Stunning night tour around Beijing! Tangshan Hetou Old Street, a moment that takes you back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty

I rarely use the word "stunning" to describe a place until I set foot in Tangshan Hetou Old Street—night as bright as day, dazzling lights, as if traveling back a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty; smoke rising, bustling voices, filled with the unique cultural warmth of Tangshan. Just finished the trip and put together a super detailed night tour guide, perfect for a quick copy for trips around Beijing!

🎡 Core Scenic Area Information (Must-read to avoid pitfalls)

- Location: Tangshan Hetou Old Street
- Time: 14:00-22:30 (Recommended to enter at 17:00 to enjoy daytime details and nighttime splendor, making the most of your visit)
- Transportation:
- From out of town: After exiting Tangshan Station, take a taxi for 20 minutes directly to the site, saving time without detours;
- Driving from Beijing: 2-hour drive, the scenic area has dedicated parking lots, convenient for parking.

🏮 Entrance Guide (Choose the right entrance to walk less)

- Entrances: 5 in total, choose the most convenient as needed—
- Taxi: Preferably to the Central Gate, South Gate, or North Gate, get off and enter the core area immediately;
- Driving: Navigate to "East Market Gate" or "West Market Gate," parking lots offer great value:
- East Market Parking Lot: South side of Huifeng Lake Park on Yunhe East Road, park nearby;
- West Market Parking Lot: Huifeng Lake Boat Dock on Yunhe West Road, 2 RMB/hour, capped at 10 RMB, very cost-effective.

📮 One Night Tour Route (No detours, covers check-ins + shows)

Enter from North Gate/West Market → Tangshan Dialect Square (taste local flavors) → Happiness Tree (photograph the glowing giant tree) → Lingyu Blessing (less crowded, great for photos) → Wangzhen Square (feel Tangshan stories) → Prosperity Alley (shop at unique stores) → Prosperity Wharf (watch water performances) → Floating Market (dinner) → Linglu Quest (seek Tang-style ambiance) → Tangshan Mountain Theater (watch main show) → Most Tangshan Square (photograph landmark wall) → Blessing Square (make wishes) → Ferris Wheel (enjoy panoramic views)

🪭 Must-See Performances (Missing them means missing out)

1. "Tang King’s Eastern Expedition" live show (core highlight, a must-see!)
- Location: Tangshan Mountain Theater
- Time:
- Monday to Friday: 19:00-19:30, 20:20-20:50 (2 shows daily);
- Saturday to Sunday: 19:00-19:30, 20:20-20:50, 21:30-22:00 (3 shows daily);
- Highlights: Recreates Emperor Li Shimin’s eastern expedition history, blending intangible cultural heritage, phoenix flying, fire pot, equestrian arts, and more, fully immersive. After watching, you’ll exclaim "stunning." Tickets sold separately; recommend arriving 30 minutes early to secure seats.
2. Prosperity Wharf Performances: Wind Whistling Heavenly Horses, Butterfly Dance Fragrant Concubine, Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers alternate on stage, lively water scenes;
3. Random Flash Mobs: Unscheduled performances along the riverside water stage, lights reflecting on flowing water, full of Tang-style ancient charm of "glazed world, lights illuminating the universe";
4. NPC Interaction: Tang-style NPCs are everywhere in the old street, play games with them to win "silver tickets," making the stroll more fun and joyful.

📸 6 Must-Photograph Spots (100% photo-worthy)

- Ferris Wheel: Lights on both banks + shuttle boats as background, super romantic;
- Happiness Tree: Glowing giant tree on the canal bridge, magical when lit at night;
- Most Tangshan Square: Landmark wall blending Tangshan elements, perfect for cultural photos;
- Lingyu Blessing: Same ambiance as Linglu Quest, fewer people, no photo competition;
- Riverside Corridor: Winding corridor bridge with street lights, best spot for panoramic old street shots;
- Ancient Workshop Boat: Take a boat ride to see the old street from the water, truly feels like a dream back to the Tang Dynasty.

📝 Practical Tips (Avoid detours)

1. Warm-hearted service stations at entrances are very useful: free luggage storage and hot pear soup to enjoy, making your stroll and eating worry-free;
2. Dinner at Floating Market: wide variety of food, authentic and affordable, no need to leave the park to eat;
3. Prepare "Tang King’s Eastern Expedition" tickets in advance: the show is popular, recommend buying tickets early and arriving 30 minutes before to get front-row seats for a better experience.