travel

Traveling to China, Traveling to the World

Spot Introduction

The Genghis Khan Mausoleum, though not the actual burial site of Genghis Khan, holds extreme historical and cultural value as a cenotaph and is considered a sacred site by the Mongolians. It serves as a significant worship center for the Mongolian people and is a key destination for understanding Mongolian history and culture. The mausoleum complex, a fusion of traditional Mongolian architectural styles with modern design concepts, features a main building shaped like a Mongolian yurt, its golden roof glittering under the sun. The park hosts an exhibition on Genghis Khan’s life and achievements, vividly recreating the legendary conqueror’s journey through artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations. Every year on the 21st day of the third lunar month, a grand sacrificial ceremony is held here, drawing Mongolian compatriots from around the world to pay their respects.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Worship Hall of Genghis Khan’s Tomb

    • Golden roof complex
    • Cenotaph of Genghis Khan
    • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
  2. Mongolia History and Culture Museum

    • Mongolian historical artifacts
    • Exhibition of Genghis Khan’s culture
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  3. Ordos Wedding Palace

    • Display of Mongolian wedding customs
    • Traditional costume exhibition
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
  4. Nadam Square

    • Traditional Mongolian activities
    • Venue for ethnic performances
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Worship Hall → History Museum → Wedding Palace → Nadam Square
    • It is recommended to visit in order of importance
  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Visit major buildings in the morning
    • Watch ethnic performances in the afternoon
    • Special sacrificial activities are held during major festivals
  3. Practical Tips

    • Dress appropriately
    • Obey the etiquette of sacrificial places
    • Hire a professional commentator

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Erdos Airport is about 1.5 hours away by car
  • Train: Dongsheng Station has a dedicated tourism line
  • Self-drive: Navigate to Genghis Khan Mausoleum Scenic Area
  • Tour Bus: There are direct lines from various places
  1. Mongolian specialty cuisine
  2. Hand-torn mutton
  3. Milk tea and dairy products
  4. Scenic area specialty restaurant

Special Reminders

  1. No loud noise in the sacrificial area
  2. No photos in some areas
  3. Respect ethnic customs
  4. Prepare sunscreen products
  5. Keep warm and windproof
  6. More tourists during major festivals
  7. Advance ticket booking is recommended
  8. Sacrificial items can be purchased.

Spot Introduction

Standing at 600 meters tall, the Canton Tower (also known as the “Little Waist”) is a modern integrated tourist attraction combining sightseeing, dining, entertainment, and science education. Inspired by the cotton tree, a symbolic flower of Guangzhou, the tower is hailed as both a “world architectural wonder” and the “new landmark of Guangzhou.”

Designed by the Dutch firm IBA and built over five years, the Canton Tower officially opened in 2010. Its unique double-curved surface structure, narrowing at the middle, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhances wind resistance. The tower consists of 24 steel columns, clad in 12,000 triangular glass panels that glitter in the sunlight. The world’s highest outdoor observation deck at the top offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Guangzhou.

As the tallest tower in China, Canton Tower set multiple world records during its construction. It features the world’s fastest elevator, reaching the 450-meter-high observation level in just 43 seconds. The Ferris wheel at the top is the world’s highest horizontal Ferris wheel, providing visitors with a unique aerial experience. Additionally, the tower boasts the world’s highest revolving restaurant, allowing guests to enjoy cuisine while admiring the city’s vistas.

Canton Tower is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a significant showcase for Guangzhou’s urban development. The tower hosts various thematic exhibitions highlighting Guangzhou’s historical culture, technological innovations, and city development achievements. At night, the tower’s LED lighting system creates over 1,000 different lighting effects, making it a dazzling beacon in the nightscape of the Pearl River.

