Hebi (hè bì 鹤壁) is a prefecture-level city in northern Henan province (hé nán shěng 河南省), People's Republic of China. Situated in mountainous terrain at the edge of the Shanxi plateau (shān xī gāo yuán 山西高原), Hebi is about 25 miles south of Anyang (ān yáng 安阳), 40 miles northeast of Xinxiang (xīn xiāng 新乡) and 65 miles north of Kaifeng (kāi fēng 开封).

Overview

Hebi, literally the cliff of crane, covering an area of 2182 square kilometers, is the home to a population of 1,430,000. In its west lie the mountains and hills, amounting to 20% and 30% of its total area respectively. The plains lie in its east, occupying 50%. It has a total arable land of 10,600 hectares. Among the whole population, there are 590,000 urban dwellers. Under its administration there are two counties, four districts and 25 townships.

Hebi, a city with a long history and rich culture, is named after a legend that a magic crane once perched on the cliff of the South Mountain there. The Capital of the Shang Dynasty, lasting 400 years, was built in Zhaoge in this area, now called Qi County (qí xiàn 淇县). Qi River in the city has been viewed as a river of history, poetry and culture. In one of the famous classic works, Shijing (shī jīng 诗经; The Book of Poems), there are 39 poems describing the customs and cultures in this land.


History

Dating back to the Xia Dynasty (21st-16th century BC), Hebi was just three individual states belonging to different kingdoms. It was not until the West Han Dynasty (206-24 BC) when the two counties Qixian and Junxian as well as Dangyinxian (today's Hebi inner city) formed. Later dynasties witnessed the change of the three areas, and finally in AD 1957, Dangyinxian was changed into Hebi City. In 1986, two more counties, Qianxian and Junxian, were brought under the control of Hebi City.

One of the counties, Xun County (xùn xiàn 浚县; called Liyang in ancient times) is a well-known cultural city of state level. In the county lies the Dapi Mountain (dà pī shān 大伾山) where Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism coexist. A Giant Stone Buddha statue of North Wei Dynasty was constructed on the Mountain, which is considered as the earliest Buddha statue and the largest one in north China. The other county, Qi County (called Zhaoge in ancient times) is a well-known historical and cultural city under the protection of provincial level. In the county lies the Yunmeng Mountain (yún mèng shān 云梦山) which boasts of a historical site — the military school of the Warring States Period, the earliest military school in the history of China.


Geographic and Climatic Features

There are mainly hills between Taihang Mountain (tài háng shān 太行山) and Northern China Plain. Hebi has two counties, Junxian and Qixian, which are respectively national and provincial historical and cultural city. Qi River, one of the unpolluted rivers in Northern China, traverses the city and brings beautiful scenery along the bank.

Hebi Belongs to the temperate monsoon zone with four distinct seasons. Windy and dry in spring; hot and wet in summer; cool in autumn; cold and misty in winter. Therefore, the best tour seasons turn to be summer and autumn.


Attractions

The Yunmeng Mountain Scenic Area

The Yunmeng Mountain (yún mèng shān 云梦山), a branch range of the Taihang Mountains (tài háng shān 太行山) , is located 15 kilometers to the south-west of Qi County seat. The mountain is sometimes covered by the sea of clouds with the main peak rising 577 meters above sea level and other peaks standing one after another. With singing springs and scattered flowers in full bloom, the mountain has been a place of interest for tourists since the ancient times. Literati and celebrities of past dynasties set a foot on it, leaving a number of poems, inscriptions and carvings.

Guigu (guǐ gǔ 鬼谷), a famous hermit in the period of Warring States, is a typical example. During the period of anti-Japanese war and the civil war of China, some underground resistance organizations and liberation soldiers once stayed here and therefore it enjoys a nation-wide reputation. It is here that Guigu established the first military school in the history of China. Many renowned militarists and political strategists such as Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Sun Bin, Pang Juan and so on were educated in the school. Hermit Guigu, from the Wei State in the Warring States period, was a great master of political strategy. He gave lectures on strategies to his disciples in the mountain and left us a book of 13 volumes on the art of wars.

