Haixing County Travel

Haixing County, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province – an ecological pearl on the bank of Bohai Bay. It boasts the only Quaternary volcanic relic "Xiaoshan" in North China, and features natural landscapes such as Haixing Wetland and Dakou River Coast. It is an ideal destination for bird watching, beachcombing, and exploring geological wonders. A 2-day 1-night tour allows you to get close to nature and taste seafood.

2 Million+
Annual Migratory Bird Population at Haixing Wetland
1
Unique Volcanic Relic in North China
5+
Core Natural Scenic Spots
15+
Specialty Seafood Dishes
Panoramic View of Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark in Haixing County, Cangzhou City
Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark - Volcanic Secret in North China
The iconic natural landscape of Haixing County, it is the only Quaternary volcanic relic on the North China Plain. The mountain is composed of volcanic rocks, preserving geological relics such as craters and lava flows. Climbing to the top offers a distant view of Bohai Bay, making it an excellent place for geological research and outdoor hiking.

2-Day 1-Night Ecological Coastal Tour in Haixing County

Explore volcanic relics to understand geological changes, watch wetland migratory birds to feel natural vitality, beachcomb on Bohai tidal flats to collect shells and catch crabs, taste fresh seafood to enjoy coastal flavors

Tour Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark, Haixing Wetland, Dakou River Coast, Xiangfang Township Fishing Village
Suitable For
Nature Lovers, Geological Research Groups, Family with Kids, Seafood Gourmets
Per Capita Budget
¥400-¥700
01
Volcano & Wetland
Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark · Haixing Wetland · Sangu Temple Ruins
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark in the morning to decode volcanic rock landforms; head to Haixing Wetland in the afternoon to watch migratory birds inhabit and play; visit Sangu Temple Ruins in the evening to listen to folk legends of Bohai Bay.

Attraction Arrangement
Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark
The core natural scenic area of Haixing County, it is the only Quaternary volcanic relic in North China. The mountain has an altitude of 36.18 meters and is composed of volcanic clastic rocks and basalt. It has a Volcano Museum, mountain climbing trails, and viewing platforms, displaying unique landforms such as columnar joints and craters formed by volcanic eruptions.
Haixing Wetland Nature Reserve
A coastal wetland with a total area of 2,600 hectares, it is an important migratory bird stopover in North China. Every spring and autumn, more than 200 species of migratory birds such as red-crowned cranes, white storks, and whooper swans inhabit here. It has bird watching platforms and wetland plank roads, suitable for ecological photography and natural observation.
Sangu Temple Ruins
An ancient temple ruin originating from the folk legend of "Three Goddesses Guarding the Sea" in Bohai Bay. First built in the Ming Dynasty, it retains relics such as remnant steles and bases. There are folk custom displays of fishermen praying for blessings around, reflecting the integration of local marine culture and folk beliefs.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Xiaoshan Township Ecological Homestay
  • Haixing County Express Hotel
  • Farmhouse around Wetland
Food Recommendations
  • Haixing Prawns (Boiled)
  • Steamed Swimming Crab
  • Salt Field Brine Shrimp Paste
  • Wetland Lotus Root Starch Soup
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a geological interpreter for Xiaoshan Geopark (¥50/time)
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching in the wetland and wear plain-colored clothes to avoid disturbing migratory birds
  • Folk handicrafts are sold around Sangu Temple Ruins, which can be purchased as souvenirs
02
Coastal Fishing Fun
Dakou River Coastal Bathing Beach · Xiangfang Township Fishing Village · Salt Field Sightseeing Area · Return
Itinerary Highlights

Go to Dakou River Coast for beachcombing in the early morning; experience fisherman's life in the fishing village in the morning; visit the Salt Field Sightseeing Area in the afternoon to learn about sea salt production; buy seafood specialties in the evening and end the trip to return.

