The Beijing (Tongzhou) Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Scenic Area is located in Tongzhou District, Beijing, at the core of the Beijing section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction with a total area of approximately 10.7 square kilometers, covering the canal channel in Tongzhou, historical and cultural relics along the banks, and modern landscape facilities. The scenic area integrates the long history of the Grand Canal, natural scenery, and modern urban functions, demonstrating the profound heritage and contemporary charm of canal culture. It features historical structures like the Ransheng Pagoda, Daguang Building, and Caoyun Wharf (Canal Transport Wharf), as well as modern landscapes such as Canal Park and Canal Culture Square, serving as a comprehensive destination for cultural experience, leisure, and educational tours.
History and Culture
The Grand Canal, the world's longest artificial waterway, saw its cultural development in Beijing trace back to the Sui and Tang dynasties. Tongzhou, as the northern terminal of the canal, served as the hub of Caoyun (Canal Transport), earning the reputation of "Beijing, Tianjin, and Tongzhou"—the three most important cities in ancient China. Since the Yuan Dynasty, Tongzhou had been a key node for grain transport via the canal, with the prosperity of Caoyun driving local commercial and cultural growth, leaving behind numerous historical relics and traditions related to canal transportation.
The Ransheng Pagoda, first built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty and renovated through the Liao, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, stands as a landmark of the Beijing Grand Canal section. Its exquisitely carved bricks and gilded bronze finial reflect the superb ancient architectural skills. The Daguang Building, once a grain inspection station in the Ming and Qing dynasties, witnessed the glory of Caoyun. The Caoyun Wharf, where ancient merchant ships docked and cargo was unloaded, still preserves its historical layout and charm.
Upon its inscription on the World Heritage List in 2014, the Grand Canal of China established the Beijing (Tongzhou) Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Scenic Area as a pivotal window to showcase canal culture. In recent years, Tongzhou District has prioritized the Grand Canal cultural belt development, revitalizing the canal through historical relic preservation, ecological restoration, and cultural events.
Main Attractions
Ransheng Pagoda
Located in Xihaizi Park, this 13-story octagonal brick pagoda stands about 56 meters tall, one of Beijing's tallest. Each floor features intricate brick carvings, and the gilded bronze finial adds solemn elegance. Built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, the pagoda serves as a key symbol of Grand Canal culture and a vital artifact for studying ancient architecture and Buddhist heritage.
Daguang Building
Situated on the canal's west bank, this two-story structure (five bays wide, three bays deep) with a hip roof once functioned as a grain inspection station for the Caoyun (Canal Transport) governor in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Now renovated, it houses an exhibition on canal transport history, displaying relics and explaining the operational processes of Caoyun, offering insights into ancient canal culture.
Caoyun Wharf (Canal Transport Wharf)
Historically a bustling hub for merchant ships and cargo, the restored wharf retains original facilities and includes a new cruise terminal. Visitors can take canal cruises to experience the historical grandeur of Caoyun. The surrounding Canal Culture Corridor showcases stories and landscapes along the waterway.
Canal Park
Spanning 107 hectares (26 hectares of water), this comprehensive park offers leisure, entertainment, and fitness facilities, including the Canal Culture Square, viewing platforms, and walking trails. In spring, cherry and peach blossoms bloom; in autumn, ginkgo trees line golden avenues, making it a popular seasonal destination.
Xihaizi Park
Centrally located in Tongzhou, this classical garden features the Ransheng Pagoda, Xihaizi Lake, and Li Zhuowu's Tomb. After renovations, it blends traditional garden aesthetics with modern amenities, offering serene lakes, lush greenery, and pavilions—an ideal spot to experience canal culture and traditional landscaping.
Gourmet Food
Tongzhou's Three Treasures
- Dashunzhai Sugar Firecakes: A 300-year-old specialty made with sesame paste and brown sugar, crispy and sweet.
- Xiaolou Restaurant Braised Catfish: Fresh catfish from the canal, tender and rich in flavor.
