Hebei Province Travel

Hebei, surrounding Beijing and Tianjin, bordering the Bohai Sea to the east, leaning against the Taihang Mountains to the west, and resting against the Yanshan Mountains to the north, is one of the important cradles of the Chinese nation. From Chengde's Summer Resort to Qinhuangdao's Beidaihe, from Baoding's Zhili Governor's Office to Zhangjiakou's Grassland Sky Road, from Shijiazhuang's Xibaopo to Handan's Zhao Royal City Ruins, each place carries the profound history and magnificent scenery of the Yanzhao region.

11
Prefecture-level Divisions
167
County-level Divisions
10
5A Scenic Areas
600+
Cultural Relic Protection Units

Explore Tourism in Hebei Province Cities

Hebei Province Five-Day Four-Night Essential Tour

Explore Hebei's imperial gardens, seaside scenery, and historical culture, from Chengde's Summer Resort to Qinhuangdao's Beidaihe, from Baoding's Zhili Governor's Office to Zhangjiakou's Grassland Sky Road, experience the perfect blend of Hebei's rich and diverse natural scenery and historical culture journey

Itinerary Duration
5 days 4 nights
Main Destinations
Chengde, Qinhuangdao, Baoding, Zhangjiakou
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, nature explorers
Budget per Person
¥2500-¥3500
01
Chengde Imperial Gardens
Summer Resort · Putuo Zongcheng Temple · Puning Temple
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Chengde, check into hotel, then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Summer Resort, China's largest existing imperial garden, which was once the summer palace of Qing Dynasty emperors. Then visit Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace) to experience the grandeur of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. In the evening, visit Puning Temple to appreciate the exquisite Thousand-Hand Thousand-Eye Guanyin statue.

Attraction Arrangement
Summer Resort
China's largest existing imperial garden, construction began in 1703, spanning the Qing Dynasty emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong, taking 89 years to complete. The resort covers 5.64 million square meters, divided into palace area and garden area, integrating the best of ancient Chinese garden art and architecture, representing the highest example of Chinese classical gardens.
Putuo Zongcheng Temple
Commonly known as "Little Potala Palace", it is the largest of Chengde's Eight Outer Temples, built in the 36th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1771). The temple is modeled after Tibet's Potala Palace, covering 220,000 square meters. Its main structure, the Great Red Platform, stands 43 meters high, and the main hall, Wanfa Guiyi Hall, rises above the surrounding buildings, with its roof covered in gilded copper tiles that shine brilliantly, creating a magnificent sight.
Puning Temple
Commonly known as "Big Buddha Temple", built in the 20th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1755), it is a temple combining Han and Tibetan architectural styles. The temple houses the world's largest wooden statue of Thousand-Hand Thousand-Eye Guanyin, standing 22.28 meters tall, weighing about 110 tons, carved from five types of wood: pine, cypress, elm, fir, and linden, representing a treasure of Buddhist art.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Chengde Summer Resort Hotel
  • Chengde Yunshan Hotel
  • Chengde Shenghua Grand Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Chengde Roast Whole Lamb
  • Wild Game Hotpot
  • Buckwheat Noodles (Hele)
Travel Tips
  • The Summer Resort is large, wear comfortable shoes
  • Combined ticket for the Eight Outer Temples is more economical
  • Sun protection in summer, warmth in winter
02
Qinhuangdao Seaside Scenery
Shanhaiguan · Laolongtou · Beidaihe
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Qinhuangdao, first visit "First Pass Under Heaven" Shanhaiguan, the eastern starting point of the Ming Great Wall. Then visit Laolongtou to admire the spectacular sight of the Great Wall meeting the sea. In the afternoon, go to Beidaihe seaside, stroll along the beach, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bohai Bay, visit Pigeon Nest Park to observe migratory birds and sunrise over the sea.

