Things to do in Cang County

It's a worthwhile exhibition hall to visit; you can make a reservation directly. The main attraction is the hall on the first floor, which showcases the unique culture of the areas along the Grand Canal. It features many interactive experiences, is highly engaging, and allows you to learn about the distinctive culture of Cangzhou.

The Grand Canal, flowing gently for millennia, has nourished Cangzhou, Hebei Province. A vital node city along the Grand Canal, the canal flows through eight counties (cities and districts) within Cangzhou, stretching 216 kilometers. This ancient canal, flowing for millennia, has nurtured the unique character of Nanchuan Old Street in Cangzhou. This ancient street, thriving along the river, carries the memories of a century of canal commerce and embodies the authentic, vibrant life of Cangzhou. Today, this old street transcends its outdated framework, blending its ancient charm with modern business models, cultural trends, and consumer experiences, becoming a vivid microcosm of the coexistence of old and new, and the enduring vitality of Cangzhou.

张洋导游讲解的非常好！All visitors should book the national Museum of China trip. It is not easy to book on your own, book through Trip.com and have a guide to share the history with you..

A Hundred Lions Offering Auspiciousness: Encountering a Thousand Years of Stone Carving Art at the Cangzhou Museum 🐯 Stepping into the "A Hundred Lions Offering Auspiciousness—Exhibition of Chinese Stone Carving Art Through the Ages" at the Cangzhou Museum is like opening a door to a thousand years of history. In the exhibition hall, stone lions, some majestic, some endearing, some lively, stand quietly. They are not merely works of stone art, but also a condensed history of the integration and aesthetic evolution of Chinese culture. I. First Impression: A Hundred Lions Opening with Impressive Power Upon entering the exhibition hall, the four large characters "A Hundred Lions Offering Auspiciousness" on a huge red backdrop immediately catch the eye. The accompanying preface eloquently explains: "Lions are not native to China. Introduced to China from the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty, their image has been continuously reshaped by art over the past two thousand years..." This immediately made me understand that each stone lion before me is not merely a symbol of protection, but a living fossil of the fusion of Chinese and foreign cultures. II. Across a Millennium: The Unique Spirit of Stone Lions from Different Dynasties 1. Eastern Han Dynasty Bai Ze: Simple and Unadorned, the First Appearance of an Auspicious Beast On the left side of the exhibition hall, the Eastern Han Dynasty stone beast "Bai Ze," with its simple lines and unadorned shape, laid the foundation for early auspicious beasts. Its body is sturdy, and its facial lines are refined. Although lacking the complexity of later stone lions, it exudes a primal sense of power, as if telling ancient myths and legends. 2. Sui Dynasty Lion: Majestic and Solemn, Connecting the Past and the Future The Sui Dynasty stone lion blends majesty and agility. It is generally in a crouching position, with its forelimbs upright, five distinct claws, and an open mouth revealing teeth, appearing majestic and solemn. The broad, raised neck and chest, along with the shallowly carved spiral curls of mane, highlight its fluffy texture, inheriting the grandeur of the Northern Dynasties while also ushering in the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. 3. Tang Dynasty Lion: Powerful and Unrestrained, the Grandeur of a Prosperous Era The Tang Dynasty represents the pinnacle of stone lion art. The Tang Dynasty lions in the display case, with their full, powerful muscles, stand tall and proud, exuding confidence and strength. As the description states, lions, as an introduced species, were thoroughly deified in the Tang Dynasty, becoming a symbol of imperial majesty and openness. Every muscle seems to speak of the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, as depicted in the poem, "The palace gates open to the heavens, and all nations pay homage to the emperor." 4. Song Dynasty Lions: Gentle and Graceful, Embracing the Warmth of Everyday Life Song Dynasty stone lions shed the domineering air of the Tang Dynasty, becoming more diverse and relatable. I saw a Song Dynasty stone sculpture depicting a female lion with three cubs, symbolizing "Grand Tutor and Junior Tutor," "May all your wishes come true," and "May your offspring prosper." Their forms are no longer aloof guardians, but rather embody the people's prayers for a better life, full of everyday life. 5. Yuan Dynasty Lions: Strength with Grace, the Majesty of the Grasslands Yuan Dynasty stone lions possess a balance of strength and grace. The proportions of their bodies are harmonious, and the undulating muscles are prominently displayed. The flowing, wavy mane and five curls on each cheek showcase the unique style of Yuan Dynasty stone carving. The Yuan lion from Fujian, with Arabic inscriptions on its back, is a direct testament to the cultural exchange between East and West along the Maritime Silk Road. 6. Ming Dynasty Lions: Standardized Form, Imperial Grandeur Ming Dynasty stone lions, especially the white marble lions unearthed in Xingji Town, Cangzhou, with their heads held high and noses curled, crouching on rectangular bases, are characterized by their standardized forms and exquisite craftsmanship, representing the highest level of Ming Dynasty stone carving. Their image has become highly stylized, a clear symbol of power and hierarchy. 7. Qing Dynasty Lions: Large Head, Small Body, Endearingly Cumbersome By the Qing Dynasty, the style of stone lions had largely settled: large heads, narrow chests, short limbs, and oval-shaped eyes, somewhat resembling "lions," giving them an endearingly cumbersome appearance. While their ornamentation is complex, the carving is somewhat rougher. They appeared more frequently in gardens, mansions, and folk places, becoming a widespread auspicious symbol. III. The Finishing Touch: A Dialogue Between Calligraphy and Stone Carving In the exhibition hall, a huge calligraphy work of the character "lion" hangs above a stone lion. The flowing strokes create a wonderful resonance with the powerful texture of the stone carving below. This dialogue between art and object elevates the artistic style of the entire exhibition and allows me to feel the profound heritage of Chinese art, where "calligraphy and painting share the same origin" and "literature carries the Way." IV. Epilogue: A Hundred Lions Offering Auspiciousness, Blessings Fill Cangzhou Wandering through the exhibition hall, from the simplicity of the Eastern Han Dynasty to the secularism of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, each stone lion silently tells its own story. They are witnesses to history, carriers of culture, and, more importantly, the eternal yearning of the Chinese people for a better life. Leaving the exhibition hall, the lingering charm of "A Hundred Lions Offering Auspiciousness" still resonates in my heart. This exhibition was not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing, allowing me to deeply realize that these silent stones, in fact, possess warmth and soul.

