If you’re planning a trip to China and only thinking about Beijing 北京 (Běijīng), Shanghai 上海 (Shànghǎi), and Xi’an 西安 (Xī’ān)—pause. Because you might be missing out on one of the best travel decisions you’ll ever make.
We discovered that just 2.5 hours and ¥230 away from Beijing’s towering crowds lies Handan 邯郸 (Hándān)—a city with a powerful ancient past, glowing city walls, affordable comforts, and heartwarming hospitality. Our high-speed train ride was smooth, scenic, and on time (as always in China).
China’s high-speed rail system is truly world-class. It’s a great way to enjoy a China vacation that’s efficient and scenic. For anyone planning a trip to Beijing China, we highly recommend setting aside a few days to explore the wonders of China beyond the capital. With cities like Handan, your holiday in China can be filled with delightful surprises. The train ride itself felt like part of the adventure—comfortable seating, fast service, and clean interiors that rival flights.
This article is for Western travelers ready to explore China differently—to leave the postcard cities behind and immerse in somewhere real, historical, and surprisingly kind on the wallet. If you stumbled upon this blog post, you’re in luck.
And this is just the beginning. We’ll be sharing more blog posts featuring charming smaller cities outside Beijing—offering different tastes, vibes, and experiences of China. Keep reading, and you might just rethink how you travel China.
Why Handan 邯郸 (Hándān)?
Located in Hebei Province 河北省 (Héběi Shěng), Handan was once the glorious capital of the Zhao Kingdom 赵国 (Zhào Guó) during the Warring States period 战国时期 (Zhànguó Shíqī). Many Chinese idioms come from here, earning it the title “Hometown of Chinese Idioms” 成语之乡 (Chéngyǔ zhī xiāng).
One of the most daring kings in Chinese history, King Wuling of Zhao 赵武灵王 (Zhào Wǔlíng Wáng), ruled from Handan. He shocked conservative ministers with his groundbreaking policy of “胡服骑射 Hú fú qí shè”—adopting nomadic-style attire and mounted archery. Though radical at the time, his reforms made Zhao one of the most powerful states in ancient China.
Another fun twist in history: Qin Shi Huang 秦始皇 (Qín Shǐ Huáng), the First Emperor of China, was born in Handan. His father Ying Yiren 嬴异人 (Yíng Yìrén) was sent as a political hostage from the Qin Kingdom and ended up starting a family there. So yes, the man who unified China and built the Great Wall of China from Beijing was ironically born in the capital of a rival kingdom!
Train Travel Info – Getting to Handan from Beijing
China’s high-speed trains are fast, smooth, clean, and surprisingly affordable. Our journey was seamless from the moment we stepped into Beijing West Station 北京西站 (Běijīng Xīzhàn).
From: Beijing West Station
To: Handan East Station 邯郸东站 (Hándān Dōngzhàn)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: ~450 km
Train Type: G or D-series (High Speed Rail)
Ticket Price: ¥230 (second class)
How to Book: Trip.com using your passport
No paper train ticket needed anymore—all E-ticket now. Just scan your passport and board. Elaine was all smiles, window-gazing with our mascot Cheers perched nearby.
Taking the train is the best way to travel to Beijing China and beyond. For anyone planning a China Beijing tour or visiting from Beijing Capital of China, this efficient rail network opens up destinations you’d never consider on a tight schedule.
Arrival and Hotel: Comfort Without the Price Tag
We stayed overnight in a 3-star business hotel operated by Hilton. Clean, new, and very well-located, it was great value for money (Home2 Suites by Hilton Handan East Raiway Station, around USD42 ONLY per night with buffet breakfasts for 2 and free-flow of gourmet coffee at lobby!!) Even better—Handan is Didi-friendly. Most rides cost only a few yuan, which makes getting around easy and efficient.
Compared to big city rates, Handan felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s a must for those torn between Beijing or Shanghai—go off-track and enjoy more for less.
Congtai Park 丛台公园 – Where Kings Watched Over Zhao
Congtai Tower 丛台 (Cóngtái) was once a royal platform where kings reviewed troops and staged performances. Today, it’s a peaceful park filled with bridges, pavilions, and history.
Elaine proudly pointed at the sign for Wuling Congtai 武灵丛台 (Wǔlíng Cóngtái), excited to see a name she recognized from her Chinese history readings. We also saw local teens in Hanfu 汉服 (Hànfú) taking photos, adding life to the scenery.
Ancient Glows – The City Wall at Night
Handan has a lovingly reconstructed city wall near Congtai Park 丛台公园 (Cóngtái Gōngyuán). At night, it comes alive under golden lights. Locals jog, dance, and stroll as water reflections shimmer below.
Elaine touched the wall’s cool stone and whispered, “These walls are real, Daddy.”
She doesn’t draw, but she connects deeply with spaces. She soaked in the details, clicked photos, and quietly held Cheers. I watched her learning in her own quiet way.
Qin Shi Huang’s Curious Beginnings in Handan
Qin Shi Huang, born Ying Zheng 嬴政 (Yíng Zhèng), wasn’t supposed to be from Handan—but fate had other plans. His father was a political hostage, and Ying Zheng was born in the enemy city that his future empire would one day conquer.
Elaine summed it up best: “So… he was kind of like a transfer student in ancient times?”
Exactly.
Local Eats and Shopping – Pleasant and Practical
Dinner was simple. I went for spicy beef noodles. Elaine, who prefers milder food, had a cozy bowl of wonton soup 馄饨汤 (húntún tāng).
The next morning, we visited a medium-sized shopping mall near our hotel. Unlike Beijing’s premium malls, this one was lively, clean, and full of good finds. We got sporty shoes for Elaine—well-made and half the price of Beijing.
From bookstores to cafés, it was all value for money. If you enjoy browsing in peace without pressure, Handan’s shopping centers will charm you. Perfect for a relaxed leg of your China visit place itinerary.
Handan Travel Tips (from Elaine’s Dad)
Hotel: Choose a business hotel near Congtai Park. Ours was Hilton-operated and excellent.
Transport: Use Didi 滴滴 (Dīdī)—fast, safe, and cheap.
Food: Plenty of options, including non-spicy dishes for kids.
Shopping: Relaxed and affordable—great for practical items.
Stay longer if you can: We only stayed one night. Next time, we’ll book three.
A Detour Worth Taking – Continue to Anyang 安阳 (Ānyáng)
Our main goal on this trip was to visit the UNESCO-listed Yinxu 殷墟 (Yīnxū) site in Anyang, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty. But looking back, Handan may have been the real highlight.
If you have extra days in your Beijing China tour, we highly recommend making this two-city route. Handan is the perfect warm-up before you head into the even deeper historical layers of Anyang.
Final Thoughts – One of My Favorite Out-of-Beijing Trips
Handan surprised us in the best ways: friendly people, deep history, and a calm that big cities can’t offer. It’s now one of my favorite out-of-Beijing travel experiences, and I’m already planning to return.
Elaine learned more here than in any history book.
Cheers made new photo memories.
And I got to walk through a city where emperors were born, kings made bold decisions, and where families like mine can enjoy travel differently.
For anyone flying into Beijing China airport or planning a Beijing tour, don’t stop at the capital. Use that amazing train network. See the China wonders hidden in the heartlands.
