Handan, a city steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, has been a beacon of civilization since ancient times. Dating back to 8,000 years ago, the Cishan culture quietly emerged on this land, like the dawn of the Neolithic Age, illuminating the first glimmers of human civilization.
As time passed, Handan had already become a prosperous city 3,100 years ago, standing tall on the stage of history. During the Warring States period, it served as the capital of the Zhao state for an impressive 158 years. At that time, Handan was the political, economic, and cultural center of the north, with its prosperity and wealth garnering worldwide attention, earning it the title of “the richest and most famous city in the world.”
When you step into this ancient city, you can almost hear the echoes of history whispering in your ears. The idiom stories you once read in books—”wearing Hu attire and practicing mounted archery,” “carrying thorny branches to ask for punishment,” “recommending oneself,” “armchair strategy,” “when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold”—all originated here.
It’s as if you’ve traveled through a thousand years of time, witnessing the broad-mindedness of Lin Xiangru and the courage of Lian Po to admit their mistakes, putting aside personal grudges for the greater good. You can also see the arrogance of Zhao Kuo, who engaged in armchair strategy without understanding reality.
These stories, some inspiring and others satirical, are all filled with educational significance. They have been condensed into four-character idioms and passed down through generations, becoming treasures of traditional Chinese virtues.
Handan, though not a large city, took me a long time to explore every corner. Skyscrapers and bustling traffic are the hallmarks of a modern metropolis, but Handan is different. It constantly exudes an air of history, as if every corner hides a moving historical tale.
Walking through this ancient city, you can almost hear the whispers of history and feel its depth.
Handan’s Charm
Handan, a city with a long history, is like a shining pearl embedded in the vast Chinese land, with numerous ancient sites and a rich history.
It has nurtured countless legendary figures and witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. Qin Shi Huang, the “Emperor of All Ages,” left his footprints here; Xunzi, the master of Confucianism, planted the seeds of his thoughts in this land; Bian Que, the miracle-working doctor, protected this land with his wisdom and medical skills; Mao Sui, the brave self-recommender, won the admiration of the world with his courage and wisdom; Lian Po, one of the four great generals of the Warring States period, left his heroic deeds for posterity; Lin Xiangru, a brilliant diplomat, earned countless accolades for his feat of “returning the jade intact to Zhao.” In the streets and alleys of Handan, every step may tread on the traces of history.
The North’s Little Jiangnan, Guangfu Ancient City, is a shining pearl of Handan. This old city, with a history of over 2,600 years, boasts magnificent and ancient city walls.
Stepping into the ancient city is like passing through a tunnel of time, returning to an era of green bricks and gray tiles, simplicity and purity. There is no bustling noise of traffic, only tranquility and peace.
The ancient city has a network of streets and alleys. On the wide commercial streets, old-fashioned two-story shops line up, each with its own unique features—ancient costume stores, teahouses, taverns, small restaurants, and grocery stores, all exuding a simple yet prosperous atmosphere.
What’s even more surprising is that Guangfu Ancient City is also a water city. There are large areas of lotus ponds and fishing gardens, with lush reeds, fish and shrimp living together, and geese playing and birds singing, like a Jiangnan water town. The natural and cultural landscapes here complement each other, making Guangfu Ancient City a part of the National Wetland Park.
Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes are another treasure of Handan. Although not as famous as the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes, or the Longmen Grottoes, their artistic value cannot be overlooked.
Here, three grottoes are must-sees—the Great Buddha Cave, the Shakyamuni Cave, and the Sutra Carving Cave.
Sunlight cannot fully penetrate the caves, leaving a hint of dimness and silence.
The Great Buddha’s subtle smile evokes a sense of awe, and a sigh of mystery and the passage of time in the Buddhist world naturally arises.
Wa Huang Palace is the legendary place where Nüwa “molded people with earth and mended the sky with stones.”
This ancient architectural complex follows the natural terrain and borrows from nature, earning it the title of “a realm created by heaven and earth.” Not only are the buildings magnificent and unique, but they also preserve the rare cliff-carved sutras in China.
These carved sutras are divided into five sections on the cliff walls, with a total area of 165 square meters and over 137,400 characters. The calligraphy is entirely in the Wei stele style, “silver hooks and iron strokes, the most extraordinary in the world,” making it an artistic treasure.
Standing in front of Wa Huang Palace, you can almost hear the mythical legend of Nüwa creating humans echoing in your ears, feeling the mystique and solemnity of this land.
Handan▪Life
As you step into Handan, you will discover that it is home to numerous unique ancient villages and towns. Although far from the skyscrapers of modern cities, each of these places carries a thousand years of historical accumulation, tranquil and serene.
Perched atop a cliff, a “stone kingdom” named Dawa Village lies hidden.
The ancestors here, faced with a harsh natural environment, displayed remarkable wisdom and resilience.
They quarried stone from the majestic Taihang Mountains, built their village in the deep mountains, used stones to construct dams, created terraced fields, and gradually built their homeland step by step.
