Starting from Beijing: route 1

If you are starting your journey from Beijing, drive to Tangshan in the neighboring Hebei province, where Kailuan National Mine Park is located. The earliest coal mine of China has stopped producing and the mining well is turned into a theme park for underground expeditions, where visitors can enjoy coffee at a cafe 30 meters under the earth.

From Tangshan, drive to Qinhuangdao in Hebei province where the Great Wall delves into the sea. After enjoying the spectacular view, make a stop at Panjin of Liaoning province to visit Shuangtaihekou National Nature Reserve and appreciate its distinctive "red seashore". The nature wonder is created by leaves of Suaeda salsa, a kind of seaweed that turns reddish purple in autumn.

Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Jiumenkou section of the Great Wall has been listed as part of the world cultural heritage. Liu Xuezhong/For China Daily

Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Jiumenkou section of the Great Wall has been listed as part of the world cultural heritage. Liu Xuezhong/For China Daily