Hexiang Farmstay in Baiyangdian, Baoding, Hebei: Three Meals and Lodging for Only 150 Yuan, Must-Try Fish and Salted Duck Eggs

Hexiang Farmstay in Baiyangdian, Baoding, Hebei is located within the Baiyangdian Natural Scenic Area. The lotus flowers here are diverse and wide-ranging, with colors including white, red, pink, purple, as well as those with streaks and edges, like white with red, red with white, and various patterned borders. The farmstay covers 500 square meters. Run by a rural couple since 2010 for 13 years, it mainly caters to independent travelers, small groups, and repeat guests. The entire courtyard is divided into two main sections: the front yard and the back yard.

Highlights: The farmstay has its own boat, taking guests on exciting rides to see over a hundred varieties of lotus in the lotus garden and the reed marshes. A special treat is dining onboard while enjoying the scenery—a truly delightful experience. The fish stew here is tender and flavorful, made with Baiyangdian fish, authentic wood-fired pot stewed fish with corn cakes, using minimal seasoning. The light soy aroma perfectly enhances the fish’s natural freshness.

Room Facilities: The courtyard has 20 guest rooms accommodating up to 40 people, including 10 standard rooms and 10 king-bed rooms. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning for a comfortable stay. Slippers and complimentary toiletries are provided. The rooms are clean and tidy, with good natural light and ventilation, and are cleaned daily.

Dining: Three meals a day are provided, featuring dishes like braised yellow catfish, small river shrimp, stewed fish with tofu, corn cakes dipped in fish broth, spicy crawfish, iron-pot stewed fish, cold lotus root shoots, scrambled eggs with lotus leaf rolls, spicy stir-fried snails, stir-fried lotus seeds, and deep-fried lotus petals. Also, Baiyangdian salted duck eggs are a must—rich in oil but not overly salty.

These corn cakes bring back childhood memories; they were three times larger back then and I loved the crispy crust, especially straight from the pot—crunchy and fragrant with the natural sweetness of corn.

Leisure Activities: You can go boating and fishing, cast nets to catch fish and shrimp, stroll on bridges to admire lotuses, pick lotus leaves and flowers, row boats, and fish. Boat trips on the farm’s own vessels cost 238 yuan for a regular boat and 398 yuan for a flower-decorated barge.

Nearby Attractions: ① Take a boat to enjoy the beautiful scenery, with water birds on both sides. ② The village has a small ecological park with a charming corridor, perfect for photo ops. ③ It is recommended to bring water guns and small buckets to pick lotuses and explore the reed marshes—remember sun protection! ④ Baiyangdian Cultural Park, Gazi Impression, Yuanyang Island, Exotic Garden, etc.