Hebei - Qinhuangdao

01: Qinhuangdao-Funing-Beiniuding-Liangjiawan 02: Shanhaiguan-Mt. Changshou-Jiumenkou-Shimenzhai 03: Nandaihe-Golden Coast-Emerald Island

 

Since Qinhuangdao is a unique coastal city dotted with hills, there are abundant hiking routes for visitors to challenge their physical strength. You may choose to hike along the seaside and admire the spectacular China Bohai Sea, or you may follow the comparatively venturesome hilly hiking routes and explore the wonder of the nature. Here below we offer you some suggested hiking routes belonging to the two types:

 

A.      Hilly Hiking Route:

01: Qinhuangdao - Funing County - Beiniuding Scenic Area - Liangjiawan Village 

The highlight of this journey should be the Beiniuding Scenic Area, where you can see the ruins of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Early in the morning you start the journey from the urban district. Then you walk along No.102 National Highway directly to the Funing County. The Beiniuding Scenic Area is a hilly area located in the Daxinzhai Town, in the northeast of Funing County. You may stay there for several hours and appreciate the beauty of lakes and the old temples. The ancient tower of the Great Wall can be seen on the top of the hill. After that, you walk across the Liangjiawan Valley, and get to the Liangjiawan Village, from where you hire a car and return to Qinhuangdao City. 

 

02: Shanhaiguan Pass - Mt. Changshou - Jiumenkou - Shimenzhai Town

Firstly, you need to take a bus or drive to the Shanhaiguan Pass Ancient Town. After visiting the ancient town, you can go along the highway towards the northeast. After 9 kilometers' (5.6 miles) walk, you will reach the Mount Changshou where you will have an opportunity to appreciate the Chinese calligraphy by many ancient poets and calligraphists. Then you may take a short break there and head for the next destination-Jiumenkou Pass, which is also called 'the Great Wall above the water'. It was built in the Ming Dynasty, used to be flooded and was restored during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Go on moving northward, and you will finally reach the Shimenzhai Town where you may end your trip and get back to the urban area. 

 

B.      Seaside Hiking Route:

03:Nandaihe-Golden Coast-Emerald Island

If you like, your seaside hiking journey may start from the charming Nandaihe Beach. Then you can walk along the seaside towards southwest. After five minutes' walk, you will get to the Tianma Park. Go on walking while enjoying the sun light by the sea. At least an hour later, you will arrive at the gorgeous Golden Coast. Keep on hiking to the south part of the Golden Coast, you will get to the last destination of this route, the lovely Emerald Island, which is considered as the 'Pearl on the Golden Coast'. Finally, you may hire a car and return to your lodging. 
 
 

Hebei - Shijiazhuang

3-Day of Shijiazhuang-Mt. Cangyan-Mt. Qingliang-Mt. Tiangui

 
Although Shijiazhuang is a city situated on the North China plain, there are several mountains lying in the suburban area for you to go for a hiking. Here we suggest you travel to three mounts, Mount Cangyan, Mount Qingliang and Mount Tiangui successively. Make sure you are well equipped before hiking in the mountain. 
 
On the first day, you can hire a car from Shijiazhuang urban area to Mount Cangyan Scenic Area. It may cost you around 100 RMB. Or if you are familiar with the roads, you can drive along the Shijiangzhuang-Taiyuan Expressway and transfer to the Cangyan Road at Xiulin Town. The journey will take about four and a half hours. You may firstly have a lunch there and start your hiking tour. The Mount Cangyan Hotel is your best choice for you to stay there overnight. 
 
The second day, you can hire a car direct to Mount Qingliang. Here you may explore a new route to climb the mountain, where you can have a view of the solution cavity. You can spend a night at the Jingjing County Mining Area Hotel. 
 
On the third day, you drive northeastward to Pingshan County where the Mount Tiangui is located. As one of the famous peaks of Taihang Mountains, Mount Tiangui is very steep, thus it would be very challenging to hike there. After finishing your hiking tour, you may catch the No. 802 or 862 back to Shijiazhuang North Bus Station. Or you may hire a car directly back to the Shijiazhuang urban area.
 

Hebei - Chengde

Chengde-Weichang Manchu & Mongolian Autonomous County 01: Mulan Pasture-Hongshan Junmachang-Wulanbutong Grassland 02: Mulan Pasture-Moon Lake-Yudaokou Scenic Area 03: Mulan Pasture-Korean Pine Marsh Natural Reserve

If you want to go for a hiking in Chengde, the Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County can satisfy your requirement. You may know well of the famous attraction - the Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples of Chengde, but have you ever heard of the Mulan Pasture (Saihanba National Forest Park), Korean Pine Marsh Natural Reserve and the Moon Lake Protected Zone? All of them are situated at the junction area of North China plain and Mongolian Plateau, with the average altitude above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Would you like to have an exciting hiking here? Followings are routes that are highly recommended, just have a try! You should note that Weichang County is 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) away from the downtown Chengde. Self-driving or hiring a car should be the best way to get there.

 

No. 1 Route: Mulan Pasture - Hongshan Junmachang - Wulanbutong Grassland

With the entire length of 60 kilometers (37 miles), we suggest you spend a day for this journey.  Starting from the Mulan Pasture, you walk along the road in the forest, via Qixing (Seven-star) Lake, Taifeng Lake and Liao River, and you get to the Hongshan Junmachang. Then you may take a short break and transfer to the road to the Wulanbutong Grassland. Generally, the state of roads is fine here. You can just walk while admiring the green grassland and the blue sky.

 

No. 2 Route: Mulan Pasture-Moon Lake-Yudaokou Scenic Area

The total length of this route is 50 kilometers (31 miles) and you may travel for a whole day. You start your journey from the Mulan Pasture and walk to the Moon Lake scenic area. Then go along the stony forest road till you get to the Yudaokou Scenic Area. You will be amazed at the beauty of the natural scenery. You may have a meal on the grassland, with flocks and herds wandering around you.  

 

No. 3 Route: Mulan Pasture-Korean Pine Marsh Natural Reserve
Going through this 100-kilometer (62 miles) route, you are suggested to prepare some lodging equipments for a two-day trip. Also start from the Mulan Pasture, the first stop will be the Shenlong Lake, where you can have a short break. Go ahead and you will come across thousands of wind power sets standing on the grassland. After that you will get to the headstream of the Liao River. Finally, you will reach the splendid Korean Pine Marsh Natural Reserve. You may stay there overnight and return the next day.