Destinations

This is your gateway to discovering China’s beauty! Whether it’s your first visit or a deeper exploration, we’ve got you covered.

Hebei

When planning your trip to China, don’t just stop at Beijing or Shanghai—take a look at Hebei Province, right next to Beijing. Hebei is like an open “canvas” of geography and history, with stunning landscapes and deep cultural roots. From majestic mountains to vast grasslands, from ancient sections of the Great Wall to the blue coastline, Hebei shows you the unique charm of northern China.

1. Hebei’s Colorful Wonders: Everything You Imagine About Northern China

Hebei’s travel resources are incredibly rich—think of it as a “rainbow” of experiences:

  • Red for history: Visit revolutionary sites like Xibaipo (西柏坡, Xībǎipō) to learn about the key moments that shaped modern China.
  • Green for nature: Hike through the Taihang Mountains (太行山, Tàiháng Shān), Yanshan Mountains (燕山, Yànshān), or breathe in the fresh air at the man-made forest of Saihanba (塞罕坝, Sàihǎnbà).
  • Blue for the sea: Relax on the beaches of Beidaihe (北戴河, Běidàihé) or Qinhuangdao (秦皇岛, Qínhuángdǎo), and enjoy 487 kilometers of coastline.
  • Gold for heritage: Climb impressive sections of the Great Wall (like Shanhaiguan, 山海关, Shānhǎiguān, or Jinshanling, 金山岭, Jīnshānlǐng), or explore the royal gardens of Chengde Mountain Resort (承德避暑山庄, Chéngdé Bìshǔ Shānzhuāng) and feel the weight of a thousand years of history.
  • Silver for snow: Experience world-class skiing in Chongli (崇礼, Chónglǐ), which hosted events for the 2022 Winter Olympics and offers fantastic snow sports.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an outdoor adventurer, Hebei has something unique for you.

2. Travel Through Time: Deep History and “Yan-Zhao” Culture

Hebei isn’t just about beautiful scenery—its cultural heritage is just as impressive.

  • Witness to history: As the place “where New China began,” sites like Xibaipo hold important revolutionary memories.
  • A living museum: Hebei boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites (like the Chengde Mountain Resort and the Great Wall), several national historic cities, and countless protected cultural relics. Walking through Hebei feels like flipping through a vivid history book of “Yan-Zhao” culture.

3. From Mountains to the Sea: Embrace Hebei’s Natural Beauty

If you love nature, Hebei will win your heart.

  • Majestic mountains: The towering Taihang and picturesque Yanshan ranges, plus the vast man-made forest of Saihanba, are perfect for hiking and eco-tourism.
  • Watery wonders: Baiyangdian (白洋淀, Báiyángdiàn), known as the “Pearl of North China,” and scenic wetlands like Hengshui Lake (衡水湖, Héngshuǐ Hú) offer a softer side of Hebei’s landscape.
  • Charming coastline: From the historic beaches of Beidaihe to the up-and-coming Tangshan International Tourism Island (唐山国际旅游岛, Tángshān Guójì Lǚyóu Dǎo), Hebei’s coast blends sandy relaxation with wetland ecology.

4. Olympic Thrills and Traditional Skills: Modern Energy Meets Ancient Heritage

Hebei’s modern energy and traditional culture are both worth exploring.

  • World-class winter sports: Thanks to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Zhangjiakou’s Chongli (张家口崇礼, Zhāngjiākǒu Chónglǐ) is now an internationally known ski destination, with top-notch facilities for winter fun.
  • Intangible heritage: Hebei is home to many national-level intangible cultural heritages, like Cangzhou martial arts (沧州武术, Cāngzhōu Wǔshù) and Wuqiao acrobatics (吴桥杂技, Wúqiáo Zájì). These ancient skills are now showcased in creative ways, making for unique cultural experiences.

5. Easy to Explore: Getting Around Hebei

Hebei is right next to China’s capital, Beijing, and the major city of Tianjin, with a well-developed transport network.

  • Transport hub: With high-speed trains, highways, and airports, it’s easy to reach Hebei’s main cities and attractions from Beijing or Tianjin—making it a breeze to add Hebei to your China itinerary.
  • “So close, so beautiful”: Hebei is committed to offering high-quality, diverse travel experiences. Whether you stay for a few days or longer, you’ll find its unique charm and convenient travel conditions.

