2025 Daming Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

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'.

Play: ① Beloved Mother Cathedral (East Gate) The French Catholic Church was built in 1918 and completed in 1921. It is a Gothic building that has survived several major earthquakes and historical wars, and is still intact. It is second only to the cathedral in Shanghai in terms of scale in China. This look is quite impressive even in Europe, and it is not to be missed in Daming County. There is a mass at 20:00 on Saturday night and 9:00 on Sunday morning, and non-believers can also listen. ② Stone Carving Museum Free visit, closed on Monday. The regular road is all closed for repairs, and I called the museum for advice, and went there from the muddy road of Kongzhuang Village. China's currently largest stele - the Five Rites Stele, He Hongjing's tombstone, and the Ming Jiajing Chen Empress's family admonishment stele, etc. If you have time, you can go and see. ③ Daming Prefecture Ancient City Ming City Wall, can't climb, can only see. There is nothing to see in the city except for the cathedral. You can take a look at the night view of the east gate and north gate at night. We just happened to encounter the Farmers' Harvest Festival party, and everyone squeezed to watch, which was quite fun and had a good atmosphere. Eat: ① Guo Eight Baked Cake Shop, loved by locals, indeed delicious, choose braised meat in the rice cooker for stuffing. ② Xinfei Dumpling Restaurant (next to Guo Eight), dumplings, vegetarian mix. ③ Ermao Roast Chicken, a row of several, I chose the one with "Century-old Shop" on the sign, local chicken 30/jin, three-yellow chicken 20/jin, salty, Dezhou roast chicken is still more delicious. ④ South Gate Hele San Shop, a breakfast loved by locals Buckwheat Hele + Wheat San, both are beef soup, fragrant and salty, single brine is enough, don't ask for double brine, I like the steamed bun with San soup, it is a solid Gaozhuang steamed bun. Eight yuan a large bowl, so much meat, with green bean sprouts at the bottom of the bowl, too cost-effective! Stay: Hanting, the room is new, large and clean, fully equipped, free parking, good value for money.

Porridge is a kind of food that the Hui people gather together and eat collectively during the Eid al-Fitr and the grand gathering. It is made with beef marinated in soup, served with a spoonful of wheat kernels, a spoonful of beef, a bowl full of eggs, and finally soaked the steamed buns in the soup, which is especially tasty, so that the nights aroma is unique. It was released.

Back to the eight bowls of the house, also known as the halal eight bowls, is a feast for Muslim folk traditions. It refers to eight kinds of stews in large bowls, with a combination of glutinous rice, delicious color and delicious taste. It is the most grand hospitality food of Hui people, and it is also the most delicious food. And it has a hundred years of history. In the Hui community, if you can eat such a feast, it must be honored as a guest!