Spot Introduction

In recent years, Canton Tower has continuously upgraded and introduced more innovative experience projects, such as the “Cloud Walk”, which allows visitors to experience thrilling outdoor walking at a height of 450 meters, and the “Sky Drop”, which lets visitors experience the excitement of rapidly descending from the top of the tower. These projects not only enrich the visitor experience but also showcase Guangzhou’s dynamism and innovative spirit as a modern metropolis.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Observation Hall

    • 360-degree panoramic view
    • Transparent glass floor
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  2. Revolving Restaurant

    • Gourmet dining in the sky
    • Panoramic view of the city
    • Suggested dining time: 90 minutes
  3. Sky Walk

    • Outdoor observation platform
    • Extreme experience
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes
  4. Cloud Terrace

    • The highest observation point
    • VIP experience area
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Time to Visit

    • Enter in the evening
    • Experience sunset
    • Enjoy the night view
  2. Visiting Route

    • Observation Hall first
    • Then special projects
    • Dine last
  3. Practical Tips

    • Book tickets in advance
    • Avoid rainy days
    • Bring a camera

Transportation Guide

  • Subway: Take APM line to Haixinsha Station
  • Bus: Multiple bus routes available
  • Water bus: Haixinsha ferry terminal
  • Self-drive: Parking available under the tower

Nearby Food Recommendations

  1. Tower Revolving Restaurant
  2. Haixinsha Food Street
  3. Pearl River Night Cruise Dining
  4. Cantonese-style tea snacks

Special Reminders

  1. Make an appointment ahead of time
  2. Check the weather forecast
  3. Be cautious at heights
  4. Bring ID card
  5. Avoid visiting during holidays
  6. Ideal for photography
  7. No dangerous goods allowed
  8. Arrive on time.

Spot Introduction

Yu Garden, built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, is a classical garden with over 400 years of history. It is renowned for its exquisite layout, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural connotations. The garden is a masterpiece of Jiangnan garden art, featuring pavilions, terraces, rockeries, ponds, corridors, and bridges that complement each other.

Constructed by Pan Yunduan, the administrator of Sichuan in the Ming Dynasty, as a tribute to his parents, the garden took 18 years to complete. The name “Yu” signifies “peace” and “tranquility,” implying “to delight and please the elderly parents.” Covering an area of over 30 mu, the garden is meticulously laid out, with water as the main feature and rocks as a complement, fully embodying the Jiangnan garden style of “a mountain forest in a small space.”

Most of the existing buildings in the garden were rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, including over 40 ancient structures such as Sansui Hall, Yangshan Hall, and Deyue Tower. Among them, the Yulinglong rockery, standing about 3.3 meters high, is known as one of the three famous rocks in Jiangnan, characterized by its “wrinkled, slender, transparent, and leaky” appearance. The Jiuqu Bridge, with a total length of 104 meters and featuring nine bends and eighteen turns, symbolizes “a winding path leading to a secluded spot.”

Yu Garden is not only a treasure of garden art but also an important witness to Shanghai’s urban development. During the Taiping Rebellion in 1860, it served as the location of the Shanghai Taotai Yamen (a government office). It was opened to the public in 1926, listed as a key cultural relic under national protection in 1961, and rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction in 1982. Today, Yu Garden, along with the City God Temple and Yu Garden Mall, forms the most distinctive cultural tourism area in Shanghai.

Must-see Attractions

  1. Huxin Pavilion

    • Center of the garden
    • Classical architecture
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes
  2. Yulinglong

    • Unique rocks and artificial hill
    • Essence of the garden
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
  3. Da Jia Shan (Large Artificial Hill)

    • Huangshi artificial hill
    • Scenic viewpoint
    • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes
  4. Jiuqu Bridge

    • Garden landscape
    • Traditional architecture
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Main gate → Huxin Pavilion
    • Yulinglong → Da Jia Shan
    • Clockwise tour
  2. Visit Scheduling

    • Best in the morning
    • Avoid holidays
    • Visit on weekdays
  3. Practical Tips

