Wang's manor in Shengfang. Photo provided to China Daily

A peek at ancient Shengfang

The mighty Great Wall, Chengde and the Eight Outer Temples may be Hebei's biggest tourist hot spots but the province is home to other hidden jewels that are equally worth a journey.

The ancient town of Shengfang is one such site that Wang Jianjun, deputy chief of the marketing department at Hebei Tourism Bureau, particularly recommends.

The river town, 35 kilometers away from Tianjin to the east and 100 km from Beijing to the north, is a cultural art hub, particularly for festival lanterns, which are made in the town and sold across China and Asia.

Lantern Festival is a particularly magical time to visit Shengfang as the streets are transformed into a stage for performers and are lined with colorful, glowing lanterns.

During the rest of the year it is more usual to see performers on Shengfang Theatrical Stage, the town's top architectural treasure.

Other highlights in the town include Shengfang Memorial Archway, Wenchang Pavilion, Shengfang Museum, the Temple of Great Mercy and two courtyard homes, one of which was where Tianjin People's Broadcast Station, Tianjin Daily and the Tianjin branch of Xinhua News agency were established.

The Hebei Tourism Bureau travel routes recommend visiting Shengfang on a two-day trip that incorporates Mingtang Hot Spring holiday village in Langfang city, Yangliuqing town in Xiqing district of Tianjin, Bazhou city and the Yijin academy of classic learning.

The routes recommend tucking in to Shengfang's specialty dishes, which include crabs, lotus root and preserved duck eggs.