Hengshui is located in the southeastern part of Hebei Province, on the North China Plain. It has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and abundant sunshine.
Hengshui has a long history. Known as Tao County in ancient times, it has been a county since the Western Han Dynasty over 2,200 years ago. It is the hometown of Dong Zhongshu, a great Confucian scholar of the Han Dynasty.
Hengshui is renowned for its distinctive culture, including intangible cultural heritages such as Hengshui inside-painted snuff bottles, Wuqiang New Year paintings, and the traditional brewing technique of Hengshui Laobaigan liquor. Local delicacies include the Hengshui Lake whole fish feast and Gucheng smoked meat.
Modern Hengshui is famous for its education, with Hengshui High School recognized nationwide. Meanwhile, the ecological tourism at Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve is thriving. The city's industries are mainly equipment manufacturing, chemical engineering, and food processing.
The best time to visit 衡水 is Best in spring and autumn.
Spring (March-May): The weather warms up, flowers bloom, suitable for outdoor outings and watching migratory birds at Hengshui Lake.
Autumn (September-November): The sky is clear and crisp, reeds at Hengshui Lake turn golden, fish and crabs are plump, making it a great time to enjoy lake delicacies.
Summer is hot and rainy, winter is cold and dry, but winter offers ice and snow activities.
During the Western Han Dynasty, Tao County was established, marking the beginning of Hengshui's administrative system.
In 1949, Hengshui Prefecture was established, later renamed Hengshui Region.
In 1996, Hengshui Region was abolished and prefecture-level Hengshui City was established.
Recommended places to visit
The largest freshwater lake in the North China Plain, a national nature reserve, known as the 'most beautiful wetland in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region'.
Visit the traditional brewing process of Laobaigan liquor and learn about intangible cultural heritage.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Hengshui inside painting is a national intangible cultural heritage, painting reversely on the inner wall of snuff bottles with exquisite skill.
Wuqiang New Year painting is a national intangible cultural heritage, with bright colors, rich themes, and strong local flavor.
The traditional brewing technique of Hengshui Laobaigan is a national intangible cultural heritage, with a long history and unique craftsmanship.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Hengshui North Station has Beijing-Shanghai and Shijiazhuang-Jinan high-speed railways, direct to Beijing, Shanghai, Shijiazhuang, etc.
About 1 hour to Beijing, second class about 60 RMB
Hengshui Station is an important stop on the Beijing-Kowloon Railway, with regular trains to all parts of the country.
About 3 hours to Beijing, hard seat about 30 RMB
City bus routes cover main attractions and business areas, fare 1-2 RMB.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Made from fresh fish from Hengshui Lake, various fish dishes are prepared with delicious taste.
Selected high-quality pork, smoked with fruit wood, reddish color, unique flavor.
Exhibits the history, production techniques, and works of Wuqiang New Year paintings, a national intangible cultural heritage.
Showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Hengshui inside-painted snuff bottles, hailed as 'uncanny workmanship'.
Former residence of Dong Zhongshu, a great Confucian scholar of the Han Dynasty, experience Confucian culture.
One of China's famous liquors, light-aroma baijiu, crisp and refreshing with a long aftertaste.
Wuqiang New Year painting patterns printed on pastries, beautifully shaped, sweet taste.
Traditional snack of Jizhou, shredded pancake braised with vegetables and meat, soft and delicious.