Xingtai

Xingtai is one of the oldest cities in northern China, with more than 3,500 years of history, and served as an early capital of both the Shang dynasty and the state of Zhao. It sits at the foot of the Taihang Mountains in southern Hebei on the Beijing-Guangzhou rail corridor. The Tang-era Kaiyuan Temple and the karst formations of Kongshan White Cloud Cave are among its notable sights, while the forested Tianhe Mountain draws summer visitors. The surrounding plain is a major grain and cotton area, and the city has a long tradition of coal and equipment manufacturing. High-speed trains link Xingtai to Beijing and Shijiazhuang, and Xingtai Dalian Airport offers regional flights.