynasties... The North Official Fortress is the largest of the three fortresses, with streets in a 'main' character structure, and the tall fortress gate tower is the dot of the character. The Lu Family Small Fortress on the north slope inside the fortress and the North Official Fortress form a 'fortress within a fortress' feature, and the underground ancient fortress nearby adds a touch of mystery. Huayan Temple | Huayan Temple was built in the Ming dynasty, with the existing Shuilu Hall and Mahavira Hall, preserving Shuilu paintings. Buddha Mirror | Historically, it was said that 'in front of the big temple is Buddha's mirror, and behind the big temple is a vegetable garden.' Wang Min Academy | The academy built by Wang Min, the Minister of Works, in his hometown. Laojun Temple | The mural of Laozi's 81 transformations and an 800-year-old Acacia tree (scientific name Albizia julibrissin). Dashuhua | Originated from the North Official Fortress, the iron water marks on the city tower are clearly visible. It is said to have been initiated by ironworkers, who splashed molten iron onto the city walls to create sparks. In the past, people said, 'Rich people set off fireworks, poor people perform Dashuhua.' Now there are performances on Saturdays and holidays, priced at around 160 yuan. The Central Small Fortress is the earliest of the three fortresses, with a Guanyin Hall under the city tower. The West Ancient Fortress is the most unique and best-preserved one. It combines an ancient fortress with an ancient opera stage, temples, and residences, with a distinctive north-south urn city structure. The stone road under the fortress gate bears deep ruts left by cargo carts, witnessing the historical trade prosperity here. Outside the fortress gate is the God of Wealth Temple, and inside the urn city are the Guanyin Pavilion, ancient opera stage, Maitreya Temple, and Ksitigarbha Temple architectural complex. Climbing the fortress wall, you can find defensive works. Overlooking the residential alleys, the heights and patterns are varied and orderly. Besides the main street, the branching alleys are also worth exploring, and you may discover a mysterious Taoist temple in a beautiful ancient residence... The small commercial street near the Wang Min Academy in the North Official Fortress is full of life, where locals cool off, buy vegetables, and eat breakfast. There are many local specialty foods, all reasonably priced and fair for all ages. Snacks | There are flat apricot meat zongzi, pea flour cold noodles, sugar ma leaves that look like fried dough sticks but taste like sugar oil cakes, sour and spicy buckwheat hozhao, pancakes made with mixed grains and chives, and soft and not greasy yellow rice fried cakes... Main meals | You can try the 'Eight Great Bowls' and mule meat, which has a familiar taste for first-timers... There are many homestays to choose from in the ancient town, with varying quality and prices. > Spend a warm spring in the ancient town

