
Ji County is located in the northernmost part of Tianjin, nestled between Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, and Chengde. Anciently known as Yuyang, Ji County was known as Wuzhongzi State during the Spring and Autumn Period and Wuzhongyi during the Warring States Period. During the Qin Dynasty, it was part of Youbeiping Commandery, and during the Tang Dynasty, Jizhou was established. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it became a county under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province . In September 1973 , it was incorporated into Tianjin, a position it retains today.
Ji County has beautiful natural scenery and numerous places of interest and historical sites. It has formed a number of key tourist attractions and resorts, including Panshan, Huangyaguan Great Wall, Cuiping Lake, ancient cultural relics in the county seat, Middle and Upper Proterozoic geological profiles, Jiushanding, Limutai, Baxianshan and Jiulongshan.
The Huangyaguan Great Wall is designated a World Cultural Heritage Site, Panshan is a National Scenic Area, the Middle and Upper Proterozoic geological section has been approved by the State Council as a National Geopark, Baxianshan is a National Primary and Secondary Forest Nature Reserve, and Jiulongshan is a National Forest Park. The county also boasts cultural relics such as the Dule Temple and the White Pagoda Temple, both of which are under state protection .
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for traveling. The climate is mild, the temperature is moderate, and there are colorful flowers and lush green trees.
Cuiping Lake in Jixian County
Located in Bieshan Town, south of Ji County, the lake is wide, the water is turquoise and clear, tranquil and beautiful, and it is refreshing. The surrounding green trees, lake, mountains, blue sky and white clouds set off the scenery, making it unique and charming.
Yulong Ski Resort
Tianjin's first large-scale mountain ski resort, located on the east side of the Jinwei Highway, 7 kilometers north of Jixian County, Tianjin, boasts a superior environment and convenient transportation. Officially opened on December 20, 2003 , the resort covers a total area of 130,000 square meters, offering a variety of fitness, entertainment, and recreational opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy a return to nature amidst the fresh air and expansive views of the "green environment."
Jiushanding Natural Scenic Area
Located in Xiaying Town, Jixian County, Tianjin City, it is the most representative mountain in the national geological nature reserve - the Middle and Upper Proterozoic standard stratum. It is also a typical quartz sandstone peak forest landform in Jixian National Geopark. The forest vegetation is dense and the air is fresh and clean, like a piece of green jade and a natural oxygen bar.
Dule Temple, a thousand-year-old temple
Dule Temple, located in Ji County, Tianjin, is one of the first national key cultural relic protection sites announced by the State Council. It is one of the three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China and a representative example of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. Its "Dule Morning Lanterns" is listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yuyang.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Jizhou District in Tianjin has a long history dating back over 2,000 years. It was a key area during the Tang and Song dynasties. Jizhou is known for its historical landmarks, including ancient temples and cultural sites, and is often referred to as the "Gateway to Tianjin" due to its strategic location.
Jizhou District is located in the northern part of Tianjin, around 150 km from Beijing. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi, private car, or public bus from central Tianjin. There are also high-speed trains that connect Tianjin to Beijing and other nearby cities.
The district's attractions, such as museums and temples, are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the region is less crowded.
The entrance fees vary depending on the attraction. For example, the Jizhou Museum charges around 20 RMB, while other cultural sites might charge a nominal fee of 10–30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online for certain sites.
Booking in advance is usually not necessary unless you are visiting during peak tourist seasons or weekends. It’s recommended to book tickets a few days in advance if you plan to visit popular attractions during holidays.
You will need approximately 3 to 5 hours to fully explore the main attractions in Jizhou District, including temples, museums, and historical sites. If you plan to hike or explore the surrounding countryside, allow extra time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some sites may offer basic English-speaking guides. Audio guides are available at some attractions, but they may be limited to Chinese language only.
Start by visiting the Jizhou Museum, followed by a walk around the Chenghuang Temple and the Jizhou Ancient City Wall. Finish your visit with the Jizhou Carved Stone Art Museum and enjoy a walk through the local countryside if time permits.
Night visits are not typically available at most attractions in Jizhou. However, you can enjoy the city’s traditional architecture at night, as many of the temples and landmarks are beautifully lit after dark.
The area can get busy during weekends and national holidays. The best time to visit for fewer crowds is during weekdays in the off-season (fall and spring), especially early in the morning.
There are basic facilities at major tourist sites, including toilets, water fountains, and small shops selling souvenirs. Some larger attractions also have rest areas and food stalls offering local snacks.
Most attractions in Jizhou District are accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors, although some areas, like the ancient city wall, may have uneven terrain. It’s recommended to check specific accessibility information before visiting.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Credit cards may be accepted at some major attractions, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases.
There are several local restaurants serving traditional Tianjin cuisine, such as dumplings and noodles, in the area surrounding the Jizhou attractions. A few cafes offer light refreshments and tea.
Vegetarian options are available at many restaurants, and there are a few halal restaurants in Jizhou offering dishes for Muslim visitors.
There are several guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Jizhou District. For more options, consider staying in central Tianjin and taking a short trip to Jizhou.
Souvenir shops in Jizhou offer traditional Chinese handicrafts, including carved stones, pottery, and calligraphy sets. Many local shops also sell tea and local snacks.