2026 Daming Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Every journey leaves a trace—a story, an emotion, a moment🎑 For me, these are postcards. Each one contains a piece of the journey, shots from different corners of China, moments you won't want to forget. Just paper? Maybe. But for me, it's a piece of home🥺 #china #chinatravels #postcards #visitchina #travel #collection #china #postcards

🏯 In-depth Guide to Damingfu Ancient City | Northern Song Dynasty Secondary Capital, Water Margin Legend, City of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cuisine 【Daming, a treasure trove of an ancient city written into history by the novel *Water Margin*】 This low-key historical city in Handan, Hebei Province, preserves the most complete Ming Dynasty city wall in the country 😍 It was also the "Beijing" secondary capital of the Northern Song Dynasty! The hometown of Lu Junyi and the story of the clever capture of the birthday gifts both took place here! Not many people know about it, but it's truly worth a visit! 💯 📍 Destination Overview 👉 Once the "First Provincial Capital of Zhili" in ancient times 👉 Boasting over 2000 years of history 👉 Existing "City-on-City" wonder (Song Dynasty city built upon Ming Dynasty city) 👉 Famous for its "Erwuba" cuisine in Hebei 👉 Hailed as "Hebei's most underrated ancient city" --- 🏛️ Top 7 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Damingfu Ming City Wall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 🎫 Free admission! So generous! - 🕒 Open all day (light show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings) - 📸 Recommended for photos: watching the sunrise in the morning and capturing the sunset in the evening - 💡 3D projection added in 2025, recreating the prosperity of Song Dynasty city! 2️⃣ Daming Stone Carving Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 🎫 Free! (Closed Mondays) - 🕒 9:00-17:00 - 👀 Must-see: 12-meter-high ancient stele, the largest in China, and remnants of Su Shi's inscription. - 🔥 New way to experience: AR guided tour lets the stone statues speak their stories! 3️⃣ Di Renjie Ancestral Hall Stele ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 🎫 Free admission - 📸 17:30 The golden sunlight shining on the stele is absolutely stunning for photos! 4️⃣ Mother of the Nation Catholic Church ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 🎫 Free - 🕒 Note the opening hours to avoid disappointment! - 🌆 Gothic architecture is especially photogenic at sunset 5️⃣ Daming County Museum ⭐⭐⭐ - 🎫 Free (Closed Mondays) - 🕒 9:00-17:00 - 📚 Systematic display of Daming's 7000-year civilization history 6️⃣ Xinghua Temple ⭐⭐⭐ - 🎫 Free - 🌳 The thousand-year-old locust tree is said to have been planted by Di Renjie himself. 7️⃣ Malingdao Ancient Battlefield ⭐⭐⭐ - 🎫 Free - 🏹 Site of the Battle of Maling during the Warring States Period - 🧩 Newly added "Military Strategy Maze" in 2025, perfect for families! --- 🍗 Must-Try Foods in Da Ming "Er Wu Ba" 【Three Famous Dishes with 200 Years of Heritage】 1️⃣ Er Mao Roasted Chicken 💰 30 RMB/chicken 🌟 A time-honored brand praised by Premier Zhou Enlai! The meat is tender and falls off the bone, incredibly flavorful! 2️⃣ Wu Bai Ju Sausage 💰 20 RMB/serving 🔥 Intangible Cultural Heritage Certification! Absolutely delicious! 3️⃣ Guo Ba Baked Flatbread 💰 2 RMB/each 🥢 Delicious whether filled with meat or vegetables! Crispy and multi-layered! [Local Favorite Snacks] ✔ Daming Wonton Noodles: 5 yuan (all you can eat) ✔ Hetuo Noodles: 8 yuan for a large bowl ✔ Sesame Flatbread: 2 yuan (incredibly fragrant) ✔ Fried Cake: 1.5 yuan (sweeter than first love) --- 🚗 Transportation Tips 🚄 Take the high-speed rail to Handan Station and transfer to the free shuttle bus. 🚖 Taxis within the county town generally cost 5-15 yuan. 🚶 Walking is the most convenient way to explore the ancient city. --- 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 💎 Vienna Hotel: 300+ yuan/night, Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) is allowed! 🏮 Fucheng Inn: 150+ yuan/night, stay in a genuine ancient house! --- 📸 Photography Tips 👗 Wearing Hanfu to take photos on the city wall is incredibly photogenic! 📷 5:30 PM is the golden hour for photography. 🌇 The sunset silhouette at the church is stunning! 👉 2 days 1 night for only 300+ RMB per person! Much better value than going to trendy cities!

Detailed guide: One-day tour of Damingfu, Handan 🌟【Basic Information】 Location: Daming County, Handan, Hebei (where Hebei, Shandong, and Henan provinces meet) Features: Song Dynasty Mansion and Ming City, the Beijing of the Northern Song Dynasty! Rich in history～ 🚗【Transportation Guide】 - Attractions are divided into two main areas: 1️⃣ Damingfu Ming and Qing Ancient City (city center) 2️⃣ Daming Stone Carving Museum (east of the city) Only 6 kilometers apart! Super convenient for self-driving! 🅿️【Free Parking Guide】 Ancient City Area: East City Gate or opposite the training school on Jingfu Street 🏰 Museum Area: Daming Feast or at the entrance of Daming Banquet 🏛️ 🎆【Must-visit Attractions】 👉 Ancient City Area: ◽ North City Gate & East City Gate ◽ Catholic Church ⛪ ◽ Metaverse D6 Block (full of tech vibes) ◽ Wolong Ancient Pagoda Tree 🌳 ◽ Daming Jihui (snack street! Very lively at night) 👉 Museum Area: ◽ Daming Stone Carving Museum ◽ The Splendor of the Great Song ◽ Grand Canal Museum ◽ Di Renjie Ancestral Hall Stele 🍜【Food Recommendations】 ✔️ 258 Combo: Ermao Roast Chicken, Wubai Ju Sausage, Guo Ba Fire Bake ✔️ Daming Shaobing must be eaten hot 😋 ✔️ Also local snacks like Heluo noodles, Satang soup, Doumo, and more 🌸【Travel Tips】 ✅ Enjoy culture during the day and lanterns at night! Two completely different experiences～ ✅ The ancient city is filled with a faint floral fragrance, full of details 💯 ✅ Teresa Teng’s songs play on loop 🎵 full of retro vibes ✅ There’s a beautiful lantern festival from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival! 🏮 The giant dragon lantern group is perfect for photos～ 💝【Experience】 Volunteers serve on roads and at attractions～👮 Traffic police guide throughout, very thoughtful! All attractions are free! All spending is voluntary! The Spring Festival atmosphere in this small city is amazing! For those still undecided about where to go for Spring Festival, just go for it! 👏

Looking for a cool and fun place to take the kids during summer vacation? Definitely choose Lanzhou Polar Ocean World. The 21°C constant temperature venue lets you escape the scorching sun, making it a perfect summer lifesaver. The venue is located in Dingyuan Town, Yuzhong County, just a 40-minute drive from downtown, and public transportation is also very convenient. The three major themed pavilions and eighteen major exhibition areas progress layer by layer, with surprises hidden in every zone. Whether you're taking kids for a visit or students traveling together, everyone can have a great time. The lighting inside the venue is soft and dreamy. Walking through the underwater tunnel, you can look up to see fish swimming around, as if you are truly deep under the sea, creating an immersive atmosphere. While resting, staff introduced the four major ocean culture performances here, which are considered the soul of the park. The first must-see is the Sea Lion Science Show. Sea lion Tony is the star of the show, and his perfect coordination with the trainer had the whole audience laughing out loud. After the show, head straight to the otter exhibit on the second floor. The mischievous otters darting in and out of the water are irresistibly cute. The Mermaid Performance is even more stunning. The mermaid gracefully dances underwater, swimming harmoniously with the fish, bringing fairy tales to life. Don’t miss the Human-Shark Dance performance either, where trainers interact affectionately with nurse sharks and rays. The scene is both heartwarming and breathtaking. The underwater flying show and Golden Storm performance are also mesmerizing. On another floor, the petting zoo features adorable red pandas and capybaras. The red pandas lazily lounge on tree branches, while the capybaras slowly nibble on food, perfectly embodying calmness. Also, don’t miss the turtle feeding area on the third floor. Buying some squid lets you interact closely with the turtles, which kids absolutely love. [💡Girl'sTouch] Recent high school and college entrance exam candidates can exchange their original exam admission ticket for a free VIP ticket. This offer is valid until August 31. University students and graduate students under 25 can buy tickets for only 70 yuan with a student ID. Remember to check the performance schedule in advance and plan your route wisely to catch all the shows. There are no food or drinks sold inside the venue, so be sure to bring your own snacks and beverages. Whether you’re taking kids or students on a summer trip, you’ll have a comfortable and cost-effective experience here. The cool 21°C environment, combined with lots of adorable animals and exciting performances, makes Lanzhou Polar Ocean World the place to unlock happiness this summer. 🏠 Name: Lanzhou Polar Ocean World, featuring the adorable otter family 📍 Address: Intersection of Xiping Road and Longhai Street, Dingyuan Town, Yuzhong County, Gansu Province (Damingcheng Lanzhou Ocean Park)

From December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, Handan will host the "Trendy Handan, Enjoy the New Year" New Year's event. The main venue is set in the Handan Dao Historical and Cultural District, with three sub-venues at Guangfu Ancient City, Daming Ancient City, and the Grand Theater area (Handan Grand Theater, City Museum, Meilecheng Business District). The event is packed with highlights: from 11:59 PM on December 31, 2025, to 12:00 AM on January 1, 2026, the Handan Dao Historical and Cultural District will feature a drone show with thousands of drones forming "Handan idioms + dynamic countdown numbers" using light points as pixels, with synchronized countdowns at the three sub-venues. At midnight, the south city gate wall of Daming Ancient City will light up along with idiom-themed lanterns in the district; Guangfu Ancient City will illuminate over a hundred themed lanterns along the city wall, including "Taiji National Trend" and three other major themes; the Grand Theater area will host a light show, connecting four major light and shadow nodes in Daming Ancient City. Visitors can experience the surprise and romance of New Year's Eve and the fusion of technology and culture. Come to Handan and join this New Year's feast to create unforgettable memories!

