Gaoyi County Travel
Gaoyi County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei - A thousand-year-old ancient county, the site where Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty ascended the throne, known as the "Site of Liu Xiu's Accession." It features Han Dynasty cultural relics such as Liu Xiu Park and Qianqiu Platform, and the unique Phoenix Terrace Peony Garden. A 2-day, 1-night in-depth tour to experience the blend of Han Dynasty charm and pastoral scenery.
Two-Day One-Night Han Dynasty Culture Trip in Gaoyi County
Visit Liu Xiu Park to explore the founding history of the Eastern Han Dynasty, admire the blooming peonies at Phoenix Terrace, find the Qianqiu Platform to sense the emperor's accession site, taste Gaoyi traditional flavors, and feel the historical depth and humanistic warmth of this ancient county.
In the morning, stroll through Liu Xiu Park, tracing the history of the Eastern Han Dynasty's founding among statues and ancient architecture. In the afternoon, visit Qianqiu Platform to feel the historical scene of Liu Xiu's accession. In the evening, visit the Gaoyi County Museum to systematically understand the development of the ancient county.
- Hotels in downtown Gaoyi County
- Fuqian Road Business Hotels
- B&Bs near Liu Xiu Park
- Gaoyi Pagao
- Meat Pot Stew
- Crispy Sesame Pancake
- Gaoyi Tofu Pudding
- Liu Xiu Park is free; historical documentaries are played on a loop in Guangwu Hall.
- Qianqiu Platform is accessed via a village road; navigation is recommended.
- Museum guided tours can be booked via the official WeChat account (free).
In the morning, admire the blooming of tens of thousands of peonies at Phoenix Terrace Peony Garden (best in spring). In the afternoon, visit the Zhao Nanxing Memorial Hall to appreciate the integrity of a Ming Dynasty minister. Finally, shop for local specialties on the specialty commercial street, concluding the Han Dynasty culture trip.
- Phoenix Terrace Peony Garden: Take Gaoyi Bus No. 3 to Daying Town Station.
- Zhao Nanxing Memorial Hall: Take Gaoyi Bus No. 1 to Dongguan Street Station.
- Commercial Street: Walkable from the county center.
- Liu Xiu Park: Free
- Qianqiu Platform: Free
- Museum: Free
- Phoenix Terrace Peony Garden: ¥30/person (during blooming season)
- Zhao Nanxing Memorial Hall: ¥10/person
- Gaoyi County is about 50 km from downtown Shijiazhuang, a 1-hour drive.
- Gaoyi West HSR Station is about 5 km from the county town; HSR to Shijiazhuang takes only 17 minutes.
- Bus No. 216 goes directly to downtown Shijiazhuang.
Must-Try Foods in Gaoyi County
Gaoyi Pagao
A traditional Gaoyi snack made from buckwheat flour. Water is added and the mixture is boiled, then cooled and solidified into blocks. It is cut into strips and served with minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. It has a chewy texture and is sour, spicy, and appetizing. It is the most popular street food in the area during summer.
Gaoyi Meat Pot Stew
A local farmhouse specialty dish. Pork belly, Chinese cabbage, vermicelli, tofu, and other ingredients are stewed in an iron pot with secret sauce. The meat becomes tender, and the vegetables absorb the meaty flavor. It is a homestyle dish for entertaining guests in Gaoyi.
Gaoyi Crispy Candy
A traditional Gaoyi pastry made from sesame and maltose through multiple processes. It is crisp, sweet, and melts in the mouth. Varieties include "Sesame Crispy Candy" and "Peanut Crispy Candy." It is an essential festive dessert.
Crispy Sesame Pancake
A classic Gaoyi street food made from flour, sesame, and oil pastry, baked over charcoal fire. The crust is crispy and layered, while the inside is soft. It can be eaten plain or with meat. It is the perfect companion to Pagao.
- Spring (Apr-May): Phoenix Terrace Peony Garden blooming season (mid-late April to early May), pleasant climate.
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear and crisp weather, suitable for visiting historical sites, avoiding summer heat.
- Winter: Experience Gaoyi's Spring Festival folk activities, feel the New Year atmosphere of the ancient county.
- Gaoyi Pagao
- Meat Pot Stew
- Crispy Candy
- Crispy Sesame Pancake
- Tofu Pudding (savory)
- Tickets: Approx. ¥40 (including main paid attractions)
- Accommodation: ¥100-¥180/night
- Food: ¥40-¥70/day
- Transportation: Approx. ¥30 (including round trip to/from downtown)
- Total: ¥300-¥600
- How long is the blooming season at Phoenix Terrace Peony Garden? → About 20 days, with mid-to-late April being the best viewing period.
- Which place serves the most authentic Gaoyi Pagao? → "Old Li's Pagao" on Fengzhong Road is a century-old shop.
- Is Qianqiu Platform suitable for visiting with children? → Yes, it's suitable for combining historical stories with parent-child education.
- Is there a bus from the HSR station to the county town? → Yes, Gaoyi Bus No. 5 goes directly, taking about 15 minutes.