Zhangjiakou

City overview

Zhangjiakou, located in northwestern Hebei Province, is a key hub connecting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with Inner Mongolia. As one of the host cities for the 2022 Winter Olympics, it is renowned for winter sports and eco-tourism. With a rich history featuring the Great Wall and Dajingmen, the city also thrives in new energy and big data industries. It has four distinct seasons, a pleasant climate, and a low cost of living, making it ideal for international students to experience Chinese culture and natural scenery.

Basic information

Geography and climate

Detailed introduction

Zhangjiakou is located in the northwestern part of Hebei Province, at the transition zone between the North China Plain and the Inner Mongolia Plateau, covering an area of about 36,000 square kilometers with a permanent population of 4.03 million. Its history dates back to the Ming Dynasty when it served as a key military stronghold along the Great Wall, with Dajingmen being one of the four major passes. Modern Zhangjiakou gained global fame as a co-host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics, with Chongli District boasting several world-class ski resorts, making it a premier destination for winter sports. The economy is diversified: alongside traditional agriculture and tourism, the city has rapidly developed renewable energy (wind and solar power) and big data industries, becoming an important node in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei big data corridor. In education, it hosts several universities such as Hebei North University and Hebei University of Architecture, along with vocational colleges, offering Chinese language programs and specialized courses for international students. Life here is slower-paced with moderate living costs, excellent air quality, and high greenery coverage. International students can experience authentic northern Chinese culture while enjoying modern facilities left by the Winter Olympics.