Key Takeaways:
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Zhangjiakou offers a rich blend of nature, sports, and culture in every season, from skiing in winter to hiking and festivals in warmer months.
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As a co-host of the 2022 Winter Olympics, it has modern infrastructure combined with traditional Chinese charm.
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The city is ideal for adventure lovers, history buffs, and families looking for both excitement and quiet getaways.
Zhangjiakou, located in northern Hebei Province, is a dynamic destination known for its dramatic landscapes, snowy mountains, and growing reputation as a year-round outdoor adventure hub. Historically a strategic pass through the Great Wall and now a prominent winter sports capital, it has played roles both ancient and modern. The city gained international fame during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as a major host city for skiing and snowboarding events. Beyond sports, visitors love Zhangjiakou for its peaceful countryside, ethnic diversity, and close proximity to Beijing, making it perfect for extended stays or weekend escapes.
Table of Contents
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Ski and Snowboard at Thaiwoo or Genting Snow Park
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Explore the Great Wall at Dajingmen Pass
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Hike the Green Trails of Wanquan Grassland
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Discover Culture and Crafts in Zhangbei Old Town
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Attend the Zhangbei Music Festival in Summer
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Visit the Winter Olympic Village in Chongli
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Wander the Ancient Villages in Bashang Plateau
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Take Scenic Drives Through Xiahuayuan District
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Experience Ice and Snow Festivals in Winter
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Relax in Local Hot Springs After a Day Outdoors
1. Ski and Snowboard at Thaiwoo or Genting Snow Park
Zhangjiakou is home to some of China’s best ski resorts, including Thaiwoo and Genting Snow Park, which gained global attention during the 2022 Winter Olympics. These resorts offer world-class facilities, Olympic-grade slopes, snowboarding parks, and family-friendly snow play areas. With long winters and steady snowfall, the region attracts professional athletes and leisure travelers alike from November through March.
Even outside of competition season, the resorts stay lively with lessons, tubing parks, cozy lodges, and après-ski restaurants. In the warmer months, these mountain resorts turn into hiking and mountain biking destinations, so adventure never stops. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just want to enjoy the mountain air, these resorts deliver four-season fun with stunning views.
2. Explore the Great Wall at Dajingmen Pass
Dajingmen is one of the most unique and lesser-known sections of the Great Wall, located just on the edge of Zhangjiakou’s main city area. Unlike the heavily restored parts near Beijing, Dajingmen offers a more authentic, rugged experience with ancient watchtowers and mountain-backed scenery. The wide stone gate is both a historical relic and a scenic lookout point where you can feel the scale of China’s ancient frontier defenses.
You can walk along short segments of the wall and explore nearby temples and old city gates at your own pace. It’s a perfect half-day trip that combines history, photo opportunities, and peaceful walking paths. The lack of heavy crowds gives you space to imagine what it felt like centuries ago on this northern border.
3. Hike the Green Trails of Wanquan Grassland
Wanquan Grassland is a sprawling, high-altitude landscape just west of the city that bursts into color in spring and summer. Ideal for hiking, horseback riding, or simply having a picnic, this area provides a soft, rolling contrast to Zhangjiakou’s mountainous terrain. Wildflowers and wind-blown meadows stretch for miles, offering peaceful nature walks with clean air and scenic views.
Local herders and farmers often dot the landscape, adding a cultural element to your visit. You’ll likely see flocks of sheep, grazing horses, and seasonal festivals celebrating traditional Mongolian culture. It’s a rejuvenating escape from urban life and a hidden gem for nature lovers who enjoy solitude and open skies.
4. Discover Culture and Crafts in Zhangbei Old Town
Zhangbei Old Town blends traditional architecture with local folk customs, making it a worthwhile cultural stop on any itinerary. The ancient city walls, courtyards, and artisan shops offer a glimpse into life during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Many local craftspeople still sell handmade items like paper cuttings, wool garments, and wood carvings rooted in centuries of tradition.
You can enjoy local food stalls serving noodles and roasted meats while musicians play traditional Chinese instruments nearby. Seasonal cultural festivals bring in theater performances and folk dancing, especially during holidays. Walking through Zhangbei Old Town is like stepping into a live museum full of texture, flavor, and charm.
5. Attend the Zhangbei Music Festival in Summer
Each summer, the rolling plains of Zhangbei transform into the stage for one of China’s most famous music festivals. The Zhangbei Grassland Music Festival attracts major national bands, indie artists, and thousands of fans camping under the stars. The open-air atmosphere, surrounded by mountains and grasslands, creates a laid-back yet energetic vibe.
