Hebei
Hebei is a province in North China. It is China's sixth-most populous province, with a population of over 75 million people. Shijiazhuang is the capital city. It borders Shanxi to the west, Henan to the south, Shandong and Liaoning to the east, and Inner Mongolia to the north; in addition, Hebei entirely surrounds the direct-administered municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin on land. Its population is 96% Han Chinese, 3% Manchu, 0.8% Hui, and 0.3% Mongol. Varieties of Chinese spoken include Jilu Mandarin, the Beijing dialect of Mandarin, and Jin Chinese. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (771–226 BC), the region was ruled by the states of Yan and Zhao. During the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), the region was called Zhongshu. It was called North Zhili during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and simply Zhili during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). The modern province of Hebei was created in 1928. Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in the province: the Great Wall of China, Chengde Mountain Resort, Grand Canal, Eastern Qing tombs, and Western Qing tombs. It is also home to five National Famous Historical and Cultural Cities: Handan, Baoding, Chengde, Zhengding and Shanhaiguan. Hebei's economy is based on agriculture and manufacturing; it is China's premier steel producer
One-Day Hebei Tour Itinerary Recommendations
Theme:
History + Food + Nature
Suitable for:
Short trips around Shijiazhuang/Baoding, self-driving or high-speed rail + taxi
Practical Tips
Transport:
Zhengding/Baoding attractions are close together—taxis or bike-sharing work well.
Chengde’s mountainous areas are best explored by car or private hire.
Tickets:
Longxing Temple (¥50), Zhili Governor’s Office (¥30), Chengde Mountain Resort (¥130).
Must-Try Foods:
Shijiazhuang:
Beef Board Noodles, Zhengding "Crispy Liver."
Baoding:
Donkey Burger, Braised Chicken.
Chengde:
Mutton Soup, Imperial Almond Tea.
Key to One-Day Trips: Focus on one city—don’t rush!
For a more relaxed trip, skip 1-2 minor sights and enjoy a leisurely tea break.
Option 1:
Shijiazhuang → Zhengding Ancient Town (Culture + Food)
Best for:
History lovers, ancient architecture enthusiasts, foodies
Transport:
30-minute taxi ride from downtown Shijiazhuang or Metro Line 1
08:30-10:00 Longxing Temple
Must-see: Song Dynasty "Inverted Seated Guanyin" and the 1,000-year-old revolving sutra case
10:00-11:00 Kaiyuan Temple
Tang Dynasty bell tower + China’s largest stone tortoise stele base
11:00-12:00 Rongguo Mansion
Filming location for the 1987 TV series Dream of the Red Chamber; great for Hanfu photos
12:00-13:30 Lunch
Must-try: Haojia Spare Ribs (Eight Great Bowls) / Chen Hezi Buckwheat Noodles
13:30-15:00 Zhengding South City Gate
Walk along the ancient city wall for panoramic views; visit "Zhao Yun Temple"
15:00-16:30 Hebei Museum (Return to Shijiazhuang)
Highlights: "Changxin Palace Lamp" and "Jade Burial Suit" (Free entry, booking required)
Option 2:
Baoding City (Food + Qing Dynasty Culture)
Best for:
Food lovers, history buffs
Transport:
40-minute high-speed rail from Beijing / 30-minute high-speed rail from Shijiazhuang
09:00-10:30 Zhili Governor’s Office
The "No. 1 Yamen of the Qing Dynasty," showcasing imperial bureaucracy
10:30-11:30 Ancient Lotus Pond
A royal garden in North China, best visited in summer for lotus blooms
12:00-13:30 Lunch
Yanjia Donkey Burger (round-style) + Baiyunzhang Steamed Buns
13:30-15:00 Baoding Military Academy Museum
Cradle of modern Chinese military generals; great for history fans
15:00-16:30 Jingxiu Park / Daci Pavilion
A local leisure spot; climb the pavilion for city views
Option 3:
Chengde Mountain Resort (Imperial Gardens)
Best for:
Nature and royal architecture lovers
Transport:
1-hour high-speed rail from Beijing / 2.5-hour drive
08:30-12:00 Chengde Mountain Resort
Lake District (Jiangnan-style gardens) + Mountain District (overlooking Little Potala Palace)
12:00-13:30 Lunch
Old Three Mutton Soup (local specialty) + Oat Noodle Rolls
13:30-16:00 Outer Eight Temples (Choose 1-2)
Potala Palace Replica Temple (a must-see)