Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Rail: Baoding, Zhengding & Handan
Take the high-speed rail south to explore Baoding's Zhili Governor's Office, Baiyangdian, Zhengding's ancient architecture, Zhaozhou Bridge, and Handan.
A cultural route through southern Hebei that can be done without driving, hopping from city to city along the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway. See the ancient capital of Baoding and Baiyangdian, stay two nights in Zhengding to examine its ancient architecture, visit the museum and Zhaozhou Bridge in Shijiazhuang, and explore the Xiangtangshan Grottoes and Guangfu Ancient City in Handan. The pace is relatively relaxed, with most attractions located in downtown areas or within short distances. This route does not include the Taihang Mountains; if you want to see the mountains, you can connect to the Xingtai Taihang route.
Lotus flowers in Baiyangdian are in full bloom in July and August, but cities can be hot; spring and autumn are generally more comfortable.
Day by day
Day 1 · High-Speed Rail to Baoding & Ancient City Tour
Baoding & Baiyangdian Lake（Zhili Governor-General's Office、Ancient Lotus Pond Garden、Dacige Pavilion、Baoding West Street）
Take the high-speed rail from Beijing Xi (West) to Baoding Dong (East) for about 40 minutes, then take a taxi to the ancient city. Attractions are within walking distance.
The Governor's Office and Lotus Pond are very close to each other and can be scheduled for the same afternoon.
Stay: Baoding Old City (Governor-General's Office, Lotus Pool)
Day 2 · Baiyangdian Day Trip
Baoding & Baiyangdian Lake（Baiyangdian Lake & Lotus Garden、Baiyangdian Cultural Park & Gazi Village）
Charter a car or take a bus from the downtown area for about 1 hour to Baiyangdian, take a boat tour, and return to Baoding in the evening.
Board boats at official piers, and bring mosquito repellent in summer.
Stay: Baoding Old City (Governor-General's Office, Lotus Pool)
Day 3 · Transfer to Zhengding & Ancient City Night Tour
Shijiazhuang & Zhengding（Zhengding Ancient City South Gate (Changle Gate)、Yanghe Tower、Hua Pagoda of Guanghui Temple、Kaiyuan Temple (Zhengding)）
Take the high-speed rail from Baoding Dong (East) to Shijiazhuang (about half an hour), transfer by taxi or metro to Zhengding, and explore the ancient city on foot in the afternoon.
Zhengding Ancient City has traffic restrictions and crowd control during holidays.
Stay: Zhengding Old Town
Day 4 · Longxing Temple & the Four Pagodas of Zhengding
Shijiazhuang & Zhengding（Longxing Temple、Lingxiao Pagoda of Tianning Temple、Linji Temple & Chengling Pagoda、Zhao Yun Temple、Rongguo Mansion）
Spend the day walking or cycling in the ancient city. Attractions are close to each other; it is recommended to allocate at least 2 hours for Longxing Temple.
The bronze Buddha in the Dabao Pavilion of Longxing Temple is a highlight; it is recommended to visit in the morning.
Stay: Zhengding Old Town
Day 5 · Hebei Museum & Zhaozhou Bridge
Shijiazhuang & Zhengding（Hebei Museum、Zhaozhou Bridge (Anji Bridge)、Bailin Temple）
Visit the Hebei Museum in the downtown area in the morning, take a tourist bus or taxi for about 1 hour to Zhao County in the afternoon, and return to Shijiazhuang in the evening.
Hebei Museum is closed on Mondays as usual; reservations are required.
Stay: Around Shijiazhuang Railway Station
Day 6 · High-Speed Rail to Handan & Old Town Walk
Handan（Congtai Park、Xuebu Bridge、Huiche Lane & Chuancheng Street）
Take the high-speed rail from Shijiazhuang to Handan Dong (East) for about 1 hour, take a taxi to the downtown area, and walk around Congtai Park and Chuancheng Street in the afternoon.
Xuebu Bridge and Congtai Park are close to each other and can be easily connected on foot.
Stay: Congtai Park · City Center
Day 7 · Xiangtangshan Northern Qi Grottoes
Handan（Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes、Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes）
Charter a car or take a public bus from the downtown area to Fengfeng (about 1 hour). Spend about 3 hours at North Xiangtangshan, and take a taxi for about 20 minutes to South Xiangtangshan.
Direct shuttle buses must be booked in advance; schedules are subject to the current season.
Stay: Congtai Park · City Center
Day 8 · Guangfu Ancient City & Departure
Handan（Guangfu Ancient City、Hongji Bridge）
Take a tourist bus or taxi from the downtown area for about 1 hour to Guangfu. After sightseeing, head to Handan Dong (East) Station to catch your high-speed train home.
Allow plenty of time for your return train; it takes about 1 hour from the ancient city to the East Station.