    • Wear comfortable shoes
    • Bring a camera
    • Avoid peak hours

Transportation Guide

  • Metro: Line 10, Yuyuan Station
  • Bus: Routes 11, 26, 64
  • Walking: From Nanjing East Road
  • Self-drive: Parking available
  1. Nanxiang Xiaolong Bao (Steamed Soup Dumplings)
  2. Lvbolang Restaurant
  3. Lao Fandian (Old Restaurant)
  4. Yuyuan Snacks

Special Reminders

  1. Avoid peak hours
  2. Wear comfortable shoes
  3. Bring a camera
  4. Avoid crowds
  5. Protect historic sites
  6. Check the weather
  7. Book tickets early
  8. Carry small change

Spot Introduction

The Temple of Heaven Park, established in the 18th year of Ming Yongle (1420), was the site for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to worship heaven and pray for good harvests. It is also the largest existing ancient sacrificial architectural complex in China. In 1998, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List and stands as an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese architectural art.

Covering an area of 273 hectares, the Temple of Heaven is known for its rigorous layout and unique architectural style, reflecting the ancient Chinese cosmology of “round heaven and square earth.” The main buildings are symmetrically distributed along the north-south central axis, including the Circular Mound Altar, the Hall of Imperial Vault, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Among them, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, standing 38 meters high with a diameter of 30 meters, is a magnificent three-story circular hall that represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural art.

As a royal sacrificial site, the Temple of Heaven witnessed important ceremonial activities of the Ming and Qing emperors. Every winter solstice, the emperor would hold a grand ceremony here to pray for good weather and the prosperity of the country. Today, the Temple of Heaven is not only a significant historical and cultural heritage but also an important site for studying ancient Chinese architecture, astronomy, calendar, and etiquette.

Within the park, numerous precious cultural relics and ancient trees are preserved. Structures like the Echo Wall and the Three-Sound Stone demonstrate the wisdom of ancient craftsmen, while over 3,000 cypress trees aged 500 years or more form a unique “Ancient Cypresses of the Temple of Heaven” landscape. Every spring, the park hosts a grand Worshiping Heaven Cultural Festival, allowing visitors to experience ancient sacrificial culture firsthand.

History

  • Establishment Date: The 18th year of Yongle Emperor in Ming Dynasty (1420)
  • History of Use:
    • Ming Dynasty: 1420-1644, serving 12 emperors
    • Qing Dynasty: 1644-1911, serving 10 emperors
    • Opened to the public in 1918, becoming a park
  • Significant Events:
    • Major renovation and expansion in 1530
    • Large-scale repairs during the Qianlong period in 1751
    • Listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1998

Architectural Features

  1. Overall Layout

    • Planning Concepts:

      • “Front circle, back square” layout, symbolizing “round sky and square earth”
      • The north-south axis is 1743 meters long, covering an area of 273 hectares
      • The inner and outer altar cities are separated, reflecting a hierarchical concept
    • Architectural Characteristics:

      • Numerical symbolism: three-tiered platform base, reverence for the number nine
      • Acoustical wonders: Echo Wall, Three-Sound Stone
      • Architectural craftsmanship: beamless hall, mortise and tenon structure
  2. Architectural Art

    • Use of Color:

      • Blue glazed tiles: symbolizing the sky
      • Red bricks of the steps: implying auspiciousness
      • Golden decorations: highlighting imperial power
    • Decorative Features:

      • Dragon and phoenix patterns
      • Auspicious cloud patterns
      • Caisson ceiling design
  3. Cultural Connotation

    • Sacrificial Culture:

      • Winter Solstice Heaven Worship
      • Prayer for a good harvest in the first month of the lunar year
      • Sacrificial etiquette
    • Astronomy and Calendar:

      • 24 solar terms
      • Observation of the sun’s shadow
      • Ancient calendar methods

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Triple Heaven)
    • Architectural Features:
      • 38 meters high, 30 meters in diameter
      • Three-story circular hall, symbolizing heaven, earth, and humanity
      • 28 giant columns, representing the 28 constellations
      • Beamless hall design

