Under the Dingzhou Kaiyuan Temple Pagoda, how many unsolved historical mysteries are hidden?

**Dingzhou Travel Guide: A Cultural Journey Through Millennia, Unlocking Hidden Gems!** **🌟 Dingzhou Highlights** - **Underrated Historical City**: Ancient capital of the Zhongshan State, Hebei's "low-key champion," home to national-level relics and non-commercialized ancient towns. - **Convenient Transportation**: 1.5-hour high-speed train ride from Beijing, 30-minute drive from Shijiazhuang Airport—perfect for a weekend getaway! - **Great Value**: Nearly free admission, budget-friendly for students. --- **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **Spring & Autumn (April-May/September-October)**: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and stunning ginkgo trees near Kaiyuan Temple Pagoda in autumn. - **Avoid Mondays**: Some museums are closed. --- **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Train**: Beijing West → Dingzhou East (1.5h). - **Self-Drive**: Exit at Dingzhou on the Jinggang'ao Expressway; parking is convenient in the city (attractions are clustered, walking or shared bikes recommended). --- **📍 Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Dingzhou Kaiyuan Temple Pagoda (Dingzhou Pagoda)** - **Highlights**: The "No. 1 Pagoda of China" from the Northern Song Dynasty, 84 meters tall with climbable stairs and exquisite brick carvings. - **Tips**: Reserve in advance for tower climbing; best photos at sunset; light shows at the square below at night. **2. Dingzhou Museum** - **Treasures**: Eastern Han Dynasty jade bi with dragon and chi patterns, Northern Dynasties white stone Buddha statues. - **Hidden Gem**: Interactive area on the third floor for Dingzhou Pagoda-themed souvenir stamps. **3. Dingzhou Confucian Temple** - **Quirky Surprise**: Tang Dynasty ancient locust tree + Ming Dynasty Lingxing Gate; locals pray here for academic success at the Confucius statue. - **Nearby**: Sip jasmine tea at old teahouses on Wenmiao Street for a taste of local life. **4. Yan Yangchu's Former Residence & Dingzhou Ancient City Wall** - **History Buffs' Must-See**: Birthplace of mass education; free walks along the remaining wall sections with atmospheric night lighting. **5. Chongwen Street Night Market** - **Foodie Paradise**: Try "Hao Family Spare Ribs," "Dingzhou Steamed Pork Buns," and donkey meat burgers. --- **🍜 Food Map** - **Must-Eats**: - **Dingzhou Steamed Pork (Menzhi)**: Made from sweet potato starch, sliced and dipped in vinegar and garlic; try "Wangji Menzhi" (old shop on Zhongshan Middle Road). - **Hand-Torn Sausage**: Pork sausage with balanced fat and lean meat, best eaten cold; vacuum-packed for takeaway. - **Ganglu Sesame Cake**: Perfect with donkey meat or menzhi. - **Breakfast Pick**: South Gate Tofu Pudding (add chili) + fried dough sticks. --- **🏨 Accommodation Tips** - **Budget-Friendly**: Dingzhou International Hotel (near the museum), Hanting (Zhongshan Road branch). - **Unique Stay**: "Yan Yangchu Cultural Inn" (renovated traditional courtyard). --- **📌 Practical Tips** 1. **One-Day Itinerary**: Dingzhou Pagoda → Museum → Confucian Temple → Chongwen Street Night Market (ideal for weekend trips from Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei). 2. **Hidden Perk**: Show your high-speed train ticket for discounts at some attractions. 3. **Avoid Scams**: Be cautious with roadside "antique stalls"—real artifacts are in the museum! --- **✨ Dingzhou is like an overlooked history book—take a day to flip through its pages, and every turn holds a surprise!**