2024 Handan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Walking Through Time: The Historic Legacy of Hui Che Alley

#chinatrip #handan #Huichealley #historical #historicalsite Walking through Hui Che Alley in Handan, I felt as if I had traveled back over two thousand years to the Warring States period. This narrow alley is steeped in history, named after the story of Lin Xiangru, a senior official of the Zhao State, who reportedly gave way to General Lian Po here, earning it the name "Hui Che Alley" (Turning Carriage Alley). Standing here, I can't help but imagine the time when Lian Po ordered his carriage to block the road three times, while Lin Xiangru, instead of arguing or asserting his power, chose to retreat and yield in this very alley. His tolerance and foresight became a model for future generations, placing the interests of the nation above all. Walking through this historic alley, I am deeply moved by the weight of history and the wisdom it imparts.

3000 Years of Waiting: My Journey Across 3000 Miles to Visit Handan Museum

Handan Museum is a national first-class museum. I am very excited to visit Handan Museum after reading about its incredible history and treasures so I arranged a day trip to Handan just to slowly explore it. 🚨Exhibition Highlights*🚨 1. Gandan" Splendor ➡️Explore Handan's historical and cultural evolution, from the Neolithic Cishan culture to the Zhao State's "Hufu Riding and Shooting" and the Cao Wei period's "Jian'an Style." Notable artifacts include carbonized walnuts and millet from 8000 years ago, and a chariot pit directly moved from an archaeological site. 2. Cizhou Kiln Porcelain Exhibition ➡️Displays ceramics from the famous northern folk kiln that peaked during the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties. 3. Handan Ancient Stone Carving Art Exhibition ➡️Compares the characteristics of Buddhist statues from the Northern Wei to the Tang periods. A standout is the 3/5 scale restoration of the Northern Xiangtang Grotto's Third Cave. 4.Stone Grotto Exhibition Hall ➡️On the 4th floor, offering an international-standard display comparing Buddhist statues from various historical periods, aiding in the understanding of grotto art. 🌟🌟The Handan Museum houses several must-see artifacts: ✅Da Jue Wine Vessel**: A prized bronze wine vessel, one of only two in existence, with the other housed in the Palace Museum. ✅Warring States Bronze Horse**: A realistic bronze horse sculpture from the Warring States period, predating the famous Galloping Horse by 400 years. ✅Warring States Gilded Bronze and Jade Dragon Ornament**: A top-tier artifact believed to be a jade sword pommel, featuring intricate designs of dragons and a tiger, with the uppermost tiger holding a red agate bead in its mouth. ✅Red Agate Belt Hook**: A finely crafted artifact from the Warring States period, carved from a single piece of red agate. ✅Openwork Ji Dragon Gold Plaque**: A gold plaque with an openwork design of two dragons, symbolizing the cultural blend of the Central Plains and Steppe cultures. ✅Tang Dynasty Red Sandstone Buddhist Statue**: Notable for the "Handan Smile" Laughing Arhat head, this statue radiates pure joy and harmony, different from the usual solemn expressions of large Buddha statues. ✅V Eastern Han Bronze Artifacts**: Includes the Tianlu Ironing Board, adorned with a mythical Tianlu beast, a common Han Dynasty decoration, with 12 round circles on the handle that may represent a calendar. 🕰️Business Hours: 9AM to 5PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), and is closed on Mondays 💰Average Price per Person:Free, reservations are required a day in advance via WeChat apps 💞Reasons to Recommend: The museum's layout is thoughtfully designed, starting from the Central Hall and leading through various exhibitions that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Handan. **Free Guided Tours**: Held daily at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM #museums #100waysoftravel #hebei #Handan #Handanmuseum

The ancient charm of Handan, a new chapter in the cost-effective king hotel.

✨ The ancient charm of Handan, a new dream, Century Plaza Store - a feast for travel photography ✨ 📸 Under the lens, Handan Jiyu Hotel Century Plaza Store is like a bright pearl, inlaid in the bustling city, with its excellent cost performance, attracting the attention of countless travelers. 🏨 When you walk into the hotel, you will be impressed by the elegance and warmth here. Whether it is a spacious and bright guest room or exquisite and elegant decoration, it reveals an extraordinary taste. And all this, but with a very close price, so that you can enjoy high-quality accommodation at the same time, without worrying about the high cost. 🛋️ In the guest room, soft beds, comfortable sofas, and exquisite tea sets make you feel at home on the journey. Pick up the camera and record this tranquility and beauty, you will find that the cost performance can also be so elegant. 🍽️ In terms of food, the hotel restaurant is also amazing. Authentic Handan cuisine, exquisite plating, and attentive service allow you to enjoy a double feast of vision and taste while tasting delicious food. Moreover, the price is affordable, so you can enjoy the fun of food on the journey. 🚶‍♂️ When you walk out of the hotel, the prosperity and noise of Century Plaza are in front of you. You can stroll in the square and feel the pulse of the city; You can also visit the surrounding attractions and appreciate the profound historical and cultural heritage of Handan. All this convenience and excitement are made possible by the hotel's superior location. 💰 The king of cost performance is not only the perfect balance between price and quality but also the value-for-money experience it brings to you. At Handan Jiyu Hotel Century Plaza Store, you will enjoy high-quality service, a comfortable accommodation environment, and rich surrounding resources, all of which are presented to you at a very close price. - Handan Jiyu Hotel Century Plaza Store, here, you will get a unique travel memory, so that the soul in the journey to get real nourishment and relaxation. Come and join us to explore the charm of this city!

Handan is an ancient city that has been waiting for you for 3,000 years.

