Zhangjiakou Hebei, China Travel Guide
Climate Patterns Throughout the Year:
Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise quickly, typically averaging 5-15°C. This season can bring strong winds and dust, specifically in April. Precipitation remains low. The landscape greens.
Summer (June-August): During summer there is warm to hot temperatures, averaging 20-28°C. This period receives the majority of the annual rainfall, often in short, intense showers. Humidity levels are moderate. Summer brings a pleasant escape from the intense heat of Beijing, especially in the higher elevations.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn is a pleasant time to visit. Temperatures are temperate and dry, averaging 5-15°C. Skies are often clear, with excellent visibility. Precipitation decreases significantly as the season progresses.
Winter (December-February): Winter is cold and dry, having temperatures frequently dropping well colder than 0°c, averaging -15°C to -5°C. Snowfall is common, especially in mountainous areas like Chongli, ideal for winter sports. Moisture level remains low, helping the crisp cold.
High Season:
Winter (December-March): Peak for snow sports, mainly winter sports in Chongli.
Cons: Accommodation and activity prices are higher, resorts become more crowded, temperatures are extremely cold, requiring specialized winter gear.
Summer (July-August): Many visit to escape Beijing's heat and explore the grasslands and mountains.
Pros: Mild and comfortable temperatures, lush green landscapes, outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Cons: Occasional heavy rainfall may impact things to do outdoors, popular natural attractions may see more guests.
Shoulder Season:
Spring (April-May):
Pros: Pleasant weather suitable for sightseeing and delving into the past, fewer crowds compared to peak seasons, budding landscapes.
Cons: Can be windy and dusty, some ski areas may have already closed for the season.
Autumn (September-October):
Pros: Pleasant temperatures, clear skies, colorful autumn foliage, perfect for hiking and exploring historical sites, generally fewer crowds than winter.
Cons: The weather cools down quickly as November approaches, requiring warmer clothing.
Low Season:
Late Spring (May) and Late Autumn (November):
Pros: Prices for accommodation and travel are at their lowest, and you will encounter few tourists.
Cons: Transitional weather can be unpredictable, some attractions might not be open as long, or the landscape may be less appealing due to the changing seasons.
Summer (July-August) delivers the most rainfall. These monsoon showers can sometimes lead to localized flooding or temporarily disrupt things to do outdoors.
During winter it is severely cold. Plan your packing attentively to include proper layering and winter clothes to stay comfortable. Summers generally offer milder temperatures than Beijing, but occasional heatwaves occur.
Spring often brings strong winds. This can lead to dusty conditions, especially in more open or rural areas.
While Zhangjiakou city itself is not at a high altitude, some higher ski areas in Chongli reach elevations up to 2,100 meters. This elevation may be noticed by sensitive individuals, though serious altitude sickness is not usual. Staying hydrated is good practice.
December to March offers the best snow conditions and resort operations for skiing and snowboarding.
May-June and September-October provide agreeable weather for hiking and scenic walks. From from June to august highlights the grasslands in their lush green beauty.
April-June and September-October are ideal for easy exploration of historical sites like the Great Wall sections.
June to August highlights the grasslands in their lush green beauty, perfect for tours.
December - March
May - June, September - October
April - June, September - October
June - August
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter mainland China.
China offers several visa types, depending on your reason for visit. You typically submit your application form, passport, photograph, and additional documents to a Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Alternatively, IVisa or VisaHQ offer visa application services. In-person submission is usually required, along with biological data collection (fingerprints) for most applicants. Commence your visa application well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Prepare the following documents for your visa application.
Authorities may request bank statements to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover expenses during your trip. Previous Chinese visas copies are also helpful if you have traveled to China before.
Costs vary widely depending on your travel style, from budget-conscious exploration to luxury experiences.
Currency: The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), aka Renminbi (RMB).
Exchange Rate: Exchange rates fluctuate. Check current rates before your trip to understand the value of your home currency compared to the CNY.
Main financial institutions in Zhangjiakou offer currency exchange services. ATMs are widely available throughout the city and accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus).
WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate the payment landscape within China. Many vendors, even small street stalls, mainly use these apps. While cash is still accepted, it is less commonly used for daily transactions. Consider setting up one of these applications before or upon arrival. This often requires linking an international bank card.
Official currency, also Renminbi (RMB).
Banks and ATMs available.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used for most transactions.
Still accepted, but less common for daily use.
Familiarize yourself with health advice, safety measures, and emergency protocols.
Required: No mandatory vaccinations are needed for admission to China for general travel.
Recommended: Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. They may recommend routine vaccinations (like MMR, DTP, Varicella). Other common recommendations for China include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid. Japanese Encephalitis might be it's a good idea if you plan extended stays in rural areas, and Rabies if your activities involve potential animal contact.
Air quality varies, especially during winter. Check the Air Purity Index (AQI) daily. Consider wearing an N95 mask on days with poor air quality.
Monitor AQI daily for your well-being.
Wear a N95 mask on poor air purity days.
Drink only Bottled water or boiled water. Avoid tap water. Eat well-cooked food from reputable establishments. Practice frequent hand washing, especially before meals.
Stick to bottled or boiled water only.
Don't drink tap water and uncooked street food.
Zhangjiakou city is not at high altitude, but some higher ski areas in Chongli reach up to 2,100 meters. Stay hydrated. Winters are severely cold. Dress in layers with warm, insulated, and windproof clothing to prevent hypothermia or frostbite when outdoors.
Hydration is important at higher altitudes.
Layer warm, insulated, and windproof clothing in winter.
| Category | Details | Contact/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | Zhangjiakou First Hospital and Zhangjiakou People's Hospital handle emergencies. Quality of care varies. | For serious medical emergencies, consider transport to Beijing for international hospitals. |
| Police Emergency line | Local police services for crime and assistance. | 110 |
| Emergency Ambulance | Medical emergency response. | 120 |
Safe drinking water and hygienic food are important for a healthy trip.
Tap water in Zhangjiakou is generally not safe for direct consumption. Always drink bottled water, widely available, or boiled water.
Use bottled water for brushing teeth.
A personal filter like LifeStraw could be a an another option for extended remote hiking.
Practice Caution with Street Food
Choose busy stalls with high customer turnover; this indicates freshness. Ensure all cuisine is cooked thoroughly. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself or they feature been washed with safe, purified water.
Frequent hand washing, especially before meals, it's advisable.
Always prioritize hygiene to avoid foodborne illnesses.
If your flight to or from China is delayed or canceled, you may be entitled to compensation under certain regulations.
Services like AirHelp specialize in helping passengers claim compensation for disruptions. They handle the claims procedure for a fee.
Keep all boarding passes, confirmations of your bookings, and any communication from the airline regarding the delay or cancellation.
In a medical emergency, act quickly and calmly. Your immediate safety is important. Contact the appropriate local emergency service first. If you require consular assistance, contact your embassy. Carry a small card with medical information and emergency contacts, rendered in Mandarin.
While Zhangjiakou is safe, awareness helps avoid minor issues. Protect your belongings, stay informed about local conditions, and always have a way to interact.
Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.
Use anti-theft bags from Pacsafe for valuables.
Have a a phone that is charged with local emergency numbers.