It should be a landmark building in Cangzhou. The light show at night is very beautiful and photogenic. It is also great to take pictures on the top of the building. You can overlook the whole old street, which is worth a visit!

Daming Lake holds the story of Emperor Qianlong and Xia Yuhe's "epic, tragic love" 😂 "Your Majesty, do you still remember Xia Yuhe by Daming Lake?"—When Emperor Qianlong toured the south, he encountered Xia Yuhe playing the zither in the Yuhe Hall, fell in love at first sight, wrote a poem and presented her with a fan, vowing that "a true friend is hard to find." However, after more than a decade apart, Yuhe fell ill with longing and died with her zither in her arms 😢 However, there is no historical record of this person; it's purely a romantic fiction by Qiong Yao. The lake shimmers, lotus flowers fill the pond, and the saying "lotuses on all four sides, willows on three" is truly fitting. The illuminated Chaoran Tower is even more breathtaking.

When visiting Qingzhou Ancient City, the Fucai Gate Tower is a must-see, considered the heart of the ancient city. There aren't many other attractions within the ancient city, but the tower has a great location, with convenient access via sightseeing electric carts. There are also plenty of food stalls to explore nearby.

The largest urban park within Beijing's Fourth Ring Road, it's free and incredibly welcoming. With its vast lawns, expansive lake, and stunning European-style architecture and fairytale castle, it's perfect for photos. You can run, boat, take your kids, and visit exhibitions. It's comfortable year-round, and locals often come here to relax.

Shichahai (Qianhai + Houhai + Xihai), located at No. 49 Di'anmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, is divided into three water areas: Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. The lakeside scenic area is free all day and requires no reservation. Three main areas: 1) Qianhai (Lively main scenic area, the top choice for watching the sunset) Yandai Xiejie: ​​A 232-meter-long century-old street with creative shops and snacks, leading directly to Yinding Bridge. Yinding Bridge: One of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing," Yinding Guanshan (Viewing the Mountains from Yinding Bridge), a good spot for sunset photography at Orange Sea in the evening, offering distant views of the Western Hills. Lotus Market: A pond full of lotus flowers in summer, offering opportunities for rowing boats and sightseeing boats. 2) Houhai (Bars + Hutongs, the heart of nightlife) Houhai Bar Street: A cluster of folk music bars, creating a vibrant atmosphere at night; avoid the expensive bars along the street and explore the deeper hutongs for better deals. Houhai North Bank: A quiet lakeside walking path, less crowded, suitable for strolling and taking photos, passing by Prince Chun's Mansion (the birthplace of Puyi). 3) Xihai (a local favorite, the least crowded) Xihai Wetland Park (free): reeds, wild ducks, lakeside boardwalk, a hidden gem in the bustling city, almost no tour groups, perfect for a quiet city walk.

This was my first time visiting Baotu Spring. I went in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, so the experience wasn't too bad. The three springs were bubbling away, and the water was crystal clear. No wonder it's called the City of Springs! 👍