Great Weekend Getaway in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei: Visit Yishui Lake in Baoding, Stay at Wanghu Chun Shanzhuang, and Enjoy Dam Views!

Last weekend, my friend and I drove to Yishui Lake, and now I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone. Finding a place within a three-hour drive one way, not crowded, with mountains and water to relax and unwind for a couple of days—I mentally patted myself on the back: 'Nice job!'

Yishui Lake, often called the 'Little Guilin of the North,' is in Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province. Nearby attractions include Taihang Water Town and Baishi Mountain. When I looked at itineraries online, I saw two common routes: either a day trip to Yishui Lake alone and back, or one day at Yishui Lake plus Taihang Water Town and one day at Baishi Mountain. But I felt that for a weekend getaway, there was no need to rush; I wanted a more relaxed pace. So from the start, I planned Yishui Lake as the main spot and left everything else flexible.

This way, we didn't have to wake up early on Saturday. We both slept until about 8 a.m., and by the time we got ready and set off separately, it was already 11 a.m. We hit a little traffic near Xizhimen, but the drive basically took two and a half hours to reach the Yishui Lake scenic area. The visit flow is roughly: first take a boat (with speedboat and large boat options) across the lake to the opposite shore, then hike up the mountain. After finishing at Yishui Lake around 5 p.m., we stayed right inside the scenic area at Yishui Lake Wanghu Chun Shanzhuang, a particularly nice farm stay at the Yishui Lake Dam pier. The lodge is built on a high slope above Yishui Lake, a great place to stay and eat. The location is elevated, breezy and cool, and perfect for admiring the beauty of the Yishui Lake Dam.

The next day, we slept until afternoon. Going to Baoding or Baishi Mountain would have been a bit rushed, so we took a stroll around Taihang Water Town instead. We headed back to Beijing around 5 p.m. Overall, I feel that our itinerary suits everyone—family trips, couple getaways, or even with parents. It's unhurried, rich, and comfortable. You definitely won't be disappointed!