Zhao County Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Zhaozhou Bridge Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Travel with books, the Zhaozhou Bridge of more than 1400 years
Zhaozhou Bridge is located above the Xiaohe River in Zhao County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. It was built during the Sui Dynasty and has a history of over 1400 years. It is the earliest existing and largest single-hole circular-arc open-shouldered stone arch bridge in the world. In 1961, it was selected as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Since its completion, it has been used as a major thoroughfare until it was discontinued in 1984 with the construction of Zhaozhou Bridge Park.
Hebei·Shijiazhuang & Zhao County·Zhaozhou Bridge
A historical site that comes alive from the pages of books
Shijiazhuang Zhao County·Zhaozhou Bridge
Admission: Free (Reserve by scanning a QR code at the entrance of the scenic area, though no one checked when we actually entered)
There are two exhibition halls around the bridge, one is the Ancient Bridge Construction, and the other is the Impression Zhaozhou Museum, 20 yuan per person
Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 all year round
Also known as Anji Bridge, locally called the Big Stone Bridge, it is located 2.5 kilometers south of Zhao County in Hebei on the Xiaohe River
The spirit of Chinese craftsmanship is fully embodied in the Zhaozhou Bridge, which remains a treasure and a crystallization of wisdom in the world even after a millennium.
EscapeToSerenityWithLewis Three-Day Tour of Shijiazhuang: Zhengding Ancient City~Zhaozhou Bridge~Hebei Museum
Itinerary: Xiamen - Zhengding Airport in Shijiazhuang, Zhengding Ancient City, Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area, Berlin Zen Temple, Hebei Museum
Must-visit attractions: Zhengding Ancient City, Hebei Museum
Must-try delicacies: Donkey Burger, Hele Noodles, Beef Shaomai, White Sugar Cake
Accommodation recommendation: Homestays within the ancient city are economical and affordable
Practical Tips:
Zhengding Ancient City is highly recommended for Longxing Temple, it's simply breathtaking. Inside, there is the 'Goddess of Beauty of the East' as praised by Mr. Lu Xun, the Reclining Guanyin.
The Dabeige Pavilion houses a tall bronze statue of the Great Mercy Bodhisattva, known as 'Dabei Bodhisattva', standing 19.2 meters tall on a 2.2-meter-high Sumeru stone platform, the best-preserved and tallest bronze statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
It's recommended to buy tickets for Longxing Temple online for 44 yuan per person, which can save a few yuan. It is suggested to hire a guide for 130 yuan, and you can share the cost with other tourists, making it not expensive per person.
The ticket for Rongguofu is 36 yuan per person, and it's not that impressive after a stroll. However, as it's the filming location of the 1987 version of 'Dream of the Red Chamber', it's worth visiting for a check-in.
Kaiyuan Temple, Tianning Temple, Linji Temple, and Guanghui Temple are all good for check-ins and photos. The tickets are 7.5 yuan per person, except for Kaiyuan Temple, which is 10 yuan per person, and tickets are purchased on-site.
In the evening, you can climb up to Yanghe Tower, where the ticket is 3 yuan per person. The night view is very beautiful.
It's recommended to walk on the South City Wall, which has the 'Three Passes Majestic Town' plaque.
Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area is some distance from Zhengding Ancient City, and it's recommended to drive yourself or use Didi. The 'Zhao County One-Day Tour' mentioned online is not practical, as it requires 20 people to depart, and even on holidays like May 1st, they can't form a group. The Didi ride from Zhengding costs about 103 yuan for 2 people.
Near Zhaozhou Bridge, there is a temple called Berlin Zen Temple, which is worth a visit when in Zhao County.
The Hebei Museum is highly recommended, with national treasures such as the Changxin Palace Lantern and the Jade Suit Sewn with Gold Thread.
The Architectural Gem: Exploring the Charm of Zhaozhou Bridge
Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Anji Bridge, is affectionately called the Great Stone Bridge by the locals. Among its many names, 'Zhaozhou Bridge' is undoubtedly the most well-known, with its fame largely owing to Mr. Mao Yisheng's masterpiece, the essay 'Zhaozhou Bridge,' which has drawn countless tourists due to its popularity as a primary school text.
Zhaozhou Bridge is located above the Xiaohe River south of Zhao County in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. Its name originates from the ancient appellation of Zhao County—Zhaozhou. The bridge was built in the second year of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty (606 AD) by the craftsman Li Chun. It has not only witnessed a millennium of vicissitudes but is also the world's earliest, largest-span, and best-preserved single-arch stone bridge with open spandrel arches. In the spring of 1933, the renowned architect Liang Sicheng personally visited and surveyed the bridge, confirming that the Great Stone Bridge of Zhaozhou was indeed the Anji Bridge, a treasure of Chinese bridge architecture with a long history.
