3 Days 2 Nights in Hebei · Explore the "Secret Realm of the Capital Region" with a Cultural Light Travel for 3000 RMB

Many people think Hebei is just a "must-pass route to Beijing," but as a travel blogger who has traveled all over North China, I have to say: Hebei holds half of China's history. From the sea breeze of Beidaihe to the majestic snowy passes of Shanhaiguan; from the royal grandeur of Chengde Mountain Resort to the Tang dynasty charm of Zhengding Ancient City—this place is not just a corridor, but a seriously underrated treasure land. This time, with a budget of 3000 RMB for two people, I planned a 3-day, 2-night high cost-performance cultural + nature trip, avoiding crowds and delving deep into the soul of the Yanzhao land.

📍Suitable for: History and culture lovers / Couples for slow travel / Parent-child study tours / Weekend mini vacations
💰Total budget: 3000 RMB (for two people, 1500 RMB per person)

🚄Transportation｜About 900 RMB
✅ Mainly high-speed rail, convenient within the province
✔️ Beijing → Chengde South Station → Chengde South High-speed rail 70 minutes, second class seat 82 RMB/person ×2 = 164 RMB
✔️ Chengde → Qinhuangdao (Shanhaiguan) High-speed rail 1.5 hours, 68 RMB/person ×2 = 136 RMB
✔️ Shanhaiguan → Beidaihe Short-distance bus or taxi ≈ 60 RMB
✔️ Return Beidaihe → Beijing South High-speed rail 77 RMB/person ×2 = 154 RMB
✅ City transportation: bus + taxi + shared bike ≈ 150 RMB
✔️ Total transportation controlled within 900 RMB

🏨Accommodation｜About 800 RMB
✅ 2 nights in selected comfortable hotels/unique homestays
✔️ First night: Hotel near Chengde Mountain Resort in Chengde city → double standard room 380 RMB/night
✔️ Second night: Beidaihe seaside homestay (walking distance to the beach) → double room 420 RMB/night
✔️ Total accommodation ≈ 800 RMB
💡 Off-season can be as low as under 500 RMB, more flexible and economical

🎫Tickets｜About 750 RMB
✅ [Chengde Mountain Resort] 130 RMB/person ×2 = 260 RMB
✅ [Outer Eight Temples · Puning Temple] 90 RMB/person ×2 = 180 RMB (world’s largest gold lacquer wood-carved Buddha)
✅ [Shanhaiguan Scenic Area] Combined ticket 100 RMB/person ×2 = 200 RMB (includes the First Pass Under Heaven city tower)
✅ [Old Dragon’s Head] 60 RMB/person ×2 = 120 RMB (Great Wall entering the sea wonder)
✅ Optional: Beidaihe Seaside Bathing Beach free, Pigeon Nest Park only 25 RMB/person
✔️ Full coverage of culture + landmarks, total tickets ≈ 760 RMB, controllable within 750 RMB

🍽️Dining｜About 550 RMB
✅ Chengde: Small portion of Bashang roasted whole lamb, Youmian Wowo (oat noodles), Donkey Roll → for two 180 RMB
✅ Qinhuangdao: Shanhaiguan hot pot (copper hot pot), Puluo leaf cake, seafood stir-fry → for two 200 RMB
✅ Beidaihe: Simple seafood meal by the sea + chilled beer → for two 120 RMB
✅ Snacks & street food & drinks → 50 RMB
✔️ Authentic and rich food throughout, total ≈ 550 RMB

🎯Itinerary｜Three days crossing the Yanzhao saga

⏰ Day 1｜Chengde · Royal Summer Capital
→ Arrive in Chengde → Visit Mountain Resort (Lake and Mountain area highlights) → Evening stroll at Puning Temple night lights → Stay in Chengde

⏰ Day 2｜Shanhaiguan · Soul of the Great Wall
→ Chengde → Qinhuangdao → Climb the [First Pass Under Heaven] → Walk the [Old Dragon’s Head] to see the Great Wall entering the sea → Stay in Beidaihe

⏰ Day 3｜Beidaihe · Leisurely seaside time
→ Early morning beach walk → Watch sunrise at Pigeon Nest (free!) → Buy souvenirs at seafood market → Return in the afternoon

📌Tips:
✔️ Mountain Resort recommends a guide or audio tour (20 RMB) for a more vivid history
✔️ At Shanhaiguan, you can rent Hanfu for photos to capture the "Crossing the East" epic feel
✔️ Best time for Beidaihe is June to September, dress warmly in other seasons
✔️ Zhengding Ancient City, Qingxi Mausoleum, etc. can also replace parts of this route for deeper cultural experience

In three days, we walked through royal gardens, climbed to the end of the Great Wall,
and listened to the tides rise and fall in the Bohai Bay.

For less than 3000 RMB, what you get is:
A grand and gentle story about the land of Yanzhao.