Zhangjiakou 张家口市 — 2022 Winter Olympics Gateway
Zhangjiakou gained international attention as the co-host of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The Chongli district hosted most ski events, while Zhangjiakou city served as the gateway to the competition venues.
The city sits in a basin surrounded by mountains on three sides, giving it a dry, cool climate. Historically, it was one of the most important trading posts on the route between Beijing and Mongolia.
Today, Zhangjiakou's ski resorts, grasslands, and historic architecture make it an increasingly popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.
Chongli District's ski resorts hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics freestyle skiing and snowboard events. Genting Secret Garden and Thaiwoo are the largest resorts, offering slopes for all levels. In summer, the slopes transform into hiking and mountain biking trails.
Hours: Winter 8:30–16:30, Summer varies
Admission: ¥200–500/day including lift pass
A historic gate on the Zhangjiakou city wall, dating from 1644. The gate was the northern terminus of the Zhang-kui tea road, the main trading route between China proper and Mongolia. The four-character inscription '大好河山' (Beautiful Rivers and Mountains) on the gate is by the warlord Gao Weiyue.
Hours: 8:30–17:30
Admission: ¥13
A 132-km scenic highway through grasslands, wind farms, and rolling hills at 1,500+ meters altitude. The road connects Zhangjiakou with Chongli and offers some of northern China's most photogenic landscapes. Best visited in summer (July-August) when wildflowers are in bloom, or autumn (September) for golden grasses.
Hours: Open road, no formal hours
Admission: Free