Xingtai 3-Day 2-Night Travel Guide

Budget: 2000 RMB

Budget Breakdown

| Item | Details | Cost |
| Transportation | Round-trip major transportation (example from Beijing, second-class high-speed train seat): 300×2 = 600 RMB; Xingtai city transportation (bus, taxi): 100 RMB | 700 RMB |
| Accommodation | Two nights in a comfortable hotel or unique guesthouse, 350 RMB per night | 700 RMB |
| Meals | Taste Xingtai specialty foods, 100 RMB per day | 300 RMB |
| Tickets | Entrance fees for attractions and possible entertainment costs | 200 RMB |
| Others | Reserve 100 RMB for souvenirs and other expenses | 100 RMB |
| Total | - | 2000 RMB |

Itinerary

Day 1: Encountering Historical Charm

● Morning:
    ○ After arriving in Xingtai, check in at the hotel. It is recommended to choose a hotel located in the city center for convenient travel, such as Xingtai Chenguang Hotel or Xingtai Shunde Hotel.
    ○ Visit the Xingtai Museum (free), an excellent window to understand Xingtai’s history and culture. The museum has a rich collection, showcasing Xingtai’s development from the Paleolithic era to the present through numerous artifacts, pictures, and materials, giving you a preliminary understanding of the city’s heritage.

● Noon:
    ○ Have lunch at a restaurant near the museum, tasting Xingtai specialties such as Weixian Huoshao, crispy outside and tender inside, available in various flavors; also try Xingtai Menbing, with chewy noodles and rich toppings.

● Afternoon:
    ○ Visit Qingfeng Tower (free), a landmark building in Xingtai, originally built in the Tang dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming dynasty. Climb Qingfeng Tower to overlook the city streets of Xingtai and feel the prosperity and tranquility of the ancient city.
    ○ Then take a stroll to Huquan Park (free), the largest park in Xingtai city. The park features Da Huquan Spring and the Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall. Da Huquan has a long history with clear spring water; the Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall displays the life and scientific achievements of this outstanding Yuan dynasty scientist.

● Evening:
    ○ Enjoy various snacks at the nearby snack street, such as Linxi Bing Juanrou and Nangong smoked dishes.

Day 2: Exploring Natural Wonders

● Morning:
    ○ Take a trip to Kongshan Baiyun Cave (ticket 120 RMB), a rare karst cave landscape in northern China. The cave maintains a constant temperature year-round and is filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and stone curtains. Under the lighting, it looks magnificent, like entering a magical underground world.

● Noon:
    ○ Have lunch at a restaurant near the scenic area, trying local wild vegetables and farmhouse stews.

● Afternoon:
    ○ Head to Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area (ticket 30 RMB), known for its strange peaks, sea of clouds, and waterfalls. You can hike along the mountain trails, admire the unique rock formations, and experience the wonders of nature. At the summit, enjoy a broad view that captures the surrounding beautiful scenery.

● Evening:
    ○ Return to the city and have dinner at a local restaurant, tasting Xingtai’s specialty stir-fried dishes and soups.

Day 3: Experiencing Folk Customs

● Morning:
    ○ Visit Yingtan Ancient Village (ticket 30 RMB), a well-preserved ancient village known as the “First Ancient Stone Village North of the Yangtze.” The entire village is built of stone, with houses arranged neatly, full of rustic charm. Here you can stroll along ancient streets, visit old residences and ancestral halls, and experience traditional farming culture and folk customs.

● Noon:
    ○ Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant inside the ancient village, tasting authentic farmhouse dishes such as stewed free-range chicken with mushrooms and flatbread.

● Afternoon:
    ○ Free time or purchase some local souvenirs, such as Xing kiln porcelain and Neiqiu Shenma, then pack up and conclude your pleasant trip to Xingtai.

Recommended Photo Spots

● Xingtai Museum: The artifact display area inside the museum provides a cultural atmosphere as a backdrop for photos.

● Qingfeng Tower: Stand on the tower and take panoramic photos with the city street view of Xingtai as the background.

● Kongshan Baiyun Cave: The various unique karst formations inside the cave are very photogenic under the lighting.

● Tiantai Mountain: The observation deck at the summit offers magnificent natural scenery for photography.

● Yingtan Ancient Village: Ancient stone houses, stone-paved roads, and ancestral halls are all great photo scenes.