Xingtai, prefecture-level city in Hebei, China
Xingtai is a prefecture-level city in southern Hebei with a large population and landscape that transitions from plains in the east to mountainous regions in the west. The Taihang Mountains in the west define the scenery with caves, waterfalls, and mountain trails, while notable sites like White Cloud Cave and the Gorges of Taihang Mountains with 24 deep valleys attract visitors.
Xingtai looks back on more than 3500 years of human settlement and was once an administrative center during China's early dynasties such as the Qin, Han, and Tang. The modern name Xingtai was adopted during the Song Dynasty and has accompanied the city since then.
Xingtai is known for its pottery tradition, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty and produced the famous white porcelain of the Xing kiln. This craft tradition remains visible in local markets and museums today, where visitors can observe traditional techniques and find local ceramic products.
The city is easily reached by train, bus, or car from nearby cities like Shijiazhuang or Beijing, with rail connections offering good links to major centers. Autumn is the best time to visit with pleasant temperatures and clear skies, while summer is warm and rainy and winter is cold and dry with occasional sandstorms.
A major earthquake in 1966 heavily damaged the city and many residents lost their homes, yet Xingtai was later rebuilt and today shows a mix of historical ruins and modern structures. This recovery from disaster shapes the resilience and stories visitors hear while exploring the city.
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