Waterfront locations: three temples and one tower, Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park, Sub-Center Green Heart Park

The North Canal refers to the section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal that runs from Tongzhou to Sancha Kou in Tianjin. The upstream section is the Wenyu River, which merges with the Tonghui River at Tongzhou Beiguan, after which it is called the North Canal. Historically, the North Canal was also known as Lushui, and was referred to as Baihe and Guhe as well.

Throughout history, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal has served as a major artery connecting the north and south, facilitating the transport of goods and contributing to the development and prosperity of the regions along its banks. As the starting segment of the Grand Canal, the North Canal played a crucial role in connecting Beijing to external shipping routes, transporting grain from south to north, and consolidating the rule of various feudal dynasties. The transportation on the North Canal began in the Qin and Han Dynasties, flourished during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and peaked in the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Emperors from each dynasty paid significant attention to the North Canal. Today, both banks of the North Canal are lined with towering buildings, and a boat ride along the water feels like a journey through a thousand years.

In June 2021, the 40-kilometer section of the North Canal in Tongzhou was fully opened for navigation. Boating on the North Canal and strolling along the riverbanks allows visitors to appreciate two major scenic areas: "Greenway Flower Valley" and "Yanfang Gallery". The "Greenway Flower Valley" utilizes the Yulinzhuang and Yangwa water gates to create a water surface, developing a wetland park that integrates flood prevention, water purification, and ecological landscape functions.

The "Yanfang Gallery" features the construction of the Yanfang Wetland Park, which promotes the development of surrounding woodlands, creating a naturally elegant landscape. Along the banks of the North Canal, there are also facilities such as pedestrian paths, resting areas, and viewing spots. Together with the existing riverbank road and patrol road, this creates a waterfront slow-moving system for cycling and walking, allowing visitors—especially those with children—to enjoy the area, watch, play, and take breaks by the canal.

A famous line is often quoted from Wang Wei's poem about Tongzhou, indicating that when one sees the lantern tower while sailing on the Grand Canal, they know they have arrived in Tongzhou. It is also commonly said that "if you haven't visited the three temples and the lantern tower, you haven't really been to Tongzhou." This highlights the significant cultural importance of the "three temples and one tower" in Tongzhou's history. The "three temples" refer to the Confucian Wenmiao, the Buddhist Yousheng temple, and the Taoist Ziqing Palace, three independent temples. The "one tower" is the famous lantern tower, a solid brick-and-wood structure with eaves, characterized by its dignified elegance and high artistic value.

In February 2021, the central square of the "three temples and one tower" scenic area was opened to the public. The pool complements the lantern tower, reflecting the sky and clouds, allowing visitors to witness the majestic view of "ancient tower piercing the clouds," the foremost of Tongzhou's eight scenic spots.

Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park is situated on both sides of the North Canal, designed around the concept of "one river, two banks, six parks, and eighteen scenic spots." "One river and two banks" represent the North Canal and its flanking areas. The "six parks" contain six distinctive scenery spots. The "eighteen scenic spots" are distributed within these six spots, while the ancient canal flows like a silver chain, connecting 18 scenic sites, extending approximately 10 kilometers.

In spring, enjoy the flowers; in summer, delight in water activities. The Grand Canal Forest Park features wetlands and a variety of aquatic plants, including reeds, cattails, and lotus flowers. Visitors can ride bikes or take leisurely walks along the bank paths, or simply relax by the river. The water surface is also home to many birds, including cormorants, wild ducks, and white swans, creating a vibrant scene.

Just a road away from the Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park is the City Green Heart Forest Park, which also offers numerous attractions. The park is themed around "Thousand-Year Hui Lin" and features thirty-six scenic spots centered on the T

24 Solar Terms Forest Windows. In 2020, the Green Heart City Forest Park was recognized as a popular check-in spot in Beijing.

When you visit the canal, consider renting a sightseeing bike to take a loop around the star-shaped garden road with family and friends, experiencing the 24 solar terms and wandering through seasonal flower seas. For those with kids, the renovated red brick Warehouse Children's Paradise is a must-visit. It features a popular slide, autumn dry activities, climbing walls, and sandy play areas, earning the nickname "Treasure Paradise" from young fans!

Beijing Universal Resort is not far from the City Green Heart Forest Park. Have you thought about taking a trip along the North Canal for a blend of nature and culture after visiting Universal City? Enjoy the beautiful canal scenery, reflect on the lives of canal residents, and listen to their stories...

Since you're in Tongzhou, don't forget to try the local culinary: Xiaolou's grilled catfish, Dashunzhai's sweet fire cakes, and Wantongjiangyuan's fermented tofu.

Among these, Xiaolou's grilled catfish is particularly well-known and has now been designated as a district-level intangible cultural heritage of Tongzhou.

If you've recently watched The Awakening Era, you'll likely be interested in Dongxinglou, which was highly praised in the show. One character remarked, "When it comes to food, the top recommendation in Beijing is the eight great buildings, and of those, Dongxinglou stands out." Indeed, this century-old establishment offers many memorable dishes: Sautéed Sliced Chicken in Egg White, Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallion ... Food lovers always rave about their favorites. After strolling along the North Canal, you can conveniently stop by Dongxinglou to explore this enduringly popular old restaurant!