Xiàbǎnchéng

Xiabancheng stands on the eastern bank of the Luan River, where waterways meet among the hills. It was a river landing, and its name is associated with the stacks of timber once gathered at the wharf. During the Qing, the settlement grew alongside the imperial summer residence at nearby Chengde. Distilleries became established here, producing a spirit known as Bancheng shao for the surrounding countryside and markets farther afield.