Attraction Arrangement
Shanhaiguan
The eastern starting point of the Ming Great Wall, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven". Construction began in the 14th year of the Ming Hongwu era (1381), serving as the first strategic pass at the eastern starting point of the Ming Great Wall, along with Juyong Pass and Jiayuguan, collectively known as China's three major passes. The pass city has a perimeter of about 4 kilometers, connected to the Great Wall, forming the majestic "key lock connecting the Great Wall".
Laolongtou
The eastern point where the Ming Great Wall enters the sea, and the only place where the Great Wall integrates mountains, sea, passes, and cities into a land-sea military defense system. Laolongtou features high terrain, rugged sea rocks, clear blue waters, and magnificent scenery. The stone city extending into the sea resembles a dragon's head reaching into the ocean, playing with waves, hence the name "Old Dragon Head".
Beidaihe
A famous Chinese summer resort and seaside tourist area, with a coastline stretching 22.5 kilometers, featuring fine soft sand, clear seawater, and pleasant climate. Beidaihe boasts beautiful coastal scenery and lush forests. Pigeon Nest Park is the best spot to watch sunrise over the sea. During spring and autumn seasons, thousands of migratory birds stop here, forming spectacular bird waves.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Beidaihe Seaside Hotel
  • Qinhuangdao Shangri-La Hotel
  • Beidaihe Workers' Sanatorium
Food Recommendations
  • Seafood Feast
  • Grilled Prawns
  • Qinhuangdao Prawns
Travel Tips
  • Summer is peak season, book accommodation in advance
  • Sun protection at seaside, bring sun protection products
  • Pigeon Nest Park is the best spot for sunrise viewing
03
Baoding Historical Culture
Zhili Governor's Office · Ancient Lotus Pond · Baiyangdian
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Baoding, visit China's most complete surviving Qing Dynasty provincial-level government office—Zhili Governor's Office, to experience the solemnity of Qing official architecture. Then visit the Ancient Lotus Pond, a classical garden with over 800 years of history. In the afternoon, travel to Baiyangdian, take a boat tour of the largest freshwater lake on the North China Plain, and admire the beautiful scenery of reed marshes and lotus ponds.

Attraction Arrangement
Zhili Governor's Office
China's most complete surviving Qing Dynasty provincial-level government office, initially built during the Ming Hongwu period, originally serving as the Baoding Prefecture Office. In the 8th year of the Qing Yongzheng era (1730), it was converted to the Zhili Governor's Office, operating until the end of the Qing Dynasty, spanning 182 years. Known as "one governor's office, half the history of Qing". The office faces south, covering 30,000 square meters, with rigorous architectural layout and imposing grandeur.
Ancient Lotus Pond
Built in the 22nd year of Yuan Dynasty's Genghis Khan (1227), originally named "Snow Fragrance Garden", it is a classical garden mainly featuring water scenery, covering 24,000 square meters total, with 7,900 square meters of water surface. Within the garden, pavilions, terraces, and towers are arranged in picturesque disorder, with willows and lotuses complementing each other beautifully, earning the reputation of "City Penglai" and "Little West Lake", representing an outstanding example of northern Chinese classical gardens.
Baiyangdian
The largest freshwater lake on the North China Plain, consisting of 143 lakes and over 3,700 waterways, covering 366 square kilometers total. Baiyangdian features vast waters, dense reed marshes, and lotus-filled ponds, known as the "Pearl of North China" and "Jiangnan of the North". This is the setting of the famous novel "Lotus Pond" and the hometown of Little Soldier Zhang Ga.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Baoding Zhongyin Plaza
  • Baoding Xingguang International Business Hotel
  • Baiyangdian Hot Spring City
Food Recommendations
  • Donkey Meat Burger
  • Baiyangdian Stewed Mixed Fish
  • Baoding Huaimao Pickles
Travel Tips
  • Best season to visit Baiyangdian is summer
  • Pay attention to safety when boating, wear life jackets
  • Try local specialty donkey meat burger
04
Zhangjiakou Grassland Scenery
Grassland Sky Road · Zhangbei Grassland · Dajingmen
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Zhangjiakou, first visit the Grassland Sky Road known as "China's Route 66", enjoying the grassland scenery, wind turbine arrays, and terraced landscapes along the way. Then proceed to Zhangbei Grassland, experiencing grassland activities like horseback riding and tasting roasted whole lamb. In the evening, return to Zhangjiakou city center, visit Dajingmen, an important Great Wall pass and a landmark building of Zhangjiakou.