Beyond music, the festival also features food trucks, craft vendors, and eco-conscious art installations. It’s an excellent time to meet locals and fellow travelers while enjoying everything from rock to folk to electronic music. For festival lovers, it’s one of northern China’s must-attend summer events.
6. Visit the Winter Olympic Village in Chongli
Chongli, a district of Zhangjiakou, served as a central hub during the 2022 Winter Olympics and now stands as a modern sports tourism destination. The Olympic Village and venues remain open for visitors, allowing you to tour world-class facilities used by elite athletes. Interactive exhibits detail the Games’ history, China’s achievements, and the area’s transformation into a global winter sports capital.
Outside the stadiums, you’ll find restaurants, boutique hotels, and ski schools welcoming travelers year-round. In the off-season, these venues host summer sports, art events, and cultural festivals. It’s a great place for fans of Olympic history and active travelers looking to explore a legacy site that continues to thrive.
7. Wander the Ancient Villages in Bashang Plateau
The Bashang Plateau, northeast of Zhangjiakou, is home to several scenic villages where time seems to stand still. These rural settlements are known for their stone cottages, terraced fields, and friendly residents who preserve traditional lifestyles. It’s one of the best places in Hebei Province to witness authentic countryside culture and agricultural life.
The plateau is also stunning in every season—from golden wheat fields in summer to snowy rooftops in winter. Photographers and hikers flock here for the breathtaking light and unspoiled vistas. Staying overnight in a guesthouse allows for deeper cultural exchanges and a peaceful retreat from city life.
8. Take Scenic Drives Through Xiahuayuan District
Xiahuayuan District offers dramatic mountain roads, lush valleys, and impressive rock formations, making it ideal for scenic drives or cycling tours. This area is less visited by tourists, which means the roads are quiet and the natural beauty remains untouched. You’ll pass pine forests, narrow gorges, and small lakes perfect for rest stops or short hikes.
In autumn, the foliage turns fiery red and golden, making it a top seasonal drive in Hebei. Local roadside stands sell fresh fruit, roasted corn, and homemade snacks, adding a rustic charm to the trip. Whether you’re traveling by car or bike, Xiahuayuan gives you a slower, immersive experience of Zhangjiakou’s countryside.
9. Experience Ice and Snow Festivals in Winter
During winter, Zhangjiakou’s snowy climate turns many public parks and ski resorts into dazzling displays of ice lanterns, snow sculptures, and festive lights. Annual ice festivals pop up throughout the city, featuring performances, food stalls, and family-friendly snow activities. From ice mazes to snow carving contests, there’s a little magic for everyone.
The festivities usually align with Chinese New Year, making the experience even more vibrant and culturally rich. Visitors can watch traditional lion dances and firework shows while sipping hot ginger tea. If you’re in Zhangjiakou during this time, bundle up and join the locals for some unforgettable winter cheer.
10. Relax in Local Hot Springs After a Day Outdoors
After a long day of hiking, skiing, or sightseeing, nothing beats soaking in a hot spring. Zhangjiakou and its surrounding areas are dotted with natural and manmade hot spring resorts, some set in the mountains and others in luxurious spas. The mineral-rich waters are known for easing muscle tension and improving circulation.
Many hot springs also offer spa treatments, private pools, and scenic views of snowy peaks or rolling fields. They are open year-round but feel especially indulgent in winter when the contrast between the cold air and warm water creates a deeply relaxing experience. A soak here is the perfect way to end an active day in Zhangjiakou.
What to do if you have kids?
Zhangjiakou is a great destination for families traveling with children, offering a mix of outdoor fun, cultural learning, and hands-on experiences. Kids will love the snow parks, horseback rides on the grasslands, and puppet shows in the old town. Many ski resorts offer beginner slopes and kids’ clubs, while summer brings kite flying, camping, and nature walks. Family-friendly hotels and restaurants are easy to find, and the slower pace of the city makes it easier to explore with little ones.
Where can I find free events in Zhangjiakou China taking place this weekend?
For a quick and easy way to discover free local events happening this weekend in Zhangjiakou, check out PlanMyWeekend.ai. The platform curates up-to-date listings of cultural festivals, outdoor movie nights, art shows, street performances, and community gatherings near you. Whether you’re into music, markets, or family activities, PlanMyWeekend.ai helps you experience the best of Zhangjiakou without spending a dime.
Final Thoughts
Zhangjiakou is an exciting blend of heritage and modern energy, where mountain peaks, ancient walls, and cultural festivals collide in every season. Whether you’re carving down ski slopes, hiking across wild grasslands, or wandering quiet old villages, the city invites exploration on every level. With its proximity to Beijing, clean air, and unique identity, Zhangjiakou is perfect for travelers seeking beauty, balance, and adventure. Start planning your trip—and let the seasons guide your journey.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
