Culture

Traditional forms of Chinese opera in Hebei includePingju, HebeiBangzi(also known as Hebei Clapper Opera) and CangzhouKuaiban Dagu.Pingjuis especially popular, which tends to be colloquial in language and hence easy to understand for audiences. Originating from northeastern Hebei,Pingjuhas been influenced by other forms of Chinese opera like Beijing opera. Traditionally Pingju makes use of just axiaosheng(young male lead), axiaodan(young female lead), and axiaohualian (young comic character), though it has since diversified with the use of other roles as well.

Quyang county in central Hebei is famous for its Dingzhou porcelain, which includes bowls, plates, vases, and cups, as well as figurines. Dingzhou porcelain is usually creamy white, though it is also made in other colours.

Hebei cuisine is typically based on wheat, mutton and beans.

Tourism

Hebei has Shanhaiguan -- "the First Pass Under Heaven" -- and Chengde Summer Villa, which is the largest royal garden in the country. The Eastern and Western Tombs of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), with their opulence and exquisite stone sculpture, are also major attractions in the province. It is also home to the tombs from the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) in Mancheng well-known for its excavated relics in clothing, and religious sites in the northern and southern Xiangtang Mountains and the Qiaolou (Bridge-tower) Hall of the Cangyan Mountain. Chengde and Baoding have been cited as national famous historical and cultural cities.

Other top-grade scenic spots include Shanhaiguan, Xin'ao Underwater World in Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao Wildlife Park, Puning Temple, the Temple of the Potaraka Doctrine and Wuqiao Circus World.