Hebei Travel Guide (North China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Hebei

Located in North China, Hebei is a province that boasts an attractive balance of both natural beauty and cultural significance. With a history dating back to the Shang dynasty, Hebei has a lot to offer, from its world-class museums and historical sites to its stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re an adventurer, history enthusiast, or foodie, Hebei has plenty to offer for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Hebei

Hebei has fantastic tourist attractions that are sure to leave you awe-struck. Here are just a few highlights:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Beidaihe Scenic Area - Known for its beautiful beaches and a variety of stunning landscapes, Beidaihe Scenic Area is a must-visit destination.
Feixiang County - Home to several historical sites, including the Qiaojia Cultural Heritage Museum and the Feixiang huaigu, a famous temple.
Shibaocun International Sculpture Park - A cultural hotspot with a vast collection of sculptures, including pieces by world-renowned artists.
Mountain Resort of Chengde - A UNESCO World Heritage Site producing an incredible array of ancient palaces, temples and gardens, served as the summer retreat of the Qing emperors.

Natural Attractions of Hebei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Bashang Grassland - Known as the “Northern Prairie,” Bashang Grassland combines a unique combination of landscapes, including hills, meadows, streams, and forests.
Cangyan Mountain - Cangyan Mountain is a majestic mountain range with a wide range of hills, valleys, and peaks, making it perfect for a day hike.
Badaling National Forest Park - A national park known for its natural beauty, with magnificent mountains and waterfalls, and some exciting and adventurous hiking trails.
Baoding: Shibei Mountain Scenic Area - A natural wonderland encompassing a vast variety of terrain, including the mountain ranges, waterfalls, caves, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hebei

If you’re an adventurer looking to experience the wild beauty of Hebei, hiking and biking are fantastic options to explore the naturally stunning wonders. Here are some of the best hiking biking routes in Hebei

Chengde Hiking Trail - The perfect blend of mountain ranges and lakes, with a 15-kilometer hike around Lake Wulie, passing through canyons, forests, and valleys.
Jinshanling to Simatai Great Wall Hike - A moderately strenuous hike that captures views of the rugged and majestic Great Wall from start to end.
Qinhuangdao’s Bihaijinsha Cycling Path - A cycling path along the coast of Bohai Bay that spans the length of the city, passing scenic viewpoints and famous landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Hebei: Activities and Tours

Beyond hiking, biking and visiting popular tourist locations, Hebei has numerous other activities to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the best things to do in Hebei:

Visit the Potala Palace Replica - Located in Chengde, this replica of the Potala Palace is stunning and easy to visit for a fascinating look at Tibetan history and culture.
Relax in the Hebei Acrobatic Theater - With jaw-dropping stunts best described as humanly impossible, Hebei Acrobatic Theater is the place to catch an acrobatics show while visiting Hebei.
Attend a Watermelon Festival - Every August, the city of Zhangjiakou holds an enormous watermelon festival with events, games, music, and, of course, plenty of watermelon to go around.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hebei

If you’re planning a visit to Hebei, here’s a suggested itinerary that covers all the best of Hebei for a week-long trip:

Day	Destination
Day 1	Beijing - Qiaodong District - Tianjin
Day 2	Boshan Mountain Scenic Area - Cangyan Mountain
Day 3	Mountain Resort of Chengde - Shuiquangou Ancient Town
Day 4	Bashang Grassland - Hulijing Scenic Area
Day 5	Beidaihe Scenic Area - Jingdong Grand Canyon
Day 6	Qinhuangdao - Jiaoshan Great Wall
Day 7	Potala Palace Replica - Hebei Acrobatic Theater

Food and Drink Scene of Hebei

Hebei cuisine is characterized by its sour and spicy flavors, with wheat as its main staple. Some must-try dishes and beverages are:

Must-Try Dishes

Dingzhou Fried Cake - A savory and crispy pancake filled with seasoned meat and vegetables.
Cangzhou Botou Roast Duck - A local specialty known for its tender meat and delicious crispy skin.
Laishui Fish - Known for its sweet and delicate taste, Laishui fish is a popular fish dish in Hebei province.

Local Beverages

Majia Tea - A refreshing and healthy tea with a unique flavor that is popular throughout Hebei.
Naiman Sheep Milk - Naiman sheep milk is incredibly nutritious and can be used for making various other foods, including butter, cheese, and yogurt.

Where to Stay in Hebei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hebei provides many options for accommodation. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hebei:

Hilton Shijiazhuang - A luxurious modern hotel located at the center of Shijiazhuang with a variety of quality dining.
Jinjiang Inn - A budget-friendly budget hotel chain with various locations throughout Hebei and China.
Youth Hostel Association of China - offers a unique backpacking experience with low-cost dorm rooms and social areas for travelers on requirements.

