唐山市

Why this place

Tangshan is known worldwide for the 1976 earthquake, which destroyed the city and killed an enormous number of people. It has been completely rebuilt since, and much of what you see is a modern industrial city — but the memory of the quake is central to its identity and there is a moving memorial site.

What to see

• Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park and the preserved ruins of the 1976 railway station
• The ceramics district — Tangshan is one of China's largest producers of bone china
• Eastern Qing Tombs are within reach in neighbouring Zunhua, and are quieter than the Ming tombs

What to eat

• Beef and mutton in heavy northern stews
• Qianxi chestnuts, a local specialty roasted in winter

Best time

May and September–October