Today, this village has been rated as a “traditional ancient village and most beautiful countryside,” and its unique charm is truly admirable.
The houses in Dawa Village are built along the mountainside, distributed in an orderly manner on the slopes. The ancient buildings are well-preserved, with stone quadrangle courtyards stacked one upon another, irregularly scattered as if all the vicissitudes of history are condensed on these stones.
This place is simple and tranquil, ancient and intimate, old and beautiful, full of the unique charm of the Taihang Mountains. Especially the “Little Potala Palace” style architecture with its three-dimensional sense is truly breathtaking.
In Handan, there is also a newly popular tourist attraction—Red River Valley.
This place once went viral on the internet for a giant colorful rice field painting of “Nüwa Mending the Sky.” Standing on high ground and looking down, clusters of green, yellow, purple, and white rice interweave to form a huge rice field painting on the vast fields, like a giant oil painting embedded between heaven and earth, stunningly beautiful.
In addition, there is a place called Kaihe Matou, which has been hailed as Handan’s “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival.”
This was once the largest commodity trading place in the Fuyang River basin. Entering Kaihe Matou today feels like passing through a tunnel of time, returning to that prosperous wharf.
It seems as if the bustling scenes of the past, with people and merchant ships shuttling back and forth, various characters intertwined, forming a vivid scroll painting of all walks of life, are unfolding before your eyes.
The ancient-style streets, the numerous shops, the people dressed in ancient costumes, and the rippling river surface with its ancient paintings, dragon boats, and black awning boats, all catch the eye, as if you are immersed in a novel and exciting historical world.
Handan▪Landscape
Handan, in addition to its rich historical heritage, is also a beautiful scroll painting amidst mountains and rivers.
The towering East Taihang Mountains stand on this land like a guardian deity, with poetic and picturesque mountain scenery, verdant peaks, and a magnificence that seems like the work of nature.
When you stand on the observation deck and look out, the Taihang peaks stretch endlessly, like a giant dragon winding and coiling. The Luo River flows ceaselessly like a jade belt at the foot of the mountains, bringing a touch of coolness and tranquility. Looking up, the three large characters “East Taihang” are conspicuously carved on the cliff face of the mountain, attracting tourists to stop and take photos, leaving unforgettable memories.
Continuing forward, a kilometer-high glass walkway suddenly appears before your eyes. For those adventurers who are not too afraid of heights, this will be a thrilling experience.
It feels like being on top of the clouds, with every step making your heart race, as if walking in the void. This walkway is not only a great wonder of the Taihang Mountains but also a perfect combination of modern craftsmanship and ancient wisdom.
Hidden among the Taihang Mountains is a scenic spot of lakes and mountains—Jingniang Lake. The lake water is crystal clear, rippling with waves, forming an interesting contrast with the surrounding green hills.
The lakeshore is lush with green grass, and herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely, forming a harmonious and tranquil scroll painting. Standing by the lake, feeling the gentle breeze caressing your cheeks, listening to the soft lapping sound of the lake water, it seems as if all worries have been thrown beyond the clouds.
Handan’s parks are also countless, with the most famous being Congtai Park.
This park, with a history of over 2,000 years, is located in the bustling downtown area, yet it seems like a secluded paradise. The Congtai in the park is a reviewing stand from the ancient Zhao state period, tall and majestic, with a magnificent momentum.
Climbing up Congtai, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire park, with the rippling lake surface, lush green trees, like a beautiful landscape painting.
At night, the park is brightly lit, intertwined with the high-rise buildings behind it, as if traveling through time back to ancient times.
If you want to experience the gentle beauty of Handan, then Purple Mountain will be your best choice.
This is Handan’s “back garden,” with the lake water rippling like jade, and a gentle breeze bringing endless tranquility and comfort.
Looking up into the distance, the Purple Peak Pagoda and Jade Emperor Temple on Purple Mountain rise into the clouds, seeming close at hand. Purple Mountain is like a graceful young man, shyly gazing at this clear water, making one sigh at the wonder and beauty of nature.
However, when mentioning Handan, people may use the word “unfortunately.” Because this once-prosperous ancient capital now faces the predicament of population loss. But even so, Handan still maintains its unique charm and temperament.
The deep historical heritage and numerous ancient ruins and remains make this city still exude a profound charm. It has more than 400 cultural relics and historic sites, occupying half of the beautiful scenery of the East Taihang Mountains. Coming to Handan, you will be attracted by its beauty and charm, as if immersed in a world full of stories and legends.
Finally, Yiquan Lake cannot be left unmentioned. This lake is like a brilliant pearl embedded in the land of Handan, adding a bright color to this city.
Whether it’s the misty morning or the sunset glow in the evening, Yiquan Lake always displays its unique charm and enchantment. Standing by the lake, feeling the coolness and tranquility of the water, it seems as if all fatigue has been swept away.
Handan, this beautiful ancient city among mountains and rivers, awaits your exploration and discovery.