History ● Congtai was built during the reign of King Wuling of Zhao in the Warring States period (325 BC–299 BC). It was a place for the king to review the army and enjoy singing and dancing, and has a history of more than 2,000 years. It was named for its many pavilions and towers, and is an important building complex in the ancient city of Handan in the State of Zhao. ● After the rise and fall of the Qin, Han, and Three Kingdoms periods, Congtai fell into ruins in the Song Dynasty. It was rebuilt many times during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Congtai seen today was rebuilt during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, and has been repaired many times since. Main attractions ● Wuling Congtai: The main building of the park, covering an area of 3,500 square meters and 27 meters high, is divided into three layers: upper, middle, and lower, and is made of blue bricks. There is a gate on the north and south sides of the lower layer, and the middle layer has buildings such as Wuling Hall and Huilan Pavilion. The upper layer has Jusheng Pavilion. The Congtai is surrounded by flowers and plants, and you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the park from the top. ● Seven Sages Temple: Located at the north entrance of Congtai, it was built to commemorate seven sages of the State of Zhao, including Lian Po, Lin Xiangru, and Gongsun Chuju. There is also a forest of steles of historical celebrities in the courtyard. ● Congtai Lake: The lake in the center of the park, with a surface area of more than 40 mu, has a long corridor on the shore, a long bridge between the shores, and pavilions in the lake, which are set off by the surrounding green trees and flowers, forming a beautiful garden picture. ● Qin Shi Huang Birthplace Memorial Hall: Located in the park, it is mainly in the architectural style of the Qin Dynasty. Outside the hall, there are clear waters, pavilions, and towers. Inside the hall, the life and achievements of Qin Shi Huang are introduced through rich historical materials.

Hectic Handan East Railway Station.

In the midst of a busy journey, I passed by Handan East Railway Station, a vibrant transportation hub full of stories. Some pedestrians on the square were in a hurry to catch the train that was about to depart, while others were strolling leisurely, enjoying a moment of peace and waiting. The high-speed trains, like arrows leaving the bow, cut through the sky, leaving behind silver tracks. They not only carry passengers' longing for distant places but also bring the speed and passion of modern technology. Every time a train whizzes by, it seems as if you can hear the roar of progress, stirring up emotions. Handan East Railway Station, a modern landmark in the ancient land of Zhao, skillfully weaves together history and modernity. The interior design incorporates traditional cultural elements of the State of Zhao, with ancient totems and modern architectural concepts complementing each other, like a bridge through time and space, allowing every traveler to feel the weight of history and the convenience of modernity. As the train slowly started and gradually moved away from Handan East Railway Station, I couldn't help but look back. At that moment, the intersection of ancient and modern, the collision of history and modernity, left a deep impression on me.

2 hours from Beijing, Handan is a seriously underrated city.

Visit this underrated city and explore a city that has been waiting for you for 3,000 years. Handan, the underrated pearl of the Yanzhao land 💎 🌑 Background The Northern Qi Royal Grottoes! A dynasty that lasted only 28 years, but spent one-third of the country's financial resources to build this national project. Whether it is niche or low-key, it should be seen and understood by more people! 🌑 Travel route ➡️ Beixiangtang Mountain Grottoes - Great Buddha Cave - Shijia Cave - Carved Sutra Cave - Changle Temple Ruins - Digital Museum - Nanxiangtang Grottoes ⬅️ 🌑 Travel guide 1️⃣ The entire Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes are divided into the North Grottoes and the South Grottoes. The two places are 15 kilometers apart, and if you have enough time, both are worth a visit. 2️⃣ The North Grottoes are large in scale and the Buddha statues are stunning! The grottoes are on the mountain, so it is recommended to take the shuttle bus and visit from top to bottom. 3️⃣ The main attractions of the Beixiangtang Grottoes are the Great Buddha Cave, Shijia Cave, and Carved Sutra Cave. After visiting the grottoes, the Changle Temple and the Beixiangtang Mountain Digital Museum at the foot of the mountain are also worth a visit. 4️⃣ The South Grottoes are small but exquisite, with the Thousand Buddha Cave, Lotus Caisson, 8 Flying Apsaras, and Carved Sutra Cave. 5️⃣ Beixiangtang Grottoes tour order: If you only have half a day, come here. Changle Temple Ruins ➡️ Grotto Temple ➡️ Song Pagoda ➡️ Digital Museum Changle Temple, where a large number of Tang Dynasty headless Buddha statues were excavated, is both shocking and regrettable. 🗼 Song Pagoda: Ruins of a Song Dynasty pagoda 📍 Digital Museum: Very exciting, don't miss it, no entry after 16:30 6️⃣ Homework: "Exploration and Discovery - Exploring the Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes", which makes it easier to understand the connotation of the grottoes. 🌑 Check-in The history of Beixiangtang is no less than that of Datong, and it is worth spending a weekend to visit, even if you are traveling alone.

Underrated Treasure City | This is the most unpopular ancient city I have visited this year.