Daming Prefecture, also known as Beijing Daming Prefecture, was historically located northeast of present-day Daming County, Handan City, Hebei Province. Daming Prefecture is a place of outstanding people and fertile land, historically serving as the administrative center for prefectures, circuits, states, provinces, and counties. During the Spring and Autumn period, Daming Prefecture belonged to the State of Wei and was known as "Wulu," famously called the "Wulu City" in history. It was named "Daming Prefecture" in the third year of the Tang Dynasty's Jianzhong era and was elevated to the secondary capital "Beijing" in the second year of the Northern Song Dynasty's Qingli era. During the Qing Dynasty, it served as the first provincial capital of Zhili Province. Within the ancient city are the ruins of the old Daming Prefecture city, with surviving rammed earth city wall sections and drainage system remains; the Wuliji Stele, the tallest ancient stele existing in Asia; a Sino-Western architectural blend, including a Gothic-style Catholic church built with blue bricks; and a stone carving museum housing the epitaph of He Hongjing from the Tang Dynasty.

The ancient city of Damingfu has a perimeter of nine li and eighteen bu, with city walls three zhang and five chi high, and two zhang and five chi wide. It has four gates: East, West, South, and North, named after Confucian concepts "Ti Ren" (Embodiment of Benevolence), "Le Yi" (Joy in Righteousness), "Chong Li" (Reverence for Ritual), and "Duanzhi" (Upright Wisdom), respectively. The North Gate is Duanzhi Gate. Duanzhi Gate was first built in the third year of the Jianwen era of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, the Damingfu area in Beijing was flooded, and Ming commander Wu Mi rebuilt the city north of Aijiakou Town, with Duanzhi Gate as one of the city gates. The walls of Duanzhi Gate are thick and sturdy, constructed from large bricks and stones. The walls feature lookout openings and arrow slits for defense against invaders. The gate tower is built in traditional Chinese architectural style, with flying eaves and dougong brackets. The gate passage is spacious and tall, capable of accommodating a large number of people and vehicles.

Damingfu — a treasure ancient city forgotten by time✨ 📍Location: Daming County, Handan City, Hebei Province As a provincial-level historical and cultural city, it preserves precious cultural imprints from the Han and Tang dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The best part! There are really very few tourists! Every snapshot captures the peacefulness of time🏮 🚗【Complete Transportation Guide】 ✈️ By plane: Land at Handan Airport → taxi 1.5 hours direct (about 200 RMB) 🚄 By high-speed rail: Get off at Handan East Station → bus/carpool 1 hour to reach (bus 25 RMB) 🚗 By car: Jinggang'ao Expressway → Daming exit (reachable within 4 hours from Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) Inside the ancient city, walking + taxi combo is recommended, attractions are all close to each other～ 🏯【Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions】 1️⃣ Ming Dynasty Ancient City Wall (30 RMB/person) 🌄 4.3 km Ming Dynasty city wall! Recommended to climb at dusk to see the sunset dye the ancient city golden, perfect for photos! Combo ticket including the museum is more cost-effective👉 2️⃣ Stone Carving Museum (Free!) 🪦 Over 200 national treasure-level stone carving collections! The 12-meter-high Five Rites Stele is breathtaking beyond words~ Remember to rent an audio guide (20 RMB) or you won’t understand it! 3️⃣ Di Renjie Case Solving Experience (Free) 🧐 4.46-meter Tang stele + simulated detective game! Become a detective to solve mysteries, very fun, and the original calligraphy of Yan Zhenqing is right before your eyes! 4️⃣ Grand Canal Museum (50 RMB) ⛵️ AR high-tech + "Long Known Daming" live performance! Immerse yourself in the millennium pulse of canal culture～ 5️⃣ Gothic-style Catholic Church (Free) ⛪️ Rare red church! A collision of French romance and Chinese ancient city, perfect for photos📸 (Please keep quiet) 🍗【Daming Local Delicacies】Locals’ secret food map 🔥 Ermao Roast Chicken (Intangible Cultural Heritage old brand!) Address: 148 Damingfu Road ✨ 214-year-old shop! Chicken so tender it falls off the bone, limited daily sales until sold out! ☀️ Guo Ba Huoshao (Must-eat breakfast) Address: 62 Guangjin Road 💯 Crispy pastry + lamb offal soup golden combo! Recommended to go early to avoid queues～ 🌭 Wubai Ju Sausage (Perfect with drinks) Century-old craft lean pork sausage! Great as a souvenir gift🎁 🥞 Huihui Shaobing (Carb happiness) Charcoal-baked sesame paste and white sugar combo! 2 RMB for a taste of childhood💕 ⚠️ Tips: Big temperature difference between day and night in the ancient city, remember to bring a jacket Combo tickets are much more cost-effective than buying separately! Wearing Hanfu for photos makes them even better～

This small city in Hebei is going crazy! Quieter than Xi'an, more of a treasure than Kaifeng✨ Who understands, family! Not Xi'an, not Kaifeng! Damingfu in Hebei totally amazed me to the point of stomping😭 A thousand-year-old ancient city from Water Margin, hiding so many amazing experiences, truly seriously underrated! Must-check night owl walking route is here🚶‍♀️ 18:00 Rush to the North City Gate to watch the digital Wengcheng light show! The light and shadow projected on the ancient city wall instantly transport you back to the Water Margin era, stunning and speechless🌌 19:00 Grab the best spot on the steps of the Grand Canal Museum! The evening light is soft, and photos come out with a cinematic feel, super photogenic📸 21:00 Climb the East City Gate in the dark to shoot church silhouettes! The church outline under the night sky is super atmospheric, every snap looks like a high-end masterpiece~ Three top photo spots, quickly save📌 The moment Hongjing Pavilion lights up is truly amazing! Lights turn on exactly at 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00, shining golden like an ancient palace, breathtaking✨ The tall tower on the right side of the Grand Canal Museum! (Whisper: be careful climbing over the railing) Standing there you can overlook most of the ancient city, the view is fantastic~ Qieshan Lake Heart Island big moon! Wearing Hanfu to shoot here is legendary, moonlight shining on the lake surface, atmosphere maxed out, feels like traveling back to ancient times🌙 Local secret food list🍜 Ermao roast chicken with Guo Ba fire-baked bread is forever the best! Just a bit crowded, so better go early~ The chicken is tender and flavorful, the bread crispy outside and soft inside, a perfect match! Huicun meat pie with tofu skin roll and fried dough sticks! Must add spicy strips! Savory and delicious, one bite is super satisfying, carbs make your brain happy😋 Shulin sesame seed cake stuffed with egg and ham! So fragrant you’ll lick your fingers~ Also quite a queue, but totally worth the wait, tastes amazing when hot! Heartfelt lessons from experience💥 For parking, just navigate directly to "Stone Carving Museum," don’t hesitate! Otherwise, you’ll waste time going around, tested and proven~ Free guided tours at the church at 2 PM and 4 PM! You can learn a lot of historical stories, much more interesting than wandering around aimlessly~ Night market passes are limited! You have to be quick to grab them, collecting stamps feels super rewarding~ Hidden experiences revealed🤫 At D6 Street, wait for the hour! The digital government office suddenly turns into a naked-eye 3D show, full of tech vibes, visually stunning, don’t miss it~ Honestly, Handan Damingfu is amazing! By day it’s a gentle and cultured place, by night it instantly turns into a cyber Water Margin, the contrast is incredible👏 Fewer people than Xi'an, lower prices than Kaifeng, no need to fight for photo spots, even social anxiety can confidently go~

