Beijing is one of the best cities for tourism. But if you stay there for a long time or you studying or living there, you might be interested to visit some other highlights of China.
There are several cities and destinations not far from Beijing that offer a diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Recommended:
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- How to visit the Great Wall of China and which section to choose
- Top-10 must see places in Beijing
Here are a few recommendations, each within a few hours travel from Beijing:
Tianjin
Distance: About 30 minutes by high-speed train (120 km / 75 miles southeast of Beijing).
Tianjin combines modern and colonial architecture, with a unique blend of Chinese and European influences. It’s also known for its food, especially Tianjin-style baozi (steamed buns).
Highlights:
- Ancient Culture Street: Traditional Chinese architecture, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Italian Style Street: A unique district with European-style buildings and restaurants.
- Tianjin Eye: A giant Ferris wheel built on a bridge over the Hai River, offering panoramic views.
- Five Great Avenues: A historic area with colonial-era European buildings.
Name: 天津市
Chengde
Distance: About 2 hours by train (225 km / 140 miles northeast of Beijing).
Chengde offers a peaceful escape from Beijing with its stunning palaces, temples, and gardens. It was once the summer getaway for Qing dynasty emperors.
Highlights:
- Chengde Mountain Resort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this vast imperial summer retreat features beautiful gardens, lakes, and pavilions.
- Puning Temple: Known for its large wooden statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin), this temple reflects Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
- Putuozongcheng Temple: Modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, it’s another remarkable site reflecting Tibetan culture.
Name: 承德市
Qinhuangdao
Distance: About 2-3 hours by train (300 km / 186 miles east of Beijing).
Qinhuangdao offers a combination of historical sites and beach resorts, making it a perfect destination for history lovers and those wanting some coastal relaxation.
Highlights:
- Shanhaiguan: Known as the “First Pass Under Heaven,” it’s where the Great Wall meets the sea.
- Beidaihe Beach: A famous seaside resort area popular with both locals and foreign tourists, great for swimming and relaxing.
- Laolongtou: The “Old Dragon’s Head,” the point where the Great Wall juts into the Bohai Sea.
Name: 秦皇岛
Datong
Distance: About 2.5 hours by train (340 km / 210 miles west of Beijing).
Datong offers incredible Buddhist art and unique historical architecture. It’s a city rich in both culture and natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Yungang Grottoes: A UNESCO World Heritage site, these are ancient Buddhist cave carvings dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.
- Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Si): A remarkable temple built into a cliffside, suspended over the valley below.
- Nine-Dragon Wall: One of the oldest and largest glazed tile murals in China.
Name: 大同市
Shijiazhuang
Distance: About 1.5 hours by train (280 km / 175 miles southwest of Beijing).
Shijiazhuang combines historical landmarks with natural beauty. The city is less touristy, offering a more authentic feel.
Highlights:
- Zhengding Ancient Town: Famous for its ancient temples and well-preserved architecture, including Longxing Temple and Guanghui Temple.
- Cangyan Mountain: Known for its dramatic cliffs and the suspended bridge-like temple, used as a filming location for movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
Name: 石家庄市
Tangshan
Distance: About 1.5 hours by train (165 km / 102 miles east of Beijing).
Tangshan is a city with a rich industrial history, but it’s also home to beautiful parks and the important Qing Dynasty tombs.
Highlights:
- Nanhu Eco-City Central Park: A scenic park with lakes, gardens, and walking paths.
- Kailuan Coal Mine Museum: A unique museum showcasing the history of coal mining in China.
Name: 唐山市
Baoding
Distance: About 1 hour by train (145 km / 90 miles southwest of Beijing).
Baoding offers a blend of historical sites and natural beauty, making it a great destination for both history buffs and nature lovers.
Highlights:
- Yesanpo Scenic Area: A beautiful nature reserve with dramatic karst landscapes, rivers, and hiking trails.
- Lotus Pond Garden: A picturesque area with traditional Chinese gardens and lotus flowers.
Name: 保定市
Zhangjiakou
Distance: About 1 hour by high-speed train (200 km / 124 miles northwest of Beijing).
In addition to its historical sites, Zhangjiakou is perfect for those interested in winter sports and outdoor activities.
Highlights:
- Chongli Ski Resort: A major destination for winter sports, Zhangjiakou hosted part of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
- Dajingmen Great Wall Gate: A notable historical pass of the Great Wall in this region.
Name: 张家口市