📍Guangfu Ancient City is located in Guangfu Town, Yongnian District, Handan City, Hebei Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. 🎉 🌟History🌟 - 📜Built in the Spring and Autumn Period: The history of Guangfu Ancient City can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period, when it was called Quliang, more than 2,600 years ago. 😮 - 🕰️Changes over the dynasties: Since the Western Han Dynasty, it has successively become the seat of counties, prefectures, states, and counties in successive dynasties. 👏 🏰Architectural Features🏰 - 🧱City Wall and Moat: The city wall is 4.5 km long, 12 m high, and 8 m wide, and is basically intact. The moat outside the city is 100 m wide and 5 km long, forming a "one city and two waters" landscape. 😍 - 🎑Architectural Style: The buildings in the city are mainly in the form of northern quadrangle courtyards in the southern Hebei style, mostly with independent courtyards, facing south, with hard mountain roofs, and exquisite stone carvings. 👍 📍Main Attractions📍 - 🏯Ancient City and City Wall: A national key cultural relic protection unit, the existing city wall was built in the Ming Dynasty, and the streets in the city retain the scale and direction of the Ming Dynasty, and there are many Qing Dynasty residences. 🤩 - 🏛️Guangping Prefecture: Located at the northern end of the north-south central axis of the ancient city, it is one of the famous three prefectures in the south of the capital in history. ✨ - 🌉Hongji Bridge: A single-hole double-open shoulder stone arch bridge, 48.9 m long and 6.82 m wide, similar to Zhaozhou Anji Bridge, with exquisite reliefs. 😚 - 🏠Former Residences of Yang Luchan and Wu Yuxiang: The former residences of the founders of Yang-style and Wu-style Tai Chi, respectively, are in the Qing Dynasty style and are well preserved. 🥰 🤸‍♂️Cultural Value🤸‍♀️ - 🥋Tai Chi Culture: This is the birthplace of Yang-style and Wu-style Tai Chi, known as the "Hometown of Tai Chi in China". 👏 🚗Transportation Guide🚗 - 🚌Bus: From Handan Station, take bus 605 (Tour 1) directly to the south gate of Guangfu Ancient City, or get off at the east gate at the terminal, the fare is only CNY 6. 😎 - 🚗Self-driving: There are parking lots near the east gate and south gate, and there are also parking spaces on the side of the road. 🅿️ 🎫Ticket Information🎫 - The ancient city is free to enter, but each attraction inside requires a separate ticket. If you want to play in Handan for a few more days, it is recommended to buy an 88 yuan Handan annual pass, which basically covers all scenic spots in Handan. 💰 🕙Opening Hours🕙 - The ancient city is open all day, and the opening hours of the paid attractions are 8:30-17:30. ⌛

Half of Handan's history is in Guangfu Ancient City.

🌟 Highlights: Guangfu Ancient City is located in Yongnianwa, Handan City, covering an area of 46,000 mu. It has a history of 2,600 years and is also known as Yongnian City, Guangfu Ancient City, Water City, Taiji City, and Little Jiangnan. The most distinctive feature of Guangfu is the 5-kilometer moat surrounding it, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. It was a place of strategic importance for military strategists. The existing city wall was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, with a height of 12 meters, a width of 8 meters, and an area of 1.5 square kilometers. There are four ancient city towers and five pavilions on the city wall. The ancient city wall, urn city, city tower, horse path, city gate, and relics of the thousand-pound water gate have important architectural and aesthetic value. In history, it has attracted countless dignitaries and literati. Tang Dynasty poets such as Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei, and Liu Yuxi all visited Guangfu Ancient City and left poems praising it. 📝 Tips: The ancient city is heavily commercialized, with homogeneous products and Hanfu shops everywhere, lacking the flavor of a historical ancient town, which is regrettable. 🍲 Dishes not recommended: The dishes here are salty, and the recommended dishes are average. Locals only have a sentimental attachment to them.

A one-day tour of Nuwa Palace and Xiangtangshan Caves in Handan.

You can visit Nuwa Palace and Xiangtangshan Caves in one day, and even have time to visit the Zhao Wang City Ruins Park! These are niche attractions, so there are not many people even on holidays, but the scenery is not inferior at all. It's perfect for a weekend getaway for people in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei! Transportation 🚗: Arrive in Handan the night before and stay overnight. Rent a car and drive from Handan in the morning. Take the Qinglan Expressway and National Highway 309. Take a break at the service area on the way. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Nuwa Palace in Shexian County. Take the same route to Xiangtangshan Caves, which takes about 1 hour. You can visit the Zhao Wang City Ruins on the way back to the city. It takes about half an hour to drive there, and another half an hour to return to the city. We set off at 8:30 am and returned to the hotel at around 6 pm. We didn't rush at all. Attractions 🏞: It is highly recommended to buy the Handan Tourism Card in advance, which covers the tickets for these two attractions. The card is activated on the day of purchase and takes effect the next day, so be sure to prepare it in advance. 1️⃣ Nuwa Palace You can buy a sightseeing bus ticket 🚞 at the entrance, which costs 20 for a round trip. It saves time. It is not difficult to climb from the foot of the mountain to the main scenic area. It is a zigzag gentle slope, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the top. The main scenic area preserves buildings and stone carvings from the Northern Qi Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. You can also climb up the Bell and Drum Tower to ring the bell and beat the drum to fully appreciate the charm of ancient architecture. It is recommended to try the slide when going down the mountain. It costs 40 per person 👱🏻‍♂️, and you can control the speed yourself. It's super fun and effortless to go down the mountain. 2️⃣ Xiangtangshan Caves There is also a sightseeing bus from the entrance to the mountain. I don't think it's necessary to take it unless you are really tired. The difficulty of climbing the mountain is similar to that of Nuwa Palace. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the main scenic area 🏕. The most famous ones are the Great Buddha Cave and the Shakyamuni Cave. Unfortunately, almost none of the Buddha statues are complete, and the overall scale is not large, but you can still clearly see the vivid paintings of that time. When I went there, the scenic area was undergoing lighting renovation, and I don't know if it will be open for night tours in the future. 3️⃣ Zhao Wang City Ruins Park 🏞 The park is very large, and the main open area is the city wall ruins. It is recommended to visit. The grass by the city wall is very photogenic in good weather. There is a museum at the end of the road from the entrance. It is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to open this year. You can keep an eye on it.

Outstanding - Xiangtangshan Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center.

🌟Highlights: The museum uses modern technology to restore and display the relics and remains of the grottoes. In addition to various text and picture materials, you can also see the damaged Buddha heads and statues of the Xiangtangshan Grottoes (recovered, returned, and 3D printed) and the relics left by the Changle Temple. It is impressive and a great exhibition hall for the Xiangtangshan Grottoes! After visiting this exhibition, you will have a better understanding of the history of the Xiangtangshan Grottoes and the development and spread of Buddhism, as well as the loss of cultural relics from the Xiangtangshan Grottoes and the digital protection work carried out in recent years. It helps us better understand the history and cultural value of the Xiangtangshan Grottoes!