Dear friends! Can you imagine being in a city and stepping into the dust of thousands of years of history with one foot down? Shangqiu, this low-key ancient city of the Central Plains, is such a place full of surprises and wonders. It is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization and contains countless historical stories and stunning scenery. Today, follow me, a travel expert, to unveil the mystery of Shangqiu😎! Preparation Documents You must bring your ID card. If you have a student card, senior citizen card, etc., you can also enjoy discounts at many attractions. Clothing Shangqiu has four distinct seasons, spring and autumn long-sleeved jackets are indispensable, morning and evening are a bit cool; in summer, bring light and breathable clothes, do a good sunscreen; winter is colder, down jackets, scarves, hats must be prepared 🧣. Other items Sunscreen, rain umbrella (Shangqiu may have more rain in summer), commonly used medicines (cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, etc.), charger, mobile charger. Transportation Guide External transportation ● Air: You can first fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, then transfer to high-speed rail or bus to Shangqiu, Xinzheng Airport to Shangqiu transportation is very convenient. ● Train: Shangqiu has Shangqiu Station, Shangqiu South Station and other railway stations, many cities have direct trains, taking the train to Shangqiu is super convenient🚂. Internal transportation ● Bus: The bus route can basically cover the main attractions, affordable prices, it can be a bit crowded. ● Take a taxi: It is quicker to get around by taxi in the city, however you may encounter traffic jams during holidays. ● Shared bikes: In some places in the city you can ride shared bikes, which is great for short distances and enjoy the scenery along the way. Food recommendations Shangqiu Braised Noodles This is one of the signature delicacies of Shangqiu. The noodles are bouncy, the soup is fresh and delicious, and there are lamb, kelp, tofu and other ingredients. A big bowl is super satisfying👍. I recommend going to "Old Shangqiu Stew Noodle House", their stewed noodles taste authentic. Duozi mutton This is a traditional famous dish. The lamb is cooked soft and not broken, and is savory and delicious. It can be eaten directly or sandwiched in burrito, which has a unique flavor. "Guocun Duozi Mutton" is famous and worth a try. Fried buns Shangqiu's water-fried buns are golden and crispy on the outside, and have various fillings, including meat fillings and vegetarian fillings. Take a bite, the soup is overflowing and the aroma is fragrant. Delicious pan-fried buns are available at local breakfast shops. Attraction Guide Shangqiu Ancient City 📍Address: Ming and Qing Ancient City, Yiyang District, Shangqiu City 🚗 Transportation: Take the bus directly near the ancient city 🌟Reason for recommendation: The ancient city of Shangqiu is a treasure of history and culture, the city wall, city gate, city tower is quite well preserved. There are many ancient buildings and historical relics in the city, such as the Chen Family Courtyard and the Mu Family Courtyard. You can stroll through the ancient streets and alleys to feel the tranquility and weight of the ancient city. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle around the city wall to enjoy the whole view of the ancient city🏰. Mount Mang Chiu Tourist Area 📍Address: Mangshan Town, Yongcheng City, Shangqiu City 🚗 Transportation: You can take a bus from Shangqiu city 🌟Reason for recommendation: There are attractions such as the tomb complex of King Han Liang and Liu Bang's snake-cutting place. It is a place full of historical charm. The tomb complex of King Liang of Han is large in scale, and the murals, stone carvings and other artifacts in the tomb chamber are exquisite, which amazes the wisdom and skill of the ancients. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can also overlook the beautiful scenery of the surroundings, the view is great⛰️. Vulcan Terrace 📍Address: 50 meters east of the intersection of Huashang Avenue and Pingyuan Road North, Yiyang District, Shangqiu City 🚗 Transportation: Available by bus 🌟Reason for recommendation: The God of Fire is one of the earliest existing observatories in China. It was also built to commemorate the god of fire, Yan Bo. A grand temple fair is held here every year, which is very lively. You can learn about ancient Chinese astronomical knowledge and sacrificial culture, and feel the charm of traditional culture🔥. Itinerary Three-day trip itinerary Day 1: Exploring the ancient city ● Morning: Arrive in Shangqiu, proceed to Shangqiu Ancient City, visit the city gate, city wall, and visit the Chen family compound. ● Noon: Taste Shangqiu Stew Noodles at a restaurant in the ancient city. ● Afternoon: Stroll through the ancient streets, stroll around the Mushi courtyard, and feel the historical atmosphere of the ancient city. ● Evening: Enjoy the night view of the ancient city by enjoying various snacks at the ancient city night market. Day 2: Journey to Mangjie Mountain ● Morning: Take a bus to Mangjie Mountain Tourist Area to visit the tomb complex of King Han Liang and enjoy the murals of the tomb chamber. ● Noon: Dine at a restaurant near the scenic spot and try Duozi lamb. ● Afternoon: Go to Liu Bang Snake Cutting, listen to historical stories, then climb to the top of the mountain and overlook the beautiful scenery. ● Evening: Return to Shangqiu city. Day 3: Cultural experience ● Morning: Head to the God of Fire to learn about astronomical knowledge and sacrificial culture. ● Noon: Eat fried buns and other delicacies nearby. ● Afternoon: You can go shopping in downtown shopping malls and purchase some local specialties. ● Evening: End the pleasant journey and return. Dear friends, the charm of Shangqiu is far more than that, there are more beautiful things waiting for you to discover. Pack your bags and come to Shangqiu to start a journey across thousands of years🎉! Remember to share your travel stories in the comments section 😘!

The classic novel "Water Margin" made Daming Prefecture famous worldwide. This ancient city, with a history of over 2,000 years, served twice as a capital and seven times as a secondary capital, boasting a rich cultural heritage. Today, we share a comprehensive guide to Daming Ancient City, immersing you in a blend of history and delicious flavors! Trip Highlights ✨ Deep Historical Heritage: As the regional center north of the Yellow River for 2,000 years, it carries countless historical memories. ✨ Well-Preserved Ming Dynasty Features: The city walls, ancient streets, and government offices inside the ancient city perfectly showcase Ming Dynasty style—every snapshot is a masterpiece. ✨ Unique Culinary Experience: Specialty snacks like sesame cakes, Ermao roast chicken, and heluo noodles will definitely satisfy your taste buds. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Daming Ancient City Wall: An outstanding example of Ming Dynasty architecture, free to climb. From the wall, you can overlook the entire ancient city. The nighttime light show is spectacular, vividly presenting the city's glorious history—don’t miss this perfect photo opportunity. 2. Confucian Temple: Filled with scholarly atmosphere, ancient steles and cypress trees create a peaceful ambiance, as if you can still hear the clear sounds of past lessons. 3. City God Temple: Once a center of faith, with exquisite architectural carvings. Experience its unique spiritual vibe and it’s a great place to pray for blessings for family and friends. 4. Daming Prefecture Ancient City Ruins and Museum: A window into Daming Prefecture’s profound historical culture. Visit the Daming County Museum, Qieshan Lake, and the Song Street Ancient City Ruins Museum to travel back in time. Food Recommendations 🍜 Sesame Cake: Daming’s signature delicacy, crispy and fragrant. One bite brings a full sense of happiness. 🍗 Ermao Roast Chicken: An intangible cultural heritage, slow-cooked in old marinade, with tender, boneless chicken that’s rich but not greasy. 🍜 Heluo Noodles: A northern specialty, buckwheat noodles served with bean sprouts, meat, and other ingredients, offering a rich taste. Itinerary Suggestions One-day tour route recommendation: Start your journey from the East Gate of Daming Ancient City, visit Cici Daming, D6 Block, Confucian Temple, Daming Academy, and the Arts and Crafts Block. Enjoy a flavorful lunch at Nanguan. In the afternoon, head to Yang Family Archway and the former site of the late Qing Dynasty second-class post office. In the evening, enjoy the light show at the ancient city wall and North Gate. Practical Information ✅ Best Season: Spring and autumn, with pleasant weather, avoiding the intense heat and cold. ✅ Transportation: Very convenient, easy to reach by any mode of transport. ✅ Accommodation: Recommended Shuihu Hotel, with a great location and good value. There are also many unique guesthouses to choose from. Dear friends, pack your bags and come to Daming Ancient City for a time-traveling date!

! Discover a lesser-known but incredibly rich thousand-year-old ancient city✨ Right in Handan, Hebei — the Northern Song Dynasty's "Beijing Daming Prefecture"👑 Few people, beautiful scenery, and free admission, easily get stunning retro shots📸 🚗【Transportation Guide】 📍Location: Daming County, Handan City, Hebei Province 🕒Recommended visit: 1 day ✅High-speed train to Handan East Station, then carpool 70 km directly (120 RMB round trip per person) ✅Self-driving is more convenient, free parking available🅿️ 🌟【Highlights Itinerary】 🌞Morning: 1️⃣ Daming Prefecture Ming City Wall Ruins Park (free) - Touch the 600-year-old city wall - Check in at the same city tower as in "Water Margin"📷 2️⃣ Stone Carving Museum (free) - Entry with ID registration - Must-see 12-meter-high Song Dynasty Five Rites Stele⚡ Stunning! 🌮Noon: Walking street food guide is here✨ 45 RMB per person to eat until full👇 · Ermao Roast Chicken (must-try old brand🐔) · Guo Ba Fire Bake (crispy outside, tender inside, amazing😋) · Sesame Oil Sausage (local favorite🥓) 🌇Afternoon: 1️⃣ Confucian Temple (free) - Song Dynasty architecture with great atmosphere - Experience a free calligraphy initiation ceremony✍️ 2️⃣ Catholic Church (exterior) - Once the largest church in North China🕍 - Ruins vibe perfect for atmospheric photos 🛍️Souvenir Recommendations: Sesame oil, roast chicken, fire bake gift boxes Reasonably priced and honest👍 💰【Money-saving Tips】 Transportation 120 + Food 45 + Free admission 0 Just over 200 RMB to explore the thousand-year-old city! The remaining 800 RMB is enough for 10 meals of Ermao roast chicken, haha 💡Tips: Best to visit from March to May Remember to bring sunscreen⛱️ Wearing Hanfu for photos makes for amazing shots!

