Hengshui might not be as famous as Beijing or Xi’an, but this quiet city in southern Hebei has its own charm—think a huge freshwater lake, centuries-old liquor, and tiny works of art you can hold in your hand. A one-day trip here is all about slow moments and unexpected delights.

Start your morning at Hengshui Lake National Wetland Park (衡水湖国家湿地公园)—the star of the city. It’s one of the biggest freshwater lakes in northern China, and the best way to see it is by boat. Rent a small electric boat (¥80/hour for two people) and glide across the water. You’ll spot egrets standing in the reeds, lotus flowers (in summer) floating on the surface, and local fishermen casting nets. If you’re lucky, you might even see a family of ducks swimming by. After the boat ride, walk the lakeside path—there are benches where you can sit and listen to the wind in the reeds. It’s the perfect calm start to the day.

By 12:30 PM, head to a local restaurant for lunch—you can’t leave Hengshui without trying Hengshui Braised Chicken (衡水扒鸡). This isn’t just any chicken; it’s been cooked with soy sauce, star anise, and other spices until the meat falls off the bone. Order a whole small chicken (¥50) and pair it with xiedi shaobing (鞋底烧饼)—a crispy, layered bread shaped like a shoe sole. It’s salty, flaky, and perfect for sopping up the chicken juice. Wash it down with a cup of warm barley tea (free in most restaurants).

After lunch, dive into Hengshui’s culture at Hengshui Laobaigan Liquor Museum (衡水老白干酒文化博物馆). Laobaigan is a strong liquor (over 60% alcohol!) that’s been made here for over 1,900 years. The museum shows you how it’s brewed—from fermenting grains to storing the liquor in clay jars. You can even taste a tiny cup (free for visitors, but go easy—it’s strong!). The guides speak basic English, and they’ll tell you stories about how emperors used to drink Laobaigan.

Next, head to an inside-painted snuff bottle workshop (内画鼻烟壶工坊). This is Hengshui’s most famous art form: artists use tiny brushes to paint intricate scenes (mountains, flowers, even people) inside glass snuff bottles. Watch an artist work—they hold the bottle up to the light and paint backwards! You can buy a small bottle as a souvenir (¥50–¥200, depending on the design) —it’s a unique gift you won’t find anywhere else.

End your day at Hengshui Ancient City Wall (衡水古城墙). It’s not very big, but the old brick walls and small pavilions are perfect for a sunset walk. Sit on the wall and watch the sky turn orange over the city. Locals often come here to fly kites or play chess, so you’ll feel like part of the crowd.

Quick tips for foreigners:

• Take a train to Hengshui from Beijing—it’s 1.5 hours (¥50) and much easier than driving.
• Wear comfortable shoes—Hengshui Lake has lots of walking paths.
• If you don’t drink alcohol, skip the liquor tasting and focus on the snuff bottle workshop instead.

Hengshui is all about simple pleasures—the quiet of a lake, the taste of good chicken, the wonder of a tiny painting inside a bottle. It’s the kind of city that makes you realize China’s beauty isn’t just in big landmarks, but in small, local moments.