Located in the vicinity of the North China Plain, Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province, neighbors Beijing and Tianjin in the north, Bohai Sea in the east, and lies against the continuous Taihang Mountain in the west. Covering an area of 15.8 thousand square kilometers (6100.4 square miles), it has 6 districts, 12 counties, 5 county-level cities and 1 national-level new and high-tech development zone under its prefecture. Shijiazhuang has a population of 9.395 million, 2.313 million of whom live in the urban area.
Shijiazhuang is often referred to as being lucky in recent Chinese history. Once a small village, it developed under modern railway construction. A century ago, when the Lu-Han Railway stretched to the former Shijiazhuang Village, it brought with it new opportunities, opening an industrial chapter in Shijiazhuang. No one could have predicted that this small, unknown village would have developed rapidly into the modern capital city of Hebei Province.
Though it is a relatively young city, it is located on fertile land that boasts splendid cultural history. As such, Shijiazhuang is home to many significant cultural relics, such as the oldest stone-arch bridge in China, Zhaozhou Bridge, and one of China's three hanging temples Qiaoloudian Hall (Bridge-Tower Hall). Moreover, the grand Taihang Mountain, which lies to the west, provide charming natural scenery. Mt. Cangyan Scenic Area and Zhangshiyan Scenic Area also attract visitors from all over China and the world.
As the economic, political, cultural and scientific center of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang is becoming more and more beautiful with recent urban development. A jade-like moat embraces the city gently, bordered by 20 charming parks. This beautiful city is filled with culture and development, attracting visitors with new features daily.
Shijiazhuang Tour Information:
Hiking Tour: Information about hiking in Shijiazhuang for your reference
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Travelers' Voices on Shijiazhuang City
1.
Jun. 28,2009 04:25 Reply
Mr.Budiman(Indonesia) said:
hello,
am planning to go to shijiazhuang sometime in August and stay for 3 - 6 months ( study mandarin )
can someone advise things to do ?
is public transportation easy within city ?
any advice is appreciated
Jun. 28,2009 21:54
Mr.Qi replied:
Shijiazhuang is a simple, old looking, no fashinable capital place. Nothing estremely special. I have been there two years ago, not very clean and the transport is not easy to deal with. Life expenses is not high. This is a industrial city. Hope it is better now.
Good luck~
2.
May. 23,2009 10:32 Reply
Mr.sonofzorro@gmail.com(Eire) said:
Shijiazhuang City.I spent 3 days there in 2007 over the april/may week end, a special holiday time for the locals to visit the capital city Bejing. 2 of the days featured sand storms, and one day of rain air quality was very poor. If you suffer from asthma DO NOT GO, IMHO a lot of poverty was evident and generally poor working conditions.Heavily industrialised.
My brother was the only other caucasian I saw during my visit. The people were without fault,friendly curtious and courious but never rude, cost of living cheap by any standards.
Drink Almond and honey milk and the best part was leaving by train (sleeping compartment) to go to Bejing 5hour train journey.
3.
Apr. 25,2009 05:16 Reply
Mr.Hodgskiss(United Kingdom) said:
Hi,
I have a job offer for a 6 month teaching contract in Shijiazhuang City. I know there are relatively few foreigners in the city which is fine by few, however I don't want to me totally isolated with the community asw I don't speak any Mandarin - would this be a big barrier for me enjoying it?
And how expensive is it to travel to Beijing on the train? I'm getting very excited and want to experience it properly and my other option is to reside in Shenyang City - does anyone have any suggestions?
regards,
Keith
May. 10,2009 09:52
Mr.Stefanuk(Canada) replied:
Almost everyone in China is studying English, but you can rarely find an English speaker when you need one. They have "English Speaking Corners" where people go to practise conversational English. You can easily make friends there. The school where you work should provide you with assistance with daily life. Shopping... etc.
I've never been to Shijiazhuang, but I've lived in Shenyang. Shenyang has a few touristy highlights, but not many. The city had a lot of warfare in the 1st 1/2 of the 20th century and was heavily damaged/destroyed. Very few antiquities left. Mostly soviet style 9 story walkup apartment blocks. Quite drab. Hot in summer, cold in winter and poor air quality.
May. 10,2009 09:54
Mr.Stefanuk(Canada) replied:
Chinese train travel is excellent, very cheap and a great way to see the country.
4.
Jan. 18,2009 05:44 Reply
Mr.Jack(Philippines) said:
How to pronounce Shijiazhuang?
Jan. 26,2009 21:25
Mr.padfoot(Philippines) replied:
it is pronounced as Shr - jia -zuang
Mar. 26,2009 10:50
Mr.fung(germany) replied:
shi jia zhuang: means farm of family shi
Apr. 10,2009 09:06
Mr.Du(UK8449) replied:
Shijiazhaung was formerly three villages which merged with the coming of the railways in the late 1890's. One, built by the British ran north - south from Beijing. The second, built by the Germans from Qingdao - a pleasant city on the east coast, with magnificent sea food. The railways crossed in Shi- and an important market developed. The old railway bridge is still in place.
Shijiazhuang, phonetically is pronounced.. Shee / jad/wrong, and the name means village of stones.
The local people are very friendly, and although the population of the city is some 1.6million, it still retains the atmosphere of a small village
5.
Mar. 26,2009 11:00 Reply
Mr.fung(germany) said:
shi jia zhuang is a big city south of beijing, close nothing to see, but the people there are very nice.
If you want to see something, you have to drive to zheng ding, 30min far from shi jia zhuang, there is a temple, which should e over 1500 years old. It's worthy to see it.
Oh... I forgot, there is a bridge also near by shi jia zhuang, names Zhao Zhou Bridge. It is one of the super stars in the chinese history.
6.
Mar. 26,2009 01:05 Reply
Ms.ai(philippines) said:
how many miles is the province of hebei far from beijing?
Mar. 26,2009 10:52
Mr.fung(germany) replied:
shi jia zhuang is around 250KM far from Beijing, fast train= 1:30 hours.