Attraction Arrangement
Dakou River Coastal Bathing Beach
The only coastal bathing beach in Haixing County, located on the west bank of Bohai Bay. It has a vast and gentle tidal flat, where you can go beachcombing (dig clams, catch small crabs) when the tide ebbs. It has coastal plank roads, sea viewing pavilions, and beach entertainment areas. In summer, you can experience sea bathing, beach volleyball and other activities.
Xiangfang Township Fishing Village
A traditional Bohai fishing village that retains marine cultural elements such as fishing boats, fishing nets, and fisherman's courtyards. You can experience fisherman's activities such as net weaving, sculling, and seafood processing. The "Old Fisherman Restaurant" in the village offers a seafood feast made with freshly caught seafood.
Haixing Salt Field Sightseeing Area
An important sea salt production base in North China. The endless salt fields form a "Sky Mirror" landscape. It has a Sea Salt Culture Museum and a salt making experience area, where you can learn about the whole process of "seawater turning into table salt" and taste sea salt products.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Dakou River Coast requires self-driving or chartered car from the county seat (about 40 minutes)
  • Xiangfang Township Fishing Village is a 10-minute walk from the coastal bathing beach
  • Salt Field Sightseeing Area can be reached by inter-county bus to Gaowan Town Station (15-minute walk)
Ticket Information
  • Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark: ¥30/person
  • Haixing Wetland: Free (¥10/person for bird watching platform)
  • Dakou River Coastal Bathing Beach: Free (¥10 for parking fee)
  • Salt Field Sightseeing Area: ¥20/person
  • Sangu Temple Ruins: Free
Travel Tips
  • Check the tidal table for beachcombing (Best time: 1-2 hours after low tide)
  • Seafood prices in the fishing village fluctuate with seasons, it is recommended to inquire on the spot
  • UV rays are strong in the salt field in summer, so take sun protection measures

Must-Try Foods in Haixing County

Haixing Prawns

Geographical indication product of Haixing County, grown in the clean waters of Bohai Bay, with firm and tender meat and rich in protein. The main cooking methods are boiling and braising in oil, retaining the original flavor of seafood, and it is the "King of Seafood" essential for local banquets.

Swimming Crab

A specialty of Haixing coastal area, the fattest in autumn, with white and tender crab meat and orange and plump crab roe. It can be steamed, stir-fried with chili, or made into crab paste. "Steamed Swimming Crab" best reflects its freshness, which is a must-try food for coastal tourists.

Salt Field Brine Shrimp Paste

A traditional condiment in Haixing Salt Area, made from fresh brine shrimp in Bohai Bay through natural fermentation. It has a dark red color and rich salty and fresh flavor. It can be directly served with meals or used for stir-frying dishes and steaming eggs, which is a characteristic condiment of local fisherman's diet.

Wetland Lotus Root Starch Soup

Made from lotus root, a specialty of Haixing Wetland, through grinding and precipitation. After brewing, it is a translucent paste, seasoned with osmanthus and rock sugar, with a delicate and smooth taste, and has the effect of clearing heat and moistening dryness. It is a characteristic dessert around the wetland.

Haixing County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Peak migration period of wetland migratory birds, suitable for bird watching
  • Summer (Jul-Aug): Coastal bathing beach open, beachcombing and water activities available
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Seafood is fat and delicious, climate is cool, suitable for full-area tour
Must-Try Foods
  • Haixing Prawns (Old Captain Seafood Restaurant in Xiangfang Township)
  • Swimming Crab (Tide Rise and Fall Seafood Restaurant at Dakou River Coast)
  • Salt Field Brine Shrimp Paste (Direct Sales Store at Salt Field Sightseeing Area)
  • Wetland Lotus Root Starch Soup (Farmhouse around Wetland)
  • Fisherman's Fried Sea Fish
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥60 (Main scenic spots)
  • Accommodation: ¥120-200/night (Homestay/Express Hotel)
  • Catering: ¥80-150/day (Including seafood)
  • Transportation: About ¥80 (Intra-county transportation, including chartered car)
  • Total: ¥400-700
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I see red-crowned cranes in Haixing Wetland? → Easy to see during migration periods (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov), need to get up early for bird watching
  • What tools do I need for beachcombing? → Can bring own small shovel and bucket, or buy at coastal shops (About ¥20/set)
  • Where to buy seafood most cost-effectively? → Xiangfang Township Fishing Village Morning Market (5:30-7:30), fresh and affordable
  • Is Xiaoshan Volcanic Geopark suitable for children to visit? → Yes, with simple mountain climbing trails and geological science exhibitions, high safety