Yandu Ancient City | Tired from Work? Here's How Locals from Beijing, Tianjin, and Baoding Unwind

Life is a ship sailing forward, riding the current of time into the distance. Sometimes the sun shines bright and the sky is a boundless blue, perfect for riding the wind and waves – it’s like the joy of a swift horse in spring, full of delight. But at other times, wind and rain lash down, the road ahead is dark and unclear, and you suddenly feel the weight of life’s hardships, sinking into sadness.

Waves always rise and fall, and life cannot always be smooth sailing. When you inadvertently reach a low point, there’s no need to look up at the mountain before you in fear, nor to rush anxiously to conquer it. Instead, you can pause appropriately, loosen the tightened screw inside you, and set your oppressed mind free for a while.

Every city has its own way of life, and every city has its own way to relax. But in bustling megacities, it’s hard to find a spot among the bright lights and bustling entertainment where the soul can catch its breath. Artificial excitement, though dazzling, is hollow. After the fuss dies down, what remains is exhaustion. You haven’t truly been healed.

Life is more than the struggles before you, and relaxation doesn’t have to be confined to nearby places. Yi County, located 60km from Baoding, 98km from Beijing, and 185km from Tianjin, hides many delightful spots that can sweep away your worries in an instant.

The first is to explore natural landscapes carved by masterful craft – scenes of mountains and waters.

The first rule for relaxing your mind is to go out for a stroll. Beautiful scenery not only broadens your horizons, and breathing fresh air can also cleanse the stagnant feelings in your heart.

If you love mountains, visit the red tourism site of Langya Mountain. As you climb the steps, look up to admire the grandeur of the tall peaks; as you move and the scenery changes, quietly enjoy the splendor of the green hills.

If you favor water, the rippling Yishui Lake is a wonderful choice. A tour boat cuts through the lake’s surface, raising fine ripples. In the distance, small hills are veiled in mist, each with a unique shape and varying heights – truly fascinating.

The second way is to stay a few days in the exquisitely crafted Yandu Ancient City.

Towering skyscrapers are no longer a novelty, and steely gray is a shade we’re all too used to. If you want to find a touch of warmth in life, come to Yandu Ancient City.

Under an endless blue sky with white clouds stand meticulously designed antique-style buildings;

The colorful hues spread from the flowers along the street all the way to the painted doors;

A gentle breeze brings the damp and fresh scent of the Yishui River;

The lively bustle at night adds a touch of worldly warmth.

Here, all reason and pretense shed their cold, hard shells, and your soft, true self gradually returns in this simple environment. There is genuine human warmth, where neighbors don’t fuss over gains and losses; and there is leisure and ease, where you can freely brew tea and read in a courtyard house.

Only aimless days can truly unwind the spirit. If you feel worn out by life, come and stroll through this city nestled among green mountains and clear waters.