Zhangjiakou is located in the northwestern part of Hebei Province, at the junction of Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia. It has a temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons: long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average annual temperature is about 6°C, making it a summer resort and winter ski destination.
Zhangjiakou has a long history and is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, with the Nihewan site group dating back 2 million years. During the Ming Dynasty, it became an important pass on the Great Wall defense line, and in the Qing Dynasty, it was established as Zhangjiakou Ting. In modern times, it was the capital of Chahar Province and is now a key node city in the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Zhangjiakou has a diverse culture, blending agricultural and nomadic civilizations. Local specialties include oat noodles, Bashang lamb, and Chaigoubao smoked meat, known for their rich flavors. Annual events like the Chongli Ski Festival and Yuxian Paper-cutting Festival are held, and folk arts such as Errentai and Dashuhua are uniquely charming.
Zhangjiakou co-hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics, making Chongli District an international ski destination. With the opening of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway, it has become part of Beijing's one-hour commuting circle. Industries such as big data and new energy are thriving, and the city is transitioning from a traditional industrial city to a green, smart city.
The best time to visit 张家口 is Best travel time: Summer (June-August) and Winter (December-February).
Summer (June-August): Zhangjiakou is cool in summer with average temperatures of 18-25°C, making it a summer paradise. The Grassland Sky Road is lush green, and Bashang grassland is full of wild flowers, suitable for outdoor activities and photography.
Winter (December-February): Chongli ski resorts have excellent snow quality, a paradise for skiers. Average winter temperature is around -10°C, so keep warm.
Spring and Autumn: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have pleasant weather, but spring is windy and dusty, while autumn is colorful, suitable for leaf viewing and hiking.
The Nihewan site group in Yangyuan County, Zhangjiakou, is one of the earliest ancient human activity sites in East Asia, known as the 'Hometown of Eastern Humans'.
Dajingmen is an important pass of the Great Wall in Zhangjiakou city, one of the four major passes, witnessing military and trade history.
Recommended places to visit
Chongli District has several international ski resorts such as Wanlong, Genting, and Thaiwoo, host of the 2022 Winter Olympics snow events, with diverse slopes and complete facilities.
Located in Zhangbei County, about 132 km long, one of the most beautiful roads in China, with stunning grassland, wind turbines, and terraced fields, ideal for self-driving.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Yu County paper-cutting is a national intangible cultural heritage of China, mainly intaglio with some relief, colorful, wide range of subjects, often used for window decorations.
Traditional folk activity in Nuanquan Town, Yu County, Zhangjiakou, splashing molten iron onto the city wall to create a tree of fire and silver flowers, spectacular scene.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Located 9 km southeast of the city center, with flights to major domestic cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, convenient.
Varies by route
From Beijing North Station to Zhangjiakou Station in about 50 minutes, passing Qinghe, Badaling, etc., supporting the Winter Olympics.
Second class about 90 RMB
City bus routes cover major attractions and business areas, fare 1-2 RMB, some routes accept Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei transport card.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Traditional staple food of Zhangjiakou, made from naked oats, can be made into nests or fish shapes, chewy texture, often served with mutton soup or pickled cabbage.
Mutton from free-range sheep on Bashang grassland, tender and non-gamey, common dishes include hand-grabbed meat, roast lamb chops, and hot pot.
Chongli District of Zhangjiakou hosted the snow events of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, boosting its international reputation and ice-snow industry.
One of the four major passes of the Great Wall, located in Zhangjiakou city, with the inscription 'Great Rivers and Mountains' on the gate, a symbol of Zhangjiakou.
Located in Zhangbei County, one of the closest grasslands to Beijing, lush in summer, offering horse riding, archery, bonfire parties, etc.
Located in Yu County, built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, with preserved ancient sites like Yuhuang Pavilion and Nan'an Temple Pagoda, famous for paper-cutting art.
Specialty of Chaigoupu Town, Huai'an County, smoked with cypress wood, bright red color, fat but not greasy, lean but not dry, with unique smoky flavor.
Traditional banquet dishes of Yu County, including eight courses like braised pork, stewed mutton, and braised meat strips, served in large bowls, rich flavor.
Traditional pastry of Yangyuan County, made with flour, sugar, and oil, crispy outside, sweet inside, shaped like small cakes.