Southern Gate of Heaven

When you arrive at Yumeng Mountain, the Southern Gate of Heaven (nán tiān mén 南天门) comes first into your view. At the foot of the cliff of South Hill, in the narrow mountain pass of Yunmeng Basin stands such a gate, which is made of stalactites. It is supported by four stone pillars. The upper storey is a statue of Goddess of Mercy formed naturally by stalactites, while the entire gate is made of rocks. Attached to the east of the gate, there is a large statue of dragon, a mythological benevolent creature, with his eyes gazed at the Goddess of Mercy, like a soldier on call and ready to bring blessings to human beings.

Yingrui Pond and Yingrui Gate

The Yingrui Pond (yìng ruì chí 映瑞池) is named after Three-Stream Pond, where the three streams converge into the river in the Yumeng Mountain valley. It is the place where master Guigu used to take his disciples to practice martial arts, and the literati and poets of past dynasties once visited. Here tourists can watch the sunrise and sunset glow reflected in the pond. It is really an amazing spectacle. Moreover, there is a well called Guigu well in the pond in memory of master Guigu. In summer and autumn, the water overflows from the pond, forming an overhanging waterfall, which is extremely splendid.

Close to Yingrui Pond, the Yingrui Gate is in the style of ancient castles. The main gate is built by stones in arch form. Upon the arch is built a platform on which the tiny buildings in ancient Chinese architectural style are constructed, decorated with small and exquisite carvings and colored ornaments.

Shuilian Cave

Shuilian Cave (shuǐ lián dòng 水帘洞; the cave with water curtains), lying halfway of the cliff in the north of South Hill in Yunmeng Basin, is a place where Master Guigu secluded himself from the outside world, yet a place where Mr. Guigu gave lectures to his disciples. The cave, 10 meters high, 6 meters wide, 80 meters deep is naturally formed. In the cave, numerous fancy stalactites hang on the ceiling from which water drops are falling, producing melodious sounds like ancient Chinese music. A waterfall, like a curtain,
runs over the outlet of the cave, so Shuilian Cave is named after it. Just like a poem puts it that the white waterfall like a curtain hangs over the cave, outside red peach blossoms are in full bloom. Deep in the cave there is a spring with sweet and clear water. In summer and autumn, the spring overflows from cave, forming an overhanging waterfall pouring down into Yingrui Pond.

On the upper left side of the outlet of the Cave are engraved six Chinese characters meaning the reclusive place for Master Guigu. On the right side of the outlet stands a life-like statue of Master Guigu, 3.5 meters high, with his right hand holding bamboo slips (a kind of ancient books in China), seeming to impart his knowledge to his disciples.

Xichen Cave

The Xichen Cave (xǐ chén dòng 洗尘洞) or Sun Bin Cave (sūn bìn dòng 孙膑洞), lying on the right side of Shuilian Cave, was excavated in the Ming Dynasty with a three-room width. On both sides of the outlet of the cave stands one stone mast; in the cave six stone columns are arranged in two rows, on each of which are engraved couplets and some legendary figures. The cave gate is made of stone, looking simple and unsophisticated. In it there is a statue of Sun Bin with a solemn and dignified look.

Su Bin, military strategist in the Warring States Period, grandson of Sun Wu (a famed military strategist in that period), learned the art of war from Master Guigu in the Yunmeng Mountain. He was at one time a military counselor for an emperor of Qi State and achieved great success in command of wars. Su Bin left us a book The Art of Wars which is very popular till now.

Shangsheng Temple

The Shangsheng Temple (shàng shèng miào 上圣庙) is located in the temple area of North Hill of Yumeng Mountain. There are more than 10 temples in the area which were built in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, looking majestic and magnificent. Particularly Shangsheng Temple is a rarity in the temple area, which consists of a large hall and some surrounding halls. The giant statue of Jade Emperor of Heaven, the supreme deity of Taoism is enshrined and worshiped in Shangsheng Temple. In front of surrounding halls there is a stone arch with fine workmanship. Upon it are engraved eight Chinese characters meaning "east or west, Yunmeng's landscape is the best".

