Take These 6 Routes along the Grand Canal This Fall!

The Grand Canal, which snakes through the heart of Beijing, has witnessed the city change across the centuries, making it a true cultural landmark. To honor this waterway, the city has designed routes that stretch across 7 districts for people who want to stroll alongside the canal this fall.

Tongzhou District

A Deep Canal Tour

This route starts from Canal Pier No. 2 and goes all the way to Tongzhou Sanjiao Temple. From there, the route shoots down south to Beijing Beitou Aegean Shopping Park.

Highlights: This route will allow you to take a glimpse of an ancient town located in Xihaizi Park, which is like the districts great big backyard garden. Here, you can find stunning fall colors, hills, and even a waterfall.

A Forest Adventure

This route goes from Chengshi Lvxin Forest Park to Wanda Plaza.

Highlights:You can take a stroll around Dayunhe Forest Park or ride your bicycle around the huge lake. Once you reach Wanda Plaza, you can enjoy some shopping while taking in some amazing night views of the city. Don't forget to indulge yourself with a cup of coffee or take a movie at plaza's theater.

Digging The Ruins

This route starts from Baliqiao and works its way to Beijing Tongzhou Library.

Highlights: You can take a leisurely walk at Beijing Baliqiao Music Theme Park, which is a great place to take in red leaves before they eventually fall from their trees.

Immersion in Art

This route reaches from Taihu Ecology Entertainment Town and goes all the way to Songzhuang Art Town.

Highlights: This one's for all you artsy people out there. Not only will this route offer a glimpse of some ancient relics, but it'll also allow you to see some contemporary sculpture and ceramics exhibits as well.

Don't Forget About Universal Studio

This route goes from the theme park's Citywalk to Chengshi Lvxin Forest Park.

Highlights:Along this theme park-centered route, you'll find themed hotels, as well as shops and a number of eateries, along Universal Studio's Citywalk, including joints like Wubei Craft Food and Beer, before eventually ending at Chengshi Lvxin Forest Park. It's the perfect place to witness how seamlessly at times technology and civilization can merge with nature.

Dongcheng District Route

This route goes from Wanning Bridge to Nanxincang.

Highlights:This path takes you from the starting point of the Grand Canal, through old academies on Nanxicang Cultural and Pedestrian Street, an area where the imperial family's grain was once stored.

Read:Suburban Adventure Part 2: From Ming Tombs to Mutianyu Great Wall 

Images: BeijingFabu, Dianping