Shijiazhuang Hebei China Small City Nightlife

Shijiazhuang (石家庄) is the capital city of Hebei Province, located 280km (174 miles) southwest of Beijing in central Hebei. It is a major hub of the national railway network and is a fast-growing, prosperous city.

Shijiazhuang is the intersection of the Beijing-Guangzhou, Shijiazhuang -Dezhou, and Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan railway lines and one of the centers of communications in China. It is also known for its flourishing textile industry.

Shijiazhuang actually is a small village, No one could have predicted that this small, unknown village would have developed rapidly into the modern capital city of Hebei Province.

Nowadays it is the capital and main economic center of Hebei and a relatively important city in China. Shijiazhuang is the largest pharmarceutical base in China and is as well an important center in the textile, IT, manufacturing and chemical industries. In 2007, it was listed as one of the top 15 economic powers in China.

According to the latest census figures, Shijiazhuang has a population of 2.19 million in the city proper, with a further 7.4 million people living in its 20 affiliated counties.


Shijiazhuang Tourism and attractions

Shijiazhung is a young city in China. Although it's considered relatively young by Chinese standards, it has already made its mark in Chinese history. Xibaipo Village, located 80 kms outside of Shijiazhuang, was the northern base for Chairman Mao Zedong, the Red Army and the Communist Party.

Though it is a relatively young city, it is located on fertile land that boasts splendid cultural history. As such, Shijiazhuang is home to many significant cultural relics, such as the oldest stone-arch bridge in China, Zhaozhou Bridge, and one of China's three hanging temples Qiaoloudian Hall (Bridge-Tower Hall). Moreover, the grand Taihang Mountain, which lies to the west, provide charming natural scenery. Mt. Cangyan Scenic Area and Zhangshiyan Scenic Area also attract visitors from all over China and the world.

Approximately 50 kms. southwest of Shijiazhuang lies Cangyan Mountain with its beautiful scenery and rich Buddhist history dating back to the Sui Dynasty. The Longxing Monastery is another attraction that is located outside of the city (18 kms. north). Built during the Sui Dynasty, this large-scale monastery is considered one of the greatest Buddhist monuments of its time. Historically, the Monastery was visited by emperors and Buddhists still make pilgrimages to the temple. While in the area, visitors often check out Rongguo Mansion, known for its beautiful Qing Dynasty style architecture and décor.


Some of best Shijiazhuang attractions and sightseeing are listed here :

1. The Mausoleum of Martyrs in the North China Military Area.
This mausoleum is situated in the western suburbs of Shijiazhuang. The area, covering more than 200,000 square meters, is dotted with pine and cypress trees. More than seven hundred martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of the liberation of China were buried here.


2. Zhaozhou Bridge
This bridge was built on the Jiaohe River about 2.5 kilometers south of Zhaoxian County, which was called Zhaozhou in ancient times. The bridge was constructed in A.D. 605 - 616. Designed by a well-known Chinese mason, Li Chun, it is made of stone, 50.82 meters long and 10 meters wide, with an unusual arch that is 7.23 meters high with a span of 37.35 meters. The stone railing and columns on the bridge were carved with beautiful dragon and phoenix designs. One of the earliest Chinese arch bridges with a long open-spandrel arch in the middle and two smaller arches on each side, this bridge occupies an important place in the history of Chinese bridge building and has been of interest to tourists and engineers alike.


3. Cangyan Mountain.
This mountain is situated 78 kilometers southwest of the city. With its pleasant weather and towering ancient trees, it is a popular mountain resort.
Dating from the Sui Dynasty more than 1,400 years ago, Cangyan resort boasts magnificent pavilions and monasteries, as well as an architecturally ingenious palace constructed between two sheer rocks high above a gorge.


4. Great Prosperity Monastery (Longxingsi).
This monastery, situated in Zhengding County of Hebei Province, dated from A.D 586 in the sixth year of the rule of emperor Kai of the Sui Dynasty. Its three-storied main building, the Great Benevolence Pavilion (Dabeige) has five eaves and contains a twenty-two-meter-high bronze statue of a Goddess of Mercy with forty-two arms. A collection of historical monuments, tablets, statues, and other relics of the Shijiazhuang area can also be found here.


Shijiazhuang Nightlife

Shijiazhuang is still a new and under development city in China. No really glamour nightlife can be found there. However, more and more leisure facilities such as bars, cafes and teahouses are being opened here one by one.

The downside to Shijiazhuang is the limited selection of international nightlife and dining options. If traditional northeastern food does not appeal to you, Shijiazhuang is probably not the best place to put down roots – you will likely run through the list of available international restaurants very quickly; but those who enjoy affordable, savory jiaozi, hotpot, and local dishes will find themselves awash in starch and veggies. Interestingly enough, there is a wider range of clubs and pubs than restaurants in Shijiazhuang. Sunflower Bar is home ground to the city's art scene, regularly hosting literature events, open mic poetry readings and cocktail hours. Swing by 70s' Bar for loud, unpretentious rock 'n' roll fun.

You can go to the theater for Hebei Bangzi Opera, or go to the art center for a concert, or go to bars, clubs, KTVs, or cafes, or go shopping at department stores, or try some Shijiazhuang snacks on the food street, or just stroll around the city to appreciate the beautiful night view of Shijiazhuang. All in all, the nightlife in Shijiazhuang will be absolutely diversified.


