Beijing, a city rich in history and culture, is home to seven World Heritage sites. These include the Great Wall, the Palace Museum, the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, and the Grand Canal. Each site holds significant historical and cultural value, offering visitors a glimpse into China's past and its enduring legacy.

The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal of China was inscribed on the World Heritage List in June 2014. Originating in 486 BC, the Grand Canal consists of three main parts: the Grand Canal of Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and the Canal in East Zhejiang , comprising ten sections of waterways and passing through 27 cities in 8 provinces and municipalities.

In Beijing, the heritage-listed sections of the canal include the Beijing Old City section of the Tonghui River in Xicheng District, known as Shichahai (including Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai), the Yuhe ancient canal in Dongcheng District (from Wanning Bridge in the west to Dongbuya Bridge in the east), and the Tonghui River section in Tongzhou District (from Yongtong Bridge in the west to Tongzhou Beiguan Lock in the east). The heritage sites include the Chengqing Upper Lock (Wanning Bridge) in Xicheng District and the Chengqing Middle Lock (Dongbuya Bridge) in Dongcheng District, which are important open urban landscapes in Beijing.

The ancient river, flowing through the ages, has created a dynamic world cultural heritage site—the Grand Canal.

Starting from the northern origin at the Baifuquan site in Beijing, one can experience the picturesque scenery and the cultural essence of Beijing at Shichahai, with its bustling taverns and shops, and explore the historical and cultural charm of the three temples and one tower architectural complex. Walking through the Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park, one can admire the natural beauty and embark on a journey to the Universal Resort Beijing to begin a global dream. Following the flow of the canal, one can explore the historical relics along the northern route of the canal and learn about the profound canal culture.