Destination Location Daming County, Handan, Hebei, 3-hour high-speed train direct to Zhengzhou/Jinan 🚗 Self-driving navigation "Damingfu Ancient City" 🏯 Hardcore check-in trio (morning session) 1️⃣ Di Renjie Ancestral Hall Stele (8:00-9:00) ✨ One of the only three famous Tang Dynasty steles remaining in the country! ☀️ Few people and perfect lighting in the early morning, great for photos! 2️⃣ Damingfu Ancient City Ruins (9:30-10:30) 🎬 Filming location for the famous "Rescue from Execution" scene in Water Margin 🏰 Climb the city wall for panoramic shots, remember to book tickets 3 days in advance! 3️⃣ Wuliji Stele (10:45-11:15) 🏆 The largest ancient stele in Asia! Emperor Huizong’s calligraphy is stunning ⚠️ Recommended to arrive before 10 AM to avoid tour groups 🍜 Foodie special ops (4 hours, three eateries) 🥣 8:30 Old Ma’s Mutton Soup + Sesame Seed Cake Hot and hearty mutton soup with pickled chive flowers, a perfect stomach warmer! 🌭 9:45 Wubai Ju Sausages Century-old brand! Caramelized crust + secret sauce is amazing 🥟 10:30 Zhang Xiaosheng’s Steamed Buns Juicy soup-filled buns! About $2 per person fills you up 🚶‍♂️ Special ops tips ⏳ 15 minutes walking between spots 👟 Definitely wear sneakers! 📱 Guide tool: Download Sanmao Travel APP (cheaper than renting on-site) 🌇 Elegant afternoon plan 14:00 Weizhou Academy for Hanfu photoshoot 🎎 Red walls and bamboo shadows make every shot a classical masterpiece 16:30 Check in at the Gothic Catholic Church ⛪️ Twilight light is breathtaking! 🌃 Night snack king 19:00 Damingfu Zhajiang Noodles 🍜 Only street stalls have the soul! Garlic cloves on the side are perfect 💣 Avoidance guide ❌ Don’t touch the city walls or face a fine starting at 500 yuan ❌ Remember to bargain at specialty shops, start at half price ✅ Bring your own power bank, hard to borrow in scenic spots 📸 Secret photo spot 5:30 PM at Di Renjie Stele The golden light illuminating the inscription is magical! No editing needed 💥 Weekend special ops declaration 12 hours of walking + 8 attractions + 6 meals = perfect weekend!

🏯 【Damingfu Guide】 Daming, Hebei, hides the Northern Song Dynasty! Step into three provinces at once, with snacks so cheap 📜 Northern Song Beijing City: Once a northern military stronghold, hometown of Lu Junyi from "Water Margin" 🍜 Snack Universe Center: 2 yuan sesame cake + 5 yuan heluo noodles, eat your fill for under 50 yuan a day 🚴 Secret Spot at the Three-Province Junction: Where Hebei/Shandong/Henan meet, dialect switches in a second --- 🚗 Transportation Guide 📍 Location: Daming County, Handan, Hebei 🚄 High-speed rail: Handan East Station → Daming shuttle bus (1.5 hours) 🚗 Self-drive: 1 hour from Handan (via Daguang Expressway) --- 🏯 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Damingfu Ancient City · Rebuilt Ming Dynasty city walls, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll (free!) 2️⃣ Stone Carving Museum · Northern Dynasties stone carvings + Tang Dynasty giant Buddha, a low-key national treasure 📿 (30 yuan admission) 3️⃣ Catholic Church · Century-old Gothic church ⛪, a magical clash of Chinese and Western cultures 4️⃣ Di Renjie Memorial Hall · Governing site of the famous Tang Dynasty chancellor, live version of "Yuanfang, what do you think?" 🎭 --- 📸 Photo Tips ⏰ Best Times: · Early morning: Stunning light and shadow at the ancient city gate · Sunset: Church silhouette looks sacred 👗 Outfit Suggestions: · Hanfu (perfect with the ancient city walls) · Vintage dresses (great for European-style shots in front of the church) --- 🍜 Foodie Must-Try List 🔥 Breakfast Must-Eats: · Ermao Roast Chicken (century-old brand, chicken leg so fragrant you'll lick your fingers) · Guo Ba Fire Cake (2 yuan each, great with meat or veggies) 🍲 Main Meal Recommendations: · Daming Heluo Noodles (buckwheat noodles + lamb stew, 5 yuan fills you up) · Wubai Ju Sausage (intangible cultural heritage flavor, perfect with wine) 🍡 Late-Night Snack Kings: · Fried Cake (red bean paste with molten filling, 1.5 yuan each) · Spicy Hot Soup (a mix of Henan and Shandong flavors) --- 🛏️ Accommodation Suggestions 🏨 Best Value: Daming Hotel (100+ yuan, classic state-owned style) 🌿 Unique Experience: Homestays inside the ancient city (sleep in renovated century-old houses) --- 💡 Traveler Tips 📅 Best Seasons: April-May / September-October (avoid the summer heat) 🛵 City Transport: Tricycles for 5 yuan cover the whole city, experience retro travel 🎫 Money-Saving Tip: Combo tickets for attractions are more cost-effective, queue at snack shops where locals line up --- 💬 The Northern Song’s Everyday Life: Read "Water Margin" on the city wall in the morning Nibble roast chicken and heluo noodles at noon Listen to chanting in the church at dusk This small city tells a 1,000-year story with 5 yuan worth of delicious food (👆 Follow me, save the guide, and enjoy your food tour without detours~)

OMG, fellow foodies! As a certified carb enthusiast, I recently discovered this little city in Hebei called Daming that's basically "carb heaven"! Here's your ultimate weekend food itinerary to immerse yourself in this "universe of flatbreads"👇 🍽️ Must-Try Foods 1. Tofu Skin Wrapped Fried Dough (Doupi Juan Guozi): Daming locals' favorite breakfast! Crispy fried dough sticks wrapped in chewy tofu skin with braised eggs and fried tofu - carbs + protein = pure satisfaction! 2. Qibudai + Doumo: Qibudai are deep-fried puffy bread pockets filled with egg and re-fried, best paired with savory Doumo porridge - this golden combo is a must! 3. Daming Sesame Flatbread: Comes sweet (sugar-coated) or savory (with sesame oil and spiced salt) - crispy, fragrant, and absolutely addictive! 4. Daming Meat Pie: Super thin crust stuffed with thick, tender lamb or beef filling - crispy outside, juicy inside, and not greasy at all! 5. Guoba Huoshao: 120+ years old recipe with nearly 30 flaky layers. Golden brown with chewy texture, traditionally eaten with Ermo Braised Chicken and Wubaiju Sausage - the "258 combo" is legendary! 🏞️ Itinerary Day 1: - Morning: Visit free-entry Daming Prefecture (2 hours) - don't miss the Five Ritual Stele and Di Renjie Memorial Stele - Lunch: Try Ermo Braised Chicken & Wubaiju Sausage on Damingfu Road - Afternoon: Free-entry Daming Museum (bring ID), then explore ancient streets and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Evening: Nanquan Food Street for endless snack options! Day 2: - Morning: Free admission to Daming Forest Ecological Park for fresh air - Breakfast: Tofu skin wrapped fried dough set - Afternoon: Stone Carving Museum and Grand Canal Museum - Lunch: Near D6 Block - Evening: Hongjing Pavilion light show for stunning night views! 🛏️ Accommodation Budget-friendly options (¥100-150/night): - Daming Qilin Hotel - GreenTree Inn (book in advance!) Carbs lovers, save this guide and plan your Daming weekend food trip - you'll literally roll in and roll out stuffed!

