The previous day’s disappointment in Zhengding did not dampen my spirits for this trip to the ancient town of Shijiazhuang, which I had initially approached with a blasé attitude. Surprisingly, once my expectations were stripped away, I found the town’s charm to be quite enjoyable. The town offers three primary experiences that would be even more captivating on a regular day:
- Charming historical and cultural landscapes
- Well-orchestrated theatrical performances
- Delicious cuisine that satisfies both hunger and taste
As a photography enthusiast, I was particularly enamored with the town’s scenic backdrop. The nighttime lighting was truly magical, evoking a sense of stepping back in time to the bustling era of the Republic of China. Taking photos in a cheongsam or Hanfu would produce stunning results. The entrance fee of 90+ per person is reasonable considering the town’s size. Upon entering, visitors can pick up a map that marks the timings of various performances, allowing for easy planning. However, as a petite individual, I found it challenging to navigate the crowds and missed out on most of the shows, instead soaking in the atmosphere.
The snack street offered a tasty variety, with the steamed rice rolls being particularly noteworthy. They were not too dissimilar from the ones I had tried in Guangzhou, and I ended up buying two more after my initial serving. For those interested, I recommend keeping tabs on the town during regular days and planning a visit on a pleasant evening, dressed to the nines and armed with your photography equipment. It’s sure to be a memorable experience.
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