Handan

City overview

Handan, located in southern Hebei Province, is a historic city with over 3,100 years of history. It served as the capital of the Zhao State during the Warring States period and is known as the 'City of Chinese Idioms and Allusions.' Situated on the North China Plain, it has a distinct four-season climate. Its economy is based on steel and equipment manufacturing, while it is actively developing cultural tourism and education. With a low cost of living, Handan is ideal for international students to experience the blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern life.

Basic information

Geography and climate

Detailed introduction

Handan is a central city in southern Hebei Province, covering an area of 12,066.18 square kilometers with a permanent population of 9.18 million, classified as a megacity. As a national historical and cultural city, Handan has over 3,100 years of history and served as a capital for more than 1,580 years. It was the capital of the Zhao State during the Warring States period, and during the Han Dynasty, it was one of the 'Five Great Metropolises' along with Luoyang, Linzi, Nanyang, and Chengdu. The city is the birthplace of thousands of Chinese idioms and allusions, such as 'Learning to Walk in Handan' and 'Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao,' earning it the title 'City of Chinese Idioms and Allusions.' Economically, Handan is a major base for steel, coal, and equipment manufacturing, and it is actively transforming toward new energy, new materials, and cultural tourism. In education, it hosts several universities including Hebei University of Engineering and Handan College, offering programs in Chinese language, engineering, medicine, and more. Life in Handan is affordable with a slower pace, complemented by well-developed healthcare and commercial facilities. International students can immerse themselves in a rich historical atmosphere while enjoying modern urban conveniences. The climate is temperate monsoon, with four distinct seasons: warm and rainy summers, and cold and dry winters—students should prepare for seasonal changes.