🌍Famous far and wide, welcome to visit! — A Deep Travel Guide to the Millennium Ancient City of Daming 📍 Ancient City Highlights Daming County, this millennium-old city located in southeastern Hebei, was twice a capital and seven times a secondary capital, earning the title "China's First Government City." Strolling through it, you’ll find the Song Dynasty’s ancient charm intertwined with canal civilization, the legends of Water Margin colliding with intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship—every brick echoes history. 🏯 Must-Visit Landmarks and Activities 1. Daming City Wall - Climb the Tower for a Grand View: Ascend the Ming Dynasty ancient city wall to overlook the orderly blue-tiled roofs inside and the green fields outside. The "Hongjing Pavilion" on the wall lights up every night from 19:00 to 24:00 on the hour, with light and shadow outlining the silhouette of the "Little Nanjing of the North." - Night Tour Surprise: During the National Day holiday (9.27-10.7), the North Gate hosts a naked-eye 3D light show, vividly bringing the heroes of Water Margin to life on the city wall. 2. Stone Carving Museum - Treasures of the Museum: See the true forms of China’s largest ancient stele, the "Five Rites Stele," and the "Epitaph of He Hongjing," feeling the grandeur of Tang Dynasty calligraphy and the elegance of Song and Yuan literati. - Rubbing Experience: Participate in making rubbings (50 RMB per session), personally replicating millennium-old inscriptions and taking home a unique cultural memory. 3. Grand Canal Museum - Immersive Performance: Watch the nation’s first Water Margin-themed live-action drama "Famous Far and Wide," where sound, light, and electric technology recreate the prosperous scene of Northern Song’s Daming Prefecture. Actors interact with the audience offstage; sitting in the first two rows is recommended to feel the heroic spirit of the "Liangshan Heroes." - Canal Exploration: Learn how the Grand Canal nourished this "Pearl of the Canal" through artifacts and multimedia displays. 4. D6 District - New Digital Cultural Tourism Experience: In the district transformed from the original Diliu Distillery site, enjoy a role-playing game at the digital government museum, redeem food coupons upon completion; at night, admire naked-eye 3D projections and witness the splendid transformation of industrial heritage. 🍴 Taste of Daming Prefecture - The Three Delicacies of 258: - Ermao Roast Chicken: Bright red color, tender meat, vacuum-packed as a perfect souvenir. - Wubai Ju Sausage: A mix of lean and fat, rich in wine aroma, recommended with local baked flatbread. - Guo Ba Fire-Baked Bread: Crispy outside, tender inside, stuffed with donkey meat or cold noodles, a classic breakfast staple. - Street Snacks: - Nanguan Helu: Chewy noodles with bone broth, sprinkled with chive flowers and chili oil, warming body and stomach. - Sesame Crispy Baked Flatbread: Freshly baked with a toasted aroma, stuffed with egg or pork tenderloin, known as the "Northern Meat Sandwich." - Food Map: - Daming Collection: A gathering of local snacks and creative trendy foods, perfect for one-stop tasting. - Nanguan Flavor Street: A street full of local life and flavor, where you can eat to your fill for about 15 RMB per person. 🎭 Cultural Decoding and Intangible Heritage Experience 1. Water Margin Heroes Gathering - Participate in the "Water Margin-themed Challenge" in D6 District, wear Hanfu and interact with NPCs, collect stamps to exchange for souvenirs, and experience the chivalrous spirit of "Justice under Heaven." 2. Intangible Heritage Workshops - Yushan Straw Weaving: Experience the national intangible heritage straw weaving craft, personally weave storage baskets or ornaments (80 RMB/2 hours), embodying millennia of wisdom in simple craftsmanship. - Diliu Liquor Brewing: Visit a century-old wine cellar, taste the pure grain-brewed "Diliu Liquor," and learn about traditional northern Chinese liquor craftsmanship. 3. Song Street Night Tour - Lanterns hang high at night; stroll the "Great Song Market" in Hanfu, enjoy ancient-style games like touhu (pitch-pot) and archery, as if traveling back to the bustling life recorded in "Dreams of Splendor in the Eastern Capital." 📌 Practical Tips and Transportation Advice 1. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Take the Daguang Expressway, exit at Daming, 10 minutes to the ancient city; free parking at the scenic area (arrive early during holidays recommended). - High-speed Rail + Shuttle: Take high-speed rail to Handan East Station, then transfer to a free shuttle bus for 1 hour to Daming (valid with out-of-town ID or ticket). - Scenic Area Loop: Free shuttle buses run every 30 minutes within the ancient city, connecting the city wall, Song Street, D6 District, and other core attractions. 2. Accommodation Recommendations - High-end Choice: Vienna Hotel (Ancient City Branch), with smart room control system and free Hanfu rental, 5-minute walk to the city wall. - Cost-effective Choice: All Seasons Hotel (County Government Branch), minimalist design and free late-night snacks, suitable for family travel. 3. Tickets and Reservations - The Grand Canal Museum’s "Famous Far and Wide" performance requires booking 3 days in advance via the official WeChat account (120 RMB per person). - Stone Carving Museum and city wall are free to enter; avoid peak hours from 10:00 to 16:00 during holidays. 4. Best Travel Time - Spring and Autumn (April-May / September-October): Pleasant climate, ideal for strolling the ancient city; National Day period (9.27-10.7) features dense activities and the strongest atmosphere. - Summer: Experience the cool water system of Qinglong Ancient Street in Jin Tan Town or camp at Wulu Fragrant Scenic Area to escape the heat. ✨ Conclusion The charm of Daming lies in the weathered bricks of the ancient city wall, hidden in the warp and weft of straw weaving workshops, and blended in the rich aroma of Ermao Roast Chicken. This city, written into history by "Water Margin," sincerely invites every traveler to slow down, savor the stories of China’s past amid the lively atmosphere by the canal. (Note: Some activities such as light shows and straw weaving experiences require advance booking. It is recommended to check the "Daming Cultural Tourism" WeChat official account for the latest information before traveling.)

A city immortalized in "Water Margin" – everyone knows Daming Prefecture! This thousand-year-old ancient town is absolutely amazing~ ✨ 🚗【Transport Guide】 ✈️For flyers: Take a 1.5-hour taxi ride directly from Handan Airport 🚅High-speed rail travelers: Take the shuttle from Handan East Station, arriving in just 1 hour 🚘Self-drive perks: Navigate to "Daming Prefecture" with free parking – so thoughtful~ 🏨【Accommodation Recs】 💯Budget pick: Jifeng City Hotel (Daming Ancient Town Branch), just steps from the historic district! ✨Premium stay: GreenTree Eastern Hotel (Daming Branch), with superb service~ 💰Student favorite: Small Town Impression Hotel, only 100+ per person – unbeatable value! 🍜【Foodie Heaven】 🔥Must-try "258 Combo": 🍗Ermao Braised Chicken｜Traditional recipe, crispy skin & tender meat! 🌭Wubaiju Sausage｜Explosive flavor that gets better with every chew! 🥖Guoba Baked Cake｜Fresh from the oven – one is never enough! ✨Other snacks: 🍜Nanguan Bridge Hele Noodles, Shulin Baked Pancake (egg+ham+spicy strips combo is bomb!), Muslim Sanzi... Each deserves its own 512G stomach! 🏯【Must-Visit Spots】 1️⃣Cultural District: 🎫Stone Carving Museum｜Home to China's largest stele! 🎇Hongjing Pavilion Light Show｜Starts promptly at 19:00/20:00/21:00 🎭Canal Museum｜"Famous for Centuries" live performance will blow your mind! 2️⃣D6 District: 🤖Naked-eye 3D Show｜Cutting-edge tech experience! 🌃Night View Hotspot｜Fountain + giant moon on the lake = 100% photo success rate! 3️⃣Must-Do Experiences: ✨Our Lady of Grace Cathedral｜Free guided tours at 14:00/16:00 🏮Daming Night Market｜Opens at 18:00 with Water Margin-themed activities! 🎆North Gate Light Show｜30-minute intervals – you won't want to leave! 💡Pro Tips: Stay near the ancient town for easier night market access~ Bring 256G phone storage – you'll be snapping nonstop! Travel buddies, this is how you truly experience Daming Prefecture! Tag your squad and start planning~ ✈️

