Things to do in Handan

The hometown of Tai Chi has well-preserved ancient city walls and many performance programs, but it is still quite commercialized. During the National Day holiday, there are a lot of tourists, especially at night, which causes serious traffic jams.

The ticket booth lady was incredibly responsible: she explained the transportation options up and down the mountain in detail and genuinely suggested we decide whether to take the cable car down after we got up (the extra fare was the same as the round-trip fare). Taking my parents, both over 70, up the mountain was painless, haha! I recommend taking the sightseeing bus and cable car up and then walking down. The walk from the cable car station to Wa Huang Pavilion is a gentle descent (including a long flight of stairs!). You can take beautiful photos of the cliffside at Wa Huang Pavilion during the cable car ride; the walk from the cable car station to Wa Huang Pavilion takes about 30 to 40 minutes (depending on your pace) and offers a panoramic view of the valley. The autumn foliage is currently turning red and yellow.

The scenic area staff will contact you the afternoon beforehand to create a WeChat group. Around 8 PM, they will send out the vehicle license plate and location. The boarding point at the High-Speed ​​Railway East Station is (on your left when facing Handan East Station, on your right when facing away from it). You'll see a police station; walk forward and you'll see a supermarket/fast food/burger shop with a red sign. There are three pick-up points: the High-Speed ​​Railway Station, the Grand Theatre, and the intersection of Renmin Road and Zhonghua Street. The electric shuttle bus costs 20 RMB round trip (no one-way; recommended for those taking the guided tour to save time). After getting off the shuttle bus, you need to walk 200 steps to the entrance (where a second ticket check is required). The hike uphill is estimated to take about 25 minutes. Guided tours of the South Resonant Hall cost 20 RMB per person (minimum 5 people). The North Resonant Hall costs 50 RMB per person (minimum 6 people). After visiting the South Resonant Hall, take a shuttle bus to the restaurant. Those not planning to eat can explore the scenic area on their own; it's about a 10-minute walk. The restaurant offers a buffet with one meat dish, one vegetable dish, and one cold dish for 20 RMB per person. You can also order stir-fries, noodles, dumplings, etc. After visiting the North Echo Hall, if you're not taking the shuttle bus, it's recommended to return via the same route you took uphill, rather than the downhill path (which is quite steep).

The scenic area has good facilities and decent service. During the National Day holiday, volunteers even provided mung bean soup, which was very heartwarming. However, it inevitably suffers from the common problem of similarity among scenic areas nationwide. Overall, it's not bad.

Highly recommended for a visit! The building's exterior is very eye-catching, and the evening lighting makes for stunning photos. The Handan Museum is one of the most interesting museums I've ever been to. It's a comprehensive museum that integrates sightseeing, entertainment, and more. Each floor has a souvenir shop with a wide variety of goods. There are also exploration areas for children and students. A coffee shop is also available. Conveniently located; both driving and public transportation are available.

Here are some fun attractions near Handan, nestled against the Southern Taihang Mountains. With mountains and water, you can enjoy boat trips on the lake and hike for panoramic views – perfect for family outings. The area boasts excellent facilities, and local cuisine is available nearby.

On a spring morning, I stepped into Congtai Park in Handan. Climbing the stone steps to Wuling Congtai, the green bricks and gray tiles gleamed softly in the warm sun, and the statue of King Wuling of Zhao, dressed in nomadic attire and riding an cavalry, seemed to still be fluttering in the wind. Turning around and looking down, the lake was like a mirror, and the hexagonal eaves of Wangzhu Pavilion peeked out from the water like an ancient green seal. I passed through the Temple of the Seven Sages, where, nestled among pines and cypresses, the statues of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru stood silently facing each other, evoking the noble sentiment of "bearing thorns to apologize." Willow branches swayed gently by the lake, and the fragrance of lotus blossoms wafted through the air. Elderly people practiced Tai Chi, and children fed koi fish; history and daily life clasped hands here. Climbing to the ruins of the ancient city wall, the buildings of Handan and the distant mountains came into view, and time and space seemed to overlap. Before leaving the park, the setting sun gilded Congtai with a layer of gold. I looked back, and the sound of war drums seemed to echo in my ears, my heart filled with a thousand-year-old heroic spirit.

Aside from the crowds, there's nothing else wrong with it. It has a classic, old-fashioned feel, and the shops inside are bustling with activity – you can find everything you need for food, drinks, and entertainment. Some local specialties are worth buying. The overall planning of the scenic area is also good, blending traditional historical charm with modern flair. It's definitely worth a visit. My childhood dream of feeding the Monkey King came true! Hahahaha 😂

I enjoyed a fantastic trip on the first day of National Day, off-peak, during the holiday season! It was my first time at a Fantawild theme park, and I expected it to be just like any other domestic park. I was surprised by how captivating and engaging the show was, showcasing the Chinese culture to its fullest! Nuwa mends the sky, The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, The Charm of the Nine Provinces, The Yellow Millet Dream, Meng Jiangnu, and Crazy Idioms—all excellent shows! Highly recommended! Fantawild National Colors Spring and Autumn was a truly worthwhile experience!

Qibugou Scenic Area is a hidden gem in the Taihang Mountains. Its 95% forest coverage makes it a natural oxygen bar. Tianjing Lake reflects the mountains, Baipu Gorge gurgles, and the suspended plank road leads to a breathtaking panoramic view. Buddhist ruins and revolutionary sites add to the cultural experience. With skiing in winter and amusement parks in summer, it's a destination for all types of travelers. While some facilities require occasional maintenance, the overall experience is excellent and highly recommended.