In short, Hebei’s unmatched geographic diversity, deep historical roots, and ever-improving tourism facilities are making it a top destination for international travelers exploring northern China. It’s not just an extension of Beijing—it’s a surprising and rewarding destination all on its own!

Recommended Attractions and Activities

World-Class Cultural Heritage & Historical Sites

1. Chengde Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples (承德避暑山庄及周围寺庙)

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of Qing Dynasty imperial gardens. It blends Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan architectural styles and is a famous summer retreat.

2. Eastern Qing Tombs (清东陵) & Western Qing Tombs (清西陵)

The largest and best-preserved imperial tomb complexes of the Qing Dynasty in China. The architecture is magnificent, surrounded by beautiful mountains and waters, showcasing ancient Chinese imperial burial culture.

3. Shanhaiguan Pass (山海关) & Jinshanling Great Wall (金山岭长城)

Shanhaiguan is the eastern starting point of the Great Wall, known as the “First Pass Under Heaven.” The Jinshanling section is hailed as “China’s Best Hiking Route,” featuring both original features and challenging terrain.

4. Zhengding Ancient City (正定古城)

A well-preserved thousand-year-old city housing ancient sites like Longxing Temple (隆兴寺, with the world’s tallest bronze cast Guanyin statue) and Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺). It’s often called a “treasury of ancient architecture.”

Natural Wonders & Ecological Sanctuaries

5. Baiyangdian Lake (白洋淀)

The largest freshwater lake in North China. Enjoy boating amidst blooming lotus flowers in summer or admire the picturesque snow-covered reed marshes in winter.

6. Saihanba National Forest Park (塞罕坝国家森林公园)

The world’s largest man-made forest, known as the “Source of Rivers, Hometown of Clouds.” It offers beautiful scenery year-round, perfect for escaping the summer heat and autumn photography.

7. Baishi Mountain World Geopark (白石山世界地质公园)

Representative of the Taihang Mountains’ karst landscape. Features thrilling glass walkways, stunning peak forests, deep canyons, and breathtaking seas of clouds.

8. Beidaihe (北戴河) & Feicui Island (翡翠岛)

Beidaihe is a famous seaside resort. Feicui Island is known for its unique landscape where “desert meets the sea,” ideal for beach relaxation and ecological exploration.

Folk Culture & Unique Experiences

9. Wuqiao Acrobatics World (吴桥杂技大世界)

Known as the “Home of Acrobatics in the World.” Watch high-level acrobatic performances and experience traditional folk arts.

10. Yuxian Paper-cutting & Folk Activities (蔚县剪纸与民俗活动)

A national intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can try paper-cutting. During the Spring Festival, experience unique folk customs like Da Shuhua (打树花 – splashing molten iron to create sparks) and Shehuo (社火 – festive folk performances).

11. Tangshan Industrial Heritage Tour (唐山工业遗产游)

Kailuan National Mine Park (开滦国家矿山公园) showcases China’s modern industrial history. The Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourism Area combines a century-old port with modern maritime culture.

Winter Sports & Seasonal Activities

12. Chongli Ski Resorts (崇礼滑雪场)

Host venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics, featuring world-class ski slopes and facilities, perfect for ski enthusiasts seeking speed and excitement.

13. Laiyuan Qishan Ski Tourism Area (涞源七山滑雪旅游区)

A newly designated 4A-level scenic area, suitable for year-round activities: skiing in winter, and mountain sports like grass skiing and cycling in summer.

Special Routes & Festive Events

14. Shanhaiguan Ancient City New Year Expo (山海关古城年博会)

Held during the Lunar New Year. Experience fire dragon iron flower shows (火龙铁花), light shows, traditional New Year markets, and stay in Ming/Qing style guesthouses.

15. Grassland Sky Road Self-Drive Tour (草原天路自驾游)

Hailed as “China’s Most Beautiful Road,” it winds through the Bashang Grasslands (坝上草原) with picturesque scenery along the way, ideal for road trip lovers.

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