Standing beneath the 600-year-old ancient city wall, as light and shadow flow over the mottled bricks telling the heroic tales of "Water Margin," I suddenly realize—this small county town holds half of China’s epic history. A summer night breeze gently brushes past as I stand in Meicheng Square, before me a 340-meter-long street glows with dazzling lights. This is the newly opened "Daming Jihui" market as of July 18, with 36 stalls lined up. The air is filled with the savory aroma of Ermao roast chicken, the crispy fragrance of Guo Ba’s baked goods, and the rich smoky scent of Wubai Ju sausages. Daming County has somehow “moved” the entire ancient city’s lively atmosphere right into the heart of Handan City! Suddenly, the sound of gongs and drums shakes the air. A group of dancers with vividly painted faces strides in boldly, their colorful sticks flashing like lightning—this is the nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage, the "Daming Yingge Dance"! The dancers’ agile movements and powerful rhythm ignite the crowd, with applause and cheers rising in waves. An elderly man beside me excitedly slaps his thigh: “This spirit is exactly like the heroic vigor of Daming Prefecture in ‘Water Margin’!” 🌃 Night Tour of Daming Prefecture: A Magical 24 Hours of Ancient and Modern Collision As night falls, I enter the city wall light and shadow show. The over 600-year-old Ming Dynasty bricks suddenly transform into a giant screen. Amid the neighing of warhorses, the Five Rites Stele inscribed by Su Shi and scenes of the Northern Song Dynasty’s Zhouqiao night market appear one after another. At the musical climax, a six-meter-tall mechanical Qilin emerges from the mist, its head gently swaying amid swirling clouds, parading alongside the Yingge Dance troupe—technology and millennia-old tradition perfectly fused at this moment! The ancient city revival plan is even more astonishing: - In the Metaverse D6 district, wearing AR glasses, I actually see Di Renjie judging cases in a virtual government office, and with a light touch, I can “pick up” a Northern Song porcelain vase to examine it closely. - In the immersive market on South Street, a flower girl dressed in Song Dynasty attire hands me a jasmine bracelet, while a coppersmith teaches me how to craft a Qilin-patterned copper lock on site. - Under the Hongjing Pavilion light show, the "Fish Leaping Lotus Glow" lanterns change with the music, young people sing along to "Small Town Story," and the air is filled with romance. The highlight is the Shuangtai Village script murder game! I drew the role of “Escorting the Birthday Tribute” and solved puzzles in real alleys. When I found the secret letter hidden in the sesame oil workshop, the sesame grinder winked and handed me a freshly baked fire cake: “Lord Yang Zhi, you need to eat well to have the strength to catch thieves!” 🍗 Intangible Cultural Heritage Food Guide: The Millennial Code on Your Taste Buds “You haven’t truly been to Daming if you haven’t burned your mouth on its snacks!” At 5:30 a.m., I crouch by the Huihui sesame cake stall. The third-generation inheritor, Uncle Ma, lifts the oven lid, releasing the fragrant burst of sesame. Grabbing a sesame paste and sugar double-flavored cake, the syrup mixed with rich sesame paste flows as I bite—1.5 yuan of happiness instantly explains why tourists buy thousands daily! The must-eat list is well known: - Ermao Roast Chicken Old Shop: 180 years of marinade soaking into free-range chicken, so tender the meat falls off the bone at a touch, with medicinal herbs scent rushing from tongue to nose (half chicken 38 yuan, perfect with sesame fire cake). - Guo Ba Fire Cake Main Store: The crisp “crack” sound is the ritual of eating fire cakes, the fresh meat filling’s oil fragrance mixed with the spicy lamb offal soup, 10 yuan per person to eat until you can barely stand. - Sesame Oil Workshop Experience: Grinding sesame by hand with a stone mill, watching amber-colored oil slowly seep out. Hot steamed buns dipped in freshly pressed oil smell so good neighbors might knock on your door! Surprises hide in the 330-meter-long Song Street banquet table. When lanterns light up at dusk, the “Hot and Spicy Skewers Feast” begins! A local auntie teaches me to dip secret recipe bean curd rolls: “We’ve been using this broth to entertain guests since the Northern Song!” Sitting on carved wooden stools, the hot pot steam warms my face, as if I can hear merchants’ laughter from a thousand years ago. 🏯 Exploring “City upon City”: The Temporal Fold of the Eastern Pompeii Daming Prefecture’s ancient city is called the “Eastern Pompeii” by scholars due to the rare “city upon city” phenomenon caused by Yellow River floods. Standing in the newly opened Ancient City Exploration Hall in 2025, 3D projections recreate astonishing scenes: Ming Dynasty city walls overlay the Northern Song Zhouqiao ruins, and deeper still, the Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda foundations faintly appear—seven dynasties’ relics converse vertically in space. The Stone Carving Museum is my secret treasure: - Facing the 12.23-meter-high Five Rites Stele, scanning the QR code activates AR, and the broken stele suddenly “restores”! Su Shi’s golden inscriptions float on the stone as a voice explains through headphones: “This stele survived the Tang Kaiyuan and Northern Song Zhenghe eras, and was damaged during the Jurchen invasion...” - In the experience area, children are rubbing copies of the Thousand Buddha Stele. A nine-year-old girl carefully lifts the rice paper, revealing 400 small Tang Dynasty Buddhas, exclaiming: “I’ve seen these Buddha images in my history book!” The most unforgettable is the Di Renjie Temple case-solving experience. Wearing a green official robe, I struck the judgment block and deduced the cattle thief from the “evidence.” When the verdict “Punish with three days of canal repair” was read, the staff playing the clerk stifled a laugh and handed me a bamboo slip: “Your honor is wise! Di Gong was just as kind back then.” 📜 Daming Must-Experience TOP 5 List 1. Climb the city wall at the hour of the Tiger: Spend 30 yuan to climb the wall in the dark, the blue-gray bricks reflecting the morning mist as the sun rises over the “Qilin City” ridge. 2. Sesame oil workshop breakfast: Freshly ground sesame paste on baked cakes, paired with lamb offal soup—5 yuan to taste the heroic spirit of "Water Margin." 3. Hanfu night tour at Jihui Market: Check in at Qilin Gate and Small Town Flower Alley, compose poetry with a two-person tumbler to win cultural souvenirs. 4. Ride the Rainbow Path along the Zhang River: Rent a bike for 15 yuan to weave through reed marshes, with autumn red cassia flowers white as snow. 5. Learn straw weaving and bring spring home: Follow intangible cultural heritage inheritors to weave dragonflies from wheat straw, reviving a living millennial craft in your hands. 📍 Practical Guide - Transportation: Take the free shuttle from Handan High-Speed Rail Station (with souvenirs!), taxi in the county costs 5-15 yuan. - Accommodation: Stay for 150 yuan in a Ming-Qing old house converted into a prefecture city inn, or 120 yuan at Daming Hotel with roast chicken just downstairs. - Tips: Rush to Huihui sesame cakes at 6 a.m., watch the mechanical Qilin parade at 7 p.m., and don’t forget to activate the AR function at the Stone Carving Museum! On the morning I left the city, I met volunteer guide Old Zhou at the city gate. Pointing to the wildflowers blooming outside the Weng City, he said: “These grew from seeds scattered by tourists last year—our Daming’s stories never end.” Suddenly, I understood why 2.97 million visitors flock to this small town: in the sound of the stone mill at the sesame oil workshop, in the fingers of the straw weaving elder, in the cracks of the ancient city wall, living history has never gone far. > While other attractions are busy building faux ancient streets, the people of Daming Prefecture pick up a piece of city brick, and it is the moonlight of the Northern Song.

In Handan, Hebei, there is a county historically known as the "Northern Capital." It appears 19 times in *Water Margin*, one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. As the saying goes, *Water Margin* spread its fame worldwide, making Daming Prefecture known to all. You might have long heard of "Daming"— how to explore it? Follow these seven immersive routes to discover this ancient city. 👣 Route 1: "Hidden Gem Town" Tour East Gate of Daming Ancient Town—Cici Daming—D6 Block—Confucian Temple—Daming Academy—Arts and Crafts District—South Street of the Ancient Town—Nanguan Flavor Lunch—Yang Family Memorial Archway—Site of the Late Qing Dynasty Second-Class Post Office—Daming Gifts Shop—Ancient City Wall—North Gate Light Show—Daming Collection—Return. 👣 Route 2: Red Education Tour Zhou Enlai Inspection Memorial Hall in Daming—Wang Tianxiang Uprising Site—Zhili Seventh Normal School Memorial Hall—Yudong Ecological Garden in Jintan Town (Lunch)—Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall in Jintan Town—Qinglong Ancient Street—Guo Longzhen’s Former Residence—Anti-Japanese Joint Defense Brigade Site—Jintan Town Specialty Snacks (Dinner)—Return. 👣 Route 3: Rural Scenery Tour Forest Ecological Park—Germplasm Resource Bank—Damingfu Ancient City Wall Ruins—Yuezhang Qieshan Homestay (Lunch)—Wuluxiang Scenic Area—Yushan Straw Weaving Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Base—E-Commerce Live Broadcast Base—Daming Song Street—Daming Banquet (Dinner)—Return. 👣 Route 4: Ancient Exploration Tour Daming County Museum—Qieshan Lake—Daming Song Street Ancient City Ruins Museum—Daming Banquet Culinary Museum (Lunch)—Di Renjie Ancestral Hall Square—Stone Carving Museum & Tuopu Academy—Grand Canal Museum, *Long Heard of Daming* Performance—Hongjing Pavilion Lighting—Return. 👣 Route 5: Grand Canal Culture Tour Grand Canal Museum—Lijun Town—Canal Ancient Town Jintan Town—Yingzhen Folk Culture Town—Dragon King Temple Cultural Tourism Town—Aijiakou Specialty Town 🌈 Two-Day Itineraries 👣 Route 6: "Hidden Gem Town" Two-Day Tour **DAY1** Lijun Town—Germplasm Resource Bank—Damingfu Ancient City Wall Ruins—Yuezhang Qieshan Homestay (Lunch)—Ecological Park—Wuluxiang Scenic Area—Yushan Straw Weaving Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Base—Daming Song Street Banquet (Dinner)—Ancient City Ruins Museum—Stone Carving Museum & Hongjing Pavilion Lighting Ceremony—Grand Canal Museum, *Long Heard of Daming* Performance—Stay at Water Margin Hotel. **DAY2** Daming Specialty Breakfast—Daming County Museum—Zhou Enlai Inspection Memorial Hall—Daming Collection (Lunch)—Ancient City Wall (North Gate to East Gate)—Cici Daming—D6 Block—Confucian Temple—Daming Academy—Arts and Crafts District—South Street of the Ancient Town—Daming Gifts Shop—North Gate Light Show—Return. 👣 Route 7: Family Study Two-Day Tour **DAY1** Guo Longzhen’s Former Residence—Weihe Ancient Canal Dock—Germplasm Resource Bank—Damingfu Ancient City Wall Ruins—Wuluxiang Scenic Area—Daming Song Street Banquet (Lunch)—Ancient City Ruins Museum—Di Renjie Ancestral Hall Stele—Grand Canal Museum—Stone Carving Museum, Tuopu Academy, Hongjing Pavilion Lighting Ceremony—Stay at Water Margin Hotel or Yuezhang Homestay. **DAY2** Yushan Straw Weaving—Daming County Museum—Zhou Enlai Inspection Memorial Hall—East Gate of Daming Ancient Town—Cici Daming—D6 Block—Confucian Temple—Daming Academy—Arts and Crafts District—South Street of the Ancient Town—Daming Gifts Shop—Daming Collection—North Gate Light Show—Return.

