Located in northern China, Hebei province encircles Beijing. The geographical position of the province makes it a fantastic option to explore some of the lesser-known regions of China with ease: exploring Hebei is great slow-paced balance to a visit to Beijing. With thousands of years of history and impressive natural landscapes to match, Hebei province is a great encapsulation of what China is all about.
Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang is the provincial capital of Hebei. A modern city by any standard, it’s true gems are found exploring it’s more dated sites and surrounding nature. Longxing Temple is a Buddhist monastery prized by past emperors, and the Hongyagu Scenic Area is a fantastic natural display.
Qinhuangdao
This is where the Great Wall of China meets the sea. Shanhai Pass is an ancient fortress of former military significance (as the first pass of the eastern portion of the wall) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lao Longtou, a part of the greater Shanhai Pass area, is where you want to head to see water and wall becoming one. The city is also a favourite summer-time retreat with Beijing locals.
Chengde
The exalted 18th-century summer retreat of the Qing emperors, Chengde has enough historical attractions to keep even the most avid photographer busy for days. The city is home to the Chinese paper-cutting tradition, a centuries old art. The Chengde Mountain Resort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) took 89 years to complete, and a visit will leave you appreciating why. Divided into four major areas, the resort is home to an array of palaces, lakes, mountains and grasslands.
The Putuo Zongcheng Temple is fittingly known as the “Little Potala Palace”. This photogenic temple is a sublime fusion of Qing and Tibetan style architecture. Shuangta Mountain is a gravity-defying feat of engineering not to be missed. The former imperial hunting grounds, Mulan Weichang, will leave you feeling like a Mongol-nomad: vast swathes of grasslands and grazing horses grace these former hunting grounds. Be sure to pay a visit to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall too. This well preserved section of the Great Wall is a more peaceful and sincere alternative to some of the busier Beijing sections.
Tangshan
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Eastern Qing Tombs: a glorious display of Ming Dynasty architecture.
Baoding
The Baishishan World Geological Park is our pick of the region. This marble-rich mountain range is a fantastic hike, and the glass-bottomed walk ways add a special (if albeit nerve-unsettling) touch.