Beijing Outskirts Tour||Yu County: An Underrated Ancient City 2-Day Tour Guide

||Yu County: An Underrated Ancient City 2-Day Tour Guide. Located in the northwest of Hebei Province, Yu County, formerly known as Yuzhou, was once one of the 'Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun'. It borders Beijing to the east, Baoding to the south, Datong in Shanxi to the west, and Zhangjiakou to the north. Surrounded by such star cities, Yu County has its unique charm, with many existing cultural relics, of which 21 are national key protected cultural relics, which is relatively rare in China. To avoid the crowds during the Dragon Year Spring Festival, I chose to go to Yu County, which is not very well-known, so there are fewer people now. This is my third time to Yu County. The first time was to see the 'Iron Flower', the second time was passing by, and I went to Shang Suzhuang (a filming location in 'Party A and Party B'). This time, I spent 2 days for a deep tour! 🚉Travel Guide: Self-driving from Beijing to Yu County is about 280 kilometers, about 3 and a half hours; Two-day and one-night tour route: DAY1: Yuzhou Ancient City DAY2: Songjiazhuang, Nuanquan Ancient Town, Xidashenbao How to play? Yuzhou Ancient City: Directly navigate to Yuzhou Ancient City, where there is a large parking lot. It is recommended to park here and walk around the ancient city. The first scenic spot is Yuhuang Pavilion. It is recommended to buy a pass here directly for 80 yuan, covering 8 main relics in the ancient city: Yuhuang Pavilion, Lingyan Temple, Zhenwu Temple, Changping Warehouse, Nan'an Temple Tower, Shijia Temple, Wanshan Tower, Drum Tower. Each scenic spot is not large, but each has its own characteristics. The roads in the ancient city are relatively narrow, perhaps because it is after the snow, it is a bit muddy. The commercial atmosphere of the ancient city is not strong, there is only one street with more restaurants, there is not so much business, and it is more comfortable to stroll around. In addition to the 8 scenic spots included in the pass, there is also a Yuzhou government office that charges separately, with a ticket price of 30 yuan. (Did not enter) Songjiazhuang: It is a relatively pocket-sized ancient village. The city wall is a rammed earth structure. The entrance is a heart-shaped stage. When there is no opera, pedestrians can pass through the middle. When there is an opera, the stage is set up and pedestrians walk from both sides. There is a Han family courtyard in the village. The courtyard is well preserved. The owner of the courtyard can take you around and also explain it. The fee is 10 yuan. Nuanquan Ancient Town: The commercial atmosphere here is relatively strong. It is recommended to park the car in the parking lot at the entrance. The roads in the town are relatively narrow and not easy to drive. Nuanquan Ancient Town was built in the Yuan Dynasty and is a famous historical and cultural town in China. The ancient town is named 'Nuanquan' because of the spring water with the same temperature all year round. There are North Guanbao, Xigubao, Zhongxiaobao three castles, after entering from Zhongxiaobao, you can enter Xigubao and North Guanbao along the way. Among them, Xigubao is the best preserved and is also the most unique place in the ancient Yuzhou 800 Zhuangbao. Here are 'ancient houses, ancient temples, ancient castles, ancient opera buildings' in one, you can take a good stroll. In addition, there is a Wang Min Academy (Kuixing Tower). Huayan Temple is said to have famous murals, but the door is locked and not open. Looking in from the outside, the courtyard is a bit messy. Xidashenbao: It was a post on the Internet that I went to. It is more than 40 kilometers away from Nuanquan Ancient Town. After passing through Xidaping Village, it is a lonely place surrounded by three sides of earth walls. Maybe you can take a few beautiful photos. Because it is on the way back to Beijing, it's okay to go and see. If you go there specifically, it's really inappropriate. Specialty Food: There are many special snacks in Yu County: yellow cake, powder lump, zongzi, dried tofu, sweet porridge, eight big bowls, stir-fried puppets, spinning powder, etc. In a restaurant, I also ate 'frozen yam', which was very delicious. After asking, I found out that it was actually frozen potatoes, but the taste was great! About Accommodation There are some homestays in Nuanquan Ancient Town, which are transformed from Ming and Qing courtyards on the basis of protection, which is very good. There are also hotels for accommodation in the county.

Beijing Outskirts Tour｜Nuanquan Ancient Town Intangible Cultural Heritage Tree Flower Show

📌Address: Nuanquan Town, Yu County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei 🎫Ticket: Free🆓 🅿️Parking: You can directly navigate to the West Ancient Castle parking lot, which is also free. ⛩️About the Tree Flower Show🌸 ❤️The Tree Flower Show| originated from Beiguanbao, the iron water mark on the city tower is clearly visible. It is said to be initiated by iron workers, who splashed iron water on the city wall to create iron water sparks. In the past, people used to say 'rich people set off fireworks, poor people do the tree flower show'. ❤️Now there are performances on Saturdays and holidays, priced around 160 yuan. 🌟Highlights: The overall commercialization is not very serious, except for the slightly more shops in the West Ancient Castle, the Middle Ancient Castle, North Ancient Castle, etc. are basically normal residential areas, and there are even houses for rent... and Baishang Street, is basically the center of life for the people of the ancient castle. 📷In addition to the strong cultural and living atmosphere in Nuanquan Ancient Town, many of the buildings here still retain their historical appearance, suitable for bringing a camera, leisurely strolling and taking pictures! ⛩️About food and accommodation ❤️Local delicacies The small commercial street near Wang Min Academy in Beiguanbao has a strong life atmosphere, where local people cool off, buy vegetables, and eat breakfast. There are many local specialty foods, Apricot meat zongzi, pea flour jelly, sugar sesame leaves, buckwheat pancakes, pancakes, soft yellow rice fried cakes... eight big bowls and mule meat. 🏠＞Stay, there are many homestays in the ancient town to choose from, with varying quality and price. 📝Note tips: ⭕The roads in the ancient town are narrow, and the closer to the central area (near the West Ancient Castle), the easier it is to get lost, it is recommended to park the car as far out as possible for easy access; ⭕The seating area for the 'Tree Flower' performance is not important, if you don't get the ideal viewing area, you can directly get up and shoot standing at the back of the theater, the view is excellent; ⭕In addition to Nuanquan Ancient Town, you can also visit the nearby Yu State Ancient City, Yu State Museum, China's First Paper-cut Village, Songjiazhuang Ancient Castle and Shangzhuang Ancient Castle in Yu County, suitable for friends planning a two to three day trip.