Located in the southeast of Hebei Province, at the geometric center of the four provinces of Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan, there is a charming small city growing increasingly popular. It sits at the crossroads of Hebei, Shandong, and Henan provinces, and for 3,500 years has been a key transportation hub and a bustling commercial center. It is the hometown of the legendary diva Teresa Teng, whose gentle and melodious legacy still resonates today. Known as the "Hometown of Sesame Oil," it is also a newly popular "treasure trove of carbohydrates." From shaobing (baked flatbread), huoshao (baked wheat cakes), to heluo (a type of noodle), a variety of noodle dishes abound, each bite solidly satisfying your taste buds. Quietly waiting for people to explore and discover, this city is none other than Daming, Hebei—a treasure city where beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage coexist. Today, let's step into the twelve hours of Daming and unlock the millennium-old stories of this ancient city to start an unforgettable journey! ☀ Sunrise · Daming Ancient City — Start your day with a "carbohydrate feast" A paradise for carbohydrates and a gathering place for intangible cultural heritage foods. Daming’s "Two Five Eight" — Ermao Roast Chicken, Wubai Ju Sausage, and Guoba Huoshao — are absolute must-tries. Ermao Roast Chicken has an enticing color, tender meat, and a savory, fall-off-the-bone flavor; Wubai Ju Sausage is a perfect mix of fat and lean, with a rich aroma and balanced sweet and salty taste; Guoba Huoshao has many thin layers, a golden crispy crust, and a soft, chewy interior, bursting with a fragrant roasted flavor with every bite. Besides these, there are sesame crisp flatbreads, heluo noodles, and other specialty snacks, each allowing you to indulge and satisfy your craving for carbs. The streets also offer interactive experiences with specialty dining, cultural and creative products, and intangible cultural heritage, letting you eat and play while feeling Daming’s unique cultural charm. ☀ Early Morning · Daming Ancient City — Reflect on the millennium-old history of the Northern Song’s secondary capital As the Beijing Daming Prefecture of the Northern Song Dynasty, this place carries a thousand years of historical heritage. Entering the ancient city, the towering old city towers and weathered walls seem to tell stories of past prosperity and vicissitudes. Strolling along the ancient city streets, the winding bluestone paths and quaint traditional buildings are arranged in an orderly fashion. The Gothic spires of the ancient church pierce the sky, and under the morning light, they contrast beautifully with the simple Chinese architecture, creating a unique scene. Climbing the city wall and looking afar, the entire small city gradually awakens in the morning mist, with the scent of daily life filling the air, instantly transporting you back to that distant era. ☀ Morning · Daming Stone Carving Museum — Admire the unparalleled calligraphy of Tang and Song masters This Northern-style garden with Song Dynasty architectural style resembles a palace of art. The museum houses over 300 steles, epitaphs, and stone statues spanning more than a thousand years. Among them, the grand Chinese ancient stele "Wuliji Stele" is magnificent, with exquisitely carved inscriptions and vigorous calligraphy, fully displaying the style of great Tang masters; also notable is the large Chinese epitaph "He Hongjing Epitaph," whose scale and fine carving are breathtaking. Wandering through the museum feels like traveling through the river of history, with each stone carving carrying a story that impresses visitors with the profoundness of Handan’s stone carving culture. ☀ Afternoon · Grand Canal Museum — Explore the millennium changes of the canal The Grand Canal Museum is like a vivid history book, detailing the history of the Chinese Grand Canal and the canal within Daming. The exhibits use abundant artifacts, detailed historical materials, and modern multimedia technology to comprehensively showcase the deep cultural connotations of the canal. Here, you can learn about Daming’s important role in the canal’s development history and the profound impact of the canal on the local economy and culture. Additionally, at night, you can watch the first live performance at a Water Margin-themed museum — "Famous for Ages," which combines sound, light, and electric technology to restore the grandeur of Daming during the Northern Song Dynasty, taking you through time to experience that magnificent history. ☀ Sunset · Qieshan Lake — Savor the breathtaking scenery of lake and mountains Qieshan Lake is a shining jewel of Daming. When the sunset’s afterglow falls on the lake, the shimmering waves are stunningly beautiful. The lakeside is lush with vegetation and shaded by green trees; a gentle breeze carries the fresh scent of grass and wood. Walking along the lakeside trail, enjoying the lake and mountain views, your body and mind are greatly relaxed. The park features multiple scenic functional areas, including an electric cart path, bicycle path, pedestrian path, and scenic spots such as squares, boardwalks, and pavilions. Whether walking, cycling, or sitting quietly to enjoy the view, you can fully appreciate the beauty of nature. Looking south, you can also take in the beautiful scenery of Daming County, feeling the harmonious coexistence of city and nature. 🌙 Moonrise · Daming Jihui — Experience the bustling night market of the Northern Song At sunset and moonrise, Daming Jihui becomes the most lively place in this small city. The entire street is decorated with colorful lights, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Neon lights flicker, and the air is filled with the tempting aroma of delicious food. Stalls line both sides of the street, gathering the various Daming specialty carbohydrate foods mentioned earlier, along with artisan booths showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and cultural creative products. During the Dragon Boat Festival, knowledge quizzes, themed performances, and health night market activities take place every night at the Daming Jihui night market. 🌙 Late Night · D6 District — Feel the vibrant rebirth of the ancient small city The D6 District is transformed from the original Dilou Distillery site, full of modern and creative vibes. It integrates "industrial-tourism fusion" and "digital empowerment" models, featuring digital government museums, naked-eye 3D projections, and other digital cultural tourism projects. Entering the Digital Government Experience Hall, through immersive experiences, you feel like an ancient official participating in government affairs, experiencing ancient officialdom culture. The naked-eye 3D light and shadow show is even more stunning, vividly presenting the historical stories of the ancient city with cool light effects, adding a brilliant color to Daming’s night and letting you experience the new vitality of this ancient small city. #DamingCountyHebei #HandanDamingPrefectureAncientCity #SoCloseSoBeautifulWeekendToHebei #HandanTourism #HandanSurroundingTours #DamingAncientCity

#discoverchina Daming County, located in Handan, Hebei Province, is a place filled with historical charm and cultural heritage. Walking through its streets, I felt as though I had stepped back in time. One of the most remarkable sites is the **Daming Ancient City Wall**. Though weathered by centuries, it still stands strong, telling stories of the past. Walking along the remnants of the wall, I imagined the bustling scenes of ancient travelers and guards on duty. Another must-visit is the **Wen Temple**, dedicated to Confucius. The temple exudes a scholarly atmosphere, with ancient inscriptions and tall cypress trees creating a sense of serenity. It was fascinating to see how the wisdom of the past still resonates in this sacred space. At the **Chenghuang Temple**, I was captivated by the intricate carvings and the spiritual ambiance. The temple, once a center of local beliefs, still attracts visitors seeking blessings. No trip is complete without exploring the local flavors. Daming is known for its **sesame cakes**, a crispy and fragrant delicacy. Tasting them fresh from a street vendor was a delightful experience. Daming may not be a large city, but its history and culture make it a destination worth visiting. I left with a deep appreciation for its ancient charm and a desire to return someday.

Daming County Stone Carving Museum, located in Daming County, Handan City, Hebei Province, currently has more than 200 stone carvings, including China's largest ancient stele "Five Rites Stele", the Ma Wencao Shendao Stele which pioneered the running script in Chinese stele engravings, the Zhu Xi Scripture Writing Stele, the Cheng Zi Shizhen Stele, and the Ming Jiajing Chen Empress Family Edict Sacrifice Stele. In 2014, the Daming Stone Carving Museum was upgraded and expanded with a total investment of 57 million yuan. It covers an area of ​​nearly 70 acres and has a construction area of ​​13,000 square meters. The main buildings include the Five Rites Pavilion, Hongjing Pavilion, Stele Gallery, Changleyuan, Wangjing Pavilion, Academic Exchange Center, Visitor Service Center and other ancillary buildings. [1] After the expansion, the entire park adopts the architectural style of the Song Dynasty, and the museum is divided into three functional areas: east, middle and west. The east area is the academic exchange center, management center and star-rated toilets. The Academic Exchange Center is the main building complex for the museum to carry out academic exchange activities. It is a research and exchange center that integrates stone carving component display, stele calligraphy appreciation, rubbing production experience, cultural and creative display and sales, and a multi-functional conference hall; the central area is composed of the main gate, Five Rites Square, Five Rites Stele Pavilion, central lake area, and Hongjing Pavilion. #NewYear2025

Have a good New Year Idiom Handan I have heard of your name for a long time👋🏻 During the holiday, I drove to Daming with my family. Daming was a very famous city in the Northern Song Dynasty and has always occupied an important position in history. ▪Daimyo Our Lady of Favor Catholic Church⛪ Always succumb to the charm of Gothic architecture! Now the church is open to the public. You can go in and take photos. It is a rare opportunity. ▪Daming Ancient City⛩️ The Catholic Church is located in the ancient city scenic area. New roads have been paved in the scenic area, making travel and parking very convenient. The shops inside are also open, so there is no need to worry about few shops open during the Chinese New Year. Daming’s siomai, sesame cakes and other delicacies are very famous! ▪Daming Stone Carving Museum🏯 Previously, Daming became a little famous because of the lighting of Hongjing Pavilion in the Stone Carving Museum, and we finally saw it during the Chinese New Year! The moment the lights are on is really beautiful, the overall look is magnificent, and the color scheme gives people a sense of wealth and elegance. It is particularly beautiful.

