After experiencing the vibrancy of a mega-city, you might also crave a tranquil spot to savor simplicity and leisure. October is bound to surprise you. Just 6 kilometers east of Tongzhou, accessible from Beijing, lies a stunning hidden gem—just across a river from Tongzhou. The refreshing autumn atmosphere will make you never want to leave. This serene, picturesque haven calms your restless heart and stirs your soul. It’s where dreams return, drawn by that elegant tranquility.
This place is none other than Dachang Hui Autonomous County.
Nowadays, when one mentions Dachang, the mind turns to mosques and ethnic palaces of strikingly different architectural styles, exuding an air of mysterious Islamic charm. It has become a true standout as a perfect fusion of Islamic culture and modernity. The mighty Chaobai River, the largest river in eastern Beijing, flows around the southwestern part of the county. Entering Dachang feels like stepping into a vast natural oxygen bar, with the county’s forest coverage rate reaching as high as 38%, earning it the title “Green Oxygen Bar of the Capital.”
Departing from Beijing and traveling via the Tongyan Expressway, the drive takes just forty minutes. Along the way, flowers bloom vibrantly, and autumn is in full splendor. Dense forests guard the land as you weave through rivers, lakes, and woods until you arrive at that endless expanse of wilderness. Blue skies, white clouds, sunlight, and grasslands blend into a scene straight out of a poem or painting.
See, mysterious and fashionable Dachang is something to be savored slowly, like a fine delicacy—only by chewing slowly can you truly taste its unique Islamic flavor. To find out how it tastes, check out the following six premium routes to uncover its secrets for you.
1. Explore Dachang along National Highway 102 – Hot Spring Wellness Route (includes distinctive Hui cuisine)
2. Explore Dachang along National Highway 103 – Scenic Sightseeing Route (includes distinctive Hui cuisine)
3. Farm Fishing Route
4. In-depth Leisure Two-Day Tour of Dachang
5. Embrace the Quirky Vibes: A Two-Day Photo Journey in Dachang
6. The Perfect Six-Wheeled Experience – Kick off a 4+2 Adventure
I. Explore Dachang along National Highway 102 – Hot Spring Wellness Route (includes distinctive Hui cuisine)
Route: Beiwu Mosque – Nanwangzhuang Folk Village – Filigree Inlay Production Base / Jingrui Cloisonné – East Beijing No.1 Hot Spring Resort
Itinerary:
1. Visit the Beiwu Mosque to admire the serene and elegant architecture of this ancient mosque, observe the entire Muslim prayer ceremony, and experience the mysterious Islamic culture.
2. Step into Nanwangzhuang Village in Xiadian Town, the most characteristically Muslim folk village, to get up close with the simple customs of the Hui people and witness the happy life of Hui compatriots in the new era.
3. At the Filigree Inlay Production Base, view the national intangible cultural heritage-listed handicraft—filigree inlay art, hailed as the foremost of the “Eight Famous Crafts of Yanjing.” Alternatively, visit Jingrui Cloisonné to design and craft your own cloisonné piece to take home.
4. Enjoy lunch featuring the “Damaqi” meat pie from East Beijing, once praised by Emperor Qianlong.
5. Head to East Beijing No.1 Hot Spring Resort, the only sulfur hot spring in the Beijing area and also home to the best water quality nearby, to indulge in a healthy and rejuvenating hot spring bath.
II. Explore Dachang along National Highway 103 – Scenic Sightseeing Route (includes distinctive Hui cuisine)
Route: Central Fifth Ring Park – Dachang Calligraphy and Painting Academy – Dachang Ethnic Palace – Tourism Loop Road – Rural-themed Film Studio – Zitu Ecological Park – Wuxinzhuang Northern Water Town
Itinerary:
1. Drive along Wuxing Road on National Highway 103. Cross Friendship Bridge and you’ll enter Dachang. Visit the Fifth Ring Park to enjoy the fresh and charming summer scenery. Stroll through the park and experience the idyllic countryside with its fresh air, forests, and flower seas right by the water.
2. Go to the Dachang Calligraphy and Painting Academy, which combines “functionality, artistry, and ecology” with a focus on calligraphy and painting, to appreciate the unique charm of art and scenic beauty.
