Things To Do
in Handan

Restored walls, traditional streets and old-style architecture provide atmospheric shots of historical northern Chinese urban fabric.

Exterior architecture, artifacts and curated exhibits offer cultural and historical subjects for interesting compositions.

Street scenes with vendors, neon signage and evening activity are great for documentary-style photography.

Panoramic ridgelines, gorges and waterfalls provide dramatic landscape photography opportunities within short drives of the city.

A northern specialty found across parts of Hebei — shredded, savory donkey meat tucked into a crisp flatbread; available at specialty stalls and small shops.

Must-Try!

Hearty wheat noodles served in broths or with stir-fried toppings; look for family noodle shops for the most authentic versions.

Warm, fatty mutton stews popular in colder months; commonly offered in local restaurants and food stalls.

Homestyle dumplings with pork, lamb, or vegetarian fillings — a staple in northern China and a must-try in Handan.

Evening stalls selling skewers, pancakes, dumplings, and sweets; best for tasting a variety of local snacks cheaply.

Tourist-friendly stalls offering local snacks, pastries, and souvenirs — good for sampling regional pastries and street treats.

Show deference to older people in conversation and seating; greeting elders first is appreciated.

Dress modestly for temples and formal visits, avoid loud public behavior and be polite when bargaining at markets.

If invited to a home, bring a small gift (tea, fruit) and be ready to accept offers of food; removing shoes at the door can be expected in some households.

Queueing is normal for official services but can be informal for street vendors; keep mobile phone volume low on public transport.

Tipping is not customary in most everyday interactions; it’s increasingly accepted in upscale hotels, Western-style restaurants and for private tour guides. Small tips are appreciated but not expected.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate local transactions — download and set up mobile wallets if possible. Cash (renminbi) and major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but small stalls often prefer cash or mobile pay.

March–May brings variable weather, pollen and occasional dust storms early in the season; pleasantly cool by late spring and a good time for outdoor sightseeing.

June–August is warm to hot and can be humid; thunderstorms are possible. Expect crowded weekends at popular scenic spots and wear sun protection.

September–November offers the most comfortable weather — clear skies, mild temperatures and colorful foliage in surrounding hills; ideal for hiking.

December–February are cold and dry with temperatures often below freezing; bring a warm coat and be prepared for icy conditions on rural trails.

Vegetarian meals are available (tofu, vegetable stir-fries, noodle dishes), but always ask if broths are meat-based — use the phrase “不要肉汤” (bú yào ròu tāng — no meat broth).

More challenging because many dishes use animal-based stock; carry a translation card explaining the restriction and seek vegetable specialty restaurants.

There are some halal restaurants and Muslim-owned kebab stalls in larger markets, but they are fewer than in bigger cities — ask locally for '清真' (qīngzhēn) options.

Wheat is common (noodles, buns). Rice-based dishes are less frequent; communicate needs clearly and prefer simple stir-fried vegetables or meat dishes.