Some of recommended Bars, Clubs, Coffee Shop and Nightlife entertainment in Shijiazhuang are :

1. Scotland Bar
About 150 meters east of the crossroads at Zhongshan Road (East) and Guang'an Dajie, this is the most dazzling bar in Shijiazhuang city. The atmosphere here always incites a feeling of excitement among visitors.
Average cost per person: CNY120~130

2. Huayang Nianhua
Various wines and juices are served here in an elegant environment.
Admission fee: CNY10~20
Address: Chang'an Square, No.289, Zhongshan Road (East), Shijiazhuang City

3. Logo Club
A lively bar for those who enjoy energetic dancing and live bands
Address: 91 Mansion, Heping Road (East), Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang City

4. Fine Hour Tea & Coffee
A great place for intimate conversation since it boasts a relaxed and elegant environment. It is also convenient to use a waiting room for the railway station which lies very nearby.
Average cost per person: CNY20
Opening hours: 10:00~22:00
Address: Nanhuayuan Pedestrian Street, Zhongshan Road (West), Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang City

5. SPR Coffee
Delicious coffee and numerous desserts are served here in a quiet and relaxing environment.
Average cost per person: CNY25~30
Address: 1st Floor of White International Shopping Mall

6. 70s' Bar
70s’ Bar is kind of a Beijing bar, which is quiet a lot. Most of the guests are 30 years old or older. They gather with their old friends and sing the old songs of Teresa Teng, Lotayu, and Tsai Chin.Those people who were born in the 1970s will be shocked by those old songs.
Hours: 19:00-01:00
Address: No. 38, South Jianshe Street, Qiaodong District
Phone: 0311-86979898

7. Manabe Café
It is a professional coffee house with a cozy environment. Its quality coffee beans, marvelous coffee roasting tech, abundant coffee knowledge, and good service bring itself a large amount of customers. If you want a private chat with your friend, try this.
Address: No. 47, North Jianshe Street, Chang’an District
Phone: 86065999

8. Seven Club
Seven Club is characterized by its Ming and Qing-style outside. However, the inside is the most fashionable and passionate soft rock bar. It emphasizes the ancient decoration and comfortable atmosphere. The attendants there will provide you quality service.
Hours: 20:30-03:00
Address: Building F, South Garden walking Street, Qiaoxi District
Phone: 0311-87817777 85180007

9. Allen Club
It is a club with good environment. Allen, the founder of the club, wants everybody in the club to feel comfortable just like they are at home. You can make friends there easily. And the performance and games provided by the club will refresh you.
Hours: 18:00－02:00
Address: 50 meters north of crossing of Tannan Road and Guang’an Street, Chang’an District
Phone: 0311-89618933

10. Seaside Scenery Coffee
Seaside Scenery Coffee is a Western food and coffee chain. As of June 2008, it has had 35 branches in Beijing, Tianjin, and Taiyuan. It is a good combination of the elegant tradition and modern management model.
Address: No. 1, District 6, Dingjia Fudi, Dajing Street, Qiaodong District
Phone: 0311- 86966638


Photos of Shijiazhuang here :



Zhengding is located about 15km (9 miles) north of Shijiazhuang and has been an important religious centre for more than 1,000 years, from - at least - the times of the Sui Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. It is the founding place of several major schools of Zen Buddhism and the noted temple of the Longxing Monastery and also home to four nice pagodas. It's easy to reach by taking a bus (No.201) from opposite Shijiazhuang Train Station.



Tomb of Norman Bethune .Norman Bethune (1890-1939) was born in Ontario, Canada and in 1938 travelled to Yan'an in the Shanbei region of Shaanxi province in China. There he joined the Chinese Communists led by Mao Zedong in their struggle against the Japanese in the Second Sino-Japanese War. Bethune performed emergency battlefield surgical operations on war casualties and established training for doctors, nurses and orderlies.



Railway station square at Shijiazhuang. Shijiazhuang is a transportation hub: it is at the intersection point of the Beijing-Guangzhou, Taiyuan-Dezhou, and Shuozhou-Huanghua railroads and many expressways, including the Beijing-Shenzhen and Taiyuan-Cangzhou Expressways.


The Revolutionary Martyrs' Mausoleum is located along the main east-west road called Zhongshan Xilu, to the west of the city centre. In its grounds is the tomb of Dr Norman Bethune who joined the Chinese Communists led by Mao Zedong in their struggle against the Japanese in the Second Sino-Japanese War. There's also a memorial hall and an exhibition hall on Bethune and an Indian doctor called Basu.



Mao Zedong Statue. It's located on the main east-west road called Zhongshan Donglu, just south of Chang'an Park.



Hebei Provincial Museum. This vast museum was closed when I visited in July 2008 which was a real shame as it's about the only thing worth visiting in the city. There were some new buildings being built behind the exisiting main museum building and the whole museum is set to re-open in 2010.



Chang'an Park. This large park is located in the city centre on the corner of Zhongshan Donglu and Jianshe Beidajie. The park features a large lake, bridges and pavilions. I came here in the afternoon after visiting Zhengding and sat by the lakes bank and a group of Chinese students came over to me and practiced their English with me.



Shijiazhuang is the perfect place for the small-city urbanite. Those who choose to live in Shijiazhuang reap the benefits of being a 3-hour train ride from Beijing while avoiding all the extortionist prices, crowding and traffic congestion of a megalopolis. Property and housing rentals are also markedly cheaper. If you choose to go through a rental agency, you can easily find large, 100sqm and above flats for as little as RMB2, 000 per month.



Shijiazhuang Nightlife. Shijiazhuang still a young city, so not so many nigthlife entertainment at the city.



Watch Travelogue Summer Special presents Shijiazhuang City, China video here

Read More..