Ruins of Changle Temple.

🌟Highlights: In addition to the grottoes, Changle Temple is a must-see in Xiangtang Mountain. Changle Temple was built in the Northern Qi Dynasty and was originally named Shiku Temple. It was renamed Changle Temple during the Jiayou period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1056–1063). Historical records show that it was once glorious. As early as the Tang and Song Dynasties, it was already the "No. 1 ancient temple in Heshuo" and was famous throughout China. "Heshuo" refers to the vast area north of the Yellow River, which shows its prosperity! Now, the entire temple only has a Song Dynasty pagoda outside the mountain gate and some stone carvings inside the temple, while the rest are ruins. You will feel an indescribable sense of desolation and loneliness, which will make you cry... The incomplete Three Buddhas once appeared on the cover of National Geographic China. It is said that they will be protected with a roof soon, and the open-air Three Buddhas will eventually become a swan song!

The back garden of the King of Zhao over 2,300 years ago.

📍Address: Zhaoyuan Park, Lianfang Road, Sijiqing Street, Congtai District, Handan City, Hebei Province 🚗Transportation: Drive. Bus 60, 63. 🕙Opening hours: 6:00–21:00 💰Ticket price: Free 🌟Highlights: 1. The largest cultural site park at the junction of Beijing, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan. 2. The Chajianling Site in the park is where King Wuling of Zhao trained his cavalry, and Zhaomei Pond is one of the ancient sites in the Zhao Palace. 3. The Chinese Idiom Garden in the park displays famous Chinese idiom stories, such as "wearing Hu clothes and shooting on horseback." 📌Tips: 1. The whole tour takes about 2 hours. Start from the north gate and walk to the south gate, exploring some historical and cultural sites along the way. 2. If you visit in summer, it is recommended to take sun protection measures, such as a parasol, sun hat, and mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites. 3. The lotus pond near the Chinese Idiom Garden is a good place for travel photography. 4. If you are not interested in history, it is just like visiting a park. It is recommended to learn about the relevant historical stories in advance.

A small village at the foot of Xiangtang Mountain is quiet and peaceful.

Small village at the foot of Xiangtang Mountain After leaving the Handan Xiangtang Mountain Scenic Area, I saw a road sign pointing to "Zaoshu Huang Ancient Village" and decided to go there. It was a typical Taihang stone village called "Xiangtang Village." It was beautifully decorated and had a large canteen where I had lunch. If you have feelings for Taihang Mountain, you won't miss the chance to reminisce!

Experience Handan's history and culture at Congtai Park.

❤Recommended reason: In the evening, walk into Handan Congtai Park and look across the river at the Congtai of the State of Zhao. People come and go, just like the bustling streets of the ancient city thousands of years ago. Congtai Park is a 4A scenic area. The name of the park was inscribed by Guo Moruo. "Wuling" in Wuling Congtai refers to King Wuling of Zhao, and the name "Congtai" comes from the fact that many platforms were connected and stacked together at that time. It was built in the State of Zhao during the Warring States Period. After King Wuling ascended the throne, he implemented the policy of "wearing Hu-style clothing and shooting on horseback," which greatly increased the national power and made the State of Zhao one of the "Seven Heroes" of the Warring States Period. The place where the soldiers were trained was Wuling Congtai, which is a very important group of architectural ruins from the Warring States Period in the ancient city of Handan. At night, the golden lights illuminate the Congtai, making it shine brightly. The moat is also decorated with blue lights, as if the Congtai is wearing a beautiful ribbon, complementing the lights of the entire city. History and reality are perfectly integrated. It is a cultural and historical treasure of the people of Handan!

A low-key museum—Handan Museum.

Through its special way, the museum preserves the cultural symbols of a city and becomes the unique cultural card and label of the city, inheriting the civilization of a city. Handan Museum was built in 2008. The exterior of the museum is unique, incorporating the shape of ancient bronze ware. The building is 35.5 meters high, covering an area of about 12,000 square meters, with a total construction area of 30,679 square meters. It is divided into one underground floor and six above-ground floors, with an exhibition hall area of more than 15,000 square meters. Permanent exhibitions: "Gandan" Style, Handan Ancient Stone Carving Art Exhibition, Cizhou Kiln Porcelain Exhibition, and Square World. Museum treasures: Gold and silver painted large jue wine vessel, coiled chi pattern horse head ear large bronze mirror, openwork kui dragon, gold plaque decoration, bronze horse, Handan smile, and scale Tianlu frame iron. Handan Museum records the origin and development of a city, three thousand years of Gandan style, five hundred years of Buddhist charm and light, this low-key city contains such surprises, full of the treasures of Yanzhao land, the museum experience is very strong, making people linger. I believe that in the future, I will continue to explore more unknown history and cultural fields with this beautiful memory!