What to Buy in Hebei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hebei offers many local small gifts, food, and souvenirs to purchase to make your visit to Hebei unforgettable. Here are some of the best options to bring home with you:

Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport Velvet Antler - A unique product perfect for health enthusiasts - this velvet antler is used for medicine or as a tonic food.
Fengfeng Ironware - These durable, hand-crafted iron products are perfect for enhancing your home’s decor.
Baoding’s Shadow Puppets - A traditional art form of Hebei, with these, you can take a piece Hebei’s heritage home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Hebei

Hebei’s culture is a remarkable intersection of Han, Mongolian, and Manchu cultures that contribute to its unique identity. Local customs include:

The Lantern Festival after the Chinese New Year, is celebrated by families to gather and light thousands of lanterns that fill the night sky with colors and lights.
The Dragon Boat Festival - This traditional festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month by racing traditional boats and eating zongzi, delicious boiled rice cakes filled with sticky rice and meat.

Best Time to Visit Hebei

The best time to visit Hebei is between April and October - this period presents mild to warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hebei

Here are some common do’s and don’ts that visitors should keep in mind during their time in Hebei:

Do:

Try local dishes and delicacies, even if the taste might differ from your familiar palate.
Get off the beaten path and explore less known parts of the province to experience northern China’s authenticity.
Respect Hebei’s customs and traditions, and show kindness to locals you meet.

Don’t:

Litter or pollute public areas - Hebei is home to many beautiful natural areas that we must preserve and protect.
Touch or climb on trees or historical sites - For your safety and integrity of Hebei’s cultural heritage, avoid damaging historical sites.
Disrespect local customs or cultures - China, in general, is a country that values traditions and customs dating back centuries. Visitors should be respectful of this and adhere to Chinese customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hebei

Hebei is a safe region and a secure travel destination, and the crime rate is low. However, visitors should still take the following precautions:

Ensure your passport is secure and has been registered during your stay in Hebei.
When withdrawing cash from ATMs, use only bank machines located in reputable banks or busy public places.
Keep an eye on your belongings and belongings in crowded areas and public transportation areas.

Health in Hebei

Take the necessary precautions to avoid health issues during your trip to Hebei:

Pack a basic first aid kit including medicines for common ailments and other types of medications.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water to stay hydrated during outdoor activities and the hot summer months.
If you experience any symptoms of illness while in Hebei, consulting a healthcare professional should happen immediately.

Getting to Hebei: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hebei is accessible through several transportation options, with many airports located near the major cities. Listed below are some popular entry points to Hebei and how to get around the province.

Airports Near Hebei

Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport - Located around 30 km from downtown Shijiazhuang.
Beijing Daxing International Airport - Located 69 kilometers south of Beijing, serving both domestic and international flights.
Tianjin Binhai International Airport - A flight hub for the Hebei region and northern China, is located in Dongli District, Tianjin.

Bus Stations Near Hebei

Beijing Long-Distance Bus Station - Located in Beijing’s Xizhimen District, around an 8-hour ride from Hebei’s major cities.
North Bus Station in Shijiazhuang - The major bus station in Shijiazhuang, offering transport to most of the cities and counties in Hebei province.

Other Options

Train - The main railway hub in the Hebei region is the Shijiazhuang Railway Station, serving the bulk of the passengers destined for other parts of the province.
Taxi/Private Car Rental Companies - Always a transportation option, but it can add up- beware of taxi scams and related costs

How to Get Around in Hebei

It’s easy to get around Hebei using a variety of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and bikes. Hebei has abundant orderly bus routes, including intercity services. Taxis, as a safe and convenient transportation method, are inexpensive and readily available in all of the major cities in Hebei.

Where to Go Next from Hebei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re extending your trip to China or its surrounding areas, here are some excellent destinations and attractions worth visiting:

Beijing - Known for its incredible food, historical landmarks, and fascinating culture, Beijing is an excellent destination, just a few hours from Hebei.
Tianjin - A fast-developing city along the coast, Tianjin offers a mix of historic and modern attractions.
Zhengzhou - Another city with deeply rooted Chinese history and culture, Zhengzhou is the provincial capital of Henan.

Conclusion

Hebei has a lot to offer visitors, from stunning natural wonders to incredible cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking to experience the bustle of the cities, the thrill of outdoor adventures, or the food scene of North China, Hebei is a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. With this comprehensive travel guide to Hebei, start planning your trip and get ready to explore the beauty of North China.