Shijiazhuang travel guide
Shijiazhuang Tourism | Shijiazhuang Guide
You're Going to Love Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang is a modern city and the capital of the Hebei province. With a population of 2.2 million, it is an important economic center and a busy transport hub. It has a frenetic atmosphere and makes a good base from which to explore Zhending, Yujiacun, and Cangyan Shan.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Shijiazhuang
1. Pilu Monastery
This monastery is known for its magnificent Ming murals and Tang carvings.
2. Hebei Provincial Museum
The Hebei Provincial Museum has excellent exhibits of recent archaeological finds in the region, including the tomb of the King Jing of Zhongshan and other royal tombs.
3. Chang'an Park
This is a great place to stroll and people watch, as the locals play games and dance in the park grounds.
4. Cangyan Mountain
This is a truly beautiful location, with ancient temples perched on cliff sides and one actually built on a bridge across a deep gorge.
5. Zhengding
This ancient town just 10 miles north of the city has many beautiful sights, including the Longxing Temple and a 70ft statue of Buddha.
What to do in Shijiazhuang
1. A Perfect Link With Serenity
Designed and constructed from 605-618 A.D, the Zhaozhou Bridge Park is located approximately 24 km (15.53 miles) from Shijiazhuang. The bridge is currently the park's central attraction, and it covers about 870,000 sq. kilometers. The first noticeable sight is the old door that leads to the mountain. Amidst the pavilions, stately pines, and the well-trimmed grass, the Zhaozhou Bridge Park stands out as a sparkling pearl. Relax in the shade of the nearby trees and pavilions as you admire the scenery.
2. Village Of Cypresses
Located in the midst of Shijiazhuang City's Pingshan County, Xibaipo Village covers 16,440 sq. meters. Its name, Xibaipo, literally means 'slope with cypresses.' It has a grassy hillside filled with cypress trees. This village was the base of operations for the CCCPC (Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party), until March 23rd, 1949, when its headquarters were relocated to Beijing. It boasts various fascinating sites including the Garden of Monuments, the National Security Education Hall and the Memorial Hall, which was built in 1977.
3. Savor The Best In Nature And Culture
Famous for its religious culture and natural scenery, Mount Cangyan is approximately 70 km from Shijiazhuang and was listed by the State Council as one of China's key scenic spots in 1998. It has an average altitude of over 1,000 meters. The mountain's peak is known as Yuhuang Ding. The favorable temperature throughout the summer and winter makes this an ideal tourist resort. It is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
4. Be Carried Away By The 'Camel Back'
Tuoliang (meaning 'camel back') Scenic Area is located about 138 kilometers from Shijiazhuang. Its peak, which is in the shape of a hump, is Shijiazhuang's highest mountain and is approximately 2,281 meters above sea level. The weather in Tualiang Scenic Area is always perfect. The fresh air and lovely scenery brimming with 100 lively waterfalls contribute to the peaceful natural ambiance, which visitors find uniquely appealing. During the fall it's well worth visiting the Tuoliang Scenic Area to view the mountains covered in their gorgeously colored autumnal foliage. To get to the mountain, board a bus at Shijiazhuang North Highway Coach Station and alight at Tuoliang.
5. The Temple Of Greatness
Established during the ancient Sui Dynasty, the Longxing Temple is popularly referred to as Dafo Temple. It is a humongous temple located in Zhengding, Shijiazhuang. The northern and southern axis avenues have some of the temple's main structures, one of them being the three-story Great Sorrow Pavilion. It is 33 meters high and mainly comprised of the Hall of Mahamuni, the Hall of Deva Kings, the Temple of Amitabha and many other architectural gems. The Longxing Temple has the four largest Buddha statues in Northern China. View the tall Buddha statue made entirely from bronze and depicting the Great Bodhisattva of Zhengding Mansion.
1. A Perfect Link With Serenity
Designed and constructed from 605-618 A.D, the Zhaozhou Bridge Park is located approximately 24 km (15.53 miles) from Shijiazhuang. The bridge is currently the park's central attraction, and it covers about 870,000 sq. kilometers. The first noticeable sight is the old door that leads to the mountain. Amidst the pavilions, stately pines, and the well-trimmed grass, the Zhaozhou Bridge Park stands out as a sparkling pearl. Relax in the shade of the nearby trees and pavilions as you admire the scenery.