景点介绍

A Miracle in Architectural History

  • Highlights:

    • Dragon pattern on the central pillar
    • Caisson ceiling decoration
    • Acoustic effect
  • Visiting Suggestions:

    • Suggested visiting time: 60-90 minutes
    • Best time for photos: 9-11 am
    • Special experience: Experience the echo effect
  1. The Circular Mound Altar

    • Architectural Features:

      • A three-tiered circular altar
      • Worship of the number nine: each tier is a multiple of nine
      • Echo Wall: Unique acoustic design
    • Cultural Connotation:

      • Winter solstice ceremony site
      • Embodiment of the harmony between nature and humanity
      • Application of ancient astronomy and calendar
    • Visiting Suggestions:

      • Suggested visiting time: 45-60 minutes
      • Experience the Echo Wall effect
      • Observe the paving pattern of the stones
  2. The Hall of Imperial Heaven

    • Historical Functions:

      • Emperor’s fasting place
      • Preparation site before sacrificial rites
      • Important collection of classics
    • Architectural Features:

      • Double-eaved gable roof
      • Restoration of internal furnishings
      • Display of ancient furniture
    • Visiting Tips:

      • Suggested visiting time: 30-45 minutes
      • Learn about the emperor’s fasting life
      • Appreciate the art of ancient furniture
  3. Shenle Agency

    • Cultural Values:

      • Ancient sacrificial music center
      • Musical instrument collection display
      • Ritual and music cultural heritage
    • Exhibition Contents:

      • Display of ancient musical instruments
      • Demonstration of sacrificial music
      • Introduction to ritual and music culture
    • Visiting Tips:

      • Suggested visiting time: 30-40 minutes
      • Enjoy musical instrument performances
      • Understand the ancient ritual and music system
  4. The Sacred Way

    • Architectural Features:

      • A 360-meter stone path
      • Raised royal path in the middle
      • Exquisite stone balustrades on both sides
    • Cultural Significance:

      • The road for the emperor to the altar
      • Embodiment of the hierarchical system
      • Display of ancient architectural art
    • Visiting Suggestions:

      • Suggested visiting time: 20-30 minutes
      • Experience the emperor’s sacrificial route
      • Appreciate the art of stone carving

参观建议

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route
    • Classic Route (3 hours):
      • East Gate of the Temple of Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Hall of Imperial Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Shenle Agency
      • Visit in the order of sacrificial ceremonies.

景点介绍

Visiting Suggestions

  • Suitable for first-time visitors
  • Deep experience route (4-5 hours):
    • East Gate of the Temple of Heaven → Exhibition Area of the Abstinence Palace → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Circular Mound Altar → Divine Music Administration → Long Corridor
    • Includes more exhibition areas for a deeper understanding of the Temple of Heaven culture
    • Suitable for historical and cultural enthusiasts

Visiting Schedule

  • Peak season (April-October):

    • Best visiting time: 8:00-10:00 or 15:00-17:00
    • Avoid the high temperature period at noon
    • It is recommended to arrive 1 hour early on weekends and holidays
  • Off-season (November-March):

    • Suggested visiting time: 9:00-15:00
    • The viewing effect is best when the weather is sunny
    • You can watch the elderly doing morning exercises on weekend mornings

Photography Suggestions

  • Best positions:

    • South side of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: Shoot the panoramic view of the building
    • Top of the Circular Mound Altar: Overlook the park landscape
    • Long Corridor: Photograph morning exercise scenes
  • Shooting time:

    • Morning: The light is soft, suitable for humanistic photography
    • Evening: The sunset glow and the silhouette of the building are beautiful
  • Equipment suggestions:

    • Wide-angle lens: For panoramic views of buildings
    • Telephoto lens: For architectural details
    • Tripod: For use in low-light environments

Practical Tips

  • Explanation services:

    • Official tour guide: 150 yuan/group (1.5 hours)
    • Audio guide: 20 yuan/device
    • Mobile APP: Free audio explanation
  • Touring equipment:

    • Comfortable and non-slip walking shoes
    • Sunshade or umbrella
    • Drinking water and snacks
    • Camera and power bank

Transportation Guide

  1. Metro access
  • TianTan East Gate Station on Line 5:

    • Exit A, 5-minute walk
    • Operating hours: 5:30-22:30
  • Guangqumennei Station on Line 7:

    • Exit C.

