Day 1: Zhengding Ancient City Cultural Exploration

Morning
Zhengding Ancient City

Highlights: A national historical and cultural city with the accolade “nine dynasties of unbroken heritage,” boasting nine national-level cultural heritage sites including Longxing Temple, Tianning Temple, and Kaiyuan Temple.

Must-See Attractions:

• South Gate Ramparts: Ascend the fortress walls for panoramic views, absorbing the historical weight of the “Three Strategic Towns.”
  
• Yanghe Tower: A Yuan Dynasty opera creation hub, praised by Liang Sicheng as an “architectural masterpiece.”
  
  Transportation: Take bus routes 177 or Sightseeing Route 1 (vintage trolley) from downtown Shijiazhuang directly to Zhengding South Gate. Journey time: 40 minutes.

Lunch
He’s Eight-Bowl Feast

Specialty: Zhengding’s traditional banquet, a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage. Recommended: “four meat and four vegetable dishes” set meal, rich in flavor yet never greasy.

Address: G338 (Hebei Avenue), Zhengding County. Average cost: ¥50/person.

Afternoon
Longxing Temple

Highlights: Ranked among China’s Top Ten Famous Temples, founded in 586 CE (Sui Dynasty). Home to national treasures including the Song Dynasty Mani Hall, polychrome suspended Buddha statues, and the 21.3-meter bronze Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara.

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (winter schedule). Admission: ¥50 (students 50% off).

Transportation: Within Zhengding Ancient City, accessible on foot or by taking bus 164 to “Dafosi” Station.

Dinner
Nongweichu Farmhouse Eight-Bowl Feast

Specialty: Rustic flavors featuring an “eight-dish platter” served with freshly baked flatbreads, offering authentic home-style cooking.

Address: Intersection of National Highway 107 and Changshan West Road, Zhengding County. Average cost: ¥40/person.

Day 2: Zhaozhou Bridge & Revolutionary Heritage

Morning
Zhaozhou Bridge

Highlights: The world’s oldest existing stone arch bridge, designed by Sui Dynasty master craftsman Li Chun, acclaimed as “the First Bridge Under Heaven.”

Highlights: Exquisite carvings on the bridge body allow visitors to experience the poetic scene of “water flowing through jade rings and people walking atop a dragon’s back.”

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00. Free admission.

Transportation: Take the “Zhaoxian County Coach” from Shijiazhuang Nanjiao Passenger Station. Journey time: 1.5 hours.

Lunch
Liu’s Donkey Meat Pie

Specialty: Hejian-style cuisine featuring crispy baked buns and tender donkey meat. Recommended: “intestine-stuffed bun” with donkey meat soup.

Address: Intersection of Tiyu East Street and Ziqiang Road. Average cost: ¥15/person.

Afternoon
Xibaipo Memorial Hall

Highlights: A revolutionary education base that served as the CPC Central Committee’s command center during the Liberation War. Preserves Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai’s former residences and the site of the Second Plenary Session of the 7th Central Committee.

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Free admission with reservation required.

Transportation: Take the “Xibaipo Tourism Special Line” bus from Shijiazhuang North Station. Journey time: 2 hours.

Dinner
Gaojianmin Donkey Meat Pie

Specialty: Established chain restaurant. Recommended: “braised pork and bun” with millet congee, offering great value.

Address: Intersection of Tanbei Road and Tanzhong Street. Average cost: ¥20/person.

Day 3: Nature & Leisure

Morning
Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden

Highlights: One of North China’s largest botanical gardens, featuring a Tropical Plant House, Desert Plant Zone, Cherry Blossom Garden, and seasonal landscapes.

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00. Admission: ¥5 (students ¥2.5).

Transportation: Take Tourist Bus Route 11 directly from downtown. Journey time: 30 minutes.

Lunch
State-Owned Barber Shop Restaurant

Specialty: Retro-style dining experience. Must-try: Golden-Furred Lion Fish deep-fried to golden crispiness with sweet-and-sour sauce.

Address: 96 Zhongshan West Road, Qiaoxi District. Reservation required. Average cost: ¥80/person.

Afternoon
Baodu Zhai

Highlights: AAAA-level scenic area at 580 meters above sea level, known as the “Wonderland of the World.” Explore the South Heaven Gate, ancient Great Wall ruins, and mist-shrouded mountain vistas.
Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30. Admission: ¥65 (including cable car).

Transportation: Take Tourist Bus Route 5 directly from downtown. Journey time: 1 hour.

Dinner
Yanfenglou Roast Duck Restaurant

Specialty: Time-honored brand offering innovative flavors of Golden-Furred Lion Fish (rattan pepper or garlic aroma).

Address: 208 Zhongshan East Road, Chang’an District. Average cost: ¥70/person.

Notes for Travelers

Transportation:

• Free sightseeing buses operate within Zhengding Ancient City
  
• Xibaipo tours recommended via group packages or chartered vehicles (2-hour drive from downtown)

Ticketing:

• Paid entry required for Longxing Temple (¥50) and Baodu Zhai (¥65 including cable car)
  
• Most other attractions offer free or low-cost entry (typically ¥5-10)

Seasonal Tips:

• Spring (March-May): Catch Zhengding’s nighttime lantern festival along city walls
  
• Winter: Botanical Garden’s tropical greenhouse provides warm escape (admission ¥5)

Culinary Tips:

• Pair donkey meat pies with warm donkey meat soup for authentic experience
  
• Eight-Bowl Feasts require 24-hour advance reservation at popular venues

This itinerary weaves together 3,000 years of history, natural wonders, and culinary traditions, offering a comprehensive immersion into Shijiazhuang’s dual identity as an ancient Yan-Zhao stronghold and modern industrial hub.