3. Visit the iconic Dachang Ethnic Palace to experience its dazzling, magnificent, and grand architectural art. The water system separates the building from the surrounding grounds, creating a cultural island that is definitely a signature cultural landmark of Dachang. (Free admission with ID)
4. Enjoy lunch with the “Eight Great Muslim Dishes,” a traditional Hui banquet essential for weddings and entertaining guests, known for its exquisite ingredients and nutritious flavors. On your way out, stop by Yipinzhai to pick up some sticky treats like rice cakes, glutinous rice rolls, and zongzi—fan favorites.
5. Explore the Dachang Tourism Loop Road to experience the string of beautiful villages, and enjoy the elegant environment and fresh air of Yi Township Forest Park. If you want to feel the breeze, bring your bike along.
6. Visit the province’s only rural-themed film production base to immerse yourself in rich countryside vibes. With its white walls and gray tiles, and diverse experiential courtyards, it’s a place you won’t want to leave.
7. Want to have some fun? Stop by and explore the garden on your way here. The garden is full of swings that instantly take you back to your childhood. There’s also CS games, fishing, team-building activities, and parent-child farming experiences... Experience the simple beauty of rural life.
8. Nestled around a small river, this is Wuxinzhuang, known as the “Water Town of the North.”
III. Farm Fishing Route
Route: Dachang Fishing Gear City — Chenfu Qinxin Agricultural Park — Xingyun Farmhouse — Dongyangxinzhuang — Chaobai River Scenic Area
Itinerary:
1. Head to Dachang Fishing Gear City, the largest fishing gear hub in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, to browse and purchase fishing equipment.
2. Pick fresh, organic vegetables at Chenfu Qinxin Agricultural Park while enjoying the picturesque countryside scenery along the way.
3. Visit Xingyun Farmhouse, a rural homestay offering authentic Hui-style home-cooked meals.
4. Enjoy free fishing at Xingyun Farmhouse using the gear you bought at the fishing gear city. Try your hand at catching fish—freshly caught carp cooked right away is incredibly delicious.
5. After fishing, don’t miss the grapevines at Dongyangxinzhuang’s vineyard. This unique grape variety isn’t available in Beijing—just 10 RMB per jin. Bring home a bountiful harvest.
6. Tour the Chaobai River Scenic Area, stroll along the meandering Flower Street of the Chaobai River, and wander through the Central Fifth Ring Park. Immerse yourself in the refreshing air and the beautiful water town surrounded by forests and flower fields.
IV. Two-Day Leisure Tour Exploring Dachang
Day 1 Itinerary: D1: Beiwu Mosque — Dachang Fishing Gear City — Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei No.1 Hot Spring — Halal Noodle Experience Factory — Baoqiu River Leisure Area — Dachang Ethnic Palace — Jingrui Cloisonné — Scenic Loop — Check in at Weiwutun Rural Homestay
Itinerary:
1. Visit and worship at Beiwu Mosque, admire the serene and elegant architecture of this ancient mosque, observe a complete Muslim prayer session, and experience the mysterious Muslim culture.
2. Go to Dachang Fishing Gear City, the largest fishing gear hub in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, to browse and purchase fishing equipment.
3. Head to Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei No.1 Hot Spring Resort, the only sulfur hot spring in the Beijing area and also the region’s best-quality hot spring, to enjoy a healthy and relaxing soak.
4. For lunch, try the “Damaqi” meat pies praised by Emperor Qianlong—savor the most authentic Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei meat pies.
5. Visit the Halal Noodle Experience Factory to try making traditional halal snacks yourself and learn about halal culinary culture.
6. Drive to Baoqiu River Leisure Area to enjoy the charming scenery created by the tidal diversion project.
7. Visit Dachang’s iconic Ethnic Palace, an architectural masterpiece glowing with radiant splendor. The water system surrounding the building creates a cultural island that separates it from the surrounding area—this is definitely a unique cultural symbol of Dachang. (Free entry with ID card)
8. Head to Langfang Jingrui Glaze Factory to witness the exquisite craftsmanship and profound culture of cloisonné art.
9. For dinner, go to Fuhua Beef’s flagship store to enjoy authentic Dachang beef hot pot.
10. Along the scenic loop, enjoy the picturesque countryside views before checking in at Weiwutun Rural Homestay.
Day 2 Itinerary: D2: Bike Station — Wuxinzhuang Water Town — Zitu Garden — Dongyangxinzhuang — Chaobai River Scenic Area — Return to Beijing
Itinerary:
1. Rent a bike early in the morning and cycle along the scenic loop to Wuxinzhuang Water Town. Admire the quaint beauty of white walls, gray tiles, and a river meandering through the town.
