Zhangjiakou sits in northwestern Hebei, on the old trade and military routes between Beijing and Inner Mongolia. The Great Wall runs through it, Dajingmen marks the historic gate and junction, and the land rises from cultivated valleys in the south to the grasslands of the Bashang plateau in the north. The air here is among the freshest of any Chinese city north of the Yellow River, and the surrounding hills and mountains draw visitors for hiking, skiing and open country.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. The built-up core is made up of several districts, with the main urban area centred on Qiaoxi and Qiaodong, and the Chongli, Xuanhua and Xiahuayuan districts forming the wider conurbation. The choice comes down to whether you want to be in the city itself, close to the Wall and the old gate, or out in the mountains. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what each is like to stay in, and how to match them to your trip.
Best areas to stay in Zhangjiakou
1. Qiaoxi District
Qiaoxi is part of Zhangjiakou's main built-up urban area and one of the districts that make up the city core. Staying here puts you in the thick of the city rather than out in the mountains, which suits first-time visitors who want everyday urban conveniences and a straightforward base for exploring the downtown area.
You will find the usual range of city accommodation here, from budget options through to more comfortable mid-range and upmarket places. The district is well connected to the rest of the urban area, including neighbouring Qiaodong, so it works well if you plan to move around the city and use it as a hub rather than staying in one spot all day.
2. Qiaodong District
Qiaodong is the other half of Zhangjiakou's central urban core, sitting alongside Qiaoxi. It suits visitors who want to be in the city centre with easy access to the downtown streets, and it is a sensible choice for anyone whose trip mixes city time with excursions out to the Wall and the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation here spans the budget to mid-range and upmarket brackets typical of a Chinese city centre. Because Qiaoxi and Qiaodong are conurbated, choosing between them is less about distance to the sights and more about which part of the centre you prefer to wake up in; both give you a central base with the rest of the urban area within reach.
3. Chongli District
Chongli is one of the districts in Zhangjiakou's built-up area and lies in the mountainous country that hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympics. It is the obvious base for visitors whose priority is the mountains, snow and outdoor activity rather than city life.
This is where you find accommodation geared to resort and seasonal visitors, from budget rooms to more comfortable and upmarket places. The trade-off is that you are away from the main urban core, so it suits travellers who want the mountains on their doorstep and are happy to travel into the city when they need it.
4. Xuanhua District
Xuanhua is part of the wider conurbation around Zhangjiakou and has its own identity within the city's sprawl. It suits visitors who want a quieter base outside the central districts while still being within the built-up area.
You will find the standard spread of local accommodation, generally at the budget and mid-range end. It is a practical choice if your plans take you toward this side of the city or if you prefer to stay somewhere less central and travel in for the main sights.
5. Xiahuayuan District
Xiahuayuan is another of the districts making up Zhangjiakou's built-up area, set away from the central core. It suits travellers who value a calm base and do not mind being a step removed from the downtown action.
Accommodation here is typically modest, with budget and mid-range places rather than large upmarket properties. Treat it as a base for the western side of the conurbation and for reaching the surrounding country, and plan on travelling to the centre for the main urban sights.
6. Bashang
Bashang is the grassland area of the Mongolian plateau in the north of Zhangjiakou, distinct from the city districts. It suits visitors who are coming specifically for the open grasslands and the northern landscape, and who want to stay out in that country rather than in town.
Expect simple, locally run accommodation rather than city-style hotels, with budget and mid-range places the norm. The key practical point is distance: Bashang is well away from the urban core, so it works as a standalone stay for a grassland-focused trip rather than as a base for seeing the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple guesthouse-style rooms and basic local lodgings, most plentiful in the outlying districts and in Bashang, with more choice in the central districts.
- Mid-range: comfortable city hotels in Qiaoxi and Qiaodong, and resort-oriented places in Chongli, offering a reliable standard for most travellers.
- Splurge: the larger, more comfortable properties, concentrated in the central urban districts and in the mountain resort area of Chongli.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Qiaoxi District. It puts you in the heart of Zhangjiakou's main urban area, alongside Qiaodong, with the widest choice of accommodation and the easiest access to the rest of the city. From there you can reach the Wall, Dajingmen and the surrounding country on day trips while keeping a comfortable city base.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for a first trip to Zhangjiakou?
Qiaoxi District, in the central urban core, is the most practical base for a first visit. It gives you a central position in the built-up area with the widest range of places to stay.
Where should I stay if I want to be in the mountains?
Chongli District, in the mountainous country that hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympics, is the area to choose. It is geared to outdoor and seasonal visitors rather than city life.
Is it worth staying out on the grasslands?
Yes, if the grasslands are your main reason for coming. Bashang, on the Mongolian plateau in the north, is far from the urban core, so treat it as a separate stay rather than a base for the city.
How do the central districts relate to each other?
Qiaoxi and Qiaodong together form the main urban core and are conurbated, so the choice between them is a matter of preference rather than distance. Both keep you central, with the other districts of the built-up area within reach.
Compare live prices across these areas using the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.