Embark on a captivating weekend adventure to Tangshan, Hebei! Fellow travelers in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, if you haven’t discovered this gem yet, I’m afraid you’re missing out on a truly wonderful experience! The journey is effortless, with convenient high-speed rail and road options.
Travel time: π Beijing to Tangshan: Just over an hour π Beijing to Tangshan: About two and a half hours. I haven’t checked the distance from Tianjin to Tangshan, but it’s likely even closer! I opted for the high-speed train, which was extremely convenient, and upon arrival, I simply hailed a taxi to the attractions. Tangshan Station is conveniently located, with major attractions merely a short taxi ride away, costing around 20 to 30 yuan.
A word of caution for those considering driving during holidays: the attractions can be overcrowded, with limited parking spaces and heavy traffic. Lines can be long, so be prepared for some waiting!
π Lodging: Tangshan offers affordable accommodation options, especially during non-peak seasons. Staying in the downtown area (either south or north of the city) or near Tangshan Station will put you in close proximity to the main attractions, with taxis being a cost-effective mode of transportation.
π Top Attractions:
- Tangshan Feast (personally, I found the food offerings similar to those at Hetou Old Street. During holidays, it can be quite crowded, with long lines for parking, entry, and purchases. Ideal visit time: mornings, as they tend to be less busy.)
- Hetou Old Street (a must-visit!): I nickname it the βMini Great Tang Dynasty Evernight Cityβ! It truly captures the essence of the era and is well-constructed. Recommended duration: a whole evening!
- Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park: Also houses an earthquake museum. While the subject matter can be heavy, it’s still worth a visit. It’s not only a tribute to those who lost their lives but also a reminder of the resilience of the affected communities. It also serves as an educational opportunity for understanding, respecting, and cherishing life.
- Tangshan South Lake Kailuan Scenic Area (essential during the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival): A vast park that features magnificent lantern displays and drone performances during these festivals. It’s quite a spectacle and worth the trip! Regularly, it’s a free park with scenic views, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Tangshan Shadow Puppet Theme Park (ideal for families with children): A vast, free, and unpowered amusement park! It’s incredibly fun and even tempted me to join in!
- Tangshan Zoo (another must for families with kids): Free entry, no reservations required! Even the pandas are free to view! It’s larger than I anticipated, with a decent variety of animals, albeit not too many. But who needs more when it’s all free? The animals look well-cared for and adorable.
- Kailuan Mine Park (consider for families with children): The only paid attraction, it offers insights into mining history and underground exploration experiences for children.
- Dolphinland (a summer must for families with children): Who knew such a fun aquatic playground existed? Perfect for kids, with a range of activities like fishing, drifting, and crab hunting. Note that this attraction is not located in the city center.
Embark on this exciting adventure and discover the beauty and charm of Tangshan! #Tangshan #BeijingWeekendTrip #TianjinWeekendTrip #WeekendOneDayTrip
