One-Day Travel Guide to Zhengding Ancient City

Route: Xinhua District, Huachang Plaza, Shijiazhuang → Zhengding Ancient City 🚗 Transportation Options: 1. Driving/Taxi (Recommended): Huachang Plaza → Zhengding Ancient City, approximately 25 km, 40 minutes by car. - Free parking is available within Zhengding Ancient City. Recommended parking spots: **South Gate Parking Lot or near Longxing Temple. 2. Metro + Bus (Economical): Walk from Huachang Plaza to Metro Line 3, Shijiazhuang No. 2 Middle School Station → transfer to Line 1 at Xinbai Plaza Station → get off at Convention Center Station. Then take Bus 130/177 to Zhengding South Gate Station (about 30 minutes). 🎯 Recommended Itinerary: Morning: Explore Architectural Treasures 1. Longxing Temple (Great Buddha Temple) (8:30-10:30) Highlights: One of China's top ten temples, featuring the "Oriental Beauty" Reclining Guanyin, Song Dynasty Revolving Sutra Pavilion, and the Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Bronze Guanyin—six national treasures. Ticket: 50 RMB. Arrive early to avoid crowds. 2. Kaiyuan Temple (10:30-11:30) Highlights: Tang Dynasty Bell Tower (the only one in China), Xumizuo Pagoda, and the giant Bixi (largest stele base in China). Ticket: 20 RMB. Noon: Zhengding Local Cuisine (11:30-13:00) - Wang Family Traditional Shaomai (near South Gate): Thin skin, rich filling, paired with lamb soup. - Hao Family Ribs (Yanzhao South Street): Century-old shop, braised ribs with Ganglu baked buns. - Chen Hezi Noodles: Buckwheat noodles with sauce, chewy texture. Afternoon: Cultural Immersion 1. Rongguo Mansion (13:00-14:30) Highlights: Filming location of the 1987 TV series "Dream of the Red Chamber," a replica Ming-Qing style garden, perfect for Hanfu photography. Ticket: 40 RMB (immersive night performances available). 2. Zhengding Ancient City Wall (South Gate) (14:30-15:30) Highlights: Climb the city wall to enjoy the view of the "Four Pagodas in One Frame" phenomenon. Stunning light and shadow effects at dusk. 3. Guanghui Temple Pagoda (15:30-16:30) Highlights: Tang Dynasty Flower Pagoda, unique design, praised by Liang Sicheng as "a rare example in China." Ticket: 15 RMB. Evening: Night Tour and Return - Yanghe Tower Light Show (starts at 8:00 PM in summer): Reconstructed Yuan Dynasty landmark, mesmerizing night views. - Wangquan Ancient Street Night Market: Try local snacks like Zhengding Crispy Liver and Ganglu baked buns. Return: Taxi/Bus back to Huachang Plaza, approximately 40 minutes. 💡 Tips: - Combo Ticket: Purchase the "Four Temples Combo Ticket" for better value (Longxing Temple + Kaiyuan Temple + Guanghui Temple + Tianning Temple). - Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn (March-May for flowers, September-November for autumn scenery). - Outfit Suggestions: Comfortable sneakers (lots of walking in the ancient city), sunscreen in summer, warm clothing in winter. 📌 Summary Route: Huachang Plaza → Longxing Temple → Kaiyuan Temple → Lunch → Rongguo Mansion → Ancient City Wall → Guanghui Temple → Night Tour → Return Zhengding encapsulates half of China's architectural history—experience a thousand years of charm in just one day!