Baodi District Travel

Baodi District, Tianjin — an important ecological barrier east of Beijing. The Chaobai River flows through like a silver ribbon, endowed with rare hot spring resources, spectacular rice paddy art, and the millennium-old Guangji Temple. Enjoy the unique charm of this northern watertown on a 2-day-1-night trip.

5+
Eco Attractions
1
AAAA Scenic Area
8+
Core Sights
10+
Local Farm Dishes
Chaobai River National Wetland Park, Baodi District, Tianjin
Chaobai River National Wetland Park
Baodi's iconic ecological landscape, covering 5,581.9 hectares with 80.9% wetland area. Home to over 180 bird species including whooper swans and common cranes. Features bird-watching platforms, wooden boardwalks and a science museum — a key migratory bird habitat and eco-tourism destination in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Baodi District — 2 Days 1 Night Eco & Wellness Tour

Bird watching at the wetland, hot spring therapy, rice paddy art viewing, ancient temple prayer — experience Baodi's nature and culture

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Destinations
Chaobai River Wetland, Baodi Hot Spring, Huangzhuangwa, Guangji Temple
Suitable For
Nature Lovers, Wellness Seekers, Families, Photography Enthusiasts
Budget Per Person
¥800 - ¥1,500
01
Wetland Exploration & Hot Spring Wellness
Chaobai River National Wetland Park · Baodi Hot Spring City · Jingbao Hot Spring Farm
Highlights

Bird watching and hiking at Chaobai River Wetland in the morning; enjoy river fish lunch; pick fruits at Jingbao Farm in the afternoon; relax in hot spring pools in the evening.

Attractions
Chaobai River National Wetland Park
A national wetland park consisting of river channels, marshes and shoals, with 10 km of ecological boardwalks, 5 bird-watching platforms and a wetland museum. Large flocks of migratory birds pass through each spring and autumn, including whooper swans and Oriental storks.
Baodi Hot Spring City
A renowned hot spring resort in North China. The spring water is drawn from 2,000 m underground, rich in fluoride, silicon and lithium, with a temperature of 80°C. Features multiple hot spring hotels, outdoor pools, spa centers and water parks.
Jingbao Hot Spring Farm
A leisure farm combining hot spring wellness and agricultural sightseeing, with smart greenhouses, fruit-picking zones and a farm-to-table restaurant. Pick strawberries and cherry tomatoes, try hot-spring fishing, and taste organic vegetables irrigated with warm spring water.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Hot Spring Resort Hotel
  • B&B near Wetland Park
  • Business Hotel in Baodi Urban Area
Food Recommendations
  • Braised Crucian Carp (Chaobai River Style)
  • Baodi Garlic Stir-fried Pork
  • Rice Field Crab
  • Hot Spring Wellness Set Menu
  • Farmhouse One-Pot Stew
Travel Tips
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching — best at dawn or dusk
  • Swimwear required for hot springs; some hotels provide towels
  • Fruit picking charged by weight, approx. ¥20–40/jin (500g)
02
Paddy Art & Ancient Temple Culture
Huangzhuangwa Rice Paddy Art · Xiaoxinmatou Village · Guangji Temple · Erwangzhuang Reservoir
Highlights

Admire the giant rice paddy art at Huangzhuangwa and experience farm activities in the morning; enjoy a farmhouse banquet at Xiaoxinmatou Village; visit Guangji Temple for prayer and tour Erwangzhuang Reservoir in the afternoon.

Attractions
Huangzhuangwa Rice Paddy Art (Rice Field Mosaic)
A signature agricultural landscape of Baodi — colorful rice varieties are planted to form giant pictures across vast paddy fields. Themes change annually (folklore, anime, red culture, etc.). Viewing platforms and photo walkways available. Best viewing period: July–September.
Xiaoxinmatou Village
One of Tianjin's first characteristic rural tourism villages, preserving northern watertown style. Features a farm tool museum, homestays and fishing ponds. Try transplanting rice seedlings, weaving cloth and taste traditional dishes like "One-Pot Cornbread & Stew".
Guangji Temple
One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Tianjin, originally built in the Liao Dynasty and known as the "First Temple East of Beijing". Rebuilt in 2007 retaining Liao-style architecture. Houses a 12 m tall wood-carved Guanyin — the largest in North China.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take Baodi Bus No.2 to Huangzhuang Stop for Rice Paddy Art
  • Xiaoxinmatou Village is 2 km from the paddy field — walk or take a taxi
  • Take Baodi Bus No.5 to Quanbao Supermarket Stop, then walk to Guangji Temple
Ticket Info
  • Chaobai River National Wetland Park: Free
  • Baodi Hot Spring City: ¥188–298 (varies by hotel)
  • Huangzhuangwa Rice Paddy Art: ¥30
  • Guangji Temple: ¥10
  • Xiaoxinmatou Village: Free
Travel Tips
  • Best light for rice paddy photography: before 10:00 or after 16:00
  • Book farmhouse meals in advance — recommended: Rice Field Crab Feast
  • No photos inside Guangji Temple — please respect temple rules

Must-Try Local Food in Baodi

Baodi Garlic (Golden Garlic)

A Geographical Indication product with over 600 years of cultivation history. Grown in sandy soil, it features large cloves, thin skin, moderate spiciness and rich aroma — known as "Golden Garlic". Often eaten raw or used in "Baodi Garlic Stir-fried Pork".

Chaobai River Crucian Carp

Wild crucian carp from the Chaobai River section in Baodi. Thanks to clean water, the flesh is tender and umami-rich. Usually braised with soy sauce or cooked in soup. The riverside restaurants serve the classic "Braised Crucian Carp with Cornbread".

Huangzhuangwa Rice Field Crab

Farmed in the rice paddies of Huangzhuangwa, feeding on rice blossoms and insects. Firm meat with plump roe — peak season is Sep–Oct. Try "Steamed Rice Field Crab" or "Wine-Marinated Crab" at Xiaoxinmatou Village.

Baodi One-Pot Stew (Yi Guo Xian)

A traditional farmhouse dish — pork ribs, corn, potato and green beans are stewed in a large iron wok, with cornbread (wowotou) or flatbread pasted to the rim. Multiple flavors from one pot, embodying northern rural culinary wisdom.

Baodi Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar–Apr): Watch northward migratory birds at wetland; rapeseed flowers bloom
  • Summer (Jul–Aug): Best time for rice paddy art; cool retreat at wetland
  • Autumn (Sep–Oct): Fat rice field crabs; southward bird migration
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Hot spring wellness season; try snow-side hot spring
Must-Try Dishes
  • Baodi Garlic Stir-fried Pork (city restaurants)
  • Braised Crucian Carp (near wetland)
  • Steamed Rice Field Crab (Xiaoxinmatou Village)
  • Baodi One-Pot Stew
  • Hot Spring Wellness Set Menu (resort hotels)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approx. ¥50
  • Hot Spring Experience: ¥200–300
  • Accommodation: ¥200–400/night
  • Meals: ¥100–150/day
  • Transport: Approx. ¥50 (self-driving recommended)
  • Total: ¥800–1,500
FAQ
  • Is camping allowed at Chaobai River Wetland? → Yes, in designated areas with prior application
  • Is the rice paddy art theme the same every year? → No, it changes annually; planting completes mid-July
  • Does Guangji Temple offer vegetarian food? → Yes, a vegetarian canteen is available 11:00–13:00
  • Is Baodi Hot Spring City suitable for kids? → Yes, with children's pools and water park