Traversing Through the Mists of History: The Ancient Charm and Timeless Imprints of Guangfu Ancient City

Guangfu Ancient City, located in Handan, Hebei, is a city steeped in rich historical atmosphere, with a cultural heritage spanning over a thousand years. This visit to Guangfu Ancient City allowed me to deeply feel its rustic elegance and the weight of history, as if stepping into a historical scroll depicting Chinese civilization. The ancient city retains a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with well-arranged streets and alleys, and elegant blue bricks and gray tiles. Walking on the winding stone-paved roads, I could clearly feel the tranquility and peace that time has settled. The city walls are magnificent and imposing. Climbing up the city tower and looking into the distance, the beautiful scenery of the ancient city surrounded by water comes into view, making the entire ancient city seem to float on the green waves. The moat of Guangfu and the layout of the ancient city are perfectly combined, showcasing the ingenious wisdom of the ancients. In addition, the ancient residential clusters and well-preserved ancient buildings within the city are astonishing. These buildings have various styles but all retain unique historical imprints. Strolling here, it feels as if one can hear the echoes of history and see the bustling scenes of the past. The local authentic snacks and handicrafts further enhance the rich cultural charm of Guangfu Ancient City. This trip to Guangfu Ancient City not only made me feel the weight of history but also deeply appreciate the profound and vast traditional Chinese culture. Whether you are interested in ancient architecture or want to personally experience historical relics, Guangfu Ancient City is definitely worth a visit. Here, you can quietly touch the passage of time and savor the endless charm of the ancient city.

{Niche Attractions} Beijing Self-driving Hebei Station - Fengfeng.

After leaving Shexian, I passed by Fengfeng and got my tire fixed, had lunch, and visited two free attractions🍁 First stop navigation📍Black Dragon Cave, which is actually a street park with some nearby residents swimming🏊. Even at 25 degrees, the water is still very cold. There is a continuous lake path in the center of the lake, which is quite interesting. Second stop navigation📍Fengfeng Magnetic State Kiln Themed Relief Group, a large-scale mountain sculpture group built on the expressway, which is very shocking. The sculptures show the production process of Magnetic State Kiln and the scene of the ancient Silk Road. The murals are lifelike. Fengfeng is the birthplace of Magnetic State Kiln and is also called Pengcheng, with the reputation of "Jingde in the south, Pengcheng in the north". If you have time, you can also visit the Magnetic State Kiln Museum. As I had to rush to Daming County to see the night view, I visited these two attractions and set off for the next stop - Daming County.

Xiangtang Yunrui Hotel.

The hotel is in a great location. Although it's not in the city center, it's only a ten-minute drive to the city. The surrounding area has the amazing Handan Museum, which houses many historical relics. The ancient bronzes exude a charming ancient charm, the exquisite ceramics show the craftsmanship of the ancients, the precious calligraphy and painting works highlight the beauty of art, and the unique folk cultural relics tell the rich stories of Handan, a famous historical city. In addition, Qingquan Park has a pleasant scenery, with shady trees, clear lakes, and flowers blooming. Walking by the lake, the breeze is blowing, making people feel relaxed and happy. The surrounding business center also provides customers with a wealth of shopping and entertainment options. Fully equipped The rooms are spacious and well-lit, equipped with new and complete facilities. The bedding is comfortable, ensuring that guests can enjoy a good night's sleep. Various daily necessities are neatly arranged, and the hotel's careful arrangement can be seen from the details. What is particularly gratifying is that the guest rooms are equipped with dumbbells, elliptical machines and other fitness equipment, which is undoubtedly a great gospel for guests who are keen on fitness. Even if you don't leave the room, you can exercise at any time. The hotel also has an underground parking lot with ample parking spaces, which eliminates the worries of parking for self-driving guests. First-class service The staff's service attitude is very enthusiastic and thoughtful. From the moment the guest stepped into the hotel lobby, there was a special person to greet him, assist in carrying luggage, and guide the check-in procedures. When guests have special needs, the service staff will do their best to meet them; when they encounter problems, they can solve them quickly. Unfortunately, on the night we stayed, the nearby construction site continued to work. Although the hotel staff had communicated with the construction party, it seemed to have limited effect. It is expected that the relevant local departments will pay more attention to this issue in the future. In short, Xiangtang Yunrui Hotel is very good in both hardware facilities and software services, and it is a hotel with high cost performance. If you have the opportunity to come to Handan, you must come and experience this treasure hotel. I believe you will fall in love with it like me. Enjoy a luxury stay

Xiangtangshan Grottoes - A stunning artistic treasure that has traversed a thousand years.

🌟Historical Background: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes were carved during the Northern Qi Dynasty of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (550 - 577 AD). The Northern Qi was a dynasty established by the Xianbei people. From Emperor Gaozu of Northern Qi onwards, successive emperors worshipped Buddhism. With the support of the imperial court, Buddhism almost reached the status of a national religion. Based on this, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes were carved on a large scale. 🌟Grotto Landscape: Walking into the Xiangtangshan Grottoes is like travelling back a thousand years. The Buddha statues inside the grottoes are exquisitely carved and lifelike. Each Buddha statue has a unique expression and demeanor, making one marvel at the superb craftsmanship of the ancient artisans. Although they have been eroded by time, they still give a sense of the past glory. 🌟Historical Culture: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are an important Buddhist grotto complex and are among the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. They are known as one of the "treasures of Northern Chinese grotto art." The grottoes also contain engravings of scriptures from the Northern Qi period, with diverse artistic forms. These engravings record the history of the grottoes and the development of Buddhist faith, and have important historical value. However, they have been repeatedly damaged and looted by humans, and many fine pieces are scattered in Japan and European and American countries. 🌟Experience: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are located on a mountain. From the entrance, there are two sections where you can take a shuttle bus (sold separately). Take an electric car from the entrance, and transfer to a mountain car at Changlesi Temple. Taking a car can save time and effort. The most impressive caves are the Big Buddha Cave, the Shakyamuni Cave, and the Scripture Engraving Cave. There are also other caves with unique features, such as the Sui Buddha Cave and the Song Dynasty Cave! Ticket: 98 yuan/person (including sightseeing shuttle bus) Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:30 Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, with ample parking space.

Fengfeng Yuanbao Mountain: Located in the center of Fengfeng Mining Area, it is named after the three peaks that resemble a yuanbao (a type of ancient Chinese currency).

