CHONGLI DISTRICT

Chongli District, nestled in the northwest of Hebei Province, forms part of Zhangjiakou City. Spanning 2,334 square kilometers, it acts as a geographical bridge between the Inner Mongolia Plateau to the north and the North China Plain to the south. Backed by the vast Inner Mongolian grasslands, Chongli lies 50 km northwest of Zhangjiakou’s urban center. Its strategic location places it 220 km from Beijing and 340 km from Tianjin.

The district’s name, Chongli, draws inspiration from the Confucian emphasis on “reverence for propriety and righteousness.” Notably, Chongli District gained international recognition as a key host for the snow sports events of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Landscape and Climate

Chongli’s landscape is characterized by a geological foundation primarily composed of ancient boundary strata. Sporadically, formations from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras surface in localized areas and within mountain valleys.

Geographically, Chongli District occupies the northwestern reaches of the Hebei mountains. This region marks a convergence of the eastern stretches of the Yinshan mountain range (specifically the Damashan mountain group branches) and the remaining veins of the Yanshan mountains, predominantly oriented in a northeast-southwest and east-west direction. The resulting geomorphology presents a transitional mountainous terrain situated above and below the dam area. The mountains exhibit steep slopes, with peak elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, classifying them as middle and low mountains. The overall altitude within the district spans from 813 to 2,174 meters, yielding a maximum elevation difference of 1,361 meters. This creates a landscape aptly described by the saying, “mountain after mountain, continuous, ditch after ditch, uncountable.”

Chongli District experiences a temperate subarid climate characteristic of the East Asian continental monsoon.

Its geographical position and topography lead to frequent winter air activity. Spring sees a rapid temperature increase, though with considerable fluctuations and a late frost period, coupled with low rainfall and numerous windy days. Summers are short and cool with relatively stable temperatures, significant day-night temperature variations, and concentrated rainfall. The mountainous terrain also makes the area susceptible to hailstorms and rainstorms. Autumn brings a swift drop in temperature and an early first frost.

The distribution of average air temperature across Chongli is strongly influenced by its varied topography. Isothermal lines generally run in a northeast-southwest direction. The northern areas near the dam head, including mountain forks, Dashuiquan, Shiyaozi, Lion Ditch, Qingsanying, and parts of Sitai Mouth Township, exhibit an average annual temperature of 0-2°C, aligning with the isothermal line.

Chongli boasts a pleasant average summer temperature of 19°C and a high air anion concentration of 10,000 per cubic meter – over ten times higher than typical urban residential areas. Its average PM2.5 levels surpass national standards, establishing it as a natural “oxygen bar” ideal for leisure and summer retreats. Winters average -12°C with gentle average wind speeds. The area experiences early and heavy snowfall, a long snow season exceeding 150 days, and an annual snow accumulation of approximately 1.5 meters. The average annual precipitation is 483.3 mm, and the average annual temperature is 3.7°C.

How to Get to Chongli