The Northern Shield of China Surrounding the Capital
Hebei Province (河北省) is located in northern China, surrounding the national capital Beijing and Tianjin Municipality. It plays a critical role in China’s national defense, industry, and transportation networks. With a long coastline along the Bohai Sea, historic cities, and major industrial hubs, Hebei serves as both a cultural cradle and an economic powerhouse close to the political heart of China.
Formation and Historical Background
- The name “Hebei” means “north of the river,” referring to its location north of the Yellow River (Huang He).
- Historically known as part of Zhili Province during the Qing Dynasty.
- Reorganized and renamed “Hebei” in 1928 after the fall of the Qing.
- Home to key historical and military events, including sections of the Great Wall, the Zhao Kingdom, and the Boxer Rebellion.
- A vital base area during the Chinese Communist Revolution.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Hebei Province (河北省) |
| Provincial Capital | Shijiazhuang (石家庄市) |
| Location | Northern China |
| Total Area | Approx. 187,700 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 75 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 冀 (Jì) |
| ISO Code | CN-HE |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Ni Yuefeng (倪岳峰) |
| Governor | Wang Zhengpu (王正谱) |
| Provincial Legislature | Hebei Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Hebei Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Hebei Province
Hebei comprises 11 prefecture-level cities, each further divided into districts, counties, and county-level cities. Below is the full breakdown:
- Shijiazhuang (石家庄市) – Provincial Capital
- Districts: Chang’an (长安区), Qiaoxi (桥西区), Xinhua (新华区), Yuhua (裕华区), Jingxing Mining (井陉矿区), Luancheng (栾城区), Gaocheng (藁城区), Luquan (鹿泉区), Xingtang (行唐县), Zhengding (正定县), Lingshou (灵寿县), Gaoyi (高邑县), Shenze (深泽县), Zanhuang (赞皇县), Wuji (无极县), Pingshan (平山县), Jingxing (井陉县), Yuanshi (元氏县), Zhao (赵县)
- County-level Cities: Xinji (辛集市), Jinzhou (晋州市), Xinle (新乐市)
- Tangshan (唐山市)
- Districts: Lunan (路南区), Lubei (路北区), Guye (古冶区), Kaiping (开平区), Fengnan (丰南区), Fengrun (丰润区), Caofeidian (曹妃甸区)
- Counties: Luanxian (滦县), Luannan (滦南县), Leting (乐亭县), Qianxi (迁西县), Yutian (玉田县)
- County-level Cities: Zunhua (遵化市), Qian’an (迁安市)
- Qinhuangdao (秦皇岛市)
- Districts: Haigang (海港区), Shanhaiguan (山海关区), Beidaihe (北戴河区)
- Counties: Changli (昌黎县), Funing (抚宁县), Lulong (卢龙县), Qinglong Manchu Autonomous County (青龙满族自治县)
- Handan (邯郸市)
- Districts: Congtai (丛台区), Hanshan (邯山区), Fuxing (复兴区), Fengfeng Mining (峰峰矿区)
- Counties: Handan (邯郸县), Yongnian (永年区), Feixiang (肥乡区), Ci (磁县), She (涉县), Linzhang (临漳县), Cheng’an (成安县), Daming (大名县), Wei (魏县), Quzhou (曲周县), Jize (鸡泽县), Guangping (广平县)
- County-level Cities: Wu’an (武安市)
- Xingtai (邢台市)
- Districts: Qiaodong (桥东区), Qiaoxi (桥西区), Xingtai (邢台县)
- Counties: Ren (任县), Nanhe (南和县), Neiqiu (内丘县), Lincheng (临城县), Longyao (隆尧县), Ningjin (宁晋县), Julu (巨鹿县), Xinhe (新河县), Guangzong (广宗县), Pingxiang (平乡县), Weixian (威县), Qinghe (清河县), Linxi (临西县)
- County-level Cities: Shahe (沙河市), Nangong (南宫市)
- Baoding (保定市)
- Districts: Jingxiu (竞秀区), Lianchi (莲池区), Mancheng (满城区), Qingyuan (清苑区), Xushui (徐水区)
- Counties: Laishui (涞水县), Dingxing (定兴县), Tang (唐县), Gaoyang (高阳县), Yi (易县), Quyang (曲阳县), Li (蠡县), Fuping (阜平县), Shunping (顺平县), Xiong (雄县), Rongcheng (容城县), Anxin (安新县)
- County-level Cities: Zhuozhou (涿州市), Dingzhou (定州市), Anguo (安国市), Gaobeidian (高碑店市)
- Zhangjiakou (张家口市)
- Districts: Qiaodong (桥东区), Qiaoxi (桥西区), Xuanhua (宣化区), Xiahuayuan (下花园区)
- Counties: Zhangbei (张北县), Kangbao (康保县), Guyuan (沽源县), Shangyi (尚义县), Yuxian (蔚县), Yangyuan (阳原县), Huaian (怀安县), Huailai (怀来县), Zhuolu (涿鹿县), Chicheng (赤城县)
- County-level City: Zhangjiakou (宣化市)
- Chengde (承德市)
- Districts: Shuangqiao (双桥区), Shuangluan (双滦区), Yingshouyingzi (鹰手营子矿区)