Explore Zhangjiakou

🚀 Explore Zhangjiakou! 🌍 A journey full of adventure and surprise awaits you. I have personally prepared this guide, let's embark on this wonderful journey of food, history, and scenery together. 🍜 Must-try food 😋 In Zhangjiakou, food is the soul of a trip. Don't forget to try the local snacks, each bite is a challenge and enjoyment to the taste buds of this city. My personal favorite is... (share your food experience here). 🚊 Recommended itinerary: 📍 Dajingmen Scenic Area ➡ 🌟 The history here is not just confined to the ancient city gate. Wandering in the Dajingmen Scenic Area is like traveling through time. My netizens all say that this is a great place for photo check-ins, especially in the evening, the sunset shines on the city gate, it's breathtaking. 📍 Zhangjiakou Fort Scenic Area ➡ 🏰 The ancient city is filled with the taste of history. I felt a strong cultural heritage here, especially the Guandi Temple, which made me feel as if I was in an ancient mysterious atmosphere. 📍 Xuanhua Ancient City ➡ 🏛 Stepping into Xuanhua Ancient City is like traveling through time and space. Each stone slab here records an ancient story. My netizens say that the ancient city at night is picturesque, strolling along the ancient lanes, feeling the ancient breath. 📍 Jiming Post Ancient City ➡ 🕍 This well-preserved Ming Dynasty post station is a place I have always longed for. Although the alleys are narrow, places like Hejia Courtyard and Taishan Temple are all fascinating. Netizens suggest not to miss the special handicrafts in the ancient town. 📍 Nuanquan Ancient Town ➡ 🏰 Walking in Nuanquan Ancient Town is like being in an ancient fairyland. I found the architectural style here unique, especially the North Gate Urn City, which is really amazing. At night, the tree flower performance makes the whole ancient town full of vitality. 📍 Yuzhou Ancient City ➡ 🕌 Yuzhou Ancient City is not only a witness to history, but also a city full of spirituality. I felt a sense of tranquility and solemnity here. Netizens have said that this is a good place to slow down and settle the mind. Zhangjiakou Olympic Village Vacation Apartment

The niche travel destination Yuzhou Ancient City

The ancient city of Yuxian is divided into several parts, but they are basically within the old city. Driving is extremely inconvenient as the roads are generally very narrow, and many alleys shown on navigation are just wide enough for one car to pass through. You need to seize the opportunity to drive through immediately, otherwise, you'll have to wait. We visited the Yuhuang Pavilion, climbed the city tower, and went to the Nanan Temple Pagoda. The places are not very big, but they all require tickets. If you have plenty of time, you might want to go inside for a visit. If you're short on time, you could just pass by and check in.