The preservation of ancient buildings is no easy feat, especially in China, where ancient structures were mostly made of wood, vulnerable to war, human disasters, and natural calamities. However, the ancient buildings that have withstood the test of time owe their survival to three main reasons. First, the building materials are durable, such as brick and stone constructions, including gates, tombs, brick pagodas, stone bridges, and city walls, which have endured the test of time. Second, the continuous practical use, exemplified by Zhaozhou Bridge, which, despite eight renovations since its construction, still carries out its mission of transportation; once a building loses its functionality, even as majestic as the Great Wall, it cannot avoid a fate of decline. Third, the lack of distinct dynastic colors, such as temple buildings, which are less affected by dynastic changes, thus able to traverse the river of history and survive to this day.
The most acclaimed historical site in Zhao County is none other than Zhaozhou Bridge. Besides, Yongtong Bridge, the Dhāraṇī Pillar, and other relics are also renowned in professional fields, but they may not be as eye-catching to the average tourist. Zhao County has deeply explored the cultural and tourism value of Zhaozhou Bridge, creating a large-scale scenic area around this ancient bridge, complete with an ancient bridge exhibition hall, a folk art stage, cultural and creative products, and local specialties, all readily available. During the Spring Festival, the area is particularly lively, brimming with a strong festive atmosphere. For a county to possess such a precious relic is indeed sufficient.
In Zhao County, there is also a mouthwatering specialty delicacy—donkey meat. Donkey meat restaurants are scattered throughout the streets and alleys, especially near the Dhāraṇī Pillar, where donkey meat shops are densely packed. We once tasted two jin of donkey meat at Zhang Guolao Meat Shop; although pricey at 70 yuan per jin, the taste was delicious and memorable. And a simple breakfast, costing only 6 yuan for two bowls of soybean curd and four fried dough sticks, was enough to leave us fully satisfied.
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Zhengding Ancient City Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Zhengding Ancient Town
One of the best experience visiting Shijiazhuang last time, Zhengding Ancient Town really gave me a good impression. It's an ancient city with many beautiful spots and lanterns. Recommended time to visit: 2-4 hours.
Tips: I recommend you to avoid Chinese National Public Holidays (such as Chinese New Year, Labor Days, or National Day Holiday) while visiting Zhengding Ancient Town since there will be too many people and the traffic will be packed with more vehicles.
#chinatrip
Hebei Zhengding is a city renowned for its national historical and cultural education
Located in the central plains of Hebei, Zhengding County has historically been one of the 'Three Strongholds of the North' alongside Beijing and Baoding. It serves as the northern gateway to Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital of Hebei, and boasts a superior geographical location.
As a city celebrated for its historical and cultural education, Zhengding has a long history and is home to numerous famous historical sites, earning the reputation of a 'treasury of ancient architecture'. Zhengding features Tang Dynasty structures such as the Hua Pagoda, the Bell Tower of Kaiyuan Temple, and the Sumita Pagoda, the Lingxiao Pagoda of Tianning Temple, the Chengleng Pagoda of Linji Temple, and the Dacheng Hall of the Confucian Temple from the Five Dynasties period.
Of course, the most representative of Zhengding's historical and cultural essence is none other than the Longxing Temple, also known as the 'Number One Ancient Monastery South of Beijing'. It is a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction, one of the first key national cultural relics protection units, and one of China's top ten famous temples. Inside the temple, there are six national treasure-level cultural relics that are a must-see, collectively known as the 'Six Uniques'. These include the pinnacle of Song Dynasty architectural art—the Mani Hall, the 'Goddess of Beauty of the East' as described by Lu Xun—the polychrome suspended sculpture of the Inverted Guanyin, the Revolving Sutra Cabinets, the Sui Dynasty Longzang Temple Stele, the bronze statue of the Thousand-Handed Thousand-Eyed Guanyin, and the bronze statue of the Vairocana Buddha.
As for other attractions, fans of the Red Mansion can visit the Rongguo Mansion, as it was the filming location for the 1986 version of 'Dream of the Red Chamber'.
Zhengding Ancient City! High-quality cost-effective hotel recommendation!
All Season Hotel (Shijiazhuang Zhengding Ancient City Store)
Opened in 2024 | Gym | Business Travel | Meeting Room
No. 6 Chengde South Street, Zhengding County
1.4 km away from Zhengding International Small Commodity Market, about 17 minutes on foot
22.3 km away from Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, about 22 minutes by car
Shijiazhuang Three-Day Tour Guide
**Shijiazhuang Three-Day Travel Strategy✨**
**I. Introduction🌆**
Shijiazhuang, a city full of vitality and historical charm, is waiting for you to explore🎊.
