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Huailai County, under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province, is located in northwestern Hebei Province, bordering Beijing to the east and Zhangjiakou to the west. Its county seat, Shacheng Town, is 120 kilometers east of Beijing and 87 kilometers west of Zhangjiakou. Huailai County covers a total area of 1,801 square kilometers and administers 11 towns, 6 townships, and 279 administrative villages. Six townships and 17 villages border Beijing's Yanqing, Changping, and Mentougou districts, respectively, with a total border length of 115 kilometers. The county has a total population of 365,000, a forest coverage rate of 50.8%, and an average of 224 days per year with air quality level 2 or higher.
Huailai is one of the first grain base counties in Hebei Province and the provincial "double-ring" vegetable basket base. It is the hometown of Chinese grapes and Chinese wine. It is one of the top 100 counties in the country for economic forest construction, a national garden county, an important water source for the capital, and the hometown of national combat hero Dong Cunrui.
On December 13, 2018, Huailai County was selected into the list of China's characteristic agricultural products advantage zones.
Temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate; four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, rain and heat in the same season, large daily temperature difference, suitable for travel in all seasons.
Dong Cunrui Memorial Hall
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Huailai is a historic city in Hebei province, Zhangjiakou, known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to the Great Wall. The area has been significant in Chinese history as a strategic military location during various dynasties. The city's wine production is also a notable modern feature, as Huailai has become a recognized wine-producing region in China.
Huailai is located in the Zhangjiakou region of Hebei Province, approximately 140 km northwest of Beijing. You can reach Huailai by taking a high-speed train from Beijing to Zhangjiakou, followed by a bus or taxi to the city. Buses and taxis are also available within the city for local travel.
There are no specific opening hours for Huailai, as it is an open city with natural and cultural attractions. The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
The entrance fee for most attractions in Huailai, such as the Great Wall or local wineries, typically ranges from free to a small fee for guided tours or tastings. Tickets can be purchased on-site or, for some attractions, online through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not generally necessary for most attractions in Huailai, but it is recommended for popular activities such as guided tours at the wineries or during peak tourist seasons.
To fully explore the key attractions in Huailai, such as the Great Wall, wineries, and local cultural sites, you should plan for at least 2 to 3 days. This allows time for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying local food and wine.
Guided tours are available for most attractions in Huailai, especially for the Great Wall and wineries. These tours are usually offered in Chinese, but some wineries may also offer English-speaking guides.
The best photography spots are along the Huailai Great Wall, where you can capture panoramic shots of the surrounding landscapes and the Great Wall itself. The countryside and vineyards also provide excellent opportunities for scenic photography.
A recommended itinerary could include a morning hike along the Great Wall, followed by a visit to one of the local wineries for a tour and tasting. In the afternoon, explore Huailai Ancient Town, ending the day with a visit to a local restaurant for traditional Chinese cuisine.
Night visits or light shows are not a prominent feature in Huailai. However, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the area during the evening, with some restaurants and local spots offering cultural performances or live music on occasion.
Huailai is generally less crowded than major tourist cities, though popular attractions like the Great Wall can get busy, especially during national holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays or outside of peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn).
Facilities are available at key attractions, including rest areas, food stalls, and shops. Larger tourist sites like the Great Wall have basic amenities such as toilets and restaurants. You may need to bring water and snacks for longer hikes or rural excursions.
Some parts of Huailai, such as the Great Wall, may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to steep steps and rugged terrain. However, most local attractions are accessible to children and families.
Cash is widely accepted in Huailai, though mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used, especially in larger establishments. Credit cards may be accepted at more prominent tourist sites and hotels.
Many restaurants in Huailai offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes. Halal options are available in some places, especially those catering to Muslim visitors.
Yes, souvenir shops in Huailai sell traditional items such as local wines, tea, handcrafted pottery, and traditional Chinese fabrics. You can also find Great Wall-themed souvenirs.
The best way to continue your trip is by car or bus. There are buses connecting Huailai to Zhangjiakou and Beijing. Taxis are available for local travel, and car rentals can provide more flexibility for exploring the surrounding area.
