Tongzhou

Tongzhou, Beijing is also known as “Tonglifornia.” It combines the thousand-year history of the Grand Canal with many modern landmarks, making it ideal for a weekend city walk or family outing.

New Canal Landmarks

• Beijing City Library: Home to the world’s largest single reading room, it features a ginkgo-leaf dome and distinctive spiral glass walkway. The library is quiet and comfortable, free to enter, and does not require reservations.

• Grand Canal Museum: Its architecture resembles a ship’s sails. The third floor has an immersive canal cinema, while the rooftop terrace offers panoramic canal views. Entry is free with an ID card.

• Beijing Art Center: This red-brick building uses a grain-silo-inspired design and has a neat, orderly layout. It is a branch of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and visits require advance reservations.

History and Arts

• Sanjiao Temple (Randeng Pagoda): This site preserves a thousand-year-old pagoda and is the only ancient architectural complex in China combining Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist buildings. It is the place referred to by the saying, “Recognize Tongzhou by the shadow of a single pagoda.”

• Han Meilin Art Museum: The museum houses more than 2,000 works of art, including brightly colored sculptures and calligraphy walls, creating a strong artistic atmosphere.

• Songzhuang Art Town: Home to a large community of artists, it has a concentration of art museums, cultural and creative shops, and cafés, making it a good place to explore at a leisurely pace.

Nature and Leisure

• Grand Canal Forest Park: This 5A-rated scenic area is free to enter. Visitors can cycle along the river, camp, or take a boat tour. Yuedao Viewing Platform overlooks a bend in the canal and is suitable for families with children.

• Qianhe Xielu Bridge: The bridge has a distinctive white, streamlined design. In the evening, you can see Randeng Pagoda, the sunset, and the canal skyline from the bridge at the same time.

• Sixth Ring Elevated Line Park: This elevated walking space was created from the eastern section of the Sixth Ring Road. It has a free sandpit, slides, and cloud-shaped swings, making it suitable for family activities.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-day trip (classic city walk): In the morning, visit the “three major buildings of the sub-center”—the City Library, Grand Canal Museum, and Beijing Art Center. They are only 500 meters apart and can be reached on foot. Have lunch in the underground food street. In the afternoon, take a car to Qianhe Xielu Bridge to watch the sunset, then walk to Lianglianghe Night Market for dinner and a taste of local life.
• Two-day trip (in-depth leisure and family outing):
  • Day 1: Visit Sanjiao Temple and Randeng Pagoda in the morning to learn about the local ancient architecture. In the afternoon, walk around Xihai Lake Park and the west bank of the canal, then enjoy the night view of Qianhe Xielu Bridge at dusk. Have dinner at Nanmen Shuanrou (Dachuan Branch), enjoying copper-pot hot pot while taking in the canal night view.
  • Day 2: Cycle or camp at Grand Canal Forest Park in the morning, or let children play in the sand. In the afternoon, visit the art museums and cafés in Songzhuang Art Town, or go to the Han Meilin Art Museum instead, then return in the evening.

Must-Try Foods in Tongzhou

Transportation and Accommodation Guide

• Public transportation: Metro Line 6 is the main route. Beiyunhe East Station is close to the three major buildings and the elevated park; Tongzhou Beiguan Station is convenient for Qianhe Xielu Bridge and Xihai Lake Park; Beiyunhe West Station is near the west bank of the canal.
• Driving and parking: The three major buildings have large underground parking lots with relatively ample spaces. Near Qianhe Xielu Bridge, you can park at Lianglianghe Town or the International Fortune Center parking lot. Grand Canal Forest Park’s West Gate 6 and Caoyun Wharf also have parking lots.
• Accommodation recommendations: If you plan to visit the night market or enjoy the night views, stay near Tongzhou Beiguan or Tongyunmen metro stations. If traveling with children to Universal Studios, consider Wanse·Wangfujing or hotels near Universal Studios.

Practical Tips

• Closing days: Beijing City Library and Grand Canal Museum are closed every Monday, except during public holidays. Beijing Art Center is closed every Tuesday. Check the opening arrangements again before setting out.
• Reservation reminder: The City Library and Grand Canal Museum are free to enter and do not require reservations; show your ID card at the entrance. Beijing Art Center requires advance reservations through the National Centre for the Performing Arts mini program.
• Sun and wind protection: The canal banks and forest park can be windy, with strong ultraviolet rays. When visiting in the afternoon, bring a windproof jacket, hat, and sunscreen.
• Cycling supplies: The Grand Canal Greenway is flat and has no traffic lights along the route, making it suitable for cycling. However, there are few supply points, so bring enough drinking water in advance.