Xinle, a quiet city near Shijiazhuang in Hebei, isn’t the first place tourists think of—but that’s what makes it special. It’s where you’ll find deep roots of Chinese culture, sweet local fruit, and streets free of big crowds. A day here is slow, gentle, and full of little surprises you won’t get in busy cities.

Start your morning at Fuxi Terrace (伏羲台)—the heart of Xinle’s history. Fuxi is a legendary figure in Chinese mythology, said to have taught people farming and marriage thousands of years ago. The terrace is a group of old buildings, including temples and pavilions, surrounded by ancient cypress trees. Walk up the stone steps to the main hall, where you’ll see a statue of Fuxi. The air feels calm here, and locals often come to light incense and pray. Don’t miss the small museum on site—it has pottery and tools from the Xinle Ruins (a 5,000-year-old Neolithic site nearby) that show what life was like here long ago.

By noon, head to a local restaurant for lunch. Xinle is famous for two things: watermelons and ganglu shaobing (缸炉烧饼). The watermelon here is sweet and juicy—ask for a slice as a starter (it’s so fresh, it’s like eating candy). For your main meal, order ganglu shaobing: crispy, round bread baked in a clay oven, often stuffed with minced pork or sesame paste. Pair it with a bowl of millet porridge (小米粥)—warm, creamy, and perfect for a slow lunch. The whole meal will cost you less than ¥30, and the owner might even chat with you about Xinle’s history if you have time.

After lunch, take a walk around Xinle’s Old Street (新乐老街). It’s not a big street, but it’s lined with small shops selling handmade goods: wooden combs, cloth shoes, and local honey. Stop at a tea shop and try Xinle jasmine tea—it’s grown nearby and has a light, fresh taste. If you’re lucky, you’ll see old men playing chess under the trees or women chatting while they knit. This is the real Xinle—quiet, friendly, and unhurried.

End your day with a visit to Xinle People’s Park (新乐人民公园). It’s a small park with a lake, where you can rent a paddle boat (¥20/hour) or just sit on a bench and watch kids fly kites. As the sun sets, the sky turns pink over the lake, and you’ll feel like you’ve had a true break from the noise of travel.

Getting to Xinle is easy: take a train from Shijiazhuang (30 minutes, ¥12) or a bus (1 hour, ¥8). There’s no need to rush—Xinle is best enjoyed at a slow pace. It’s not about checking off landmarks; it’s about feeling a part of a place that’s kept its charm for centuries.