Things To Do
in Zhangjiakou
Zhangjiakou, located in Hebei Province, China, is a city known for its rich history and strategic importance as a northern gateway to Beijing. It has gained modern significance as a host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics, spotlighting its capabilities in winter sports and tourism.
The city's diverse geography, encompassing mountains, plains, and large forest areas, contributes to its appeal as a destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the scenic Zhangjiakou Yanshan Scenic Area. Enjoy a refreshing hike among the mountains and capture stunning photographs.
Visit the Zhangbei Grassland for a taste of local cultural heritage. Engage in activities like horseback riding or savoring traditional Mongolian cuisine.
End your day with a sunset view at the Grassland. Relax and reflect on your day's adventures in the tranquil environment.
Begin your journey at the Old Great Wall, a relic of ancient China. Take a leisurely walk along the wall while learning its history.
Explore the city's historical museums, such as the Zhangjiakou Museum. Gain insights into the local culture and significant events through engaging exhibits.
Wrap up your historical exploration with a stroll through the city’s old streets. Experience the charm of local shops and street food.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery, including mountains and lakes.
- Host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics, enhancing its global profile.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites.
- Growing economy with developments in tourism and infrastructure.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities, such as skiing and hiking.
- Harsh winter climate, which may not be suitable for everyone.
- Air quality concerns, particularly during certain seasons.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Rapid development may impact traditional lifestyles and local ecology.
- Potential for overcrowding during peak tourist seasons.
Best Activities in Zhangjiakou
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding at one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in China.
Explore the beautiful alpine meadows and serene landscapes of the Chongli Grassland, ideal for hiking and nature photography.
Embark on a memorable hiking adventure along the historic Great Wall of China, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Tours
Uncover the best of Zhangjiakou with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Zhangjiakou
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
Provides an iconic backdrop for stunning photos and panoramic views of the Great Wall and the countryside.
Features vast open grasslands, rolling hills, and a unique landscape, making it an ideal location for capturing natural beauty.
Food in Zhangjiakou
Zhangjiakou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional lamb barbecue dish, usually prepared with cumin and other seasonings. Best enjoyed at local street vendors or traditional restaurants like the 'Xiangyang family's shop'.
Must-Try!
A specialty noodle dish made with millet flour. It can be found at small noodle shops and local restaurants like 'Yonghe Noodle Shop'.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Zhangjiakou better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a variety of street food stalls, including lamb skewers, steamed buns, and local snacks like 'Xuzi Tang'.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse street food options, it's an excellent place to explore local flavors such as grilled squid, dumplings, and sesame cakes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Zhangjiakou, it's customary to greet others with a nod or a slight bow, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Handshakes may also be used, but it's important to wait for the other person to initiate the gesture.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Chinese culture, including in Zhangjiakou. It's important to address older individuals with appropriate titles and to show deference in both speech and actions.
When offering a gift in Zhangjiakou, it's polite to present it with two hands as a sign of respect. It's also customary for the recipient to initially refuse the gift as a display of humility before eventually accepting it.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Zhangjiakou with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Zhangjiakou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Zhangjiakou, China. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxis.
Payment in Zhangjiakou, China is commonly made using cash or mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay or Alipay. Credit cards are less commonly accepted, especially in smaller shops and restaurants.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Zhangjiakou.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for pleasant weather with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Expect mild temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Ideal for outdoor activities and events. Warm temperatures and clear skies, but can be crowded with tourists.
Great for enjoying the colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures. It's also a popular time for festivals and cultural events.
Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, as Zhangjiakou is a renowned skiing destination. Expect cold temperatures and snowy landscapes.
Zhangjiakou at Night
Hiking in Zhangjiakou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Various trails in and around the ski resorts of Zhangjiakou offer scenic views and well-maintained paths for hiking enthusiasts.
A beautiful grassland area perfect for hiking with stunning landscapes, fresh air, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Located a bit further but worth the trip, this UNESCO World Heritage site features many trails set in a historic landscape with temples and gardens.
A popular hiking destination known for its rocky terrain and panoramic views, ideal for both casual hikers and adventure seekers.
A stunning natural area not far from Zhangjiakou, featuring beautiful gorges, towering cliffs, and various hiking options.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Zhangjiakou through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Zhangjiakou by plane.
Located approximately 150 kilometers east of Zhangjiakou, Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Opened in 2019, Beijing Daxing International Airport is around 120 kilometers from Zhangjiakou and is designed to handle a significant volume of international traffic with modern facilities.
Located about 200 kilometers southeast of Zhangjiakou, Tianjin Binhai International Airport serves as an international gateway for northern China and offers various international flights.
Approximately 150 kilometers south of Zhangjiakou, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport caters to both domestic and a few international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Zhangjiakou, making up about 90% of the population.
A significant minority group in the region, due to its proximity to Inner Mongolia.
A smaller ethnic group found in Zhangjiakou, historically connected to the Qing dynasty.
A minority group present in the area, with cultural ties to Korea.
An ethnic group with a smaller population in Zhangjiakou.
Includes various smaller groups such as Hui and Tibetans, but represent a very small percentage of the population.
The Soul of Zhangjiakou
Discover the essence of Zhangjiakou through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Zhangjiakou is known for its ski resorts, offering various skiing experiences, including alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
Popular among both locals and tourists, snowboarding is a key sport in the city's many winter sports facilities.
With a growing interest in ice hockey, Zhangjiakou has been developing more facilities and programs to promote the sport.
During the warmer months, mountain biking is popular in Zhangjiakou's mountainous terrain, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
Football is widely played among local communities and schools, supported by various clubs and leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhangjiakou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While the local cuisine heavily features lamb and wheat, some restaurants and cafes, especially in urban areas, offer vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries, steamed buns, and tofu dishes. It's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly when ordering.
Gluten-free options may be more limited due to the prevalent use of wheat in local dishes. However, some restaurants and cafes may offer rice-based dishes and gluten-free snack options. It's recommended to inquire about ingredients and preparation methods to ensure they align with specific dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Zhangjiakou with these cultural adventures.