Hebei Yuzhou, the first state in the west of Beijing

| Hebei Yuzhou. Hebei Zhangjiakou Yu County, known as Dai country in Yin and Shang Dynasty, was set up as Dai County in Qin Dynasty, and Yuzhou was set up in Eastern Wei Dynasty. It is one of the famous 'Sixteen States of Yan and Yun' and a famous border town in ancient history. It was known as 'the first state in the west of Beijing' in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Yu County has been a place of cultural gathering since ancient times, with a large number of cultural relics and historic sites. Before 2019, it was the county-level administrative unit with the most 'national key cultural relics protection units'. Another feature of Yu County is the large number of ancient castles. For the need of border defense, Yu County is known as 'Eight Hundred Villages and Castles', with castles in every village. Famous architectural scholar Luo Zhe Wen once praised the ancient castles of Yu County like this: In the east of the world, there exists a miracle of mankind, which is the Great Wall of China; at the foot of the Great Wall, there is another miracle, that is, the ancient castle of Hebei Yu County. Recommended check-in places: Shijia Temple Yuhuang Pavilion Lingyan Temple Nan'an Temple Pagoda Yuzhou Ancient City Wall (Drum Tower) Xigubao Tianqi Temple Shazipo Laojun View Yuzhou Chenghuang Temple God of Wealth Temple Nuanquan Ancient Town Changping Warehouse Zhenwu Temple Gucheng Temple Chongtai Temple

The age of the ancient city of Weizhou is getting stronger and stronger. If you want to live a Chinese year in the traditional sense, you must go to the northern town to write a small town, the most earthy, the most authentic, the most traditional old-fashioned scene! Yuxians cellar songs, lion dances, and Yuxians paper-cutting sugar can remind you of the taste of your hometown and recall the scenes that were only available in the New Year! Zhangjiakou is booming in the Chinese New Year Tourism Festival. During the Spring Festival, there is a Chinese New Year, and now come on.

Zhangjiakou, the ancient city of Weizhou, the most earthy and most authentic in the north. The most traditional folk year, feeding the door knocker, watching the fire, watching the paper-cut, viewing the lanterns, eating the wax, and the taste of the year. Walking on the street is like crossing the house. Selling candied sugar candied fruit is everywhere, as if you have returned to the childhood, the happiness and excitement you can't feel in the city. Zhangjiakou Yuxian Tourism Festival, changing the pattern of the New Year, until the second day of February, you can go to play!

Xigod Fort of Yu County: An ancient fort from the Ming Hongwu period, a legend in desolation!

🚗Escape from Beijing in 3 hours, the ancient fort of Yu County awaits your exploration! 💼Next to the ancient city of Yu County, the secrets of Xigod Fort are waiting for you to uncover! 😲Xigod Fort of Yu County, an ancient fort built during the Ming Hongwu period, carries 600 years of vicissitudes and stories. 🏰This place is filled with an atmosphere of mystery, revealing legendary colors amidst desolation. If you are a traveler who loves adventure, or seeks a quiet sanctuary, this place is definitely worth a visit! 🔍Xigod Fort has suffered severe weathering, and the surrounding earthen walls are unprotected, with each stone telling the weight of history. This place was also the filming location for the bandit leader Liu Yidao's lair, Heimu Cliff, in the TV series 'Walking Westward', which adds to the mystery of the ancient fort. 🚗Want to find out more? Just a 3-hour drive from Beijing, and you can reach this secret realm. 🏞️Nearby, there are other scenic spots like the ancient city of Yu County, Xiaowutai Mountain, and Jiming Post Station waiting for you to explore. 💬Are you ready to unveil the mystery of Xigod Fort of Yu County? Come share your adventure plans in the comments section! 📸Don't forget to take photos to commemorate this extraordinary journey!

A man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot get through: West Da Shen Fort

This abandoned secret place on the cliff has been eroded for 600 years. West Da Shen Fort is located next to Yu County in Beijing! Standing on the fort, you can see the distant mountains and plains, the endless desert landscape, the clear outline of the Taihang Mountains and the golden fields. My friends thought I went abroad when I posted on social media, every shot is a blockbuster. West Da Shen Fort was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, Ming Dynasty border soldiers usually farmed, and became soldiers in wartime. There was a fort every ten miles, and a village every five miles, forming a majestic scene of eight hundred villages and forts surrounding the ancient city. It is said that this was once an ancient garrison, and the abandoned ruins still retain the original temples and stages, which can be visited in a day. Recommended nearby: Nuanquan Ancient Town North Official Fort, Middle and Small Fort and West Ancient Fort Visit the ancient town night view, watch the tree flower performance at night Yuzhou Ancient City 📍Near National Highway 109, Yu County, Hebei Province, navigate to West Da Ping Village, free

Exploration of the West Castle, are you ready?

