One-Day Tour in Shijiazhuang · Unlock the Unique Charm of the "City Brought by Train" for 1000 Yuan

When it comes to Shijiazhuang, many say "there's nothing to do," but as a travel blogger deeply rooted in North China culture, I want to set the record straight: Shimen is not simple! It is not only the "city brought by train," but also hides ancient temples, red memories, and local life. This time, I started from Beijing and completed a relaxed yet fulfilling one-day micro-trip to Shijiazhuang with a budget of 1000 yuan—visiting Zhengding Ancient City, exploring Longxing Temple, tasting authentic local flavors, and discovering the unique charm of this underrated provincial capital.

📍Suitable for: History and culture lovers / Photography enthusiasts / Family educational trips / Weekend short trips
💰Total budget: 1000 yuan (for two people, 500 yuan per person, budget-friendly)

🚄Transportation｜About 320 yuan
✅ Beijing West → Shijiazhuang Station High-speed train second class seat 129 yuan/person ×2 = 258 yuan (1-hour ride)
✅ Shijiazhuang Station → Zhengding Ancient City: Metro Line 1 direct to "Olympic Sports Center Station" or "Garden Expo Park Station," walking + taxi ≈ 40 yuan
✅ City transportation: Bus + shared bike + short taxi rides ≈ 50 yuan
✅ Return high-speed train ≈ 129 yuan/person ×2 = 258 yuan
✔️ Total transportation controlled within 320 yuan

🎫Tickets｜About 280 yuan
✅ [Zhengding Ancient City] ✅ Free! City walls open to climb (South City Gate free access)
📌Recommended climbing spot: Changle Gate (South Gate), wide view, perfect for panoramic shots of the ancient city
✅ [Longxing Temple] 50 yuan/person ×2 = 100 yuan ("Top famous temple outside Beijing," Northern Song architectural treasure)
✔️ Must-see: Bronze Thousand-Hand Guanyin, Mani Hall inverted Guanyin, Wheel Treasury Pavilion
✅ [Kaiyuan Temple] 25 yuan/person ×2 = 50 yuan (Tang Dynasty bell tower + giant Bixi stele base)
✅ [Guanghui Temple Flower Pagoda] 25 yuan/person ×2 = 50 yuan (beautiful design, China’s only flower pagoda)
✅ Optional: Rongguo Mansion (filming location of "Dream of the Red Chamber") 40 yuan/person, not arranged this time
✔️ Cultural highlights fully covered, total ticket cost ≈ 280 yuan

🍽️Dining｜About 400 yuan
✅ Breakfast: First stop after arrival—[Hongxing Baozi]
✔️ Recommended beef and scallion bun + millet porridge → 60 yuan for two
✅ Lunch: Experience Zhengding’s Eight Big Bowls!
✔️ Recommended "Zhao’s Old Brand" or "Changshan Family Feast":
→ Braised pork, crispy pork, sea cucumber bowl, meatball soup → Authentic intangible cultural heritage flavors, about 220 yuan for two
✅ Afternoon snack:
✔️ Street food crawl: Heluo noodles, kiln-baked sesame cake, Majia marinated chicken (vacuum pack available) → 120 yuan
✔️ Eat authentically and satisfyingly all day, total ≈ 400 yuan

🎯Itinerary｜A day crossing a thousand years

⏰ 07:00｜Depart from home in Beijing, take metro to Beijing West Station
⏰ 08:00｜Take G673 high-speed train, arrive at Shijiazhuang Station at 09:00
⏰ 09:30｜Metro + walk to [Zhengding South City Gate] to climb the ancient city wall
✔️ Stroll along the Ming Dynasty city wall, overlook the ancient city layout
⏰ 10:00｜Visit [Longxing Temple] in depth (recommended to hire a guide or rent an audio guide)
⏰ 11:30｜Check in at [Kaiyuan Temple] + [Guanghui Temple Flower Pagoda]
⏰ 12:30｜Lunch time, taste Zhengding’s Eight Big Bowls
⏰ 14:00｜Optional: Explore [Yanghe Building] street area or take Hanfu photos (rental nearby)
⏰ 15:30｜Head to downtown, buy souvenirs on the way:
✔️ Majia marinated chicken, Jinfeng braised chicken, Gaocheng palace noodles
⏰ 16:30｜Return to Shijiazhuang Station, take high-speed train back to Beijing
⏰ 17:30｜Arrive in Beijing, end a fulfilling day

📌Tips:
✔️ Longxing Temple is closed on Mondays! Be sure to avoid
✔️ Zhengding attractions are concentrated, walking + shared bike is most convenient
✔️ You can wear Hanfu for photos, ancient city + flower pagoda are highly photogenic
✔️ Shijiazhuang Museum (free) can be visited if time allows

On this day, we looked up at the Northern Song Buddhist light in Longxing Temple,
and took a bite of the thousand-year local life in Zhengding alleys.

Spend less than 1000 yuan, gain a gentle encounter with the "ancient charm of Yan and Zhao."