景点介绍

参观建议

Walking 15 minutes

  • Operating Hours: 5:30-22:30
  1. By Bus
  • Tiantan East Gate Station:

    • Bus Lines 6, 34, 35, 36, 106, 110, 687, 707
    • Operating Hours: 5:30-22:00
    • Fare: 2 yuan (cash)/1 yuan (card)
  • Tiantan West Gate Station:

    • Bus Lines 2, 15, 17, 20, 69, 71, 120
    • Operating Hours: 6:00-21:30
    • It is recommended to enter through the East Gate as the West Gate has less foot traffic.
  1. By Car
  • Navigation Address: No.1 Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing

  • Parking:

    • East Gate Parking: 200 spaces
    • West Gate Parking: 100 spaces
    • Parking Fee: 10 yuan/hour
  • Driving Directions:

    • East Second Ring Road: head south from Guangqumen Bridge
    • South Second Ring Road: head east from Yongdingmen Bridge
    • It is recommended to avoid morning and evening peak hours.
  1. Transportation within the Park
  • Electric Sightseeing Car:

    • Fare: 10 yuan/person
    • Operating Hours: 8:30-16:30
    • Multiple stops are available
  • Wheelchair Rental:

    • Location: East Gate Visitor Service Center
    • Deposit: 500 yuan
    • Free of charge

Nearby Food Recommendations

  1. Tiantan East Gate Snack Street
  • Traditional Snacks:

    • Da Lian Huo Shao (a kind of pancake with stuffed meat): A Beijing specialty, 10-15 yuan/serving
    • Dou Zhi (fermented bean drink): Traditional flavor, 5 yuan/bowl
    • Chao Gan (stir-fried liver and intestines): Made by an old and famous shop, 15-20 yuan/serving
  • Recommended Shops:

    • Tiantan East Gate Da Lian Huo Shao: 30 years in business, 20 yuan per person
      Address: A2 Tiantan East Road
    • Lao Ma Dou Zhi Shop: Traditional taste, 10 yuan per person
      Address: 18 Tiantan East Road
  1. Yongwai Street Food
  • Time-honored Brands:

    • Tiantan Hotel: Beijing-style home cooking, 100-150 yuan per person
      Address: A1 Yongwai Street
    • Yongwai Dumpling Restaurant: Traditional handmade dumplings, 40-60 yuan per person
      Address: 89 Yongwai Street
  • Specialty Restaurants:

    • Old Beijing Shuan Rou (hot pot): Lamb hot pot, 120 yuan per person
    • Si Ji Min Fu: Roast duck restaurant, 150 yuan per person
    • Tiantan Xiaoguan: Farm-style cuisine.

景点介绍

人均80元

  1. Dining Options Inside the Temple of Heaven Park

    • Snack Bar at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests:

      • Location: West side of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
      • Specialties: Light meals, noodles
      • Price: 30-50 yuan per person
    • Tea House Inside the Park:

      • Location: Near the Long Corridor
      • Specialties: Tea and snacks
      • Price: 50-80 yuan per person
  2. Featured Recommendations

    • Breakfast:

      • Yongwai Soybean Milk: Freshly ground soybean milk, 5 yuan/bowl
      • Temple of Heaven Bun Shop: Various buns, 2-3 yuan/piece
    • Lunch:

      • Temple of Heaven Restaurant: Reasonable prices, clean and hygienic
      • Yongwai Noodle Shop: Special noodle dishes, rich variety
    • Snacks:
      *驴打滚 (Lv Da Gun, a traditional Chinese dessert made of glutinous rice roll coated with bean flour): Traditional pastry, 8 yuan/serving

