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.