Why is Hebei becoming a popular travel destination?

"So close, so beautiful — come to Hebei on weekends." This catchy tourism slogan has become an unspoken code among urban residents when planning their weekend getaways. Thanks to its proximity to megacities like Beijing and Tianjin, Hebei Province is increasingly becoming an ideal destination for city dwellers seeking a brief escape from the hustle and bustle in search of relaxation and beauty.

For those living and working in Beijing and Tianjin, Hebei Province represents a "distant getaway close at hand." With just about an hour's ride on a high-speed train or a leisurely drive on an expressway, residents can easily transition from the vibrant city life to the serene embrace of nature. Whether it's immersing in natural scenery, experiencing cultural heritage, or simply indulging in new culinary adventures, Hebei offers a wide range of possibilities to satisfy every desire.

This travel trend is also gradually extending to international tourists. Many visitors from abroad, after exploring Beijing, now make special trips to Hebei Province to experience its unique historical culture and natural landscapes. In the first half of 2025, the internet influencer "IShowSpeed" traveled to Handan in Hebei Province for a personal experience, prompting enthusiastic responses from Chinese netizens who commented, "Even international tourists can't miss Hebei on weekends when visiting China."

The 9th Hebei Tourism Industry Development Conference in Xingtai City focused on new travel trends among international visitors to Hebei and discussed ways to better serve international tourists and enhance their travel experience. Some proposals included adding services like foreign language signs, and leveraging the popularity of the Great Wall of China and activities like skiing in Zhangjiakou.