There are quite a few ancient towns surrounding Beijing, each with a long history and unique characteristics. Why not visit them with your family during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday?
Yangliuqing Ancient Town
Yangliuqing Ancient Town is located in Xiqing, Tianjin. The town is known for its simple folk customs, long history, and rich culture, earning it the reputation of "the South of the Northland" and "Yangzhou by the Gu River."
This ancient northern town was born by the Grand Canal and also gave birth to Yangliuqing New Year paintings, one of China's Four Great Woodblock New Year Paintings. The phrase "every household engaged in painting" vividly depicts the scene of Yangliuqing New Year paintings in their heyday. Today, many traditional New Year painting workshops are still preserved in the town, allowing tourists to experience this traditional folk art firsthand.
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal crosses Yangliuqing Town. Historically, it was said that "Yangliuqing came before Tianjin." Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong visited Yangliuqing on his southern tour, and thus this section of the canal is also known as the Imperial River.
Along the Imperial River bank stands the Shi Family Grand Courtyard, built by the river. Completed in 1875, the Shi Family Grand Courtyard has a history of over 140 years and is the largest private residence in northern China. The entire complex includes 18 courtyards, featuring typical quadrangles connected in series, courtyards within courtyards, clear axial lines, and grandiosity. Its brick, wood, and stone carvings are exquisite and auspicious. The theater in the compound is one of the better-preserved and larger enclosed private theaters in China, known as "The First in Tianjin" and "The Finest Residence in North China."
Address: Yangliuqing, Xiqing, Tianjin
Beitang Ancient Town
Beitang Ancient Town has a history of over 600 years, nestled by the river and facing the sea, with a strong sea charm. It is also endowed with the advantages of fishing and salt production, earning it the reputation of " Gold and jade belts."
The Fenghuang Jie (St) in Beitang Ancient Town captivates visitors. This street not only has teahouses but also antique shops and calligraphy and painting studios.
A short walk east from Fenghuang Jie (St) brings you to Gujiu Xiang in the ancient town. Gujiu Xiang, built by the river, integrates bars, Western restaurants, and leisure clubs. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely drink by the river in Gujiu Xiang, listening to the lively conversations of people from all walks of life, which is very pleasant.
Address: Beitang Ancient Town, Binhai New Area, Tianjin
Nuanquan Ancient Town
Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in the west of Yuxian, Zhangjiakou, and is a famous historical and cultural town in China. The town got its name "Nuanquan" (Warm Spring) because of its spring water with a consistent temperature throughout the year. It is famous for its springs, markets, ancient buildings, and folk culture. Spend the Dragon Boat Festival holiday strolling around Nuanquan Ancient Town and experiencing local customs with your family.
The ancient and plain stone roads, gray-tiled brick houses... This is Xigubao, which was rated as "The First Village of Hebei Folk Culture" by the Hebei Federation of Literary and Art Circles. Situated within Nuanquan Ancient Town, Xigubao was first built during the reign of Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty, nearly five hundred years ago. The ancient buildings in the village are still well-preserved, with residences, temples, and theaters seamlessly integrated into the local environment. Walking on the paths of Xigubao Cun, visitors can feel the vicissitudes of history.
In Nuanquan Ancient Town, there is a unique ancient festival performance called "Da Shuhua" (Beating Tree Flowers), which has a history of over 500 years and is a local folk custom. Performers splash molten iron onto the wall, causing it to splash into countless sparks, forming a crown of branches and leaves, hence the name "Tree Flowers."
Address: Nuanquan, Yuxian, Zhangjiakou, Hebei
