Zhangjiakou, also Chang-chia-k'ou, city, in northeastern China, Hebei Province. Located at a gate in the Great Wall of China, the city has historically been a communications and commercial link between Beijing and Inner Mongolia. It has manufactures that include processed foods, machinery, and apparel. Iron ore is mined in the vicinity. A fort was built here in the early 15th century during the Ming dynasty to serve as a defense against Mongol attacks. After another fort was built in the early 17th century a town began to develop. As the terminus of a caravan route to Mongolia, it carried on a substantial trade. The city was opened to Russian trade in 1860 and was reached by railroad in 1911. Trade declined after the Russian Revolution. The city, occupied by the Japanese in 1937, was made an administrative center. Population (1991) 673,901.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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