Jiaozuo (焦作 Jiāozuò) is a city in northwestern Henan, covering over 4,000 km²and home to around 3.5 million people.
Its role as a regional transport hub means it's easily accessible, with frequent high-speed rail connections from Zhengzhou, making it a convenient base for travelers.
Beyond its natural wonders, Jiaozuo is steeped in history. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, and it was the hometown of notable figures like Sima Yi, the master strategist of the Three Kingdoms, and Han Yu, a leading Tang dynasty literary figure. The city also holds a place in Chinese lore as the gathering place of the free-spirited "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" and the final retreat of Emperor Xian of Han.
Understand
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Regions
[edit]Jiaozuo administers 4 districts, 2 county-level cities, and 4 counties:
| Jiaozuo Urban Districts (Jiefang District, Shanyang District, Zhongzhan District, Macun District) |
| Qinyang |
| Mengzhou |
| Xiuwu County |
| Wuzhi County |
| Wen County |
| Bo'ai County |
Climate
[edit]Jiaozuo enjoys a climate of distinct seasons, characterized by its annual average temperature of around 14°C and precipitation of 600-700 mm. This translates to hot, rainy summers and cold, relatively dry winters—best classified as a warm temperate continental monsoon climate.
History
[edit]Jiaozuo has a long and storied history, known in ancient times as "Shanyang(山阳)" As one of the core areas of early Chinese civilization, it is the proud hometown of illustrious figures such as the master strategist Sima Yi and the literary giants Han Yu and Li Shangyin.
The region's coal resources were first tapped during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its modern identity, however, was forged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the establishment of the British-owned Yingfu Company, which industrialized mining operations. This period was so defining that it gave the city its present name, "Jiaozuo," which literally reflects its role in coal mining. It became one of the birthplaces of China's modern coal industry.
Facing the gradual depletion of coal reserves since the 1990s, Jiaozuo has successfully undertaken a remarkable economic transition. This shift has transformed its reputation from an industrial center into a celebrated region of landscape and culture.
Get in
[edit]By train
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Jiaozuo is well-connected by rail and has multiple train stations.
- 1 Jiaozuo Railway Station, No. 129 Zhanqian Road, Jiefang District, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province. The city's main transportation hub, offering both high-speed and conventional rail services. It provides direct high-speed train access to major cities including Zhengzhou, Beijing, Xi'an, and Wuhan.
- 2 Jiaozuo West Station. Located in Bo'ai County, this station primarily serves some conventional train routes.
- 3 Xiuwu West Station. This is the closest high-speed rail station to the Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area. It is the most convenient option for travelers arriving from Zhengzhou who wish to visit Yuntai Mountain.
Get around
[edit]- By bus: Jiaozuo's city bus network offers extensive coverage, reaching most urban areas and some nearby attractions. To get to the Yuntaishan National Geopark(云台山国家地质公园), you can take Bus Route 3 directly from the city center.
- By Taxi: Taxis and ride-hailing services are a very convenient way to get around within the city.
- By Car: Renting a car is the most flexible option for travelers planning to explore the various sites of the Taihang Mountain(太行山) in depth. Jiaozuo has a well-developed road network with good conditions on the routes leading to major scenic spots.
See
[edit]The following are attractions located in the urban districts (Jiefang, Shanyang, Zhongzhan, Macun).
- 1 Yuntaishan National Geopark (云台山国家地质公园), Anshang Township, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province (Take the Jiaozuo-Xiuwu-Yuntaishan tourist bus.). 07:00–18:30. The World Geopark is famous for its canyon landscapes such as Hongshi Gorge and Tanpu Gorge, where mountains and water complement each other and are suitable for all seasons. 123¥.
- 2 Qingtian River Scenic Area (Qingtian River Scenic Area), 博爱县青天河镇 (You can take a tourist bus from Jiaozuo Passenger Station, which takes about 1 hour.). 08:00–17:30. A national 5A-level tourist attraction, it is known as the "Three Gorges of the North" because of its alternating canyons, mountains and waters, and boat tours are available. 80¥.
- 3 Shennong Mountain (神农山), Northwest of Qinyang City (You can take a tourist bus directly from Jiaozuo or Qinyang city.). 07:00–18:00. The mountain is majestic and famous for its original secondary forests and ancient road landscapes. It is an important scenic spot at the southern end of Taihang Mountain. 100¥.
Do
[edit]- Hiking the Taihang Mountains: Trekking through scenic areas like Yuntai Mountain, Shennong Mountain, and Fenglin Gorge offers an excellent way to connect with nature while exercising both body and mind.
- Learning Tai Chi: In Chenjiagou Village, numerous Tai Chi schools and martial arts centers provide short-term experience classes. Visitors can train with masters and immerse themselves in the charm of Tai Chi culture.
- Boat Tour on Qingtian River: Glide through the emerald waters of the canyon on a boat and savor the poetic scenery of "water weaving around green hills, hills embracing the water."