**II. Itinerary🗓️**
- **Day One**:
- **Morning**: After arriving in Shijiazhuang, head to Shijiazhuang Zoo🐒 to get up close and personal with the adorable animals.
- **Noon**: Taste local delicacies near the zoo, such as Ganglu Furnace Baked Buns🥯.
- **Afternoon**: Visit Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden🌳 to enjoy a variety of plant landscapes.
- **Evening**: Check into a hotel🏨 and rest.
- **Day Two**:
- **Morning**: Go to Zhengding Ancient City🏯, stroll through the old streets, and feel the breath of history.
- **Noon**: Taste special dishes like Zhengding's Eight Great Bowls🍲 in Zhengding.
- **Afternoon**: Visit Rongguo House🏠 to learn about the story background of 'Dream of the Red Chamber'.
- **Evening**: Enjoy the night view in Zhengding Ancient City🌃.
- **Day Three**:
- **Morning**: Head to Zhaozhou Bridge🌉 to appreciate the charm of this ancient stone bridge.
- **Noon**: Have lunch near Zhaozhou Bridge🍱.
- **Afternoon**: End the trip and return🚗.
**III. Attractions Introduction🌟**
- **Pilu Temple**: Preserves exquisite ancient murals🎨.
- **Baoduzhai**: The mountain is steep and the scenery is magnificent⛰️.
- **Western Evergreen**: A scenic area that combines leisure, vacation, and amusement🎢.
**IV. Food Recommendations🥘**
- **Wuji Hele**: A special noodle dish with a smooth and strong texture🍜.
- **Shenze Meat Cake**: A traditional delicacy with a fresh and savory taste🥩.
- **Lingshou Pickled Meat Noodles**: A noodle dish with a unique flavor🍜.
**Precautions📋**
- Check the opening hours and ticket information of attractions in advance🎫.
- Choose appropriate clothing and equipment according to the weather conditions🧥.
- When tasting food, make sure to choose regular restaurants to ensure food safety🥢.
Come to Shijiazhuang for an unforgettable journey🚀! You can also adjust the itinerary according to your own interests and time😉.
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Hebei Provincial Museum Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
This one article is enough! A two-day, one-night travel guide to Shijiazhuang
⭐So close and so beautiful, head to Hebei for the weekend! Shijiazhuang, as the capital of Hebei Province, has always been relatively unknown, but it is known as the city brought by train, with a profound cultural heritage and strong playability. The consumption is not high, and you can have a lot of fun in just two days and one night. Come and take a look with me!
⭐Accommodation: Hey, when you get to Shijiazhuang, let's put down our luggage and take a break. ❗It is recommended to stay near the Provincial Museum. The Provincial Museum is located in the center of Shijiazhuang, with plenty of food, fun, and convenient transportation nearby, and the accommodation is not expensive. This cost-performance ratio is loved
Day1
1️⃣Hebei Museum
Reservation: Search for Hebei Museum on the vx👸🏻 account to make a reservation. Important note❗Closed on Mondays. If you can't book online, you can get a ticket on-site with your ID card.
Exhibits: The essence is on the second floor of the south area, where the Hebei Museum reflects the profound cultural heritage and ethnic culture of the land of Yan and Zhao. At the same time, it is very educational, 🉑scan the code to see the introduction of the exhibits, and there are also AI videos to restore the history of tombs and dynasties.
Treasures of the museum: Changxin Palace Lantern, Wrong Gold Boshan Furnace, Liu Sheng's Gold-threaded Jade Clothing (all in the Mancheng Han Tomb exhibition hall on the 2nd floor)
2️⃣Shijiazhuang Restaurant: If you seriously visit the Hebei Museum, it might take a whole day, and for dining, I recommend the Shijiazhuang Restaurant next to the museum. The smoked meat pancake and Red Star buns are top specialties in the city, and there was a long queue when I went, with locals buying them by the big bagful. But personally, I still think the buns from Tianjin are tastier, to each their own
3️⃣In the evening, you can check out the CBD night view in our city, Wanlimiao Pedestrian Street (if you're lucky, you can see the internet-famous driving test dance), and Beiguo Shopping Mall, a huge mall with ten floors.
Day2
⭐Zhengding Ancient City: You can take a bus or taxi, which costs about 30r from the city center and takes about half an hour. The nine towers and eight temples of Zhengding Ancient City are really worth seeing!
