If you didn't have the opportunity to leave Beijing during the recent October holiday, there's no need to stress! These four historic towns are only a few hours’ drive away from the city and provide an easy getaway with fresh air, local cuisine, and a dash of history. If driving in China isn’t an option for you, consider hiring a driver for the day. For some helpful tips, check out this post and this post.
Jimingyi Ancient City 鸡鸣驿城
Once a postal station from the Ming dynasty along the route to the Great Wall, Jimingyi Ancient City is one of the best-preserved fortified towns near Beijing. Inside the city walls, you'll discover the Yicheng Post Station, many temples including the Dragon King Temple, the Temple of Wealth, and Pudu Temple, along with the famous hideout of Empress Dowager Cixi. A pro tip: Don’t miss the intricate clay sculptures found inside the Pudu Temple; they are truly a hidden gem.
In addition to exploring the town, taking a stroll along the ancient walls grants you views of the nearby Jiming Mountain, which shares its name with the town. At the mountain’s peak, you’ll find Yongning Temple, and many visitors choose to hike up the mountain before descending to Jimingyi for a well-deserved meal and relaxation.
Jimingyi Ancient City鸡鸣驿城Huailai County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province河北省怀来县张家口怀来县Drive time: About two hours from central BeijingTickets: Jimingyi Ancient City: RMB 40; Jiming Mountain RMB 50
Yongning Ancient Town 永宁古城
Located in Yanqing District, Yongning is a small walled town that some of our colleagues from Beijing discovered last year. The town has origins in the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring various historic sites such as Yuhuang Pavilion, Yongning Temple, and a century-old Catholic church. However, the main attraction here is not the history, but its vibrant market, with many visitors stopping as part of a day trip to the nearby Baili Landscape Gallery (百里山水画廊), a popular scenic area.
We suggest visiting Baili Landscape in the morning and then heading to Yongning in the afternoon for some much-needed refreshments from the market. You’ll find locals selling a variety of goods and traditional snacks, with a must-try local delicacy being 火勺夹肉 huǒ sháo jiā ròu. This dish, meaning "fire spoon sandwiched meat," consists of a crispy baked flatbread filled with savory meat, which is a specialty of the ancient city.
Yongning Ancient Town永宁古城Yongning Town, Yanqing District延庆区永宁镇Drive time: About two hoursTickets: Free entry
Luanzhou Ancient City 滦州古城
In Luanzhou Ancient City, the streets are situated along a small river, while the entire historic town is positioned next to the larger Luan River, giving it an ambiance similar to towns south of the Yangtze River. For the best views of the city, we recommend climbing the pagoda located in the town's center, which allows you to take in sights of the city’s tiled rooftops and winding lanes. Please be aware that pagoda opening hours may vary during the off-season.
Beyond exploring the city, you can savor some excellent local cuisine, such as 滦州火烧 (luánzhōu huǒshāo), a flaky roll that can be filled with various ingredients like pork belly or donkey meat, often enjoyed with stewed tofu for a hearty meal.
Luanzhou Ancient City滦州古城Tangshan City, Hebei Province河北省唐山市Drive time: Around two hours and 40 minutesTickets: Free entry; some attractions charge small entry fees
Shengfang Ancient Town 胜芳古镇
Among the towns listed, Shengfang feels the most authentic and lived-in, as opposed to being a curated tourist destination. Its riverside buildings are still inhabited by local families, and instead of souvenir shops, you’re more likely to find retirees enjoying chess games and conversations under the willow trees.
Key sites to visit include the Wang Family Compound and the Shengfang Museum, which provides insights into the town’s history. You also have the chance to taste local meat pies (肉饼 ròubǐng) and fried sticky rice cakes (炸糕 zhágāo). A visit here typically takes about two to three hours, so most guests stop by on their way to Tianjin, making it ideal for a half-day detour rather than a full-day excursion.
Shengfang Ancient Town 胜芳古镇Bazhou City, Hebei Province河北省霸州市Drive time: About one hour
These four historic towns are only a few hours' drive away from Beijing.