The tourism slogan for Hebei Province translates to: "So close, so beautiful, spend your weekend in Hebei." Having visited Baoding, Chengde, Jimingyi, and Xuanhua, this time, on May 14, 2024, I visited Cangzhou City, which is about 50 minutes away from Beijing by high-speed train.

Upon arrival at Cangzhou West Station, I took the public bus to the Cangzhou Museum, which was only 20 minutes away. The museum houses a rich collection of cultural relics, which not only showcase the profound historical culture of Cangzhou but also reflect the close historical connection between Cangzhou and the Grand Canal.

Going around the city, the greenery drew my attention. There are trees, grass, and flowers all over the city.

The Cangzhou Grand Canal Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall was newly opened in May 2023. Located in Garden Expo Park, It is the largest national-level intangible cultural heritage exhibition site along the Grand Canal in China, gathering the essence of intangible cultural heritage from eight provinces (cities) along the canal.

I greatly admire the aesthetic taste in the museums decoration and renovation.

I walked along the Grand Canal for 1.5 hours. It was very enjoyable.

At last, I took a taxi to the Nanchuan Old Street area. The buildings on both sides of Nan Chuan Old Street mostly feature the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Many people come here to visit and wander.

My impression of the city is that it is well organized, green, clean, and ambitious in attracting more tourists. I hope more people will come and visit. But it is likely not an ideal choice for foreigners traveling from afar.

Yours Truly

Angie Guo - Charmission Travel