Just 2 Hours from Beijing, I Thought I Was in Guilin

The Ultimate Yishui Lake Travel Guide

Yishui Lake, located in Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, is a picturesque tourist destination. With its harmonious blend of mountains and water, the scenic area is often referred to as the "Little Guilin of the North." Here's a comprehensive travel guide to Yishui Lake:

1. Basic Information
- Location: Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province
- Best season: April to October
- Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
- Ticket price: ¥80/person (includes boat ticket)

2. Transportation
- Self-drive: From Beijing, take Jinggang'ao Expressway to Baoding North Exit, then transfer to Rongwu Expressway to Yi County Exit (about 2 hours)
- Public transport: Take a bus from Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station to Yi County, then transfer to local buses or taxis

3. Must-visit Attractions
- Main Scenic Area: Boat tours to enjoy lake and mountain views
- Laozi Peak: Panoramic views of the lake
- Wellness Island: Experience health culture
- Water Park: Perfect summer retreat
- Film & TV Base: Shooting location for many productions

4. Unique Experiences
- Boat sightseeing: "Boating through picturesque scenery"
- Fishing: Abundant fish resources
- Water sports: Speedboats, jet skis, etc.
- Farmhouse experience: Taste local lake delicacies

5. Food Recommendations
- Yishui Lake Fish Banquet: Whole fish feast, fish head with pancakes
- Countryside dishes: Free-range eggs, wild vegetables
- Local snacks: Yi County baked cakes, donkey meat burgers

6. Accommodation Suggestions
- Lakeside hotels: Stunning views
- Farm stays: Rural living experience
- Camping sites: Close to nature

7. Precautions
- Sun protection in summer, warmth in winter
- Wear life jackets during boat rides
- Protect the environment (no littering)
- Follow park regulations

8. Nearby Attractions
- Western Qing Tombs: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Langya Mountain: Red tourism site
- Yesanpo: National Geopark

9. Itinerary Suggestions
- Day trip: Morning lake tour, afternoon hiking
- 2-day trip: Day 1 lake, Day 2 nearby attractions
- In-depth tour: 3-5 days for full cultural experience

10. Practical Tips
- Bring snacks as park food is pricey
- Avoid holidays for fewer crowds
- Check weather forecast beforehand
- Bring camera for beautiful moments

Yishui Lake offers unique charms in every season: spring blossoms, summer retreat, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes. May this guide help you plan a perfect Yishui Lake getaway.