2. Village Of Cypresses
Located in the midst of Shijiazhuang City's Pingshan County, Xibaipo Village covers 16,440 sq. meters. Its name, Xibaipo, literally means 'slope with cypresses.' It has a grassy hillside filled with cypress trees. This village was the base of operations for the CCCPC (Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party), until March 23rd, 1949, when its headquarters were relocated to Beijing. It boasts various fascinating sites including the Garden of Monuments, the National Security Education Hall and the Memorial Hall, which was built in 1977.
3. Savor The Best In Nature And Culture
Famous for its religious culture and natural scenery, Mount Cangyan is approximately 70 km from Shijiazhuang and was listed by the State Council as one of China's key scenic spots in 1998. It has an average altitude of over 1,000 meters. The mountain's peak is known as Yuhuang Ding. The favorable temperature throughout the summer and winter makes this an ideal tourist resort. It is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
4. Be Carried Away By The 'Camel Back'
Tuoliang (meaning 'camel back') Scenic Area is located about 138 kilometers from Shijiazhuang. Its peak, which is in the shape of a hump, is Shijiazhuang's highest mountain and is approximately 2,281 meters above sea level. The weather in Tualiang Scenic Area is always perfect. The fresh air and lovely scenery brimming with 100 lively waterfalls contribute to the peaceful natural ambiance, which visitors find uniquely appealing. During the fall it's well worth visiting the Tuoliang Scenic Area to view the mountains covered in their gorgeously colored autumnal foliage. To get to the mountain, board a bus at Shijiazhuang North Highway Coach Station and alight at Tuoliang.
5. The Temple Of Greatness
Established during the ancient Sui Dynasty, the Longxing Temple is popularly referred to as Dafo Temple. It is a humongous temple located in Zhengding, Shijiazhuang. The northern and southern axis avenues have some of the temple's main structures, one of them being the three-story Great Sorrow Pavilion. It is 33 meters high and mainly comprised of the Hall of Mahamuni, the Hall of Deva Kings, the Temple of Amitabha and many other architectural gems. The Longxing Temple has the four largest Buddha statues in Northern China. View the tall Buddha statue made entirely from bronze and depicting the Great Bodhisattva of Zhengding Mansion.
Where to Eat in Shijiazhuang
Tu Da Ri on Zhongshan xi Road is a small restaurant serving local food at modest prices. Rehehuiguan Restaurant opposite the railway station offers excellent Manchu and Hebai Province dishes. You will pay around ¥10 for a meal in a low-key restaurant and ¥50 in an upscale establishment.
When to visit Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang has a continental monsoon climate, with warm, wet summers and cold, dry winters. Spring or fall are good times to visit.
How to Get to Shijiazhuang
Plane
Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW) has excellent connections with other Chinese cities and also international services from Russia and Bangkok. A taxi into the city center will cost ¥138 and the bus is ¥20.
Train
Shijiazhuang is one of China's main railway hubs, with frequent services from other Chinese cities. The bullet train from Beijing takes 80 minutes and costs around ¥129.
Car
Shijiazhuang is at the center of a good road network, with the drive from Beijing on the G5 taking three hours.
Bus
Shijiazhuang has regular bus services from other Chinese cities. The fare from Beijing is ¥80.
Airports near Shijiazhuang
Airlines serving Shijiazhuang
Where to stay in Shijiazhuang
Xinhua - this is a busy commercial district to the west of the city center with many large hotels, shopping complexes, and office blocks.
Popular Neighborhoods in Shijiazhuang
Qiaoxi - this is a neighborhood to the southwest of downtown that benefits from a number of parks.
Yuhua - this is a mainly residential area to the south of downtown, close to the golf course.
Where to stay in popular areas of Shijiazhuang
Most booked hotels in Shijiazhuang
How to Get Around Shijiazhuang
Public Transportation
Shijiazhuang has good bus services, with a flat fare of ¥1 regardless of distance traveled.
Taxi
Taxis in Shijiazhuang are relatively inexpensive, with the meter drop being ¥5 and then a charge of ¥3 per mile.
Car
Visitors to Shijiazhuang should remember that a Chinese license is required to drive in China.
The Cost of Living in Shijiazhuang
Shopping Streets
Xin Bai and Dongfang are two of the main shopping areas, while Yuhua Wanda Plaza on Huai An Lu is one of largest and best malls.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Shijiazhuang will cost ¥11.40 and a dozen eggs are ¥7.