Hebei Province's Provincial Capitals Changed Most Frequently, Shijiazhuang Became the Capital After Nearly 20 Times of Relocation Following the Late Qing Dynasty, with Numerous Tourism Resources
When talking about Hebei Province, you'll first think of Shijiazhuang as the provincial capital?
Shijiazhuang is not a long-established provincial capital of Hebei, only a short 50 years. Hebei is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation, with abundant tourism resources, it's the province with the longest and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, with more than 2,000 kilometers of Great Wall ruins within it. There are many excellent cities in Hebei, such as Baoding, Tangshan, and Zhangjiakou, including the current municipalities directly under the administration of Tianjin, which used to be under the jurisdiction of Hebei. After the late Qing dynasty, Hebei Province's provincial capitals changed very frequently, nearly 20 times. What are the reasons for this?
Shijiazhuang developed into a city based on transportation, known as the 'Grain Bag of North China'. Because of the important historical significance of Xibiaoping, Shijiazhuang is also known as the 'Nursery of New China'.
Hebei Province's provincial capitals have undergone many changes, and it wasn't until the late 1960s that the capital was finally set in Shijiazhuang. After the late Qing dynasty, Baoding and Tangshan were alternately used as the provincial capitals. In 1928, Hebei Province was even directly administered by the Nanjing Nationalist Government. Even Beijing was once a temporary provincial capital.
Hebei's frequent changes in provincial capitals had a great impact on the economy. It wasn't until 1968 that Shijiazhuang became the provincial capital because of its transportation hub status. By 1971, Premier Zhou Enlai made a definitive determination of Shijiazhuang's status as the provincial capital.
Hebei has abundant tourism resources, in addition to the well-known Xibiaoping, there are many beautiful and culturally rich places.
Zhangjiakou has particularly abundant tourism resources and is currently the best place in China for the Great Wall. Chongli and Chixing are the largest natural ski resorts in North China, known as 'Oriental Davos'.
The Chairman of the International Olympic Committee, Bach, announced that Beijing and Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, would jointly host the 2022 Winter Olympics. At that time, it would be another grand event.
The Beijing-Zhangjiakou railway, which crosses 110 years of time, records the history of China's first independently designed and built railway, entering Zhangjiakou, visiting those preserved for a century of Beijing-Zhangjiakou railway wheels and carriages, Dragon Crane, experiencing Zhangjiakou's deep historical and cultural atmosphere.
Zhangjiakou's Haita Valley is Asia's largest and most luxurious RV camping site, many self-driving enthusiasts come here to vacation.
Baoding has long been used as the provincial capital, with a rich historical background. Baoding’s White Stone Mountain has the title of ‘Northern Little Yellow Mountain’. The entire mountain range is undulating and the terrain is complex, and the scenery is magnificent, like a giant screen. It is also known as the ‘First Screen of Taihang Mountains’. In the spring, it’s a good choice to go for a spring outing and enjoy flowers.
Everyone will think of the famous Five Martyrs of Wulu Mountain when talking about Wulu Mountain. Wulu Mountain is also located in Baoding, and it’s a classic red scenic spot, and it's also a natural mountain with beautiful scenery. In the spring, Wulu Mountain is a sea of flowers, with golden rapeseed flowers, which is intoxicating, and it's one of the favorite places for Beijing and Tianjin tourists to enjoy flowers.
Tangshan has a long and glorious industrial history, and its unique industrial tourism is loved by tourism enthusiasts. Tangshan Qiniang 1889, the birthplace of China's first bucket of cement, Tangshan Qilian National Mine Park, Qizhou Ancient City, Anti-Earthquake Memorial Square, Tangshan Shadow Play Park, Tangshan Anti-Earthquake Memorial Hall, Tangshan Shadow Play Park all worth visiting.
Tangshan is not only a key transit area between North China and Northeast China, but it was also awarded the United Nations Habitat Award and hosted the World Horticultural Exhibition, it's a city with great charm.
For Beijingers, Qinshangdao is their favorite resort place. Qinshangdao is the happiest city in China, here is one of the first coastal open cities, with a unique geographical environment, which has developed Qinshangdao's tourism industry. Every summer, tourists from all over the country like to come here to cool off and vacation.
