Zhangshiyan Scenic Area is located in Zanhuang County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. It is a national-level scenic spot, a national geopark, and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area is famous for its unique Zhangshiyan landform, which, together with Danxia landform and Zhangjiajie landform, is known as one of China's three major sandstone landforms. Its characteristics include red cliffs, numerous strange peaks, and deep valleys. The total area of the scenic area is about 120 square kilometers, with the core scenic area covering about 40 square kilometers. The altitude in the area ranges from 1000 to 1700 meters, and the highest peak, Huang'annao, is 1774 meters above sea level. The vegetation coverage rate in the scenic area is over 90%, with rich animal and plant resources, making it a rare natural botanical garden and wildlife paradise in North China. In addition, there are many historical relics and cultural landscapes in the scenic area, such as ancient Great Wall, ancient temples, and ancient stone inscriptions, forming a unique style where natural landscapes and cultural landscapes blend with each other.
History and Culture
The Zhangshiyan area has a long history, with human activities dating back to the Neolithic Age. According to historical records, during the Warring States Period, this place was an important territory of the Zhao State, leaving many relics of ancient battlefields.
The ancient Great Wall in the scenic area is one of the important historical and cultural relics. It was first built during the Warring States Period and has been repaired and expanded in the Qin, Han, Ming and other dynasties, with a total length of about 20 kilometers. Most of the walls of these Great Walls were built with local sandstone, and although they have gone through vicissitudes, some sections are still well-preserved, serving as important material for studying the architectural art and military defense system of China's ancient Great Wall.
In addition, there are some ancient temple sites in the scenic area, such as Yuantong Temple and Yuhuang Temple. These temples were first built in the Tang Dynasty and once flourished in history. Later, they gradually fell into disrepair due to wars and other reasons. However, the remaining cultural relics such as stone inscriptions and stone carvings can still reflect the religious culture and architectural art level of that time. The name "Zhangshiyan landform" originated in 1972, when it was discovered and named by Mr. Guo Kang from the Institute of Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Since then, it has gradually been recognized by the academic community and has become one of the three major sandstone landforms in China, with important geological scientific research value.
Main Attractions
Jiunv Peak
Jiunv Peak is one of the iconic attractions of Zhangshiyan Scenic Area. Located in the eastern part of the scenic area, it gets its name because nine beautiful peaks are connected, resembling nine graceful girls. Jiunv Peak is about 1450 meters above sea level, with peaks connected and arranged in a scattered manner. Each peak has its unique shape, some like sharp swords piercing the sky, and some like fairies dressing up. Climbing to the viewing platform of Jiunv Peak, you can overlook the magnificent scenery around, with distant mountains and nearby valleys in full view. Especially in the early morning or evening, with clouds and mist lingering and sunlight reflecting, the scenery is particularly charming.
Yixiantian (One-Line Sky)
Yixiantian is located in the middle of Zhangshiyan Scenic Area. It is a 1500-meter-long valley, with the narrowest part only allowing one person to pass through. The stone walls on both sides are 100-200 meters high, steep as if cut by knives and axes. Looking up, you can only see a line of sky, hence the name "Yixiantian". Inside Yixiantian, there are jagged rocks, gurgling streams, and the air is fresh and cool, making it a good place for summer resort. In the middle section of Yixiantian, there is a huge rock spanning the stone walls on both sides, known as the "Sky Bridge". Standing on the Sky Bridge, you can feel the thrill of the abyss under your feet and the depth of the surrounding valleys.
Yuantong Temple Scenic Area
Yuantong Temple Scenic Area is one of the core scenic areas of Zhangshiyan Scenic Area, named after the site of Yuantong Temple in the area. This scenic area is famous for its unique landscape of "three stacks connecting nine sets, four screens hiding eight scenes". Among them, "three stacks" refer to three parallel plank roads, "nine sets" refer to nine deep valleys, and "four screens" refer to four peak-like screens. There are many famous attractions in the scenic area, such as Dicuiting, Ruquan Cave, and Yunchao Cave. Dicuiting is a natural stone pavilion, surrounded by green trees and dripping springs, with a quiet scenery; Ruquan Cave has a clear spring inside, which is sweet and delicious, named because it looks like milk; Yunchao Cave is a huge cave, with clouds and mist lingering inside, like a place where immortals live.
