Things To Do
in Xinglong
Xinglong (兴隆县) is a county in northeastern Hebei province known for its forested hills, agricultural villages, and clear night skies that attract astronomy enthusiasts. The area combines quiet rural life with small county-town services, and it's home to the Xinglong Observatory, one of China's important astronomical stations. Visitors come for hiking, simple local cuisine, seasonal scenery, and proximity to the Bashang grasslands and larger Chengde attractions.
It’s a peaceful base for exploring Hebei’s highlands and escaping the crowds of China’s bigger tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant flora of tropical plants. Walk along the winding paths, taking in the diverse species and learning about their origins through informative signs. Capture stunning photographs of exotic flowers and towering trees as the morning sun bathes the garden in golden light.
After lunch at a nearby café, delve deeper into the garden's ecological wonders by joining a guided tour that focuses on medicinal plants and their uses in traditional Chinese medicine. Engage with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories about the plants and their significance in local culture. Finish your visit by relaxing in one of the garden's serene spots, enjoying the sounds of nature around you.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to a dinner at a local seafood restaurant that specializes in fresh catches from the nearby ocean. Savor the flavors of Hainan cuisine while seated outdoors, allowing the warm evening breeze to enhance your dining experience. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the nearby coastline, marveling at the stars that light up the night sky.
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Rice Noodle Street, where the aroma of freshly made noodles fills the air. Watch local chefs skillfully prepare rice noodles from scratch, and take the opportunity to learn about the different regional variations. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of rice noodles served with a variety of toppings, accompanied by a cup of fragrant tea.
Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and stalls lining the street, where you can sample various snacks and purchase handmade crafts from local artisans. Engage with friendly vendors who are eager to share their stories and the cultural significance of their products. Don't miss the chance to try specialty dishes that are unique to Xinglong, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
As evening approaches, the street comes alive with vibrant lights and the sounds of laughter and chatter. Find a cozy spot at an outdoor table to enjoy a dinner featuring a selection of local delicacies, including spicy stir-fried dishes. End your day by mingling with locals and fellow travelers, soaking in the lively atmosphere that defines this culinary hotspot.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🚌Local bus ride / short taxi | $0.30-5 |
| 🛌Basic hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee / tea at café | $1.50-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, unspoiled rural landscapes and clear night skies for stargazing
- Authentic local culture and inexpensive food
- Good base for hiking, cycling and visiting nearby grasslands
- Close enough to larger cities (e.g., Chengde, Beijing) for day trips
- Limited English signage and fewer tourist services than major destinations
- Public transport options are sparse for remote trails and villages
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with big cities
- Winter weather can limit access and make travel harder
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "厕所在哪里？(Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Xinglong
Visit one of these nice places.
The observatory area and surrounding hills offer dramatic skies and structures for astrophotography and sunset shots; permissions may be required for close-up access, so check ahead.
Wooded slopes and ridge-lines provide panoramic views, especially in autumn when foliage changes color.
Open grassland vistas with big skies, ideal for sunrise/sunset landscapes and cultural shots of horseback riding and herding.
Street and village scenes capture daily life — markets, food stalls, traditional courtyard houses and local crafts.
Food in Xinglong
Xinglong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Local noodle dishes often served in a clear or light meat broth with greens and pickled vegetables; find them at family-run restaurants and morning stalls in the county seat.
Must-Try!
Staple across northern China — pork, cabbage, or mushroom fillings are common; excellent at small eateries and markets.
Locally foraged mushrooms cooked with pork or chicken; seasonal and commonly available in village restaurants and home-style eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily or weekly market where vendors sell fresh vegetables, mushrooms, steamed buns, fried dough, and skewers; great for sampling inexpensive local snacks and seeing regional produce.
Small clusters of vendors offering pancakes (煎饼), fried dumplings, grilled corn and simple barbecue skewers — informal, cheap, and tasty.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello (你好, Nǐ hǎo) and slight nod shows respect; use formal manners with elders and avoid loud or attention-grabbing behavior in small communities.
It’s common to remove shoes when entering private homes — look for cues or ask if unsure.
Queuing may be less formal in rural settings; remain patient and polite. Public displays of anger are frowned upon.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in villages or of elders; a smile and a polite question usually works.
Safety
Tipping in Xinglong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in small towns; service staff generally don't expect tips. In higher-end hotels or restaurants, a small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not required.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate in China and many vendors accept them, but in small rural areas cash (RMB) remains important — carry some cash for markets and remote services. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but less so in local shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and windy with occasional rain; wildflowers appear on hillsides and mushroom foraging season begins later in spring. Bring layers and a windproof jacket.
Warm to hot days with more humidity and afternoon showers; higher elevations stay pleasantly cooler. Good time for green landscapes, hiking and grassland visits — pack sun protection and insect repellent.
Clear skies, mild days and crisp mornings — the best season for hiking, photography and local produce. Nights can be chilly, so bring warmer layers.
Cold, often below freezing with possible snow; many rural services slow down and some attractions have limited access. Dress warmly and be prepared for icy roads if driving.
Xinglong at Night
Hiking in Xinglong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails through mixed forest with ridge viewpoints and seasonal wildflowers; good for half-day hikes and nature walks.
Accessible from the Xinglong area, this route across the grasslands offers easy terrain, panoramic skies and cultural stops with nomadic-style activities in season.
Shorter trails linking nearby villages that provide cultural insight and pastoral scenery — ideal for photography and light hiking.
Airports
How to reach Xinglong by plane.
The closest regional airport serving Chengde and surrounding counties — limited domestic connections. From the airport you can reach Xinglong by car or local shuttle/bus services; check schedules in advance.
Major international hub with frequent domestic flights; several hours by car or bus depending on traffic. Many visitors combine a trip to Xinglong with arrival in Beijing and travel overland by train or bus.
Modern international airport serving the Beijing region; ground transport options include long-distance buses, trains and private cars to reach Hebei destinations. Travel times vary but it’s a viable gateway for international travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Xinglong, engaged in agriculture, small business and local government.
There are Manchu and some Mongolian heritage communities in the broader Chengde region; traditional customs and festivals persist in villages and grassland areas.
Many smaller villages have older populations engaged in seasonal farming and local crafts; younger people often move to larger cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular grassroots sport across China, commonly played in schoolyards, village courts and community centers.
Popular in the nearby Bashang grassland areas where horseback tours and riding experiences are available seasonally.
A common indoor sport and social activity found in local community centers and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xinglong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural restaurants — focus on vegetable stir-fries, noodle soups without meat, tofu dishes and pickles. Carry snacks and learn phrases to explain vegetarian needs (e.g., “我不吃肉” Wǒ bù chī ròu).
More challenging: many dishes contain pork stock, soy sauce or wheat. If you have strict requirements, bring staples or shop at larger supermarkets in Chengde or Beijing before arrival; use translation cards to explain restrictions.
Few dedicated halal restaurants in small towns — ask at larger eateries or source meat from trusted suppliers. In emergencies, poultry or vegetable dishes are easier to find than certified halal options.