- Wantong Sauce Garden Fermented Bean Curd: A savory condiment with a rich sauce aroma, perfect for pairing with meals.
Canal Boatmen's Chant Banquet
This cultural banquet includes:
- Canal Braised Mixed Fish: Wild canal fish stewed with tofu and vermicelli.
- Caoyun Four Happiness Meatballs: Symbolizing good fortune, with tender, flavorful meat.
- Boatmen's Vegetable Dumplings: Cornmeal-wrapped dumplings with vegetable fillings, nutritious and authentic.
Tongzhou Snacks
- Fried Gege: Crispy mung bean noodles served with garlic sauce.
- Gezhar: Fried bean noodle pancakes, crunchy and versatile.
- Sheep's Frost Intestines: A traditional dish with sheep intestines, sesame paste, and garlic, favored by locals.
Surrounding Cuisine
- Canal Flavor Restaurant by Tonghui River: Serves canal-inspired dishes.
- Ziguangyuan Restaurant on Xinhua Street: Famous for halal cuisine, including braised beef and pork strips. - Eateries near Xihaizi Park: Offer local home-style food and Tongzhou snacks.
Tickets
The scenic area is free to enter. Cruise tickets range from 50-100 RMB per person, depending on the boat and route (subject to on-site notices). Temporary exhibitions or events may require separate tickets.
For updates and online booking, search WeChat official public accounts: "北京通州大运河文化旅游服务平台" or "北京大运河文旅".
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open 24/7. Parks like Canal Park and Xihaizi Park operate from: - Peak season (April 1–October 31): 6:00–21:00 - Off-season (November 1–March 31): 6:30–20:00 Cruises operate 9:00–17:00, subject to seasonal and weather adjustments.
Tour Routes
Half-Day Tour: Caoyun Wharf cruise → Daguang Building exhibition → Ransheng Pagoda → Canal Culture Square (3–4 hours).
Full-Day Tour: Xihaizi Park in the morning → canal cruise with lunch → Daguang Building and Canal Park in the afternoon → sunset by the canal (5–6 hours).
Cultural Deep Dive: Day 1: Tongzhou Museum + Xihaizi Park; Day 2: Caoyun Wharf cruise + cultural activities in Canal Park (2 days/1 night).
Transportation
- Subway: Line 6 to Tongzhou Beiguan Station (15-min walk); or Line 7 to Huazhuang Station → Line 8 to Tongzhou Beiyuan Station + bus.
- Bus: Routes 322, 342, 589, 626, 666, 804, 808 to Tongzhou Dongguan or Daguang Building Station.
- Drive: Parking lots at Caoyun Wharf and Canal Park (10 RMB/hour, limited during holidays; green transport recommended).
- Cruise: Canal cruises from downtown Beijing (routes/times via cruise companies).
Must-Visit Attractions
- Ransheng Pagoda: Iconic tower offering panoramic canal views, showcasing ancient architecture.
- Caoyun Wharf: Experience historical canal transport via cruises, blending heritage and scenery.
- Daguang Building: Explore Caoyun history through exhibits, a window into ancient canal culture.
- Canal Park: Relax in landscaped gardens with cultural and recreational facilities.
- Xihaizi Park: Classical garden integrating natural beauty and historical relics.
Tour Tips
- Check cruise schedules in advance for optimal canal views.
- Wear comfortable shoes for long walks; bring water and a light backpack.
- Use sunscreen and mosquito repellent in summer; dress warmly in winter.
- Rent an audio guide (if available) or join tours for in-depth historical insights.
- No pets; smoking prohibited in designated areas.
- Research nearby restaurants to savor Tongzhou specialties at convenient times.
Notes
- Adhere to opening hours; no loitering after closure.
- Respect historical relics: no touching or carving.
- Stay away from canal edges, especially with children.
- Use designated restrooms and trash bins to keep the area clean.
- Follow staff guidance during events or temporary closures.
- Secure personal belongings in crowded areas.
- Cycle only on designated paths, yielding to pedestrians.