Jizhou, China
Region: Hebei
Geographic Coordinates: 37.545500, 115.566000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Population: 124716
Language: Mandarin
Jizhou is a county-level city located in the northwestern part of Hebei province, China. It covers an area of 1, 386 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 600, 000 people. The city is situated on the banks of the Juma River and surrounded by mountains and hills. It has a rich history that dates back to over 2, 500 years ago. One of the most notable attractions in Jizhou is its ancient porcelain industry. The city has been producing high-quality porcelain for over a thousand years and is famous for its distinctive blue-and-white ceramics.
Visitors can explore several porcelain workshops and factories throughout Jizhou to learn about the traditional techniques used to create these beautiful pieces. Another popular attraction in Jizhou is the Baiyangdian Lake Scenic Area, Which covers an area of over 360 square kilometers. The lake is one of China’s largest freshwater lakes and home to more than 300 species of birds as well as various fish species such as carp and silver carp. Visitors can take boat tours around the lake or hike along its scenic trails.
Jizhou also boasts several historical landmarks such as the Xumi Mountain Grottoes, Which are Buddhist caves dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD). These caves contain more than 130 statues carved into their walls depicting various Buddhist deities. In addition to its cultural attractions, Jizhou also offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, Cycling, Fishing, And camping. There are several nature reserves within easy reach from Jizhou where visitors can enjoy stunning scenery including waterfalls, Forests and valleys.
The local cuisine in Jizhou features many traditional dishes made with locally grown ingredients such as wheat flour noodles known as jianbing. Other popular dishes include steamed buns filled with pork or vegetables called baozi, Fried dough twists known as mahua, And savory pancakes called jianbing guozi. Overall, Jizhou is a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore its ancient porcelain industry, Historical landmarks, And scenic outdoor attractions while enjoying delicious local cuisine.
Important Landmarks
- Jizhou Ancient City Wall
- Xinglong Mountain Scenic Area
- Nanyi Temple
- Qianfo Mountain National Forest Park
- Chaozhou Ancient Town
- Shangguan Mansion
- Laohegou Scenic Area
- Yuhuang Pavilion
- Wulongtan Scenic Area
- Tianyuan Tower
Primary Industries
- Jizhou is a county-level city located in Hebei province, China.
- The city’s economy is driven by several major industries and businesses:
- Agriculture
- Textiles
- Chemicals
- Machinery production
- Construction materials
- Tourism
- Agriculture is one of the most significant industries in Jizhou due to its fertile land and favorable climate. The region produces various crops such as:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Soybeans
- Cotton
- Vegetables
- Textile production has a long history in Jizhou dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Currently, the city hosts numerous textile factories that manufacture:
- Cotton yarns
- Fabrics
- Garments
- Chemical production also plays an important role in Jizhou’s economy with significant output of:
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Plastics
- Other chemicals
- Machinery manufacturing companies are another major industry producing agricultural machinery like:
- Tractors
- Harvesters
- The construction material industry is thriving too with cement products like:
- Bricks
- Tiles
- Tourism also contributes significantly to Jizhou’s economic growth with rich cultural heritage sites like the Great Wall of China running through it as well as natural attractions such as:
- Mountainside temples
- Hot springs resorts
- These attractions attract domestic tourists from all over China annually.
Noteable History
- During the Song Dynasty, Jizhou was a significant center for porcelain production and boasts several kiln sites from that period.
- In the Ming Dynasty, Jizhou became famous for its intricate lacquerware designs.
- Jizhou served as an important trade hub during the Qing Dynasty, connecting Beijing and Shanghai.
- Zhang Zhongjing, a celebrated physician who lived during the Han Dynasty, is one of the most renowned figures from Jizhou’s history. He authored several influential texts on traditional Chinese medicine and is regarded as one of China’s greatest medical experts.
- Li Zicheng, who led a peasant uprising against the Ming dynasty in 1644, is another noteworthy individual from Jizhou. Although he briefly established his own dynasty after overthrowing the Ming, he was eventually defeated by forces loyal to the Qing dynasty.
- In modern times, Jizhou has become known for its stunning scenery and cultural attractions such as ancient temples, pagodas, and gardens that showcase centuries of Chinese artistry and craftsmanship.
Museums and Things To See
- Jizhou Ancient City Wall: This ancient city wall was built during the Ming Dynasty.
- Jizhou Confucius Temple: A temple dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
- Jizhou Museum of Folk Customs: This museum showcases the local culture and traditions of Jizhou.
- Xinglong Mountain Scenic Area: A scenic area with beautiful natural scenery and hiking trails.
- Yuhua Palace: An ancient palace built during the Tang Dynasty.
- Qingyuan Mountain National Forest Park: A national forest park with stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
- Daming Lake Scenic Area: This scenic area features a beautiful lake surrounded by gardens and pavilions.
- Jinzhou Ancient City Ruins Park: The ruins of an ancient city dating back to the Han Dynasty, featuring historical relics and cultural artifacts.
- Hongshixia Scenic Area: This scenic area is known for its red sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and natural pools for swimming.
Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions or other reasons some places might be temporarily closed or have limited access hours so it is recommended to check their official website before visiting them in person.
Cultural Events
- Lantern Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, this festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations.
- Dragon Boat Festival: Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, it features dragon boat races.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival includes eating mooncakes and admiring a full moon.
- Jizhou International Ceramic Art Exhibition: This exhibition has been held annually since 2000 and showcases contemporary ceramic art from around the world.
- Jizhou Folk Song Festival: This festival celebrates traditional folk songs from Jizhou with performances by local musicians.
Note that these events may be subject to change or cancellation due to current circumstances regarding COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons beyond our control.
Cuisine
- Jizhou Roast Duck – a crispy and juicy roasted duck dish that is a specialty of the region.
- Shuijianbao – a steamed dumpling filled with pork and soup that bursts in your mouth when bitten.
- Jizhou Braised Pork – tender pork belly braised in soy sauce and spices until it melts in your mouth.
- Laochengyi Restaurant – a famous restaurant known for its traditional Chinese dishes such as braised meatballs and spicy chicken.
- Qianlong Restaurant – another popular restaurant serving local cuisine such as stir-fried river shrimp and fried rice with diced chicken.
- Xingyuan Restaurant – serves delicious seafood dishes like fish hotpot and grilled squid.
- Yijinlou Restaurant – offers authentic Sichuan-style dishes like mapo tofu and spicy boiled fish.
Parks and Recreation
- Jizhou Park
- Jizhou Sports Center
- Jizhou Wetland Park
- Xinglongshan Scenic Area
- Shangfangshan National Forest Park
- Qilihai National Wetland Park
- Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area
- Huanghua Lake Scenic Area
- Baiyangdian Lake Scenic Area
- Jingzhou Grand Canyon