In summer, Baiyangdian transforms into a sea of soft pink and white lotus blossoms. Boats glide through fragrant corridors of flowers and reeds, cutting gently across calm waters. Birds dart overhead, and light shifts constantly across the rippling surface.
By autumn, the scene changes again. Reeds turn golden, their tall stalks swaying like waves of amber, and the lake takes on the stillness of a painting.
Baiyangdian's history stretches back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), when early settlements first emerged in the region.
Over centuries, it became strategically important. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, it served as a key waterway hub, supporting trade and local economies.
In the 20th century, Baiyangdian became famous for its role in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). Its intricate waterways offered natural cover for guerrilla forces operating across central Hebei.
Today, traces of that past remain in the villages scattered across the lake. Communities live by fishing and reed harvesting, preserving a way of life that feels untouched by time.
A 40-minute drive from Xiong'an brings visitors to Juantou village, where tradition continues. Homes face the water, families keep boats, and private docks line the shore. Fishing vessels drift quietly across the surface.
Visitors can hire a boat for around 300 yuan to explore the reed marshes, or try catching fish and shrimp. Cormorant fishing demonstrations — a centuries-old practice — are still performed by local fishermen.
Many residents run homestays, with rooms priced between 200 and 300 yuan per night. After experiencing Xiong'an's modern ambitions, the village offers a stark contrast: a slower rhythm shaped by water and the seasons.
Mornings begin with mist rising over the lake. Evenings end with boats returning under fading light. The only sounds are oars, birds and the gentle movement of water.
It feels like stepping into another world — a place where time softens, and the pace of life follows the lake itself.
