Tangshan Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 唐山 (táng shān)
Population: 7,935,800
Area: 13,472 square kilometers (5,201 square miles)
Location: in the east of Hebei Province, north China
Administrative Division: 7 districts (Caofeidian. Lunan, Lubei, Kaiping, Guzhi, Fengnan, Fengrun); 4 counties (Qianxi, Yutian, Luannan, Leting); 3 county-level cities (Zunhua, Qian'an, Luanzhou); 4 development zones (Haigang Economic Development Zone, New and High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Lutai Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hangu Management Zone)
Area Code: 0315
Zip Code: 063000
GDP (2019): CNY 689 billion (USD 99.87 billion)

Tangshan city is located in the east of Hebei Province, bordering the Bohai Sea to the south, Yanshan Mountain to the north, Beijing and Tianjin to the west. It is about 154 kilometers (96 miles) from Beijing. Although Tangshan was damaged by the Tangshan Earthquake in 1976, turning into ruins in a flash, it is now one of the most modern Chinese cities after reconstruction and development. Here is also the place where China's first mechanized coal mine, standard gauge railway, steam locomotive and barrel of machine-made cement were born, which gave birth to China’s rich industrial civilization. Tangshan is also the birthplace of China's Ping Opera. Besides, visitors can find many historical and cultural relics here, such as the Eastern Qing Mausoleum and the Great Wall under Water (Xifengkou and Panjiakou Great Wall).

The transport from Tangshan to Beijing and Tianjin is convenient. There are many buses and trains a day to Beijing and Tianjing from the local West Bus Station taking about 2 to 3 hours.

See detailed Tangshan to Beijing Train

Enjoying a warm-temperate monsoon climate, Tangshan is dry in spring, hot and rainy in summer, and chilly in winter. The average annual temperature is near 11C (51.8F), and its average yearly rainfall reaches 760 millimeters (30 inches).

 When to Go: Summer and autumn are the beat seasons to visit - with the calm sea in summer, cool and pleasant weather in autumn.

 Dining: The local dishes have typical salty flavor of North China. Sea cucumber with pork joint, sliced fish with sauce and braised turtle rim are the specialties while the local honey sesame candy and Chinese chessman shaped pancake are the favorite snacks of locals.

 Physical Features: Situated at the bottom of Yanshan Mountain's southern slope, the north of the city occupies mountainous areas, the central plain and the coastline of 199.3 kilometers (124 miles) to the south. Coal, iron, petroleum, natural gas, and salt make up the main natural resources.

 History: According to archaeological discoveries, it was validated that this area was inhabited as far back as 45,000 years ago. It became a shire in Han dynasties (206BC-220AD) and obtained its name 'Tangshan' by the Dachengshan Mountain which was vouchsafed by the emperor in Tang Dynasty (618-907). Since Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it has been an industrial center and was officially founded as a city in 1938.

 Local Highlights: Ping Opera and Leting Drums Song (the most characteristic local operas); Tangshan Shadow Puppetry Play.

 Special Local Products:
Handicrafts: shadow puppetry, willow knitting crafts
Foods: Jingdong chestnuts, Gushu golden thread small Jujube