      • 艾窝窝 (Ai Wo Wo, a traditional Beijing snack made of sticky rice filled with various sweet fillings): Special snack, 6 yuan/piece
      • 糖炒栗子 (Tang Chao Li Zi, chestnuts roasted with sugar): Seasonal delicacy, 15 yuan/jin

Special Reminders

  1. Opening Hours

    • Peak Season (April 1 - October 31):

      • Park Opens: 6:00-22:00
      • Attractions Open: 8:00-17:30
      • Ticket Sales: 8:00-16:30
    • Off-peak Season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year):

      • Park Opens: 6:30-22:00
      • Attractions Open: 8:00-17:00
      • Ticket Sales: 8:00-16:00
  2. Ticket Information

    • Combined Ticket Prices:

      • Peak Season: 35 yuan (includes all attractions)
      • Off-peak Season: 30 yuan (includes all attractions)
      • Student Ticket: Half price (valid ID required)
    • Park Entrance Ticket:

      • Peak Season: 15 yuan (attractions not included)
      • Off-peak Season: 10 yuan (attractions not included)
      • Free for seniors (valid ID required)
  3. Safety During Your Visit

    • Weather Protection:
      • Summer: Heatstroke prevention, sun protection
      • Winter: Anti-slip, warmth preservation
      • Rainy Days: Wet and slippery steps.

景点介绍

需小心

  • 安全须知:
    • Take care of your belongings
    • Pay attention to the steps on the ground
    • Follow the scenic area regulations

文物保护

  • 拍照规范:

    • Flash photography is prohibited
    • No photography in specific areas
    • Selfie sticks are not allowed
  • 文明参观:

    • Do not touch the cultural relics
    • Keep quiet
    • Follow the signage guidance

其他服务

  • 寄存服务:

    • Location: East Gate, West Gate
    • Free storage for large luggage
    • Please carry valuables with you
  • 医疗服务:

    • Infirmary: East Gate Visitor Center
    • Provides basic medical services
  • 失物招领:

    • Location: Visitor Service Center
    • Phone: 010-67027820

特殊人群服务

  • 无障碍设施:

    • Barrier-free access
    • Accessible toilets
    • Wheelchair rental service
  • 老年人服务:

    • Rest area settings
    • Medical emergency stations
    • Dedicated access

参观建议

  1. It is recommended to visit in the morning or evening
  2. Be mindful of protecting cultural relics and historic sites
  3. Climbing ancient buildings is prohibited
  4. Maintain a quiet and solemn atmosphere
  5. Bring sun protection
  6. Check opening times beforehand
  7. It is advisable to hire a professional guide
  8. Ideal for photographic creation,

Attraction Introduction

Dalian Sun Asia Ocean World is China’s first modern ocean theme park, renowned for its unique display of marine life and captivating performances. Here, visitors can not only get close to marine creatures but also enjoy breathtaking ocean animal shows.

As a significant base for ocean science education in China, Sun Asia Ocean World boasts world-leading marine life breeding technology. The park features multiple themed exhibition halls, including the Polar Hall, Ocean Theater, Coral World, and Deep Sea Legend, each carefully designed to showcase the unique charm of different ocean ecosystems.

Sun Asia Ocean World places great emphasis on visitor interaction and experience. In the Polar Hall, visitors can observe the daily lives of belugas and penguins through huge glass walls. The Ocean Theater amazes audiences with spectacular dolphin and sea lion performances. Coral World exhibits colorful tropical fish and coral reef ecosystems, while the 118-meter-long underwater tunnel in the Deep Sea Legend hall gives visitors the sensation of being in an underwater world.