🏰Exploration of the West Castle, are you ready?🎉 Dear friends～👭I recently went to the West Castle🏰, it's really beautiful!😍Let me share my experience with you!🌟 First of all, the architectural style of the castle is really unique, the ancient stone walls🏰 and exquisite carvings🖼️ make people feel like they have traveled to the ancient times. Walking into the castle, it's like entering a mysterious world.🌈 Secondly, the scenery in the castle is really beautiful!🌳Green trees, blooming flowers, babbling brooks, it's refreshing.🍃Here, you can take pictures to remember this wonderful time.📸 Finally, the people in the castle are very friendly and enthusiastic.🙌They enthusiastically answer questions for tourists, recommend food and attractions.🍴🏞️Here, you will feel the warmth of home.💕 So, dear friends, do you also want to see this beautiful castle?🤔Come and discuss with me!👇

Escaping Beijing for the weekend, I was healed by this misty meadow

Glad I didn't back out at the last minute Every frame I saw was a screensaver A different experience of hiking in the rain I really won't regret it Matianling is really beautiful Basic entry-level hiking, no high climbing, about 300 meters of ascent The whole journey is 14 kilometers, basically flat Every stage has a different scenery It's a feast for the eyes all day I highly recommend my friends to come and experience it!

Suburban Hiking | When the autumn wind blows over Matianling!

Here there are boundless alpine meadows There are red and yellow intertwined autumn scenes There are straight and tall pine forests There are small streams and waterfalls There are leisurely herds of cattle And there are steep cliffs and cliffs, and on the cliffs in the distance There are even groups of goats standing Hiking route Tianshan·Muma Post Homestay-Matianling-Dongzhuangzi Village Crossing route The whole journey is 14km, with a total ascent of 277 meters Two-step track can be referred to Location: Matianling, Yu County, Zhangjiakou Navigation: Dongxinghe Village, Caogoubao Township, Yu County Cost: No tickets Distance: 15.47km Time: 5.5 hours Climb: 300 meters Tips 1, The descent stage is concentrated on a big slope, which is relatively steep and there are many broken stones, it is recommended to wear hiking shoes or carry trekking poles 2, The whole journey is just a short section in the woods, do a good job of sun protection

Rural Homestay: Living in the countryside, healing within oneself

Every urbanite has a pastoral dream, and more and more people choose to stay in homestays when they travel, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in a place without worldly disturbances, to perceive their most authentic state. In the countryside, in the tea mountains, listening to the flowing water, smelling the tea fragrance, feeling the body stretch and then tasting the leisurely afternoon tea and admiring the beautiful mountain scenery, feeling the physical and mental healing feedback from nature and oneself, this is living in the countryside, healing within oneself. The landscape planning and design of rural homestays should reflect the localness and regional culture, make full use of local elements, maintain the localness and authenticity of rural resources, create rural images, adopt local traditional residential architectural styles, use local vegetation, maintain the original rural landscape structure, and take measures to maintain local agricultural ecological civilization.

How stunning is the most beautiful cherry blossom sanctuary that made it to the cover of National Geographic

How stunning is the most beautiful cherry blossom sanctuary that made it to the cover of National Geographic! "Ten miles of tea road, a thousand acres of cherry garden" in Yongfu Town, Longyan City, Fujian Province Find the most Chinese-style romantic cherry blossom tea garden! The rolling tea mountains have planted a hundred thousand cherry blossoms As splendid as clouds, dotted between the green mountains and clear waters. In the early morning, the tea mountain is shrouded in mist Like stepping into a fairyland, it has a unique spring scene. It is worthy of being hailed as the most beautiful cherry blossom sanctuary in China