Sun Cave

The Sun Cave (tài yáng dòng 太阳洞), located one kilometer to the south-east of Shuilian Cave, is a natural cave in the cliff of Yumeng Mountain, with a diameter of 8 meters and a height of 13 meters. At each side of the outlet, there are two holes, like two doors and two windows. The arch ceiling of the cave takes on a variety of patterns formed by lime solution, like dragons, snakes and so on. In the cave, a stone statue of Sun God with a solemn look is worshiped.

One can enjoy the landscapes of the area by a bird view from the outlet of the cave. In addition, one can watch the sunrise. The amazing spectacles will make one stay here as long as possible.

Marvelous Calligraphy

The Yumeng Mountain has enjoyed a great reputation for a long time. Literati and poets of past dynasties often visited it, leaving behind a number of inscriptions, carvings and tablets. The statistics show that there are 233 engravings on cliffs and tablets from the Yuan Dynasty till now. Of them, renowned calligraphers such as Wang Yun of the Yuan Dynasty, Dou Wen and Sun Hui in the Ming Dynasty are most outstanding ones.

Location: East side of the Taihang Mountain, 15 kilometres west of Qi County, Hebi City
Tel: 0392-7225787
Transportation: Take Bus No.3 at Xingtai Railway Station, get off at Xingxi Bus Station, and change to the bus heading for the Yunmeng Mountain.
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Admission Fees: CNY50
Tips: There are several restaurants on the mountain, where pheasant and hare are served. Along the way back to Xingtai City, there are some restaurants and hotels like Yehe Shanzhuang Hotel and Xingxiang Hotel as well.


Dapi Mountain and Fuxiu Mountain

Located in Junxian (xùn xiàn 浚县), the two mountains stand face-to-face, famous for their Taoist temples and ancient architecture.

As a 4A national tourism spot and the provincial civilized scenic spot, Dapi Mountain (dà pī shān 大伾山) has complex ancient monasteries and picturesque scenery, deserving to be "An Outstanding Mountain in Yugong (yǔ gòng míng shān 禹贡名山; a book describing well-known mountains)". Visitors may enjoy its deep cultural connotations while indulging themselves in the marvelous imaginary realm when seeing from the top.

Dapi Mountain scenic spots are made up by Dapi Mountain and Fuqiu Mountain (fú qiū shān 浮丘山). In the former one locate the Lvzu temple, temple of the king Yu, Tianning Temple, Dragon Cave, and Guanyin Cave. Backing the mountain, the large Buddha in Tianning temple, about 27m high, was built in the regime of Shile, post governor of the state Zhao in the period of 16 states. It is locally called "eight Zhang's (about 27m high) Buddha and seven Zhang's (about 24m high) Archetecture". It claims to be the earliest Buddha all over the country and the biggest one in the north. In the Fuqiu Mountain, there are Bixia palace, Cave of Thousand Buddhas, and the Nigu Mountain. In addition, you can find more than 460 stone inscriptions of different historical period, such as the Zhunchi Butingfei Inscription (zhǔn chì bú tíng fèi jì 准敕不停废记; describing the historical fact of depressing Buddhism and whittling down the number of shaman), and the noted calligraphies of the past.

Location: Xun county, Hebi City
Tel: 0392-5530283
Transportation: You may get off the train at Anyang station, than take the bus from Anyang to Xun county. Then You can take the sightseeing bus which runs every 5 minutes (5:40 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.) at the train station, and then spend CNY3 to take a taxi to the ticket office of the scenic spots.
Opening Hours: 4:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Admission Fee: CNY60

Other Scenic Spots: Lingshan Temple, Wulongdong National Forest Park, Sanxing Kangle Village.


Food

Carp in Qi River

Carp in Qi River (qí hé jì yú 淇河鲫鱼) is one of the three treasures in Qi River in Hebi and also the specialty in the Qi River. Its back is light brown and its belly silver white, because of its broad back and well-filled out shape it is also called "double back carp". It has little fish bone, fat meat which is tender and fresh. It can stimulate the circulation of the blood and cause the muscles and joints to relax. This carp is one of the four rear aquatic animals in Henan province.

