Handan

Handan is a prefecture-level city in southern Hebei Province, China. It lies in the southern portion of Hebei, at the eastern edge of the Taihang Mountains and along the North China Plain. The city serves as an administrative, economic, and cultural center for the surrounding region. It has a long history dating back to ancient times; in the Warring States period, Handan was the site of the Zhao state’s capital, and a number of archaeological sites reflect this history.

Modern Handan grew as an industrial hub in northern China, with traditional sectors such as metallurgy, textiles, and machinery, and has diversified into electronics, chemicals, and services. The economy is supported by agriculture in the surrounding counties and by a growing service sector in the urban area.

Administratively, Handan includes urban districts and surrounding counties. The urban core handles administration, commerce, and industry, while the rural counties contribute to agriculture and resource extraction.

Handan is connected to major cities by road and rail. It sits on important north-south corridors and is accessible by highway networks; conventional rail lines connect it with Beijing, Zhengzhou, and other major urban centers. An urban transit system serves residents within the city.

Handan preserves historical sites from its Zhao-era heritage and features museums and cultural institutions that document local history. The city hosts traditional crafts and local cuisine representative of southern Hebei. The city has millions of residents, with a dense urban core and extensive rural areas.