Xiqing

Xiqing, Tianjin, preserves the character of a thousand-year-old canal while bringing together intangible cultural heritage, history and culture, and ecological scenery. It is ideal for a relaxed two-day, one-night weekend or short-holiday trip.

• Yangliuqing Ancient Town: This ancient town grew along the canal. Its main street is free to visit, and you can also explore the Shi Family Grand Courtyard, try making Yangliuqing New Year woodblock prints, and enjoy the distinctive nighttime lighting.

• Shi Family Grand Courtyard: A residence of a prominent Qing dynasty family in Tianjin, known as the “Finest Residence in North China.” Its brick, wood, and stone carvings are finely detailed, while the old opera stage preserves unique acoustics.

• Jingwumen · China Martial Arts Park: The hometown of Huo Yuanjia. The expansive park uses memorial facilities to introduce the martial arts master’s life and Chinese martial arts culture, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

• Shuixi Park: Known as Tianjin’s “urban green lung,” the park has broad lakes and reeds swaying in the breeze. It is suitable for lakeside walks, cycling, or relaxing over a meal by the water.

• Ceramic Art Park: Tianjin’s history is presented through mosaics made from antique porcelain pieces. The park’s large ceramic landmark, the “Eye of the Sky,” makes a strong visual impression and is ideal for photographing architecture and people.

• Zhongbei Town Textile Factory Creative District: Converted from an old factory built in 1956, it combines red-brick buildings with a giant “moon” light. The industrial character is especially evident after the lights come on at 18:30.

Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Canal Town and Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences
  • Morning: Start at Yangliuqing Ancient Town and try to arrive early. Enter the Shi Family Grand Courtyard to see the brick, wood, and stone carvings in the Qing dynasty residence, then experience the building’s acoustics in the old opera stage.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Yangliuqing New Year Painting Museum to watch traditional plate-making and coloring techniques, make your own woodblock New Year print, and browse intangible cultural heritage souvenirs.
  • Late afternoon: Walk along the Yu River scenic belt and wait by the river for sunset.
  • Evening: Explore the town’s night scenery after the lanterns are lit. Take a cruise to enjoy the evening breeze or watch an immersive live performance.
• Day 2: Martial Arts Culture and Ecological Leisure
  • Morning: Head to Jingwumen · China Martial Arts Park to visit the Huo Yuanjia Memorial Hall and related statues. The park is large, so comfortable shoes for extended walking are recommended.
  • Afternoon: Relax at Shuixi Park by cycling along the smooth lakeside greenway or resting on a mat. Alternatively, visit the Zhongbei Town Textile Factory Creative District to photograph the old factory buildings and illuminated decorations.
  • Evening: Dine at Zhongbei Yongwang or Wangzhuangzi Night Market and experience local nightlife.

Xiqing Food Recommendations

Xiqing offers Tianjin-style dishes as well as affordable snacks around its night markets and university town.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Accommodation Recommendations
  • Mehood Lestie Hotel (Haitai Chengjian University): Opened in 2024, with rooms equipped with whole-room smart voice controls. Rooms are spacious, and free parking and breakfast are provided.
  • Atour Hotel (Zhongbei Avenue): Opened in 2022, with clearly divided room areas and late-night congee service. It is suitable for self-driving visitors and business trips.
  • Tujia Homestay (Bishui Jiayuan): Apartment-style rooms are relatively affordable. Located near a residential area and close to the night market, it suits families and groups of friends.
• Transportation Guide
  • By car: Xiqing’s attractions are relatively far apart, so driving is more convenient. Parking lots are available around the ancient town and parks, and parking usually costs no more than 10 yuan per day.
  • Public transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Caozhuang Station, then transfer to a bus for Yangliuqing Ancient Town. For Jingwumen or Shuixi Park, take a bus or taxi.

Travel Tips

• What to wear: New Chinese-style or hanfu-inspired outfits suit the ancient town and gardens. Sports shoes are more practical for visiting Shuixi Park and Jingwumen · China Martial Arts Park.
• Itinerary reminder: Yangliuqing Ancient Town can be crowded during holidays, so arriving before 9:00 is recommended to avoid tour groups. Some creative districts are still under renovation, so check the areas open that day before setting out.
• Ticket information: The main street of Yangliuqing Ancient Town and the Yu River scenic belt are open all day and free of charge. The Shi Family Grand Courtyard, New Year Painting Museum, and other venues require separate tickets; a combined ticket is usually better value.