Beyond entertainment, Sun Asia Ocean World fulfills a crucial role in science education. The park regularly hosts lectures on ocean knowledge, environmental protection themed activities, and features a dedicated science exhibition area to educate visitors about ocean ecological protection. This is not just a great place for leisure and entertainment but also an important window to understand and protect the ocean.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Polar Museum

    • Beluga Performance
    • Penguin Exhibition Area
    • Suggested Visiting Time: 90 minutes
  2. Ocean Theater

    • Dolphin Performance
    • Sea Lion Performance
    • Suggested Watching Time: 60 minutes
  3. Coral World

    • Tropical Fish Exhibition Area
    • Coral Ecosystem
    • Suggested Visiting Time: 45 minutes
  4. Deep Sea Legend

    • Deep Sea Creature Display
    • Undersea Tunnel
    • Suggested Visiting Time: 45 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Watch performances first, then visit the exhibition areas
    • Arrange the route based on performance schedules
    • It is recommended to check the performance timetable ahead of time
  2. Performance Timing

    • Enter the venue 15 minutes early
    • Don’t miss important performances
    • It is recommended to avoid peak crowds
  3. Practical Tips

    • Bring a waterproof camera
    • Prepare sunscreen products
    • It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes

Transportation Guide

  • Subway: Line 2, Xinghai Square Station
  • Bus: Multiple routes including 30, 404, etc.
  • Self-drive: Dedicated parking available
  • Dedicated tourist line: Direct buses from multiple points in the city
  1. Xinghai Square Food Street
  2. Seafood Restaurant
  3. Specialty Snacks
  4. Themed Restaurants

Special Reminders

  1. Flash photography is prohibited
  2. Please do not tap on the glass display windows
  3. Keep quiet and do not disturb the animals
  4. Obey the rules of the performance venue
  5. Bring sunscreen products
  6. There are more visitors during holidays
  7. It is recommended to book tickets online
  8. Keep children safe.

Spot Introduction

Shapotou is China’s first desert tourist attraction, featuring the three natural landscapes of “Yellow River, Desert, and Oasis.” It is a renowned scientific research base for desert control and a tourist destination, known as the “World Desert Control Museum.” This place integrates desert, Yellow River, mountains, and oasis, embodying both the magnificence of the northwest and the beauty of the scenery south of the Yangtze River. The undulating sand dunes and the winding Yellow River within the scenic area form a unique spectacle of “sand and river coexisting.” As a model of China’s desert control projects, Shapotou demonstrates the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and its “straw checkerboard” desert control technique is world-renowned.

Shapotou has a long history, dating back to the Han Dynasty as an important post station on the Silk Road. The Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei once penned the eternal verse here: “A lonely smoke rises straight from the desert, the setting sun is round over the long river.” Nowadays, it is not only a significant ecological education base but also a comprehensive tourist area integrating sightseeing, leisure, science popularization, and exploration. Visitors can experience thrilling desert sliding and exciting Yellow River flying fox, or stroll through the desert control achievement exhibition area, feeling the great power of human transformation of nature.

The scenic area is equipped with comprehensive tourist facilities, including a Desert Museum and a Yellow River Culture Exhibition Hall, allowing visitors to learn about desert ecology and Yellow River culture while enjoying themselves. The annual International Desert Tourism Festival attracts numerous domestic and foreign tourists. Shapotou is not only a bright pearl of Ningxia tourism but also a model of China’s ecological civilization construction, showcasing a beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Desert Recreation Area

    • Sand Sliding
    • Desert Surfing
    • Suggested playtime: 120 minutes
  2. Yellow River Viewing Platform

    • Scenery of the Yellow River
    • Harmony of Sand and Water
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  3. Sand Control Exhibition Hall

    • Science Popularization Education
    • Achievements in Sand Control
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
  4. Shapotou Cableway

    • Aerial Sightseeing
    • Extreme Experience
    • Suggested playtime: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Optimal Touring Route

    • Sand Control Exhibition → Desert Recreation → Yellow River Sightseeing → Cableway Experience
    • It is recommended to learn before playing
  2. Visiting Schedule Arrangement

