A Guide to Exploring Rural Tianjin's Ji County
Tianjin altogether is one of the largest, widespread regions in China. Of the 16 districts that make up its number, only seven are attributed to urban Tianjin, leaving a lot of room to explore beyond the concrete jungle. Travel an hour or more from the bustle of big city life in Tianjin and discover vast mountain ridges, excellent hiking trails, and of course, the Great Wall of China itself. Here’s our guide to the best Tianjin Ji’s rural regions.
1. Huangya Pass of The Great Wall
About 80 miles away from downtown Tianjin is this legendary, limited but incredible section of the Great Wall. Huangya Pass is over 1,400 years old and starts out easy but ends at the top of an abrupt mountain edge. Here you can take in 20 different watchtowers and cross the once fortified bridge which kept out invaders. Be aware, though, that this part of the Wall is not for the timid. At its height, the average altitude is 738 meters, and at times, feels more vertical than horizontal going up. And there’s nothing to stop you from falling… but don’t let that scare you away. Huangya Pass was revamped in 1986 and has been operating for the public ever since. If you don’t mind steep cliffs, the view is definitely worth a day’s climb. Enjoy the overreaching scenic views, waterfalls, and iconic statues that make Huangya Pass the legend it is.
30 km north, Ji county, Ji county, China, +86 22 22718718
2. Mount Pan (Pan Shan)
Mount Pan (Pan Shan), while not a completely authentic nature experience, thanks to man-made temples, pavilions, and plentiful shops, is a viable escape from Tianjin and is located 75 miles away on a two-hour drive. Its highest peak is 2,815 feet above sea level, which makes its temperature nice and cool during the hot summer, averaging late 60s to early 70 degrees F in the daytime. Aside from the hike, try a farm stay where visitors can reside overnight in a local farmer’s house and enjoy organic meals for just over 100 RMB per night. Better yet, get immersed in the cozy little village at the foothills of Pan Shan. Be sure to avoid going during national holidays to avoid the crowds.
Lianhualing village, Guanzhuang town, Ji county, Ji county, China, +86 22 2982 1719
3. Baixan Mountain Natural Reserve
Forest
Thinly-sliced jagged boulders partly make up this rarity of a mountain in northern China, though Baixan Mountain Natural Reserve is almost entirely covered by trees, within which its own myth is contained in the form of Baixan’s tale of “eight fairies” who ventured deep into this forest, drawn by its beauty. They stopped for a drink by a rock, now called “Baxian Table”. Baixan’s highest peak is called Cricket Cage, and is the highest mountaintop in Tianjin at 3,434 feet. Much less commercialized compared to Pan Shan, Baixan is a difficult climb but is one of the few original natural landscapes you will discover in the region.
Mount Jiulongshan National Forest Park
Mount Jiulongshan National Forest Park is a cornucopia of natural wonders, composed of three scenic areas: Mount Nine Dragon (with an amazing view of Panshan mountain at the top), Limu Tai mountain, and Huanghua mountain, and with more amazing views of Cuiping lake, The Great Wall and Mount Baxianshan. Be prepared to see an assortment of insects, snakes, and birds of prey. More difficult to reach than other mountains, the upside it deters a lot of crowds.
Chuanfangyu country, Ji county, China, +86 22 2276 2069
Jizhou Baita Temple
‘Baita’ means white pagoda and is the repository of Shaolin Wushu (Kung Fu) of the region. Octagonally shaped, Jizhou provides an immaculate, ancient, tranquil, and authentic experience. Monks are actually on-site and are genuinely kind and helpful. The temple’s design is described as a fusion of Chinese and Indian Buddhism.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
- Post ID: 1295603
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload