Hebei
Province, with its beautiful Capital, Shijiazhuang,
is located to the north of the Yellow River,
and to the east of the Taihang Mountains. Hebei
is somewhat overshadowed by its neighbors, Beijing
and Tianjin, whose vastness covers an area of
190,000 square kilometers (about 73,363 square miles), and its
vibrant population is estimated to be at 67,440,000. Hebei's long
and proud history can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn
Period (770 BC - 476 BC), which dates from 770 BC to 476 BC. At
that time it was called 'The Land of Yan and Zhao', because its
northern area was dominated by the Kingdom of Yan, while its southern
area was occupied by the Kingdom of Zhao. Today, that same area
is home to more than 50 minority ethnic groups, such as Han, Hui,
Manchu, Mongolian and Korean.
When to go
Hebei is also known for its moderate climate.
The four seasons are felt and enjoyed. In spring it is arid and
windy, hot and rainy in summer, balmy and fine in autumn and dry
and cold in winter. The annual rainfall averages between 300 - 800
millimeters and its corresponding temperature ranges from 0
C
to 13
C.
So the best time to travel to Hebei is during autumn, when you can
enjoy the clear and crisp climate.
What to see
The visitor to Hebei has the unequalled opportunity to view many
relics that can be found in this beautiful province. The very famous
Mountain Resort of Chengde used to be the largest
royal summer resort of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Outside the
surrounding wall of the Mountain Resort, the visitor will find a
display of several brilliant and glistening temples. They are called
'Eight Outer Temples' and are the largest
imperial temples in all of China. The Mulan Paddock in Hebei Province
was used as the hunting place for the emperors of the Qing Dynasty.
At the present time, it is one of the few natural grassland resorts
and a very popular destination for those visitors who are after
a bit of fresh air and peaceful countryside. Shanhaiguan
Pass, also called 'The First Pass Under Heaven',
is the easternmost end of the Great Wall, which winds its way through
the north of Hebei. All these beautiful highlights will make the
tourist feel excited about the scenery, history and natural beauty
which is in the Hebei Province.
In the tour to Hebei Province, tourists can not only have a long
look at all the historical relics, but they also see all the beautiful
natural landscapes that you can only dream of. In summer, tourists
can enjoy the sunshine, beaches, and all the fresh air that blows
in from the Bohai Gulf in the Beidaihe and Nandaihe Scenic
Spots; In spring tourists can ride on the vast and magnificent
grassland; In autumn, they can explore the fascinating Yesanpo Scenic
Area in Baoding City. And in winter, another spectacular destination
in Baoding City is the Baiyang Lake. The Baiyang Lake will be a
very special attraction, because tourists can see very unique scenery
of reeds and snows.
Hebei beckons and welcomes you.