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Explore Zhangjiakou's rich history and natural beauty, visit the iconic Olympic Winter Games venues, and experience outdoor activities like skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Don't miss the famous Zhangjiakou City Wall and the surrounding mountainous landscapes.
Zhangjiakou, a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province, lies at the junction of Beijing, Shanxi, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia, approximately 180 kilometers from Beijing. Its rugged terrain earns it the nickname "Mountain City Beyond the Great Wall." Five thousand years ago, the Yellow Emperor, Yan Emperor, and Chi You settled in the valley of Zhuolu and combined their talismans in Busan, ushering in the beginning of Chinese civilization.
This region boasts the largest number of active Great Wall sites and is known as the "Great Wall Museum." Chongli and Chicheng boast the largest natural ski resorts in North China, earning them the nickname "Eastern Davos." Zhongdu Grassland, located in Zhangbei Zhongdu, is a natural grassland close to Beijing. Its cool summers and lush grasslands offer a chance to experience Mongolian culture and make it a popular summer destination for relaxation and relaxation.
Best in Spring and Autumn
Zhangjiakou boasts numerous ancient sites, spread across a wide area. The "Dajingmen" gate of the ancient Great Wall is a key pass and a symbol of Zhangjiakou. Fanshan in Zhuolu County, the site of the battle between Emperor Huangdi and Chiyou, is considered one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation, attracting numerous descendants of the Yellow Emperor every year to trace their roots and pay homage to their ancestors. Furthermore, the Daiwangcheng Han Tombs in Wei County, the Huai'an County Han Tombs, the Liao Dynasty Mural Tombs in Xuanhua, and the Shuimu Palace, Yunquan Temple, and Qingyuan Tower in the city center are all worth visiting.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Zhangjiakou is historically known as a strategic military city and played a key role during the Ming Dynasty. It is now famous for being a host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics, showcasing its significance as a center for winter sports.
Zhangjiakou is located in the northwestern part of Hebei Province, around 180 kilometers from Beijing. It can be accessed by high-speed train from Beijing (roughly 1.5 hours), or by car via the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Expressway. There are also buses and taxis available for local transportation.
Zhangjiakou is a year-round destination. The best time to visit is during the winter months (December to February) for skiing and snow activities, while summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking and exploring the countryside.
Entry fees vary depending on the attraction. For example, ski resorts may charge between 100-300 RMB for a day pass. Tickets can be purchased both online via travel sites or at the entrance of each site.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons like winter and holidays. A few days in advance should suffice, but for special events like the Winter Olympics, booking well in advance is advisable.
To explore Zhangjiakou fully, 1-2 days are enough to visit major sites like the Olympic venues, historical landmarks, and natural attractions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, with some English-speaking guides in popular tourist areas. Audio guides may be available at some attractions, especially the Olympic venues.
The best viewpoints are from the Olympic venues for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, especially the ski slopes. The Zhangbei Grassland offers wide open spaces perfect for landscape photography.
Start your day at the Olympic venues, then visit the Zhangjiakou City Wall and the Qiaodong Ancient Town. If time allows, explore the Zhangbei Grassland or take a ski lesson in the winter.
Night visits and light shows are not widely available in Zhangjiakou, but some attractions, especially during the Winter Olympics, may offer special evening events or activities.
Zhangjiakou is less crowded than Beijing, but it can get busy during the winter ski season and around holidays. The least crowded times are during weekdays, especially in the spring and fall.
Facilities are generally available at major attractions like ski resorts, including toilets, rest areas, and food stalls. Shops for souvenirs and necessities can also be found in the city and near popular tourist spots.
Zhangjiakou has good accessibility for elderly and children, especially in urban areas. However, some outdoor activities like skiing may be challenging for disabled visitors. It’s best to check accessibility details for specific venues in advance.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in Zhangjiakou. Cash is also commonly accepted, but it’s best to use digital payments for convenience.
There are various local restaurants and cafes offering both Chinese and international cuisine. In tourist areas, you can find casual eateries serving hot pot, noodles, and BBQ.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at most restaurants in Zhangjiakou, and there are some halal food options available, particularly in larger restaurants.
There are a range of hotels in Zhangjiakou, from budget accommodations to mid-range and luxury hotels. The Olympic village area has several well-equipped hotels, and the city center offers more affordable options.
Yes, souvenir shops are common around the Olympic venues and major tourist spots. Typical souvenirs include local crafts, Olympic-themed memorabilia, and traditional Chinese items like tea and silk products.
After visiting Zhangjiakou, the best transportation options are high-speed trains back to Beijing, or buses and taxis if you plan to continue to nearby towns or attractions like Zhangbei.