    • Depart in the morning
    • Avoid noon
    • Rest adequately
  3. Practical Tips

    • Sunscreen is essential
    • Wear sports attire
    • Bring enough drinking water

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Zhongwei Shapotou Airport
  • Train: Zhongwei Station
  • Bus: Line 1 Shapotou Special Route
  • Self-drive: 20 minutes from Zhongwei downtown
  1. Yellow River Fish
  2. Goji Berries
  3. Grilled Mutton from Shapotou
  4. Zhongwei Local Snacks

Special Reminders

  1. Sunscreen is a must
  2. Wear sneakers
  3. Bring sunglasses and a hat
  4. Prepare drinking water
  5. Stay safe
  6. Bring a camera
  7. Suitable for families with children
  8. Avoid noon.

Spot Introduction

The Beijing Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Zone is located in Tongzhou District, the sub-center of Beijing, and is a crucial node of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Here, not only has the canal cultural heritage been preserved, but modern cultural and artistic elements have also been integrated, making it a cultural tourism destination that showcases the fusion of canal civilization and modern urban life.

The Grand Canal, originally built during the Sui Dynasty, has a history of over 1400 years and is the longest ancient canal in the world. As an important water transportation route in ancient China, the Grand Canal has witnessed the historical changes of Beijing as a capital city. Nowadays, historical relics such as the ancient canal riverbed and dock遗址 have been well preserved. At the same time, through modern landscape design, history, culture, and modern life are perfectly integrated.

The most striking feature of the scenic area is the 8-kilometer-long canal cultural landscape belt, along which are distributed multiple theme parks and cultural squares. Visitors can stroll along the quaint canal walkway, admire the emulated ancient buildings on both sides, and experience the unique charm of the millennium-old canal. The nighttime light show further embellishes the canal, making it a new popular destination in Beijing.

In recent years, the scenic area has added multiple cultural experience projects, including a digital exhibition hall for canal culture and a non-heritage cultural exhibition center. These projects vividly再现the history of the canal through modern technological means. Visitors can take a ride on an emulated ancient boat to experience ancient water transportation culture or participate in traditional handicraft production to feel the folk customs along the canal.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Grand Canal Forest Park

    • Waterfront Landscape Belt
    • Entertainment and Recreational Facilities
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  2. Tongzhou Ancient City Relic Park

    • Displays ancient canal culture
    • Exhibition of historical artifacts
    • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
  3. Grand Canal Cultural Exhibition Hall

    • Exhibition of canal history and culture
    • Interactive experience facilities
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  4. Canal Night Scene Belt

    • Light show performance
    • Waterfront recreation area
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Cultural Exhibition Hall → Ancient City Relic Park → Forest Park → Night Scene Viewing
    • It is recommended to visit in the evening to enjoy the night view
  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Exhibition hall opening hours: 9:00-17:00
    • Best time for night scene viewing: 19:00-21:00
    • Special cultural activities during holidays
  3. Practical Tips

    • The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to bike or take a sightseeing bus
    • Bicycles can be rented for touring
    • It is recommended to download the scenic area navigation APP

Transportation Guide

  • Subway: Tongzhou Beiyuan Station on Line 6
  • Bus: Multiple lines including T15, T19, T20, etc.
  • Self-drive: Jingha Expressway or Tongshun Road
  • Sightseeing bus: Environmentally friendly sightseeing buses are available within the scenic area
  1. Canal Cultural Food Street
  2. Tongzhou Snack Street
  3. Canal People Theme Restaurant
  4. Grand Canal Food Plaza

Special Reminders

  1. Some exhibition halls require advance reservations
  2. There are many mosquitoes in summer, so be careful of mosquito bites
  3. It is recommended to bring a sunshade as resting places are limited
  4. A deposit and valid ID are required for bicycle rental
  5. The timing of the night light show may vary with the seasons
  6. There are more visitors on weekends, so it is recommended to visit during off-peak hours
  7. It is recommended to take photos in the morning or at dusk.
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