Xibaipo

Historical Overview

• Command Hub Era (1948–1949): Xibaipo directed the Huaihai, Pingjin, and Liaoshen Campaigns, which crippled the Kuomintang (KMT) army. Over 600 CPC leaders, including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, resided here.
• Post-1949 Development: Transformed into a museum in 1958, with expansions in the 1970s and 2010s adding interactive exhibits and digital reconstructions.
• UNESCO Recognition: Included in the "Sites of China’s Revolution" UNESCO tentative list in 2021.
• Cultural Significance: Embodies the CPC’s "Two Musts" spirit: victory through perseverance and humility in governance.

Structural Layout

The site is divided into three zones:

1. Command Center Zone: Includes the Former Residence of Mao Zedong, Central Committee Conference Hall, and Military Commission Offices.
2. Exhibition Zone: Features the Huaihai Campaign Hall, July 7 Incident Memorial, and Revolutionary Relics Museum.
3. Ecological Zone: A 150-acre forest park with walking trails and memorial sculptures.

Key structures:

• Mao Zedong’s Former Residence: A simple courtyard house with original furnishings, including his desk and maps.
• Central Committee Conference Hall: A reconstructed 1940s-style building where key military strategies were planned.

Major Attractions

1. Huaihai Campaign Exhibit: Interactive displays on the 1948–1949 battle that annihilated 550,000 KMT troops.
2. July 7 Incident Memorial: Documents the 1937 anti-Japanese resistance starting point.
3. Revolutionary Relics Museum: Houses over 3,000 artifacts, including telegrams, weapons, and personal items of CPC leaders.
4. Xibaipo Monument: A 40-meter-tall obelisk inscribed with Mao’s poem "The Long March."
5. Digital Command Room: A 3D simulation of the 1949 North China liberation strategy.
6. Military Commission Archives: Access to declassified documents from 1948–1949.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   Visitor Center → Mao Zedong’s Residence → Central Committee Hall → Huaihai Campaign Exhibit → July 7 Memorial → Return
   Highlights: Core command sites and pivotal battle history.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   Visitor Center → Mao’s Residence → Central Committee Hall → Revolutionary Relics Museum → Digital Command Room → Ecological Forest Park → Sunset at Xibaipo Monument
   Highlights: In-depth military history and natural scenery.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Visitor Center → Guided Tour of Archives → Mao’s Residence → Central Committee Hall → Huaihai Exhibit → July 7 Memorial → Digital Command Room → Military Commission Offices → Ecological Zone → Night Light Show
   Highlights: Full immersion in revolutionary strategy and heritage.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fee: ¥60 (peak season: Apr–Oct), ¥40 (off-season: Nov–Mar).
• Concessions: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
• Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat platform "Xibaipo Scenic Area" (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Tickets available at the visitor center; queues average 30 minutes.

Transportation

• From Shijiazhuang: 1.5-hour drive via G5 Expressway (¥60 toll).
• Bus: Shijiazhuang North Bus Station → Xibaipo Direct Bus (¥25, 2 hours).
• Taxi: ¥200 one-way from Shijiazhuang downtown.
• Park Shuttle: ¥30/day for unlimited electric cart use.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–June (mild weather), September–October (clear skies for photography).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends host large school groups.
• Essentials:
  • Book guided tours in advance for archive access.
  • Wear comfortable shoes (15,000+ steps possible).
  • Photography allowed (no flash in museum exhibits).
• Prohibited Items: Drones (require permit), food in non-designated areas.
• Cultural Tip: Attend the daily "Liberation of Beijing" reenactment (10:30 AM and 2:30 PM).