Attraction Arrangement
Grassland Sky Road
Located at the border of Zhangbei County and Chongli District in Zhangjiakou City, starting from Yehuling south of Zhangbei County in the west to Huapiling in Chongli District in the east, spanning 132.7 kilometers total, ranked among China's top ten most beautiful highways. The road winds along with meandering rivers, mountains, deep ravines, grassy meadows with cattle and sheep, and spectacular wind turbine landscapes, presenting a hundred-mile Batou scenic scroll.
Zhangbei Grassland
Composed of Zhongdu and Anguli grasslands, part of the Xilin Gol Grassland, and the nearest grassland resort to Beijing. The scenery is beautiful with pleasant climate. July to September each year is the grassland's most beautiful season, with lush grass stretching for miles, where you can fully experience grassland customs and activities like horseback riding, archery, and wrestling.
Dajingmen
Built in the first year of Qing Shunzhi era (1644), an important pass of the Great Wall, along with Shanhaiguan, Juyongguan, and Jiayuguan, collectively known as the "Four Famous Passes" of the Chinese Great Wall. Dajingmen is famous for its steep terrain, serving as the northern gate guarding the capital and an important transportation route connecting frontier forts with inland areas. The inscription "Great Rivers and Mountains" on the lintel adds charm to Dajingmen.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Zhangbei Grassland Resort
  • Zhangjiakou International Hotel
  • Chongli Taiwu Ski Town
Food Recommendations
  • Roast Whole Lamb
  • Hand-Held Meat
  • Oat Noodle Baskets
Travel Tips
  • Grassland Sky Road suitable for self-driving, pay attention to driving safety
  • Large temperature difference between day and night on grassland, bring warm clothing
  • July-August is the best season for grassland tourism
05
Shijiazhuang Red Tourism
Xibaopo · Zhaozhou Bridge · Zhengding Ancient City
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Shijiazhuang, first visit Xibaopo, a sacred site of the Chinese revolution, once serving as the location of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Then proceed to Zhaoxian County to visit the 1400-year-old Zhaozhou Bridge, the world's oldest and most complete surviving ancient open-spandrel stone arch bridge. In the afternoon, visit Zhengding Ancient City, exploring ancient structures like Longxing Temple and Linji Temple, experiencing the historical charm of the ancient city.

Attraction Arrangement
Xibaopo
Located in central Pingshan County, once serving as the location of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, where the Party Central Committee and Chairman Mao commanded the world-shaking three major campaigns of Liaoshen, Huaihai, and Pingjin, convened the historically significant Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee and the National Land Conference, earning the reputation of "New China started from here" and "China's fate determined in this village". Xibaopo is a nationally famous patriotic education base.
Zhaozhou Bridge
Also known as Anji Bridge, located on the Xiao River in Zhaoxian County, built during the Sui Dynasty (595-605 AD), designed and constructed by famous craftsman Li Chun, with over 1400 years of history. It is currently the world's oldest and most complete surviving ancient open-spandrel stone arch bridge. The construction technique of Zhaozhou Bridge is considered a miracle in world bridge history, having profound influence on bridge construction worldwide for generations.
Zhengding Ancient City
With over 1600 years of city history, historically known as one of the "Three Northern Strongholds" along with Beijing and Baoding. The ancient city contains numerous historical sites, known for its "nine towers, four pagodas, eight great temples, and twenty-four golden memorial archways". Longxing Temple is one of China's oldest, largest, and most complete surviving Buddhist temples. The bronze-cast Thousand-Hand Thousand-Eye Guanyin statue inside stands 21.3 meters tall, making it China's tallest ancient bronze Buddha statue.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Shijiazhuang Hilton Hotel
  • Shijiazhuang Wanda Intercontinental Hotel
  • Zhengding Guohao Grand Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Shijiazhuang Kiln Baked Sesame Cake
  • Zhengding Ma Family Chicken
  • Zhaoxian Snowflake Pear
Travel Tips
  • Xibaopo is a red education base, suitable for visiting with children
  • Zhaozhou Bridge scenic area is small, 1-2 hours sufficient for visit
  • Zhengding Ancient City has beautiful night scenery, recommended for evening visit

Itinerary Summary

The Hebei Province five-day four-night essential tour covers Hebei's most representative natural scenery and historical cultural attractions, from Chengde's imperial gardens to Qinhuangdao's seaside scenery, from Baoding's historical culture to Zhangjiakou's Grassland Sky Road, and finally to Shijiazhuang's red tourism, allowing you to comprehensively experience Hebei's diverse charm. This route suits various types of tourists, whether history and culture enthusiasts, natural scenery explorers, or family parent-child tours, all can find suitable travel experiences.

Budget Reference
  • Transportation: ¥800-¥1200
  • Accommodation: ¥800-¥1200
  • Dining: ¥500-¥700
  • Tickets: ¥400-¥600
  • Other: ¥200-¥300
Best Seasons
  • Spring (April-May): Pleasant climate, flowers everywhere
  • Summer (June-August): Seaside summer retreat, grassland at its best
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear skies, colorful scenery
Pre-Trip Preparation
  • ID card and other valid documents
  • Comfortable sports shoes and casual clothes
  • Sun protection and rain gear
  • Common medicines and first aid kit
  • Camera and power bank