Dong ling cao Tea

Dong ling cao Tea (冬凌草茶) is one of the three treasures of Qi River in Hebi City and it contains five kinds of Dong ling cao cha su, 17 kinds of amino acid, 24 kinds of trace elements and the effective anticancer element-Yanmingsu. It has the function to diminish inflammation, relieve the internal heat, and is good for one's liver and spleen.


Chansi Duck Egg

Chansi Duck Egg (chán sī yā dàn 缠丝鸭蛋) is one of the three treasures of Qi River in Hebi City and is produced in a certain water area along the bank of Qi River. When it is done, it represents the color of yellowish red and, you will find different color circles winding around the centers from outside to the inside when cut it, so they call it Chansi Egg (winding circle egg) which has clear grain and the taste of meat and is fresh and delicious.

Fenpi of Xun County

Fenpi of Xun County (xùn xiàn fěn pí 浚县粉皮; Sheet jelly made from bean or sweet potato starch) is the specialty of Hebi and is a famous dish well-known in China. It is fine and smooth in quality, glittering translucent and fresh when you eat it which is also a delicacies in hotel, restaurant and family and a good gift to relatives and friends.




Shopping

There are many kinds of handcrafts in Hebi among the common people like china, paper-cut, embroidery, stone-carving, earthen toy, wooden toy, paperwork (burned as an offering to the dead) and instruments made by willow twigs and so on. Hebi had being the important place in the north for making porcelain from the late period of Tang to the Yuan Dynasty. The porcelain made here is smooth in shape and has bright glaze which are white, black, blue and so on. There are carved flowers and printed flowers and pictures of flowers, birds, insets and fish etc. on it.

Paper-cut handcraft is very popular among villages and there are all kinds of paper-cut like those for window decoration, some plants and animals and daily life instruments and so on. The paper-cut made by Yang Taohua and Zheng Taoxiang who lives in the Cuicungou Village and Shilin County of Hebiji County.

The embroidery of Hebi has still preserved the traditional needling method and there are many kinds of products like purse, wallet, crown, Dudou (dù dōu 肚兜; used for babies), Tiger-head shoes (hǔ tóu xié 虎头鞋; a kind of shoes with the front part like a tiger head and is only used for baby), pillowcase, lace and so on.


Transportation

Air

There is no airport in Hebi and the nearest airport is the Xinzhen International Airport which is 130 miles to Hebi.

Ticket Booking Telephone of the CAAC flight: 0392-3376333

Railway

The Jing-Guang Railway (Beijing-Guangzhou), No.107 National Highway, Jing-Zhu Highway (Beijing-Zhuhai), the projects for diverting water from the south to the north and the Jinghanguang International Communication Optical Cable all pass though this area with Tanghe(Tangyin-Hebi), Xinhe, Tangpu (Tangyin-Puyang) Railway lying on the its both sides, which also connect to the Jing-Guang Railway.

The Inquiry Number of the Railway Station: 0392-6995114

Bus

Inquire Number of the Bus Station: 0392-2622885 (Old district);
                                                 0392-3311079 (New district)

The Service Complaint Hot-line of the City Public Bus Company: 0392-2626116

The Price of the Taxi: CNY4 (per mile)

The Basic Price of Minibus: CNY3 (per mile)

Tips:

1. Hebi has convenient transportation options. Jingguang (Beijing-Guangzhou) Railway, Jingzhu (Beijing-Zhuhai) Highway and other branch railways and national highways connect in the city, making it easy to get to most of China's other cities. Long distance buses run between Hebi and other provincial cities every day. City buses and rented cars offer visitors more convenience for getting around the city.

2. Do not forget to buy some folk handicraft. They are stone statues, embroidery, willow knitting, wooden and mud dolls, copied ancient pottery, and natural stone tea set.

3. Complaint Call of Hebi city: 0392-3327708