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| Shijiazhuang |
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Shijiazhuang is located 280km (174 miles) southwest of Beijing in
central Hebei. It is a major hub of the national railway network and
is a fast-growing, prosperous city.
Shijiazhuang is at the forefront of China rapid march to economic
development and is home to the country largest pharmaceutical plant
and the army military academy. It has grown from little more than
a village under the stewardship of nearby Zhengding at the turn
of the last century to its current status as provincial capital.
Now the tables are turned and the quieter city of Zhengding, about
15km (9 miles) away, is visited by day-trippers from Shijiazhuang,
who travel to see the Longxing Temple, reputedly the oldest monastery
in China, and its huge copper Buddha. |
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