2. Cycle to Zitu Garden and explore the grounds. Experience the simple charm of rural life and enjoy a unique countryside adventure.
3. What’s next after the garden? Head to Dongyangxinzhuang to see creative rural graffiti and pick grapes. The grape varieties here can’t be found anywhere else—and they’re just 10 RMB per jin, too good to pass up.
4. For lunch, try the “Eight Halal Dishes,” a signature Hui cuisine set essential for weddings and entertaining guests. Made with premium ingredients, these dishes are both nutritious and delicious. Don’t forget to bring back some sticky rice treats from Yipinzhai.
5. Visit and tour the Chaobai River Scenic Area, go fishing. Stroll along the Nine-Bend Flower Street of the Chaobai River, wander through the Central Fifth Ring Park, and experience up close the beautiful waterfront countryside surrounded by fresh air, forests, and flower seas.
V. Embrace the Quirky Charm: A Two-Day Photographic Journey in Dachang
Day 1 Route D1: Dachang Fishing Tackle City – Beiwu Mosque – Nanwangzhuang Folk Village – Baoqiu River Leisure Resort – Halal Sticky Food Experience Factory – Dachang Ethnic Palace – Banbian Dian Ecological Leisure Resort – Check in at Yufengyuan Rural Theme Hotel via the Tourist Loop Road
Lunch: Taste authentic Eastern Beijing meat pies at the century-old restaurant Da Ma Qi – their three flips, six turns, and seventy-two lifts are truly impressive!
Dinner: Feast on a hearty hot pot of beef slices at Fuhua Beef.
Day 2 Route D2: Bicycle Station – Rural-Themed Film and TV Base – Cycle along the Tourist Loop Road for photos – Pastoral Song Rose Farm – Wuxinzhuang Northern Water Town – Dongyangxinzhuang Rural Graffiti – Jingrui Glaze Factory to admire handmade cloisonné art – Chaobai River Scenic Area – Return to Beijing.
Lunch: Halal Eight Bowls
Snacks: Halal Sticky Food
Fruit Picking: Grapes at Dongyangxinzhuang
VI. The Perfect Six-Wheeled Experience: Start Your 4+2 Travel Adventure
Quickly dive into 4+2 travel mode for the ultimate six-wheeled journey experience!“4+2” is a healthy lifestyle concept originating from Europe and America, combining four-wheeled car road trips with two-wheeled bicycle cycling. This travel method significantly expands the range of cycling activities and offers you a more enjoyable travel experience. Not only will you not miss the scenery that cars can’t reach, allowing you to go farther and wider, but it also reduces air pollution, making it low-carbon and environmentally friendly. The “4+2” travel style makes journeys more liberating.
1. Three Ways to Enter Dachang by Car (the “4” in 4+2):
National Highway 103 – Wuxing Road – Friendship Bridge – Dachang – Yixiang Forest Park – Tourist Loop Road
Tongyan Expressway – National Highway 102 – Dachang – Yixiang Forest Park – Tourist Loop Road
Beijing-Shenyang Expressway – Xianghe Exit – Daxiang Road – Dachang – Yixiang Forest Park – Tourist Loop Road
2. Two-Wheeled Low-Carbon Aerobic Travel Mode
Tourist Loop Road Route: Yixiang Forest Park (cycling starting point) – Tourist Loop Road – Zitu Ecological Manor – Qinxin Agricultural Park – Shangri-La Farm – Dongyangxinzhuang Thousand-Mu Picking Garden – Jingrui Cloisonné – Wuxinzhuang Northern Water Town – Weiwutun Bicycle Station (cycling end point)
Outside the Tourist Loop Road: Banbian Dian Ecological Leisure Resort – Baoqiu River Leisure Resort – Beiwu Mosque – Dachang Ethnic Palace – Weiwutun Bicycle Station (cycling end point)
Food Recommendations: Yipinzhai Halal Cuisine, Fuhua Beef, Eastern Beijing Meat Pies at Da Ma Qi, Halal Eight Bowls.