Hello, Tangshan! The Great Tang Never Sleeps
I came to Tangshan just for the Great Tang Never Sleeps in Hetou Old Street. It's not far from Beijing or Tianjin, and the high-speed rail is really convenient! I visited during the off-season, and the entrance ticket plus the Tang Emperor's Eastern Expedition (iron flower performance) was only 68 yuan—absolutely worth it!
After spending some time in Tianjin, I changed my high-speed rail ticket and leisurely departed for Tangshan after breakfast. For accommodation, I chose the Ibis near Wanda Plaza this time, which I highly recommend! The hotel is about a 15-minute drive from the station, costing 14 yuan, or a 45-minute bus ride for just 2 yuan. Tangshan buses are incredibly cheap; you simply scan the code upon boarding, and the fare is fixed. However, buses are slower and better suited for shorter distances. If you want to visit multiple attractions, taking a taxi is more convenient and not too expensive.
The only downside was waiting for a bus that never came for an hour, so I opted for a taxi instead. During rush hour, the ride took over half an hour and cost 34 yuan. On the return trip, it took about 20 minutes and cost 29 yuan.
On regular days, there are only two performances of the Tang Emperor's Eastern Expedition. I chose the 6:30 PM show and was initially worried it might be too bright outside, but it turned out to be perfect. In summer, I recommend choosing the 8 PM show for a better experience. I must say, from the warm-up host interactions and acrobatics to the main performance, everything was spectacular. The visual impact of the intangible cultural heritage iron flower display is beyond words—you have to experience it yourself!
Before visiting, you can check the performance schedule on the official mini-program. Personally, I wandered around and enjoyed whatever I stumbled upon. Everything was fun, delicious, and visually stunning. You don't need to visit Tangshan Banquet; you can find great food here that's affordable and highly recommended!