Recommended travel route: Longxing Temple - Tianning Temple - Linji Temple - Guanghui Temple - City Wall (from north to south)
1️⃣Longxing Temple A must-visit
The cross-shaped Mani Hall is praised by Liang Sicheng as the pinnacle of art
The colorful suspended sculpture of Guanyin, called the Eastern Goddess of Beauty by Lu Xun
A dialogue across a thousand years, the clearly layered Ming dynasty murals
The earliest existing regular script stele inscription 'Longzang Temple Stele'
The two-meter-tall bronze Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin
2️⃣Tianning Temple Guanghui Temple Kaiyuan Temple Linji Temple
Each temple has a well-preserved, unique pagoda. They are Tianning Temple's Lingxiao Pagoda, Kaiyuan Temple's Sumi Pagoda, Guanghui Temple's Hua Pagoda, and Linji Temple's Ching Ling Pagoda. These temples are not as large as Longxing Temple, and you can see and take photos from the outside. If you want to go inside, it is recommended to buy an 80r joint ticket offline.
3️⃣Zhengding Ancient City Wall
Be sure to climb the city wall to watch the sunset and night view. The lights are usually turned on around 7:55 pm. There is also a lantern festival around the Lantern Festival, but it's very crowded.
4️⃣Zhengding Cuisine: Wuqi Road Noodle Board, Hao Family Ribs, Hele Noodles, Beef Covered Pancakes
Things to avoid:
1️⃣The original site of Zhaozhou Bridge is no longer there, and you can only see the newly built reinforced concrete bridge in recent years.
2️⃣The Rongguo Mansion in Zhengding Ancient City, which was built for the filming of the 1987 version of 'Dream of the Red Chamber', is sold separately. Personally, I feel that it is not worth visiting and is a place you will regret visiting.
Don't miss out on the grand opportunity to visit the Shengshi Xiudian!
💝 The Shengshi Xiudian Grand Exhibition of Chinese Paintings through the Ages at the Hebei Museum is nearing the end of its five-month exhibition period. Friends who love calligraphy and painting, make sure to schedule your visit in advance!
💝 This exhibition showcases the treasures of Chinese painting from all dynasties, demonstrating the profoundness and breadth of Chinese culture. The exhibition features classic paintings from various periods, from the bold and vigorous styles of the pre-Qin and Tang dynasties, to the refined elegance of the Song and Yuan dynasties, and the delicate intricacy of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Each painting is a witness to history and a treasure of art.
💝 Such an exhibition not only allows us to appreciate beautiful paintings but also enables us to deeply understand the profoundness of Chinese culture, feel the weight of history, and the charm of art. If you want to visit, make sure to add it to your schedule!
Hebei Museum Intangible Heritage Reception Hall
"Enjoy Hebei" Intangible Heritage Reception Hall is the first provincial-level intangible heritage exhibition hall in Hebei Province.
Visitors can admire the "antique reception hall" formed by the "Eight Wonders of Yanjing", including the carved lacquer inlaid screen throne, the cloisonné incense burner and fragrance, the lacquer carved hanging screen, and the representative famous kilns and porcelains from the whole province; they will experience the "antique study" assembled with various stationery, the writing desk and curio shelves made with ancient furniture craftsmanship, the snuff bottles with inside painting that are a world of their own, the colorful twisted porcelain, and the exquisite lacquer carved paperweights and pen containers. At the same time, the exhibition hall periodically invites inheritors of intangible heritage to perform live demonstrations and interactions of their skills, and to host performances of Hebei Bangzi, Pingju, shadow play, woodblock drum, Xihe drum, folk dance, acrobatics, and other shows, allowing the audience to closely appreciate the unique folk performing arts of Hebei and various intangible heritage stunts.
Visit Hebei Museum
Hebei Museum is a national first-class museum in China, established in 1953, located at No. 4 Dongda Street, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. The Hebei Museum includes three parts: the main campus, the Jianhua campus, and the Yucai campus. Among them, the main campus is divided into southern and northern areas, with a total construction area of over 53,000 square meters, which is a symbolic cultural landscape of Shijiazhuang City. The Hebei Museum currently has a collection of 240,000 cultural relics, including 340 first-class relics (pieces/sets), 1,926 second-class relics (pieces/sets), and 17,383 third-class relics (pieces/sets). The most characteristic collections are the cultural relics from the Mancheng Han tombs, ancient ceramics from the four famous kilns of Hebei, Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain, stone carvings, calligraphy and paintings of famous people from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as revolutionary relics from the period of the War of Resistance against Japan. The museum has 10 permanent exhibitions, such as 'The Stone Age in Hebei', 'The Civilization of the Shang Dynasty in Hebei', 'A Generous Elegy - Stories of Yan Zhao', 'The Majestic Warring States - The Ancient Zhongshan State', 'The Great Han's Swan Song - The Mancheng Han Tombs', 'Quyang Stone Carvings', etc. Through more than 5,000 (sets) of exquisite cultural relics and modern exhibition methods, it records the human development history of Hebei over the past two million years.
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