Dingzhou,Hebei "Close, beautiful, and perfect for a weekend trip." Between Shijiazhuang and Baoding, the old and new provincial capitals of Hebei, lies a lively and historic treasure—Dingzhou. It was once the capital of the states of Zhongshan during the Warring States period, Han Zhongshan, and Later Yan.

Dingzhou is only an hour away from Beijing by high-speed rail. Upon arrival, taxis and buses are available to take you into the city center. For convenience, it's recommended to book a hotel near the museum, as most of the attractions are within walking distance. Start your visit at the Dingzhou Tower, which, during the Song and Liao Dynasties, was the tallest structure in China and served as a lookout tower for military purposes. Today, it remains the second tallest ancient pagoda still standing.

Adjacent to the pagoda is the Dingzhou Museum, which was recently upgraded to a national first-class museum in the fifth assessment conducted by the China Museum Association. Though a county-level museum, its scale and collections rival those of museums in major cities, boasting over 50,000 artifacts, including three national treasures, reflecting Dingzhou's millennia of cultural heritage.

After visiting the museum, cross the street to the Gongyuan (Imperial Examination Courtyard), which consists of the Wen Yuan (Civil Academy) and Wu Yuan (Military Academy), connected internally. Built during the Qianlong reign, this was where local scholars took the imperial exams. The exam rooms are different from the small partitions often depicted in TV dramas, and visitors can see "cheat sheets" once used by examinees. Passing through two stone pillars with coiling dragon carvings symbolizes success and achieving top honors. After exploring the Wen Yuan, head next door to the Wu Yuan.

Next, visit the Dingzhou Prefectural Office, originally built during the Tang Dynasty. It served as the administrative center where local governors managed official affairs. You can explore the ancient prison cells and see historical instruments of punishment. A little tip: not every prefectural office allows visitors to sit in the governor's chair for photos!

The thousand-year-old Confucian Temple in Dingzhou is the largest and best-preserved Confucian temple complex in Hebei Province. Upon entering, you'll see two ancient locust trees planted by Su Dongpo himself. The Kui Star Pavilion in the eastern courtyard, built during the Yuan Dynasty, houses a statue of Kui Xing. Despite his unflattering appearance, aspiring scholars have long come here to pray for success in the imperial exams. The main building, the Dacheng Hall, enshrines Confucius, his four disciples, and twelve philosophers, giving the temple its alternative name: the Temple of Confucius.

After the Confucian Temple, head to Zhongchun Garden, the first true public park in Chinese history. Unlike the private gardens of ancient royals, Zhongchun Garden was designed for the enjoyment of both officials and commoners. It was named by the Song Dynasty prime minister Han Qi, meaning "shared joy in spring." Su Dongpo often visited the garden during his tenure in Dingzhou to write poetry and paint. Today, however, the garden has been rebuilt in modern times, with only a replica standing in its place.

Two kilometers from the city center is the Mausoleum of King Jian of Zhongshan, a national treasure. Dingzhou boasts 175 ancient Han tombs, but few have been excavated, and this is the only one open to the public. The tomb belonged to Liu Yan, a hereditary king of Zhongshan. Though modest in size and frequently looted, it still holds treasures such as Han Dynasty inscriptions on its ceiling, visible to this day, and stele carvings from various eras.

The Dingzhou Cultural and Sports Center comprises five main buildings: a theater, a cultural center, a gymnasium, a fitness center, and an exhibition center, spanning a total area of 14 hectares. Located not far from the high-speed railway station, it's worth a visit before your departure. However, due to its large size, make sure to manage your time wisely to avoid missing your train.

Dingzhou also has other attractions, such as the South Gate, but it is currently under restoration and not open to visitors. For a relaxing weekend, come and explore this thousand-year-old city and experience its charm. "A trip to Dingzhou, a step toward fulfillment."