- Photography: Whether capturing the spectacular peaks and unique waters of Yuntai Mountain or the time-honored martial arts traditions of Chenjiagou, the city is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Learn
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Jiaozuo is home to several higher education institutions spanning fields like engineering, transportation, and teacher training. If you're interested in the local academic atmosphere or campus culture, consider visiting these key schools.
- Henan Polytechnic University: As the top-ranked undergraduate institution in Jiaozuo, its history traces back to the Jiaozuo Road & Mining School founded in 1909. The university is well-known for its engineering programs and is recognized as a Provincial Key University in Henan. Visitors can sense a strong tradition in engineering and scholarship across its campus.
- Jiaozuo University: Don't be misled by the name—this is a public, full-time college offering specialized vocational programs. It provides 55 majors, including Mechatronics, Big Data Technology, Tourism Management, and a unique local specialty: Traditional Ethnic Sports (Tai Chi direction). With both north and south campuses, it's a good place to experience vocational education at the college level.
Work
[edit]Jiaozuo is not a major destination for foreign employment. Job opportunities are primarily found in local enterprises, the tourism-related service industry, and some manufacturing sectors. For travelers, long-term work options here are relatively limited.
Buy
[edit]Specialty product
[edit]- Four Famous Herbs of Huaiqing(四大怀药): This refers to Huaiqing Rehmannia, Huaiqing Yam, Huaiqing Achyranthes, and Huaiqing Chrysanthemum. These are local specialties of the Jiaozuo region, highly valued for their medicinal and health benefits.
- Chengni Inkstone(黄河澄泥砚): Recognized as one of the "Four Famous Inkstones of China", it is an exquisite piece of traditional stationery and a cherished collectible.
- Tai Chi-related Souvenirs: Items such as Tai Chi uniforms, Tai Chi swords, books, and DVDs can be purchased in Chenjiagou Village(陈家沟).
Shopping malls
[edit]- 1 Wanda Plaza. Jiaozuo's most famous and popular one-stop shopping center. It integrates international fashion, trendy clothing, a large supermarket (Wanda Yonghui Supermarket), children's entertainment, a high-end cinema (Wanda Cinema), and numerous catering brands.
- 2 Dennis. This is a local retail giant in Henan Province, with multiple branches in Jiaozuo. It offers a complete range of goods, from daily necessities to clothing and home appliances, and is usually integrated with large supermarkets, making it very affordable and convenient.
Eat
[edit]Jiaozuo's food culture blends elements of Henan cuisine with local traditions, featuring hearty noodles and robust flavors.
- Huaiqing Simmered Donkey Meat: The most renowned local delicacy. The donkey meat is simmered using a unique technique, resulting in tender flesh and a rich, deeply flavorful broth that leaves a lasting impression.
- Wuzhi Savory Oil Tea: A warm, porridge-like snack with a savory aroma. It is made by stir-frying flour, peanuts, sesame, and other ingredients before simmering them into a nutritious and comforting drink.
- Mengzhou Fried Noodles: A local noodle specialty. The noodles are first boiled then stir-fried, giving them a pleasantly chewy texture, and are served with a variety of generous toppings.
- Jiang Noodle Soup: A classic Henan snack. The soup base is made from fermented soybean milk or fermented flour paste, creating a distinctively tangy and appetizing flavor.
Drink
[edit]Jiaozuo has a strong local drinking culture, where baijiu (a clear spirit) is commonly consumed. For visitors, local beer brands and soft drinks are widely available in restaurants. Teahouses are also relatively common in the city, offering a quieter alternative.
Sleep
[edit]Jiaozuo offers diverse accommodation options to match your travel itinerary:
- Around Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area: This is the most popular lodging zone for tourists. The Anshang Service Area is the top choice, featuring a high concentration of guesthouses and hotels with abundant dining options. Its immediate proximity to the scenic area entrance allows for convenient early access. For a quieter retreat, consider officially operated hotels within the park (such as Yuntai Tianjie International Hotel), where you can enjoy the mountain's tranquility after day-trippers depart.
- Downtown: Well-suited as a transport hub for exploring Jiaozuo and its surroundings. The area around Jiaozuo Railway Station and the city center offers a range of hotels from international chains to budget options, with comprehensive amenities and easy access to urban attractions and public transport.
- Chenjiagou Village: A unique option for Tai Chi enthusiasts. Visitors can stay at martial arts school-run lodges or themed B&Bs to immerse themselves in the traditional martial arts atmosphere—where mornings may begin with the sound of practitioners training and opportunities for direct guidance from masters are readily available.
- Other County Centers: If visiting Qingtian River or Shennong Mountain, consider staying in Bo'ai County or Qinyang city centers. These locations often provide better value and a more authentic local living experience.
Health
[edit]Hospitals
[edit]- Jiaozuo People's Hospital
- Jiaozuo Second Hospital
- Jiaozuo Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
Connect
[edit]- Area code: 0391
- Postal code: 454000
- Internet: Wi-Fi is widely available in the city center, most hotels, and restaurants. Purchasing a local Chinese SIM card provides convenient access to mobile data networks.