- Counties: Chengde (承德县), Xinglong (兴隆县), Pingquan (平泉市), Longhua (隆化县), Fengning Manchu Autonomous County (丰宁满族自治县), Luanping (滦平县), Kuancheng (宽城县), Weichang (围场满族蒙古族自治县)
- Cangzhou (沧州市)
- Districts: Yunhe (运河区), Xinhua (新华区)
- Counties: Cangxian (沧县), Dongguang (东光县), Haixing (海兴县), Yanshan (盐山县), Suning (肃宁县), Nanpi (南皮县), Wuqiao (吴桥县), Xian (献县), Mengcun Hui Autonomous County (孟村回族自治县), Qingxian (青县)
- County-level Cities: Hejian (河间市), Botou (泊头市), Renqiu (任丘市), Huanghua (黄骅市)
- Langfang (廊坊市)
- Districts: Anci (安次区), Guangyang (广阳区)
- Counties: Yongqing (永清县), Gu’an (固安县), Wen’an (文安县), Dacheng (大城县), Xianghe (香河县)
- County-level Cities: Bazhou (霸州市), Sanhe (三河市)
- Hengshui (衡水市)
- Districts: Taocheng (桃城区)
- Counties: Jizhou (冀州区), Zaoqiang (枣强县), Wuyi (武邑县), Wuqiang (武强县), Raoyang (饶阳县), Anping (安平县), Gucheng (故城县), Jingxian (景县), Fucheng (阜城县)
- County-level City: None
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Cities | 11 |
| County-level Divisions | 170+ |
| Township-level Divisions | 2,200+ |
Local Government Structure
- Each city and county is administered by a People’s Government and Municipal/County Party Committee.
- Urban areas are divided into districts; rural regions are governed by counties and township administrations.
- Hebei also plays a vital role in supporting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Integration Initiative.
Leadership & Governance
- The Governor and Party Secretary are responsible for coordinating development with Beijing and Tianjin.
- Emphasis on:
- Environmental control (air pollution reduction)
- Industrial restructuring
- Smart city planning (Xiong’an New Area)
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Security is handled by the Hebei Provincial Public Security Department.
- Special task forces operate in:
- Border defense
- Industrial safety
- Environmental law enforcement
- Emergency Services:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Key sectors:
- Steel and Cement (Tangshan, Handan)
- Petrochemicals and Machinery
- Textiles and Ceramics
- Renewable Energy (Wind & Solar farms)
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 4.8%
- Special Focus: Xiong’an New Area – futuristic eco-city development
Education & Institutions
- Major Universities:
- Hebei University (Baoding)
- North China Electric Power University (Baoding campus)
- Hebei Medical University (Shijiazhuang)
- Vocational training and technical schools support Hebei’s vast industrial base
Healthcare
- Key Hospitals:
- Hebei Provincial People’s Hospital
- Shijiazhuang First Hospital
- Tangshan People’s Hospital
- Extensive rural healthcare outreach
- Smart healthcare systems in Xiong’an and pilot cities
Transport & Connectivity
- High-speed Rail: Beijing–Shijiazhuang, Beijing–Zhangjiakou
- Airports:
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
- Tangshan Sannühe Airport
- Deepwater ports: Huanghua Port, Qinhuangdao Port
- Key role in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Transport Network Integration
Tourism & Attractions
- Chengde Mountain Resort – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Beidaihe & Shanhaiguan – Famous coastal resorts
- Zhaozhou Bridge, Eastern Great Wall
- Winter sports in Zhangjiakou (co-host of 2022 Winter Olympics)
- Traditional villages and ancient temples
Culture & Lifestyle
- Cultural Heritage:
- Hebei Bangzi Opera
- Manchu and Han fusion traditions
- Cuisine: Donkey burgers (驴肉火烧), Braised Chicken, Pancake wraps
- Traditional crafts: Shadow puppetry, paper-cutting, cloisonné
Summary
Hebei Province stands at the heart of northern China’s development triangle. With ancient history, industrial muscle, and new-era projects like Xiong’an, it is shaping both the roots and future of the Chinese nation. Whether in culture, infrastructure, or strategic geography, Hebei remains central to China’s past, present, and tomorrow.