Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu, China
Region: Hebei
Geographic Coordinates: 40.594400, 115.024000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 35.0°C (-40°F to 95°F)
Climate: Cold and dry winters, hot and rainy summers.
Population: 409745
Language: Chinese
Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu is a district situated in the northwestern part of Hebei Province, China. The district covers an area of approximately 2, 000 square kilometers and is located at an altitude of 1, 200 meters above sea level. Xuanhua Qu is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, Rich cultural heritage and strategic location. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Xuanhua Qu is the Bashang Grasslands. This vast expanse of grassland spans over 1000 square kilometers and provides visitors with breathtaking views of rolling hills, Crystal-clear lakes and colorful wildflowers.
Tourists can indulge in horseback riding or hiking along one of the many trails that intersect the grasslands. Another attraction worth visiting in Xuanhua Qu is the Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si), Which was constructed over 1, 500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The temple appears to be suspended mid-air as it was built on a cliff face using wooden beams embedded into rock face. The temple houses more than 40 Buddhist statues and symbolizes Chinese architectural ingenuity. For history enthusiasts, There are several ancient sites to explore such as Yudai Bridge dating back to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Additionally, Visitors can learn about local history through exhibitions showcasing ancient artifacts from around Zhangjiakou City at Zhangjiakou Museum. Xuanhua Qu boasts unique local cuisine such as roast lamb with cumin spice or yangrou chua’r – grilled mutton skewers. Visitors should also try Shaomai – steamed dumplings filled with minced pork or beef mixed with ginger root and garlic cloves while visiting Xuanhua Qu. In addition to tourism, Agriculture plays a significant role in this region’s economy with apples, Pears and chestnuts being exported to other parts of China and globally.
Xuanhua Qu serves as an important transportation hub connecting Beijing with Inner Mongolia. The district has several highways linking it to neighboring cities such as Zhangjiakou City and Datong City. It’s also connected by rail to Beijing via the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway, Built in preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Overall, Xuanhua Qu offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, Delicious cuisine and strategic location making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking an authentic Chinese experience.
- Wanlong Ski Resort
- Xuanhua Ancient City
- Bashang Grasslands
- Zhangjiakou International Ski Resort
- Yulong Ski Resort
- Guanyin Temple of Xuanhua District
- Shuiquangou National Forest Park
- Wuling Mountain Scenic Area
- Taohua Valley Scenic Area
- Guyaju Caves
- Agriculture: The region is known for its production of wheat, corn, soybeans, apples, pears, grapes and other fruits.
- Mining: There are significant reserves of coal in the area which are mined for local consumption as well as export.
- Manufacturing: The region has a strong manufacturing sector with companies producing textiles, machinery parts and equipment.
- Tourism: Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty with attractions like the Xuanhua Ancient City Wall and the Baiyangdian Lake attracting visitors from all over China.
- Construction: As part of preparations for hosting events during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing (including skiing events), there has been significant construction activity in Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu including new hotels and sports facilities being built to cater to athletes and tourists alike.
- The Battle of Xuanhua occurred in Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, pitting Chinese Boxers against foreign troops.
- Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu boasts several sections of the Great Wall, including the famous Badaling section.
- Liu Yalou, a renowned Chinese general who fought against Japanese invaders during World War II, was born in Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu.
- The 2022 Winter Olympics will be co-hosted by Beijing and Zhangjiakou, making it a significant event for both China and the world.
- During Genghis Khan’s reign (1162-1227), his capital was established near present-day Duolun County in Shangdu (Xanadu) within Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu.
- Sima Guang, a celebrated historian and politician from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), was born in present-day Yixian County within Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu.
- Wang Zhaojun, one of Emperor Yuan’s four beauties from Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), hailed from today’s Chicheng County within Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu as a legendary figure.
- During China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), many intellectuals were sent to work as farmers or laborers in rural areas including some parts of Zhangjiakou Shi Xuanhua Qu without their consent or choice.
- Xuanhua Ancient City
- Xuanhua Iron Tower
- Xuanhua Mansion
- Zhangjiakou Museum
- Kangxi Grassland Scenic Area
- Tianshan Mountain Ski Resort
- Chongli Olympic Village Plaza
- Wanlong Ski Resort
- Bashang Grassland Scenic Area
- Guyuan Museum of Art and Culture
- Xuanhua Grape Festival is an annual celebration of the grape harvest in Xuanhua District, held every September.
- The Xuanhua Pear Blossom Festival is a yearly event that celebrates the blooming of pear blossoms in April.
- The Zhangjiakou International Winter Sports Expo showcases winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating from December to February each year.
- The Zhangjiakou International Folk Art Festival features traditional Chinese folk art performances including music, dance, and theater shows.
- The Zhangjiakou International Kite Festival takes place during the summer months and features kite-flying competitions with participants from all over China.
- Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually around June), Dragon Boat Festival includes dragon boat races and traditional food such as zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves).
- Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations with lantern displays and eating tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month (usually around February or March).
- Xuanhua Roast Duck: This is a famous dish in the region, similar to Beijing Roast Duck but with its own unique flavor. Some popular restaurants for this dish include Xinyuanlou Restaurant and Shunfeng Restaurant.
- Mutton Hot Pot: This is a popular winter dish in the area, made with tender lamb meat and various vegetables cooked in a spicy broth. Some recommended places to try this include Baixinglou Hot Pot and Tianyuan Hot Pot.
- Fried Dough Twist: A traditional snack that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. The most famous place to try this is Laobian Fried Dough Twist.
- Dumplings: Another staple of Chinese cuisine, dumplings can be found all over Xuanhua Qu at various restaurants such as Yifang Dumpling House and Qiaoxiang Dumpling House.
- Noodle Soup: A comforting bowl of hot noodle soup can be found at many local noodle shops such as Dongpo Noodle Shop and Laozhaopian Noodle Shop.
- Baijiu (Chinese liquor): For those looking for something to drink with their meal, Baijiu is a strong Chinese liquor that pairs well with spicy dishes like hot pot or stir-fry dishes. Some popular brands include Maotai and Wuliangye.
- Xuanhua Park is a recreational area in the center of Xuanhua District that boasts various activities such as walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, and a lake.
- Zhangjiakou Wildlife Park is home to more than 100 animal species including tigers, lions, bears, and monkeys. Visitors can take a safari-style tour to observe these animals up close.
- Xuanhua Ancient City features ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties along with cultural performances and exhibitions.
- Xuanhua Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels of experience with over 20 different runs available.
- Wulie River Scenic Area is located just outside of Xuanhua District where visitors can enjoy natural landscapes such as waterfalls, forests, and hiking trails.
- Yulong Valley National Forest Park is situated in Chongli County nearby offering hiking trails through beautiful mountain scenery.
- Shangyi Mountain National Forest Park provides another nearby national forest park with scenic mountain landscapes perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
- Qingshui River Scenic Area located in Huailai County near Zhangjiakou city center offers breathtaking river views where visitors can go boating or fishing on its calm waters.