Huang'annao
Huang'annao is the highest peak of Zhangshiyan Scenic Area, 1774 meters above sea level, located in the southwest of the scenic area. Climbing to the top of Huang'annao, you can overlook the scenery of Shanxi and Hebei provinces. On a clear day, you can even see cities hundreds of miles away. There is a huge platform on the top of the mountain, covering an area of about 1000 square meters, which is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and enjoy the sea of clouds. In addition, there are many strange rock landscapes around Huang'annao, such as "Mother and Son Stone" and "Turtle Stone", with various shapes, vivid as if alive.
Zhihutao
Zhihutao is an important scenic area of Zhangshiyan Scenic Area. It is said that the peaks here are like being pasted with paper according to local folklore, hence the name "Zhihutao". This scenic area is mainly characterized by water landscapes such as valleys, waterfalls, and streams. Among them, the most famous is the "Baizhang Waterfall", which is about 100 meters high. The water flows down from the cliff like a galaxy falling from the sky, with great momentum. In addition, there are attractions such as "Water Curtain Cave" and "Crocodile Stone" in the scenic area, with pleasant scenery, attracting many tourists to visit.
Food
Zanhuang Golden-Silk Jujube
Zanhuang Golden-Silk Jujube is a specialty of Zanhuang County where Zhangshiyan is located, and also a national geographical indication product of China. This kind of jujube is large with thin skin, thick flesh and small core, sweet in taste, and rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh Zanhuang Golden-Silk Jujubes can be bought in restaurants and markets in and around Zhangshiyan Scenic Area, and various foods made from jujubes, such as jujube porridge and jujube cake, can also be tasted.
Zhangshiyan Scrambled Eggs
Zhangshiyan Scrambled Eggs is a local specialty dish. The eggs used are free-range eggs from local farmers, which are tender in taste and rich in nutrition. When making, beat the free-range eggs into a bowl and stir well, add an appropriate amount of chopped green onions, salt and other seasonings, then fry them in a pan. This dish is simple to make but delicious, and is one of the must-try foods for tourists to Zhangshiyan.
Da Guo Cai (Big Pot Dish)
Da Guo Cai is a traditional dish in rural areas of Hebei Province, and is also very popular around Zhangshiyan. This dish is usually made by stewing pork belly, Chinese cabbage, vermicelli, tofu and other ingredients together in a big iron pot, with a strong taste and a fragrant smell. Da Guo Cai is characterized by rich ingredients, balanced nutrition, and is suitable for sharing among many people. It is a common dish in restaurants around the scenic area.
Braised Free-Range Chicken with Mushrooms
Braised Free-Range Chicken with Mushrooms is a classic Northeast Chinese dish, and has a unique way of making in Zhangshiyan area. The free-range chickens used are local free-range native chickens, and the mushrooms are wild mushrooms picked from local mountains, such as shiitake mushrooms and oyster mushrooms. Cut the free-range chicken into pieces, put them into a pot together with mushrooms, add an appropriate amount of water and seasonings, and simmer over low heat for several hours until the chicken is tender and the soup is rich. This dish has tender meat and fragrant mushrooms, and is a nutritious delicacy.
Tickets
As of August 10, 2025, the ticket price is 65 yuan per person. You can search for the official WeChat public account "河北嶂石岩" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are adjusted according to the season. In the peak season (April - October), the opening hours are 7:00 - 18:00; in the off-season (November - March of the next year), the opening hours are 8:00 - 17:00. It is recommended that tourists arrange their trips in advance and enter the scenic area during the opening hours to avoid affecting the travel experience.
