Xingtai, a city in southern Hebei with over 3,500 years of history, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking authentic Chinese culture without big crowds. This one-day guide mixes ancient sites, local eats, and a touch of nature—ideal for a quick but memorable trip.

9:00 AM – Start with History at Nanguan Old Street

Kick off your day at Nanguan Historical Block, Xingtai’s best-preserved ancient street. Lined with Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368–1912) buildings, the cobblestone road is dotted with wooden shops, tea houses, and traditional craft stalls.

Don’t rush—wander slowly. Stop by the old post office (now a small museum) to see vintage stamps and letter-writing tools. For a snack, grab Hele noodles from a street vendor: chewy wheat noodles in a savory broth with pickled vegetables, costing just ¥8–10. It’s a local breakfast staple, and the warmth will fuel you for the morning.

11:00 AM – Relax in Dahuquan Park

Take a 15-minute taxi (¥12–15) to Dahuquan Park, Xingtai’s most beloved urban green space. Free to enter, the park has a large lake, pine forests, and a statue of Guo Shoujing—a famous Yuan Dynasty engineer who improved local water systems.

Rent a paddle boat (¥30/hour for two people) on the lake, or stroll along the tree-lined paths. In autumn, the ginkgo trees turn golden; in spring, cherry blossoms bloom. Even on a quiet weekday, you’ll see locals doing tai chi or playing chess—perfect for soaking up daily life.

12:30 PM – Lunch: Xingtai’s Classic Dishes

Head to Laobian Dumpling House (a 10-minute walk from the park) for lunch. This family-run spot has served dumplings for over 80 years. Try their signature pork-and-chive dumplings (¥20 for a plate) and Longyao lamb soup (¥15)—a creamy, flavorful broth with tender lamb chunks.

If you’re adventurous, order bingjuanrou: thin pancakes rolled with braised beef, cucumber, and sauce. It’s handheld, messy, and delicious—exactly how locals eat it.

2:00 PM – Explore Guangfu Ancient City

Take a 40-minute taxi (¥50–60) to Guangfu Ancient City, a walled town built in the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The 13-kilometer-long city wall is still intact, and you can walk a section of it (¥20 ticket) for panoramic views of the red-tiled roofs below.

Inside the city, wander the narrow lanes. Visit Qinglong Temple (¥15 ticket) to see its ancient Buddha statues, or browse shops selling hand-painted fans and local dates (a Xingtai specialty). By late afternoon, the sun casts a warm glow on the old walls—great for photos.

5:30 PM – Head Back & Grab a Snack

Return to downtown Xingtai (40-minute taxi ride) and stop at Tianyi Square for a quick snack. Try hawthorn candies (¥10/bag) from a street cart—sweet, tangy, and perfect for satisfying a sugar craving. If you’re hungry, pick up fried dough sticks (youtiao) and a soy milk (¥5 total) for a light dinner.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes: Nanguan Street and Guangfu Ancient City have uneven cobblestones.
• Cash is useful: Small vendors and local eateries may not accept cards.
• Best time to visit: April–May (cherry blossoms) or September–October (cool weather).

Xingtai’s charm lies in its simplicity—no grand landmarks, just real history and warm hospitality. This one-day trip lets you experience the city like a local, leaving you with memories (and a full stomach) to take home.