Xingtai Travel Guide
Xingtai Facts
Chinese Name: 邢台 (xíng tái)
Population: 7,395,200
Area: 12,400 square kilometers (1,332 square miles)
Location: in the south of Hebei Province, north China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Qiaoxi, Qiaodong); 15 counties (Xingtai, Neiqiu, Lincheng, Longrao, Renxian, Baixiang, Ningjin, Julu, Pingxiang, Xinhe, Guangzong, Weixian, Linxi, Qinghe); 2 city-level counties (Shahe, Nangong)
Area Code: 0319
Zip Code: 054000
GDP (2019): CNY 212 billion (USD 30.7 billion)
Seated in the southern part of Hebei Province, the city borders Shandong Province to the east, Shanxi Province to the west, Handan to the south, Shijiazhuang and Hengshui to the north and northeast. It is 108 kilometers (67 miles) south of Shijiazhuang and 396 kilometers (246 miles) away from Beijing. The Taihang Mountains areas rising in the west of Xingtai are said to be the most beautiful, green parts where caves, waterfalls and streams are dotted in the towering mountains. Xingtai has opened Gorges of Taihang Mountains to the public. Also, a visit to White Cloud Cave of Mount Kong, the most magnificent and largest karst caves in the same latitude in the world, will make a memorable stay in Xingtai.
Xingtai Attractions - Things to Do
White Cloud Cave of Mount Kong
Located in Licheng County in Xingtai City, White Cloud Cave of Mount Kong is a rare karst cave covering an area of 4,784 square yards. There are four large cave chambers which present different views. The first chamber is as splendid as heaven. The crystal stone screens hangs right in front of you, shining brightly dazzling your eyes. The second chamber shows us a scene which may exist in hell by a forest of overhanging strange and jagged stones. The third chamber is a peaceful human world with a forest of rocks and creeks. The fourth chamber tells you what it is like in the Dragon Palace in the stories by presenting stone tree branches and densely covered pools. Here, the nature is the great sculptor and the vast array of stones is its favorite works. Due to its graceful conformation, it is regarded as the museum of karst cave and underground maze.
Near White Cloud Cave of Mount Kong, there is the enchanting and fascinating Xishan Lake and Little Heavenly Pool which has an interesting name "Understanding Nature". Dotted by the beautiful and verdant hills, the land presents a picturesque view which is good for relaxing and contemplation.
Gorges of Taihang Mountains
It is a forges community comprised of total 24 gorges along the Taihang Mountains forming a series of spectacular sights.
Other scenic spots:
Qingfeng Tower, Lingxiao Mountain, Kaiyuan Temple, Qiannanyu Ecological Tourist Zone
How to get to Xingtai
Visitors can have a five and a half hours ride from Beijing to Xingtai. There are also buses running every 30 minutes from Shijiazhuang and Jinan.
Tourists can also take a train to Xingtai Railway Station or Xingtai East Railway Station from Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Guangzhou, Shanghai and other cities.
See Beijng to Xingtai Train
Weather
When to Go: Visitors often choose to visit there in autumn not only for the favorable weather but also for the local well known chestnuts.
Xingtai Travel Tips
History: Historically, Xingtai has borne many names. As a fiefdom of Zhao Kingdom in early Warring States Period (476BC-221BC), it was called Xiangguo. During Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, it was named Longgang, and then got the name of Xingtai in the year of 112 in Song Dynasty (960-1279). In addition, it is the site where one of the seven famous kilns in Tang Dynasty, Xing Kiln, is seated having a brilliant history of white porcelain making. Physical Features: Located at the convergence of Taihang Mountains and North China Plain, Xingtai city slopes from the west to the east. Its main topography is plain occupying more than half of the city area. It has reserves of black metal and other minerals. Local Highlights: Yangge Songs: a kind of folk song with dance originating from the Rice-sprout songs while doing farm work.
Meihuaquan: Plum Blossom Fist, a kind of martial art that especially famous for its Meihuazhuang (quincuncial piles) Special Local Products: medlar, Chuanzhihong apricot, honeysuckle flower, sesame candy, cashmere of Qinghe County