A Zhengding restaurant tracing its recipe to a Qing-dynasty fourth-rank imperial chef, serving herb-scented braised pork ribs handed down across five generations, steps from Longxing Temple.
Zhending Haojia Paigu (真定郝家排骨) is a casual restaurant on Yanzhao Street in Zhengding County, part of Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, China, close to Longxing Temple. Zhengding was historically known as Zhending, and the restaurant's name reflects that older identity. Its recipe is traced to a fourth-rank imperial chef of the Qing dynasty and is described as having been handed down across five generations, giving the kitchen a strong lineage story that sets it apart from ordinary pork-rib restaurants in the county.
The signature dish is the Haojia braised pork rib (郝家排骨), priced at about ¥58-98 (roughly $8.7-14.6) depending on portion. The ribs are slow-braised with a blend of herbs and spices until the meat is tender and fragrant, and they are typically served as a centrepiece for sharing. A second notable order is the herb-braised pork trotter, at about ¥48-68 (roughly $7.2-10.1), which follows the same braising approach. Side dishes of local Hebei staples such as noodles or flatbread are commonly added to round out the table.
The dining room is a straightforward family-style restaurant rather than a fine-dining venue. Atmosphere is relaxed and talkative, with tables built for groups, and demand rises with the flow of visitors to Longxing Temple and the historic Zhengding old town. No dress code applies. The restaurant is not noted for a wine programme; diners usually order tea, soft drinks or beer alongside the meat.
Walk-ins are accepted at most times, but booking by phone is advised on weekends and public holidays, when tour groups and families fill the room. Hours run approximately 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. At the $$ price tier, it suits a leisurely lunch or early dinner after sightseeing in Zhengding, with the ribs best shared among two or more people.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 10:00 AM-9:00 PM |
| Reservations | Walk-ins accepted; booking by phone advised on weekends and holidays. |
| Address | Yanzhao Street, near Longxing Temple, Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei (Chinese: 石家庄市正定县燕赵大街，近隆兴寺) |
Signature dishes
- Haojia braised pork ribs (郝家排骨) - ¥58-98 (~$8.7-14.6)
- Herb-braised pork trotter - ¥48-68 (~$7.2-10.1)
Location
Yanzhao Street, near Longxing Temple, Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei (Chinese: 石家庄市正定县燕赵大街，近隆兴寺)
38.1520, 114.5720 View on map
Highlights
- Herb-braised Haojia pork ribs with a Qing-dynasty imperial-chef lineage
- Recipe described as passed down through five generations
- Herb-braised pork trotter as a second signature dish
- Located near Longxing Temple in Zhengding County
- Family-style tables suited to sharing
Tips for visiting
- Phone ahead on weekends and public holidays, when the dining room fills with groups.
- Share the pork ribs among two or more diners; portions cost about ¥58-98.
- Pair a sightseeing visit to Longxing Temple with a late-morning or early lunch to avoid the peak.
- Add the herb-braised trotter for a second texture at about ¥48-68.
- Prices are higher than street-food stalls, so budget roughly ¥60-100 per person.
When to visit
Lunch on a weekday avoids the weekend and holiday crowds that gather around Longxing Temple.
Accessibility
A family-style restaurant in Zhengding town centre. Step-free entry and accessible toilets are not confirmed, so visitors with mobility needs may wish to inquire locally.
Frequently asked questions
What is Haojia pork rib known for?
It is a Zhengding specialty of ribs braised with herbs, attributed to a recipe from a Qing-dynasty imperial chef and said to have passed through five generations of the Hao family.
Is a reservation required?
Walk-ins are accepted, but a phone booking is advised on weekends and holidays.
Where is the restaurant located?
It is on Yanzhao Street in Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang, near Longxing Temple.
What are the opening hours?
Hours are approximately 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.