⛰Daming Catholic Church, also known as "Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace," is a typical Gothic building. 🕙Construction time: Construction began in 1918 and was completed in December 1921. It was the second largest Catholic church in China at the time. 🌟Daming Catholic Church was built with "Boxer Indemnity" funds. It was supervised by French priest Father Georges and consecrated by French Bishop Liu. The church covers an area of about 1,440 square meters and consists of a bell tower and a chapel. ⛪️The church is cross-shaped and faces north. The interior is spacious, with a vaulted ceiling supported by 14 round stone columns over 6 meters high. The surrounding walls have more than 100 multi-pane windows, all inlaid with colorful stained glass in various floral patterns. At the north end of the church is a large organ, 6 meters high and 5 meters wide. The bell tower has a large clock with a diameter of 1.42 meters on each side. 📍Address: Dongjie, Daming County, Handan, Hebei Province

"The Water Margin is known throughout the world, and everyone knows Daming Prefecture." It is also a bustling city that frequently appears in the Water Margin! 1. Daming Prefecture Ancient City: 🎈 Located in Daming County, Handan City, Hebei Province, its history can be traced back to the Warring States Period and it has gone through many dynasties. It was once a foil to the Northern Song Dynasty and was known as "Beijing" in history. 2. Stone Carving Museum 🎈 There are more than 200 stone carvings, including the largest ancient stele in China, the "Five Rites Stele," which is the treasure of the museum and has considerable historical and artistic value. Opening hours: 9:00–17:00, free admission, closed on Mondays Lighting time (Hongjing Building): 19:00, 20:00, 21:00 3. Church of the Mother of Love 🎈 Located on Dong Street, Daming County, Handan City, it was built in 1918 and is the second largest Catholic church in China. It is a Gothic building with a bell tower and a chapel. The bell tower is 46 meters high, and each of the three sides of the tower is inlaid with a large clock with a diameter of 1.42 meters. Visiting hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00–11:00, 14:30–17:00 Saturday, 9:00–14:30 Sunday, 13:00–14:30, Not open to the public when ceremonies or events are held 4. Daming Museum 🎈 Located on the south side of the west section of Tianxiong Road, Daming County, Handan City, it consists of the Daming History and Culture Hall, the Tang and Song Famous City Hall, and the Ming and Qing Daming Hall. It introduces the 7,000-year civilization history of Daming, the 3,000-year architectural history, and the 2,000-year history of the county. It exhibits cultural relics from the Neolithic period to the Ming Dynasty, such as blue and white bowls. 🎟 Ticket information: Free Opening hours: 9:00–17:00, closed on Mondays Ming City Wall—600 years of enduring prosperity Open all day for free 🚌 Transportation: National Day direct bus or taxi, self-driving 🏠 Accommodation: Choose a hotel near the city center of Daming County, near Daming Prefecture, or near Daming Prefecture Bus Station 🍪 Food recommendations: Ermao roast chicken, Wubai sausage, Guoba baked cake, Huicun meat pie...

This is not Xi'an, this is Handan Daming! ! ! Welcome to Damingfu, Handan, Hebei, China! ! Share a guide to visit Daming County, Hebei Province, follow it and avoid pitfalls (with introduction) Damingfu Ancient City "The Water Margin is known to the world, and everyone knows Damingfu." As a famous "Wulu City" in history, it can be said to have a long history and splendid culture. Daming Prefecture, the former seat of government is located in the northeast of Daming County, Handan City, Hebei Province. "Lucheng" in the Spring and Autumn Period was changed to Daming Prefecture in the Later Han Dynasty. It was built as a secondary capital in the Song Dynasty. It was mentioned many times in "Water Margin". It was still Daming Prefecture in the Ming Dynasty and was the first capital of Zhili Province in the Qing Dynasty. Our Lady of Grace Cathedral Daming Catholic Church, also known as the "Our Lady of Grace Cathedral", is a Gothic building with a history of nearly 100 years, which was built in the Republic of China. It was built by the French Catholic Church using the Boxer Indemnity. The architectural design of the church combines Chinese and Western cultural elements. Its unique bell tower and chapel integrated architectural style demonstrates exquisite architectural art. Damingfu Cultural District The Damingfu Song Dynasty Cultural District is built on the ruins of the ancient city of "Beijing Damingfu" in the Northern Song Dynasty. It is located on the Congfeng Line of Daming County and is about 800 meters long. The cultural district consists of old buildings, the Damingfu Ancient City Ruins Museum (which was once flooded), the Stone Carving Museum, the Grand Canal Museum, performances, characteristic homestays and other business formats. Stone Carving Museum The museum is themed on stone carving art. Its main buildings include the Five Rites Stele Pavilion, Hongjing Pavilion, Stele Gallery, Changleyuan, Wangjing Pavilion, etc. It has rich collections. The Five Rites Stele is the largest stone stele in China. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00, closed on Monday, Hongjing Pavilion lights on at 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00. The Imperial Five Rites Stele Tower This stele tower is known as the "No. 1 stele in the world" for its grand scale and historical value. It is the largest ancient stone stele known in China. Its construction began in the Tang Dynasty and later became the work of Emperor Huizong of Song. Because the inscription on the stele is "New Rituals of the Five Rites" written by Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty, it is also called the Imperial Stele of the Five Rites of the Grand View. There are characters by Tang calligrapher Liu Gongquan on both sides of the stele. 【Transportation & Accommodation Transportation: Daming County will provide free direct bus service for tourists from other places from September 17 to October 7. There are direct buses to Daming from Handan Airport and Handan High-speed Railway East Station every day. You can choose direct bus or taxi. Accommodation: It is recommended to choose a hotel in the center of Daming County, near Daming Prefecture or near Daming Bus Station. 【Daming traditional food】 Ermao roast chicken, Wubaiju sausage, Guoba fire cake, halal steamed buns, halal mutton cakes, sesame charred cakes, bean paste, wedding fruit, noodles, Luohan tripe, halal eight bowls, chicken nest biscuits, tofu skin roll dumplings, halal siu mai, stewed bones, tofu shreds, ganzi steamed buns, sand fried peanuts, deaf old Yang braised beef, sticky steamed buns, pig's trotters, fried cakes

The novel "Water Margin" made the famous Daming Mansion in Hebei known to the world. It is located in the northeast of Daming County, Handan City, Hebei Province, with a long history and profound cultural heritage. Its city gate is towering, the city wall is solid, and it is well preserved. The main attractions include the Catholic Church, the Song Dynasty Cultural District, the Stone Carving Museum, etc., with a variety of cultural and creative products and snacks. In September this year, a comprehensive renovation is underway to welcome the arrival of National Day. In October, a brand new look will be presented to everyone. The scenic area is free, and there is a parking lot at the door.

The breathtaking Catholic cathedral, it is a beautiful landmark in Daming, Hebei. The construction of this Catholic cathedral began in 1918 and, after years of meticulous crafting, was completed in 1921. Its design is ingenious and its style unique, incorporating the essence of Gothic architecture, which allows one to immediately feel its solemnity and sanctity. The church faces north, with its bell tower soaring into the clouds, reaching a height of 42 meters. It remains the tallest point within the old city of Daming, overlooking this ancient land full of stories. Stepping inside the church, you will be struck by its grandeur and refinement. The interior is spacious and bright, with a vaulted dome ceiling, giving the impression of being in a sacred and solemn space. Fourteen round stone pillars, each over 6 meters tall, support the entire church, sturdy and strong. The walls are inlaid with over a hundred multi-pane windows, and the colorful glass sparkles under the sunlight, adding a touch of mystery and romance to this ancient church. In addition to the Catholic cathedral, there is another unmissable attraction in Daming Prefecture—the Wolong Huai tree. This ancient locust tree is located on the north side of the middle section of West Street in Daming County. It was originally in front of the garden of Liu Zunxian, the Minister of War during the Ming Dynasty, and has a history of over five hundred years. It has witnessed the vicissitudes of the old city and remains lush and vibrant to this day. What's more remarkable is that one branch extends eastward from the ancient locust tree, resembling the shape of a dragon, with a distinct head, mouth, and eyes, vividly lifelike, and is known as 'Hebei's number one peculiar tree'.