Tour Route
Zhangshiyan Scenic Area is large in area with many attractions, so it is recommended that tourists arrange two days for the tour. On the first day, you can enter from the east gate of the scenic area, first visit Jiunv Peak Scenic Area to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Jiunv Peak, then go to Yixiantian to experience the deep and dangerous valley, and then go to Yuantong Temple Scenic Area to visit the site of Yuantong Temple and surrounding attractions. At night, you can stay in a farmhouse near Yuantong Temple Scenic Area. On the morning of the second day, you can get up early to go to Huang'annao to watch the sunrise, then visit Huang'annao Scenic Area, then go to Zhihutao Scenic Area to enjoy water landscapes such as waterfalls and streams, and finally leave from the west gate of the scenic area. If tourists have limited time, they can also choose a one-day tour route: enter from the east gate, visit major attractions such as Jiunv Peak, Yixiantian, and Yuantong Temple, and leave from the east gate in the afternoon.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from downtown Shijiazhuang, drive south along the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Expressway, get off at Yuanshi Exit, then drive along Yuanzan Highway towards Zanhuang County. After reaching Zanhuang County, drive along Zanxi Highway towards Zhangshiyan Scenic Area. The whole journey is about 100 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2 hours.
- Bus: Take a bus from Nanjiao Passenger Station in downtown Shijiazhuang to Zanhuang County, with a driving time of about 1.5 hours and a fare of about 15 yuan; after arriving at Zanhuang County Passenger Station, transfer to a bus to Zhangshiyan Scenic Area, with a driving time of about 1 hour and a fare of about 10 yuan. There are multiple bus trips from Zanhuang County to Zhangshiyan Scenic Area every day, with flexible departure times.
- Tourist special line: During the peak tourist season, a tourist special line from downtown Shijiazhuang to Zhangshiyan Scenic Area will be opened. Tourists can take it at designated locations. For specific departure times and locations, you can consult the local tourism department or travel agencies.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Jiunv Peak: It is a landmark attraction of the scenic area. The nine peaks are shaped like girls with different forms, at an altitude of about 1450 meters. It is a good place to watch the sunrise and the sea of clouds.
- Yixiantian: It is a 1500-meter-long valley, with the narrowest part only allowing one person to pass through. The stone walls on both sides are steep, with a unique scenery, and it is a typical representative of Zhangshiyan landform.
- Huang'annao: It is the highest peak of the scenic area, at an altitude of 1774 meters. Climbing to the top, you can overlook the scenery of Shanxi and Hebei provinces. The platform on the top of the mountain is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and enjoy the sea of clouds.
- Zhihutao: It is mainly characterized by water landscapes, with famous attractions such as Baizhang Waterfall. The waterfall is about 100 meters high, with great momentum and pleasant scenery.
Travel Suggestions
- The terrain of Zhangshiyan Scenic Area is complex, with steep mountain roads. It is recommended that tourists wear comfortable sports shoes and sportswear for better sightseeing.
- The climate in the scenic area is changeable, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. Even in summer, it is necessary to bring a coat to avoid catching a cold.
- The catering and accommodation conditions in the scenic area are limited. It is recommended that tourists book accommodation in advance and bring some dry food and drinking water.
- Pay attention to safety during the tour, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and do not enter undeveloped areas without permission to avoid danger.
- The scenic area is rich in vegetation and is a natural oxygen bar. It is recommended that tourists slow down, enjoy the beauty of nature, and take care of the environment by not littering.
- If tourists have enough time, they can stay in the scenic area for one night to experience the tranquility of the mountains and the starry sky at night, and feel the different life atmosphere from the city.
Matters Needing Attention
- Some sections in the scenic area are relatively dangerous. When visiting, pay attention to the safety of your feet and do not stay or take photos in dangerous places.
- There may be thunderstorms in the scenic area in summer. Tourists should take precautions. When encountering thunderstorms, they should take shelter in a safe place in time and do not stay on the top of the mountain or in open areas.
- Smoking and using open flames are prohibited in the scenic area to avoid causing fires and protect the ecological environment of the scenic area.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs, and do not make noise or behave inappropriately in religious places such as temples.
- When buying local specialties, choose regular merchants to avoid buying counterfeit and shoddy products.
- If you encounter difficulties or emergencies during the tour, you can contact the staff of the scenic area in time.