The Fengfeng Mining Area Yuanbao Mountain Scenic Area is located at the junction of the new city of Fengfeng Mining Area and the ancient town of Pengcheng, covering an area of 900 acres, with a tributary of the Fuyang River flowing into the foot of the mountain. It is named Yuanbao Mountain because the shape of the mountain resembles a yuanbao. The Fengfeng Mining Area Yuanbao Mountain Scenic Area is marked by the Yuanbao Pavilion, integrating the fairy-tale style of the Butterfly Pavilion and the Mushroom Pavilion, the ancient and elegant Nine-Curve Corridor, the exotic charm of the Dutch Windmill Pavilion, and the modern atmosphere of the colorful neon arch, showing the integration and collision of multiculturalism, and is an excellent place for tourists to relax, entertain, and explore culture. Yuanbao Mountain Park mainly has the golden Yuanbao Pavilion, the uniquely shaped Butterfly Pavilion and Mushroom Pavilion, the ancient and elegant Nine-Curve Corridor, the exotic Dutch Windmill Pavilion, the cliff carvings that have experienced thousands of years of wind and rain, and the modern colorful neon arch, etc. The Yuanbao Pavilion is located on the main peak of Yuanbao Mountain Park, It is as tall as a three-story building, with a magnificent shape, and looks like a huge yuanbao: it is decorated with gold foil all over, shining in the sun. There is a spiral staircase inside the pavilion, and the four walls on the second floor are all colorful murals, with rich and varied content, rough and smooth lines, and an ancient and solemn style. The Yuanbao Pavilion is the central symbol of Yuanbao Mountain Park, implying that the economic development of Fengfeng is booming, the country is rich and the people are strong, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and have enough food and clothing. The Butterfly Pavilion and Mushroom Pavilion are located on the west slope of the park, with ingenious ideas and unique shapes, dotted among the green trees and red flowers on the mountain. There are tables and seats under the pavilion, all clean and tidy. Sitting under it, it seems to enter a mysterious fairy tale realm. Aesthetics and leisure are integrated, and the feelings and selflessness are the most attractive places for the Mushroom and Butterfly Pavilion.

Handan Xiangtangshan Grottoes - Touch the vicissitudes of distant history.

🌟Highlights: Xiangtangshan Grottoes is the most important royal grotto temple left over from the Northern Qi Dynasty and is a treasure trove for studying Chinese Buddhism, architecture, sculpture, painting, and calligraphy. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Xiangtangshan has been subjected to large-scale theft, and many Buddha statues have been lost overseas. You can watch up close and touch the Buddha statues. The Buddha statue is in the transition period from foreign culture to Central Plains culture. The Buddha statue has also changed from a high-nosed, wide-shouldered, naked body to a flat-shouldered, draped, localized, fully reflecting the historical development value of art. 🗓Itinerary: The park is not big and is built on the mountain. There is a sightseeing car to the middle of the mountain, and then more than 100 steps can reach the grotto area on the mountain. It is easier to visit from top to bottom. You can visit according to the sightseeing car route. After visiting the Xiangtangshan Grottoes in the north and the south, don't rush to leave. There is a place you must visit, that is, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes Digital Display Center. It's very big inside, with several floors, and many precious Buddha statues have been restored using 3D printing technology. There is also a cinema inside, playing historical short films, which is very good. 🚉Transportation strategy: You can drive by yourself, or you can take a bus to the nearby and then call a car, which is very convenient. ❤Recommended reason: Seeing that almost all the Buddha statues have been destroyed and only the body is left, I feel very sad. I hope that history will not repeat itself and protect this millennium treasure.

Handan china

Handang - China

When you visit Congtai Park, you can't just climb Congtai.

To learn about the story of the plum blossoms blooming twice, you can go to the southeast of Congtai to admire the sculpture of the plum blossoms blooming twice. Not far away, there is a wall with a poem about Congtai written by Zheng Banqiao. Adjacent to the bottom of Congtai, the northern part is the Qixian Shrine, inscribed by Fang Yi. Inside are statues of seven wise men who made outstanding contributions to the establishment and development of the Zhao State. Three of them are from the Jin State and are related to the orphan of the Zhao family. Next to it is the Handan Stele Forest, inscribed by Bo Yibo. Most of them are unearthed epitaphs. The largest one is the tombstone of He Hongjing of the Tang Dynasty, which is also the largest epitaph in China. In the southwest of Congtai, there is Wangzhu Pavilion, built in memory of General Yue Yi. Not far away is the Birthplace Memorial Hall of Qinhuangdao. It is not big, but you can briefly understand the life experience of the First Emperor.

Handan Museum Half-Day Tour.

After leaving the North Cave of Xiangtang Mountain, I didn't go to the South Cave, leaving some regrets for the next visit. After lunch, I started the last stop before returning to Beijing, Handan Museum. Handan Museum, Library, and Cultural and Art Center are built together. The Cultural and Art Center is the main body, and the Museum and Library are set up on both sides. The transportation is convenient, and there are some market activities on the small square. The museum is free to visit, and you can enter the venue with a reservation or on-site ID card. There are 4 floors. The first floor has no exhibition. The second floor is some temporary exhibitions. The third and fourth floors are basic exhibitions. The third floor's "Gandan" style and Handan history and culture display introduces Handan's history according to the timeline. The three bronze horse statues in the Warring States Period are lifelike and strong, which reminds me of Zhao Wuling's Hu Fu riding and shooting. It is said to be 400 years earlier than the Han Dynasty's horse stepping on a swallow. The fourth floor is the exhibition of Cizhou Kiln, stone statues, and coins. The stone statue exhibition is very worth seeing. Combined with the North Xiangtang Grottoes in the morning, the different styles of Northern Qi and Tang Dynasty stone statues are full of expectations for the South Xiangtang. The overall visit time is about 2-3 hours, and there is free manual explanation every half an hour during the National Day.

