Yandu Ancient City: What It’s Like to Live in a Scenic Area

What is nature to humans?

A companion; the first bold strokes of history quietly conceal nature's presence.

A participant too; every second of life bears the modest trace of nature.

No matter when or where, nature is a partner intertwined with humanity, each relying on the other.

China is vast, with famed mountains and waters readily found, and Yi County in Hebei is one such place.

Yi County is among the first 14 millennia-old counties in China designated by UNESCO, and also one of the first National All-for-One Tourism Demonstration Zones. These honors show the depth of its cultural history and natural landscapes.

Within it, Yandu Ancient City stands out as something special.

Sitting on the city's central axis yet offering an idyllic haven, it is a rare place where people and nature blend in perfect harmony.

With exceptional natural endowments and meticulous care, Yandu Ancient City – built to the standards of a national 4A scenic area – has truly realized the dream of creating a 'scenic spot' within a city.

Those who live here can move freely between the bustling world and a tranquil retreat, from morning to night.

Morning brings no clamor of traffic, only the crisp chirps of birds. This, it is said, is nature’s exclusive 'wake-up service'.

The low-rise, low-density buildings allow sunlight to pour boldly indoors. You can enjoy the softest northern morning sun the moment it rises.

If boredom strikes at home, just stroll through the ancient town. Few residences have such a vast 'back garden': not only a dizzying array of flowers and plants that change with the seasons, but also the rolling hills and murmuring streams that already serve a feast for the eyes.

Of course, life here is not about seclusion. At night, when lamps light up one by one, a lively atmosphere unfolds.

Browse night markets, dance around bonfires, enjoy opera stages – the same urban evening but with a distinctive entertainment experience. The aroma of food and traditional culture intertwine in the night, subtly satisfying the heart.

Photography by Yan Nanfei

Ordinary daily life may be ordinary, yet here you can embrace a natural way of living within nature, so wherever you go becomes where your heart desires.

Dear readers, wouldn’t you love this simple, joyful life in a 'scenic area'?