A Cool Trip to Hu Mountain: Play, Learn, and Beat the Summer Heat

#Beautiful Hu Mountain, Blessed Land of Taihang#

The stifling, sultry heat of the dog days seems to congeal the very air. Getting away from the city, touching the mountains and waters, and embarking on a spur-of-the-moment trip with friends is perhaps one of the rare relaxing moments during this unusual period. At the tail end of July, why not head to the mountains and breathe in nature's freshness!

This time, the destination is the national 4A-level scenic spot—Hu Mountain Scenic Area, located in Quyang County, Baoding City, Hebei Province. Known as an 'ecological mountain,' it forms a line with the ancient Beiyue Hengshan, one of the Five Sacred Mountains. It is a huge oxygen bar combining mountains, forests, springs, streams, waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful scenery, with vegetation coverage exceeding 90%!

[Treasures of the Gold Stone Mountain]

Hu Mountain is not only a necessary route to the ancient Beiyue Hengshan but also a mountain renowned for its 'gold stones.' The rocks in this area are rich in gold deposits and various gemstones, so people also call it 'Gold Stone Mountain.' The Gold Stone Exhibition Hall at the highest point hides wonders within; walking deep inside, you will discover an ancient gold mine. The mine tunnel is incredibly cool and reveals a hidden world of its own!

[Splashing in Cool Water]

As the saying goes, 'Metal generates water, and water nourishes metal.' Apart from being a golden mountain, Hu Mountain boasts countless green waters.

In the scorching summer, the streams and lakes all over the mountain provide a refreshing coolness that soothes the heart. Stroll along the Jinshui River, stepping on stone paths and gold-ore stone mill steps, slowly pacing downstream. Many recreational facilities are set up by the riverside; immerse yourself in the valley, close your eyes, and listen to nature's heavenly sounds.

This place is super suitable for bringing children to play—a great spot for family trips: battle royale-style shooting, tank battles, rainbow slides, the musical shouting spring in Mopan Valley, go-karts, super tumbler, and catching fish in the water... Kids will have so much fun they won't want to leave.

[Happy Learning]

For children, learning through play is the best educational method. Hu Mountain Scenic Area has carefully created eight major exhibition halls, each rich in collections and unique in character.

Visit the 'China Double Happiness Culture Museum' to appreciate the charm of traditional wedding customs. Here you'll find marriage certificates dating back to the 19th and 22nd years of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, recreating wedding cultures of different eras.

Enter the 'Folk Blessing Culture Museum' to understand the profound culture of praying for blessings.

Browse the 'China Abacus Culture Exhibition Hall' and admire abacuses of various shapes.

Step into the 'Jin-Cha-Ji Beiyue Anti-Japanese War Zone Exhibition Hall' and receive an education in revolutionary history.

At the 'Taihang Gold Mountain Oil Lamp Art Exhibition Hall,' snap an Instagram-worthy photo in the thousand-lamp corridor.

In the 'Centennial Development of Old Objects Exhibition Hall,' travel back in time. Telephones, radios, kettles, teacups, mirrors, posters, porcelain plates... every item gleams with memories of bygone eras.

With gentle slopes, tranquil scenery, cool summer retreats, countless leisure and entertainment facilities, and numerous educational exhibition halls... it's perfect for family trips, study tours, and gatherings of all ages. Whether you're into folk customs, revolutionary history, bringing kids, or taking your parents, Hu Mountain is a great choice.

A millennium of gold mining culture, natural ecological culture, folk heritage culture, Taihang revolutionary culture... a blend of diverse cultures makes it an ideal summer resort for learning. In the hot summer, come to Hu Mountain for a cool escape!

Steamed Eight-Bowl Feast: pig trotters, sliced braised pork, square-shaped braised pork, spareribs, meatballs, tofu, vermicelli with kelp, and stewed meat jelly

Sweet Potato Dumplings: dried radish cubes and diced cured pork fill the dumplings, with sweet potato flour dough for the wrappers

Black Girl Dumplings (time-honored brand): the filling includes over a dozen Chinese herbal medicines, said to invigorate the brain, enhance intelligence, and nourish the kidneys and liver; it was a royal court delicacy during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Hushan Village, Fanzhuang, Quyang County, Baoding City