Guanling Mountain, the highest point in Handan City.

Guanling Mountain Scenic Area is built in a vast wilderness that is connected to the village with crisscrossing paths. A winding two-lane road runs through the wilderness like a child running and playing. Children who have finished their summer homework and adults who are far away from the hustle and bustle of the world drive or walk here to enjoy the flowers along the way or climb up to the viewing platform less than 20 meters above sea level. They will still pant and stand on the viewing platform to enjoy the villages, fields and lakes at the bottom. Blowing the slightly cool breeze in early autumn, looking at the corn in the field that is about to mature, the millet will soon turn golden, the vegetable field cultivated by the farmers has fallen green cucumbers all over the body, and the purple round eggplant is pressed down by the branches. Looking far away, the neat houses in the surrounding villages have also become a kind of embellishment in the fields, and the nearby Kanghu Reservoir is like an emerald. Pick a few sour dates by the roadside and head to Kanghu Scenic Area. Draw a key point, pass the music road in Guanling Mountain Scenic Area, be sure to open the car window and turn off the car music, drive over the music road at a speed of 50KM/h, and the melodious "Singing the Motherland" floats in the mountains, and the mood instantly ripples the beautiful rivers and mountains of the motherland.

How to avoid peak self-driving tours during long holidays.

It's National Day again, and peak travel is challenging. Let's talk about my itinerary first, then my experience. First stop, about 600 kilometers away from Handan: Beixiangtang Mountain, Nanxiangtang Mountain, and the North Dynasty Archaeological Museum are all niche attractions. Originally planned to stay in Guangfu Ancient City, but randomly changed, avoiding the crowds, and switched to accommodation in Shexian (Nuwa Palace). It's a very quiet small city. Second stop, Nuwa Palace, Taihang Mountain Tongyu, Dazhai, Xiyanyang (Hongqi Street), temporarily canceled Huangya Cave Scenic Area (crowded) on the road, stayed in Xiyanyang at night and played Hongqi Street. Third stop: Niangziguan, due to road repairs, Guanguan Great Wall was canceled, changed to Tianchang Ancient Town, canceled Zhengding Ancient City, changed to Zhaozhou Bridge (not getting off due to crowds), changed to Gaotang accommodation, evening walk around Gaotang Lake. Fourth stop: Zibo Commercial City to buy porcelain, lunch at Cornfield BBQ, afternoon tea at home. On the road, I saw a lot of news about traffic jams and crowded attractions online. I found it very interesting. We had a smooth journey and enjoyed our trip. So, today's focus is on how to avoid peak travel. Mastering these tips will be very helpful. 1. Purpose: During long holidays, don't go to major cities or large attractions. This is a big no-no, as they are full of people. Try to choose niche attractions, places that are inconvenient to reach by train or plane, which highlights the advantages of self-driving. The more famous the attraction, the more you should avoid it. Just make a general plan and adjust it as needed. Holiday travel is about relaxing your mind, not sightseeing. 2. Equipment: An important piece of equipment is a folding table and chairs, a large-capacity thermos, and a convenient tea-making set. You can rest and have tea or meals at any time. You can also take a nap in a scenic spot. 3. Traffic arrangements: During long holidays, highways are free, so everyone takes the highway. This makes it easy for cars to get stuck, while many good national roads are empty. Apart from the speed limit (for safety), both the scenery and road conditions are excellent. The Taihang Mountain National Road we took felt like a highway, with no cars, so you can drive freely. Therefore, for short distances within 80 kilometers or connections between scenic spots, it is not necessary to take a detour on the highway. In fact, the national road is the shortest route. 4. Staggered travel: When you're away from home, be diligent. When others are resting according to their normal routine, it's your time to hit the road. For example, I never sleep in. I usually set off at 7 am, whether on national roads or highways, there are basically no cars on the road, so you can drive freely. I'm also the first wave at the scenic spot. When I'm done playing, the crowds start to pour in. This is around 11 am, just the right time for a break. After an hour of tea and food, it's time to set off again. It's lunchtime, so the roads are still very empty. Around 4 pm, check into a hotel, take a shower, take a nap or lie down for an hour. You can also take a walk in the evening. 5. Adjust at any time: Pay attention to the online release of scenic spot traffic and daily traffic flow. This will let you know where you can go and where you should avoid. The attractions we temporarily canceled were all overcrowded. Go where there are fewer people. Just have a general direction, don't stick to your original plan mechanically. This is also an advantage of self-driving. For example, my trip to Dazhai and Xiyanyang's Hongqi Street was great. The kids were very impressed. They haven't experienced this period of history, so they only understand what a fighting spirit is when they come here. 6. Scenic spots: Usually, the most important scenic spot of the day is arranged in the morning. Try to enter as soon as it opens. There are very few people at this time, so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Take the reverse order of visiting, from the best to the ordinary. Leave more time for the best. This way, you'll find that when you're done playing and strolling out, the crowds are just starting to come in. 7. Meals: During daytime travel, eating is the most time-consuming (unless it's a light meal), especially when there are a lot of people. It seems that Chinese people only go out to eat and drink. In fact, you can never find good and cheap food at scenic spots. Even if your kids eat less, they won't starve. Leave dinner for the evening, and go to the best restaurant in the city. 8. Travel companions: Be sure to choose travel companions who share your interests or hobbies. Having a good relationship and shared interests are two different things. Try to travel with your own family, you will feel very comfortable and refreshed. 9. During long holidays, don't join group tours. Group tours are based on cost and are all large attractions. This is spending money to suffer and being herded like sheep. Also, try to avoid traveling by train or plane. The legend is beautiful, but the reality is cruel. This is a battle, and half of your time will be spent here. Self-driving is the best option. 10. Make good use of free highways: We set off a day before National Day's free period, driving slowly. We stopped at a rest stop and set up a stall to eat dinner, taking our time. Then, around 9 pm, we found a good service area, preferably one with hot water, washed up, and slept in the car overnight. We set off early in the morning, exited the toll gate for free, and were the first to arrive at the scenic spot. We set up a small table and had breakfast and tea, being the first to enter the scenic spot. In the afternoon, we checked into a hotel early, took a shower, and had a nap. In the evening, we strolled around the small town and found the best restaurant to replenish our energy. We were full of energy!

