Tongzhou Grand Canal: Biking, Boating, and Fun Just 30km East of Beijing
Together with the Great Wall and the Karez Well, the 1,700km-long Beijing-Hangzhou (Jinghang) Grand Canal has been described as one of the three greatest building projects in China. As if that wasn't enough, it's also often lauded as the largest and longest conservation projects in the world, starting at Beijing before passing through Tianjin and ending at the capital of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou.
The multifunctional park is both an ecological hub, and a pleasant spot for a day trip, built around the northernmost tip of the canal. Activities that it caters to include running, biking, boating, fishing, and day camping.
Facilities
Restrooms, playgrounds, and parking facilities are found along the path at irregular intervals, and while food and beverages are available from stores dotted down the canal it may be a few miles between each, so we recommend stocking up on water when you can.
How to Get There
Take subway Line 6 to Beiyunhe West (北运河西) station, exiting at Exit A. From there, jump on one of the many nearby sharebikes for a 20-minute ride to the north gate of the canal.
If you want to go by bus, you can take bus #24 from Dongzhimen Station (东直门站) and get off at Beijing Station (北京站). From there, walk to Beijing Qianjie Station (北京前街站) and transfer to bus #804 and get off at the Qiji Village Station (七级村). From there, you'll need to take a short bike ride or walk to the north gate.
Main Attractions
The parks main attraction of the Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park is, well, the park itself! Altogether, it is home to one river, two pathways, six gardens, and 18 scenic spots. Entering from the north gate, you'll first come across the Taoliu Scenic Area in Luhe River (潞河桃柳景区), which is full of flowers, weeping willows, and fruit trees.
Biking south, the Wenying Scenic Area in Moon Island (月岛闻莺景区) is another good spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, taking in the beautiful flora and fauna, the abundant lotuses, as well as the last of the summer breeze.
The southern part of the canal is definitely the more popular area for visitors, which you may want to consider if you're in town for a quiet picnic. Big and small kids alike may also want to head to the Jungle Scenic Spot (活力丛林景区) for a ride on the wild side via a modest number of rides and a rollercoaster.
Alternatively, rent a cruise boat at Mingjing Yizhou Scenic Area (明镜移舟景区) for RMB 50-plus. This area also has the highest number of stores and restaurants. Finally, the southernmost part of the park is the Gaotai Pinglin Scenic Area (高台平林景区), where you can hide among the trees while the kids can exhaust any remaining energy on the slides.
Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park
Daily, 5am-11pm. Songliang Road Nanduan, Tongzhou District (6156 9200)
通州大运河森林公园：通州区宋梁路南段
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This article originally appeared on our sister site beijingkids.
Photos: Wendy Xu
