My 6-Day Hebei Adventure: A Solo Traveler’s Guide from Beijing
Before heading to Hebei, I spent time researching popular tourist spots, reading reviews, and selecting the top seven attractions for my itinerary. I planned my travel route carefully to make the most of my trip and avoid common pitfalls. Departing from Beijing and traveling by train, I planned to return each night and used a mix of public transit, subways, or taxis to get around. This trip took place over six days in September 2023, covering spots like the Hebei Museum, Shanhai Pass, Beidaihe, Baiyangdian, and Chengde Mountain Resort. Below are my experiences and recommendations, especially for fellow solo travelers who are planning non-self-drive and non-group trips. With pre-selected spots, I was pleased to rate every place at three stars or above.
- Xiong’an New Area & Yuerong Park (Baoding)
Transportation & Accommodations**: From Beijing, I took the subway to Xiong’an New Area, then caught a bus or taxi to Yuerong Park and returned the same day.
My Experience**: I was intrigued by the development in Xiong’an and strolled around Yuerong Park. It’s a spacious, newly-built park with a relaxed vibe, perfect for weekend getaways. The city planning is impressive, though it’s not very crowded.
Recommended Rating**: ★★★☆☆
- Shanhai Pass, “The First Pass Under Heaven” (Qinhuangdao)
Transportation & Accommodations**: I took a train from Beijing to Shanhai Pass Station and walked to the Shanhai Pass scenic area. I visited Shanhai Pass in the morning and Laolongtou in the afternoon, then returned to Beijing.
My Experience**: Known as the “First Pass Under Heaven,” Shanhai Pass feels like a quaint park within ancient walls. Walking around, I admired the ancient military architecture and defenses, though I felt some areas could benefit from better maintenance.
Recommended Rating**: ★★★★☆
- Laolongtou (Qinhuangdao)
Transportation & Accommodations**: Traveling by train from Beijing to Shanhai Pass Station, I then took a bus or taxi to Laolongtou, visiting in the afternoon after Shanhai Pass.
My Experience**: Laolongtou, the starting point of the Great Wall, extends into the sea, making it a truly unique experience. The scenic area includes the Command Post and the Stone City, where I admired the strategic planning of the fortifications. Standing by the sea, it was humbling to witness this historic landmark.
Recommended Rating**: ★★★★★
- Beidaihe (Qinhuangdao)
Transportation & Accommodations**: From Beijing, I traveled by train to Beidaihe Station and took a taxi or bus to Dove Nest Park, returning the same day.
My Experience**: Dove Nest Park is full of pigeons and features the Sea Viewing Promenade with a famous square honoring Mao Zedong. There’s also a beach area, which is ideal for summer visits.
Recommended Rating**: ★★★★☆
- Baiyangdian (Anxin County, Baoding)
Transportation & Accommodations**: From Beijing, I took a train to Baiyangdian Station and a taxi to the Baiyangdian scenic area for a same-day visit.
My Experience**: Inspired by the classic literature “Stories from Baiyangdian,” I explored the area by boat. As it was autumn, the lotus flowers had already faded, and the air was crisp and cool. Baiyangdian seems best suited for summer, offering boating activities and local homestays.
Recommended Rating**: ★★★☆☆
- Hebei Museum (Shijiazhuang)
Transportation & Accommodations**: I took a high-speed train to Shijiazhuang and reached the museum via subway or bus, then returned to Beijing.
My Experience**: With Hebei’s rich history as part of the ancient states of Yan and Zhao, the museum showcases notable artifacts, including the famous Jade Burial Suit and Changxin Palace Lantern. The exhibition on Mancheng Han Tombs was particularly intriguing.
Recommended Rating**: ★★★★★
- Chengde Mountain Resort
Transportation & Accommodations**: I took a high-speed train to Chengde South Station and used a taxi or bus to reach the resort, completing my visit within the same day.
My Experience**: Perfect for summer visits, this expansive resort features four main areas: the Palace Area, Mountain Area, Lake Area, and Plains Area. I spent most of my time around the palace and lakes, admiring the serene landscape, though I ran out of time for a hike.
Recommended Rating**: ★★★★☆
Additional Tips
The attractions in Qinhuangdao (Shanhai Pass, Laolongtou, and Beidaihe) are close to each other, so you might want to consider staying overnight in Qinhuangdao. Similarly, for visits to Xiong’an New Area and Baiyangdian in Baoding, staying overnight in Xiong’an allows for more time to explore.