Ancient Imperial Palace - Handan Congtai Park

🌟 In a corner of the bustling city, there is a park full of historical heritage - Handan Congtai Park. It was once the palace of King Wuling of Zhao, and now it has become a good place for citizens to relax and entertain. Let's walk into this park together and feel the charm of thousands of years of history and culture. 🌳 Ancient Congtai, tracing the footsteps of history 🌳 Entering Congtai Park, the first thing that comes into view is the ancient Congtai site. 🏰 The simple buildings witnessed the glory of the Zhao Kingdom. Standing on the Congtai, it seems to hear the echo of history and feel the breath of ancient emperors. 🌸 Green waves, enjoy the lake and mountains 🌸 Walking by the lake, the green waves are rippling, and the lake and mountains are all in sight. 🌅 The setting sun, the lake is sparkling, like a beautiful picture scroll. Here, you can put down your fatigue and enjoy the gift of nature. 🎉 Children's Paradise, unlimited joy 🎉 Bring your children and come to the Children's Paradise together. 🎠 Carousel, Ferris wheel, bumper car... Various amusement facilities make the children linger, and laughter echoes in the park. 🌺 Four Seasons Flower Sea, encounter romantic time 🌺 The park's four-season flowers are vying for beauty. In spring, peach blossoms and pear blossoms bloom in competition. In summer, lotus and water lilies are beautiful and moving. In autumn, chrysanthemums and ginkgo are beautiful. In winter, snowflakes and wintersweet stand proudly. Here, encounter romantic time and feel the charm of nature. 📚 Cultural Corridor, taste the artistic atmosphere 📚 Walking in the cultural corridor, admire the exquisite sculptures, stone carvings, and calligraphy works. 🖼 This is the palace of art, allowing you to taste the essence of Chinese culture during the tour.

Handan High-speed Railway Station Hilton Hampton Hotel.

Handan High-speed Railway Station Hilton Hampton Hotel A city and a hotel every day, share it Coordinates: Comfortable double room on the 1st floor of the South Building of Oriental International Business Center, No. 196, East Ring Road, Handan There are three windows, the room is large overall, and the layout is the entrance, bathroom, and washbasin. There are office desks and chairs, ordinary toilets, mineral water, refrigerators, drinks and good friends, and the bed is very comfortable. Breakfast 7:00-10:00, a variety of types, hot dishes, fruits, drinks, processed meals (dumplings, noodles, etc.), good service. Opened in 2022, it is very close to the high-speed railway station and the hotel in the building. Good service: Due to the wind, the front desk changed the room The price of about 300 is recommended for this store, don't be picky at this price

Beixiangtang Temple Sculpture, a thousand-year echo.

Speaking of grottoes, in addition to Datong Longgang and Luoyang Longmen, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes hidden in Handan, Hebei, are also worth looking forward to. There are the South and North Xiangtang Grottoes. If you don't have enough time, you can also visit the North Xiangtang. Beixiangtang Temple is located in the Xiangtangshan Scenic Area in Fengfeng Mining Area and Village, Handan City, Hebei Province (east side), and its west side is Gushan, which is the branch of Taihang Mountain. Speaking of Xiangtang Grottoes, it should be the style between the Northern Wei Dynasty and Longmen Grottoes. It was created in the Northern Wei Dynasty and built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577 AD), and continued to be excavated in the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties. There are more than 30 existing grottoes and more than 5,000 large and small Buddha statues. There are the Great Buddha Cave, the Sakyamuni Cave, and the Sutra Carving Cave. The Great Buddha Cave is the main part. It is said that there is a tomb of Gao Huan on the niche. Chinese historian Fan Wenlan wrote in "A General History of China": "The Great Buddha Cave of the North Xiangtang Grottoes is comparable to the Binyang Cave of the Longmen Grottoes, the Fifth Cave of the Gongxian Grottoes, and the various large caves of the Yungang Grottoes." The beauty of the cave statues of Beixiangtang Temple lies in the characteristics of the Northern Qi Dynasty, the understanding and expression of Buddhism by nomadic peoples, and more importantly, its broken head and body, which are endless and sighing. The shock and regret brought by the brokenness make the statue itself more regretful and mysterious. The body and head are in different places, and the head scattered overseas, although it has been repositioned through 3D technology, but for such a situation, it is always sighing and thought-provoking. It is said that Beixiangtang Temple is currently operated by entrepreneurs in Wu'an. They have invested a lot of energy to maintain this national treasure. The repositioning of the statue's body and head was helped by overseas Chinese living in the United States. She collected the pictures and data of the heads scattered in museums around the world and shared them with Beixiangtang Temple. The Sutra Carving Cave needs more professional rescue and maintenance at all times. From the foot of the mountain to Xiangtang Temple, it takes about half an hour to forty minutes to climb up. If you take a battery car, you will be up in ten minutes. The Xiangtang Temple Grottoes are deep and secluded. Because people can make loud echoes by clapping and waving their sleeves in the cave, they are named "Xiangtang". There are also places such as the Song Dynasty Changle Pagoda and Xiangtang Temple, and the Digital Display Center near Beixiangtang Temple. If you are interested, you need at least four hours to visit. From Handan City to Beixiangtang Temple, it takes about an hour by car. The whole journey is on the expressway, which is very convenient.