Handan! Even more captivating for history and culture enthusiasts than Datong!

I thought Datong was impressive enough, until I encountered a thousand years of history in Handan—just 180 kilometers from Beijing, this Warring States Zhao capital is filled with a strong sense of "time travel." Choosing a reverse route for National Day travel is definitely the right call.

Here’s a 2-day, 1-night itinerary you can copy directly: Day 1 visit Xuebu Bridge and Congtai Park (Wuling Congtai reflects autumn colors like an ink painting), then head to Handan Dao Ancient Street at dusk, where wearing Warring States robes for photos instantly turns you into a scene from "The Qin Empire"; Day 2 go to Xiangtangshan Grottoes (China’s fifth largest grotto, with stunning Buddha statues), then visit the Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum and Handan City Museum, where the "Handan Smile" on the 4th floor predates the Mona Lisa’s smile by a thousand years.

Handan Dao Ancient Street is a must-visit: before sunset, climb the South City Gate to see golden light spill over the blue bricks; after dark, walk the main street carrying lanterns, and you can also make crafts and eat Yongnian crispy fish at the Cizhou Kiln Museum.

For National Day, do you prefer checking out ancient city architecture or immersing yourself in ancient culture?

Post by Shine_890_Brooks | Oct 25, 2025