[Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

No.2 Youzhou Valley

Youzhou Valley, which is also known as Guangting Valley and Yongding River Valley, is in Hebei Province. Youzhou Valley was once an essential access point to Beijing from northwest China. The area's prosperity has waned; as a result, the official road appears quiet and abandoned now. The land is appropriate for camping, picnics and bonfire parties. Because the campground is close to the village, buying food for celebrations is convenient.

Since the reservoir is drained twice a day, at noon and at night, visitors should be particularly careful during those times. In addition, packing bug repellent and anti-itch ointments is a good idea.

There are only about 100 households in Youzhou Village, but the village is still worth a visit as the houses reflect the ancient lifestyle of the village. The local residents mainly earn money by planting fruit trees. Youzhou Village is a great place to pick dates in early autumn.

Driving directions: Take the No. 109 national highway about 80 kilometers, and turn right at the "Zhangzhu Lake" guideboard. After 14 kilometers, you will reach Yanhecheng Village. Youzhou village is another 15 kilometers past Yanhecheng Village. When you arrive at a date yard, that's Youzhou Village.

Bus route: Take the No.4415 bus from Beijing and get off on Jiuzhuangwo station. Have a 3-hour-walk to Dayou Village.