We all dream of hopping on a plane and jetting off to some picturesque destinations, be it a warm beach with a cold drink or a historic city with hidden gems to discover. If you are looking for a soul-cleansing getaway, here is the ultimate guide to three old towns around Beijing. Come and join us!

Zhengding Ancient City

Located around 250 kilometers southwest of Beijing, in north China's Hebei Province, Zhengding Ancient City, home to Zhao Yun, a famous military general in Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.), is considered as one of the three most important towns in ancient northern China.  

When you come to Zhengding Ancient City, the ancient city wall with a history for more than 1,000 years is a must-see. As a historical relic, the city wall has witnessed the city's great changes. 

Zhengding Ancient City features four pagodas, eight temples, nine towers and 24 memorial gates, and the most popular one is a well-preserved ancient building complex — Longxing Temple.  

Apart from ancient architecture, a food street brimming with local specialties, restaurants, bars and shops is definitely a paradise for foodies. 

Nuanquan Ancient Town

"Nuanquan" literally means "warm spring"in English, and Nuanquan Ancient Town got its name because of the inside popular warm spring — the water of the spring never freezes in winter.    

Situated in the west of Yuxian County in Zhangjiakou City, north China's Hebei Province, the Nuanquan Ancient Town boasts historical buildings and folk culture. There are three fortresses in the town and the West Ancient Fortress is the most unique and best-preserved.  

What attracts visitors most is that local residents still retain the traditional lifestyle here in the fortress. If you are interested in the local life, the fortresses would be the hidden gems to discover.  
 

In addition, the traditional paper-cut and the molten iron show would bring you the great charms of the town and attract visitors from home and abroad. 

Lingshui Ancient Village 

Lingshui Ancient Village in Mengtougou District in Beijing, owns a history for more than 1,000 years.  

Lingshui lures visitors because it's celebrated as the home of ancient trees, the Dragon King Temple, and 22 scholars who passed the imperial exam during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.  

When strolling around the village, you will soon be embraced with a time-honored cultural atmosphere — you can easily find the elegance of centuries-old history and tradition is shown on the old walls, bricks and the shabby temple pillars. 

(Cover: Aerial view of Nuanquan Ancient Town in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province. /VCG Photo)