Jiaozuo Travel Guide

City Street

Chinese Name: 焦作市 (jiāo zuò shì)
Population: 3,775,000
Area: 4,071 square kilometers (1,572 square miles)
Location: in the northwest of Henan Province, east-central China
Administrative Division: 4 districts (Jiefang, Zhongzhan, Macun, Shanyang); 4 counties (Xiuwu, Bo'ai, Wuzhi, Wenxian); 2 county-level cities (Qinyang, Mengzhou)
Area Code: 0391
Zip Code: 454002
GDP (2018): CNY 237.15 billion (USD 35.84 billion)

Jiaozuo is situated in the northwest of Henan Province, adjacent to the Yellow River and located at the convergence of Henan and Shanxi, which was the material distribution center of northwestern Henan since ancient times. In the south, it is separated from Zhengzhou and Luoyang by the Yellow River. Jiaozuo is the birthplace of Tai Chi, which is a kind of traditional Chinese martial art, featuring slow movements and deep breaths. It can be practiced not only for sports but also for physical fitness. After more than 300 years of development, it has been widely spread in more than 150 countries and regions around the world, with over 300 million trainees. Tourists can go to Chenjiagou in Wenxian County to learn about the history of Tai Chi and practice Tai Chi. What’s more, there are many spectacular mountains in Jiaozuo to see such as Yuntai Mountain and Shennong Mountain which belong to the Taihang Mountains.

It lies in the Xiuwu County and it features marvelous water landscape. The Yuntai Waterfall has a fall of 314 meters (1,030 feet) which is the greatest in China. July to September is the best time to visit the waterfall as it may be without  water at other time. The Hongshi (Red Stone) Gorge is famous for its spectacular Danxia landscape and was praised to be the 'number one sight' of the province.

Yuntai Mountain

delightful scenery

Located in the northern suburb of the city, Henan Province, Jiaozuo Film and Television City is the largest in architectural scale among the many movie cities in China. It is constructed along the mountain. Composed of the square near the city gate, the Palace of Zhou Dynasty (770BC–221BC) area, the Palace of Chu State area and Shijing (the ancient market place), its majestic, elegant and classic appearance attracts many visitors from home and abroad each year.

The main gate of the Film and Television City is uniquely shaped into an ancient coin. Walk into the square near the city gate, and you will see a huge embossed work which depicts an ancient copper cooking vessel, with the King of Zhou Dynasty who moved the capital eastward, and the Emperor Qin Shi Huang who unified the states.

The Palace of Zhou Dynasty area covers 2.8 hectares, which mainly include the Palace of Zhou, the film studio, and Lingtai where emperors used to worship Heaven and held important meetings. The delicate and beautiful Palace of Chu fully reflects the rich  cultural background of that period. The ancient battle field reminds visitors of the raging flames of historical battles. Shijing is the market place where many shops and merchants were gathered. What is more unique is that in this city, visitors are privileged to see how the common people produced and made a living in the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC) by the replication of cottages, mud walls and workshops which are presented here. You will feel as if you have returned to the mysterious old times.

Since opening to the public, this Film and Television City has attracted many directors to make outstanding films here. When you visit, you may be lucky enough to see a film being made or even be invited to be an extra. 

Entrance Fee:

CNY 30

 

Other Scenic Spots: Qingtianhe Scenic and Historic Interest Area, Shennongshan National Park, Jiaying Temple

Zhengzhou is 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Jiaozhou and Luoyang is 100 kilometers (62 miles) west. With the expressway, Zhengzhou is only half an hour ride away.  It takes only seventy minutes from the city to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. Yuntai Mountain is 30 kilometers (19 miles) from city proper. In high season, tourist buses will depart every thirty minutes and it is only a half hour ride to the mountain.

The addresses of main bus stations in the city:
Passenger Central Bus Station:  Southwest corner of the intersection between Yinbin Dadao and Yinghu Road
Tourist Central Bus Station: 1, Jianshe Road (Middle), Jiefang District

Jiaozuo has warm temperate continental monsoon climate with distinctive four seasons. While spring is dry and windy, summer is torrid but rainy. On the other hand, it seldom rain in winter. Autumn is cool with clear sky. The annual average temperature hovers around 14.1-14.4℃ (57.4-57.9℉).

 When to Go: Spring and autumn seasons are the best time to visit Jiaozuo, especially with the clear, sparkling autumn.

 History: It was inhabited as early as 8,000 years ago and was part of Jinzhou during the Xia Dynasty (21st - 16th century BC).   Its name changes over the years and finally become Jiaozuo Mining Area in 1949. It is said that the city got its present name from a person whose last name was Jiao, who operated a ceramic workshop.

 Physical Features: Located in the transition area between Taihang Mountains and Northern Henan Plain, the city is higher in north and lower in south. Many types of landform co-exist in this area, including mountains, plains, depressions, hills and lowlands.

 Special Local Products: Four Major Huai Medicine (Rehmannia Root, Radix Achyranthes Root, Chinese Yam, chrysanthemum), bamboo products of the Bo'ai County, butter tea of Wuzhi County, dried persimmon