Secret Realm Around Beijing: Zhangqiu, an Underrated Poetic Ancient City in the North

I once thought the beauty of the Jiangnan water towns was unsurpassable, until I stepped into the hometown of Li Qingzhao—Zhangqiu. Here, small bridges and flowing water intertwine with oar-pulled boats drifting by. Summer fireworks bloom brilliantly, and the full moon over the western tower enchants visitors, making them lose their way in its beauty. Departing from Beijing, a 2-hour high-speed train ride takes you straight here, allowing you to start a poetic journey over the weekend. Transportation Guide: Conveniently Start Your Poetic Journey Take the high-speed train from Beijing South Station, and in just 2 hours you’ll arrive at Zhangqiu North Station. After exiting, a 15-minute taxi ride brings you to the ancient city. The transportation is very convenient, making it easy to begin this poetic adventure. Itinerary: Two Days Immersed in Poetic Moments Day❶: Night Tour of Brilliance, Romantic Opening • Ride an Oar-Pulled Boat: Fan yourself while sitting in the boat, gently rocking with the waves, listening to the babbling creek, watching the willows sway, and feeling the poetry and comfort of a northern water town, as if you are inside a lively ink painting. • Spring Elegance Show: A visual feast perfectly blending technology and traditional Chinese style, featuring drones, light shows, spring fountains, and fireworks dancing together. No phone camera can capture even a fraction of its stunning impact. • Dongmawan (Iron Flower Show): Molten iron at 1600℃ explodes overhead into a galaxy of sparks. The master craftsman swings his hands, casting a golden rain that instantly moves you to tears, as if traveling back to ancient times. • Beima Wan (Fireworks Festival): Fire trees and silver flowers fall into the dreamscape of “Shu Yu Ci,” bringing Jinan’s summer to life with Song Dynasty poetry, creating an extremely romantic atmosphere. • City Tower Night Tour (Open-Air Cinema): Lie on the thousand-year-old city wall watching classic movies, with the wind in your ears and a sky full of stars above—utterly delightful. Day❷: Explore Ancient Charm, Savor Talent • Morning Tea Market: A morning tea market in the ancient town, full of lively local atmosphere. Enjoy delicious and affordable specialties like spring water mutton soup, Longshan tofu pudding, and donkey meat sandwiches to start your day full of energy. • Mingshui Street: A street full of bustling local life with antique-style shops including theaters, cloth workshops, fan shops, and taverns, as if stepping back into the prosperous streets of ancient times. • Moquan Spring: Eat chilled watermelon by Moquan Spring, feeling the coolness of the spring water and the sweetness of the watermelon—a unique flavor experience. • Baima Spring: Visit Longquan Temple to watch koi fish play in the water, appreciating the vitality and liveliness of the spring. • Longquan Temple: A solemn, tranquil ancient temple that offers a moment of peace for the soul. • Li Qingzhao’s Former Residence: Revisit the home of this timeless talented woman, feel the crispness of Meihua Spring and Shuyu Spring, as if touching Li Qingzhao’s talent and poetry from long ago. • Guilai Academy: A secluded retreat on the ancient city wall. Open the window to overlook the entire ancient town, where you can quietly enjoy the fragrance of books and beautiful scenery. Highlights: Encounter Poetry and History Li Qingzhao’s Former Residence Stepping into Li Qingzhao’s former residence feels like traveling through time to converse with this eternal talented woman. The clear waters of Meihua Spring and Shuyu Spring flow with her talent and poetry, intoxicating visitors. Baima Spring Park By Moquan Spring, enjoy chilled watermelon and feel the coolness of the spring water; at Longquan Temple, watch koi fish play and savor the tranquility and harmony. Baima Spring Park is a perfect place to relax body and mind. Guilai Academy Located on the ancient city wall, Guilai Academy is an ideal place to escape the world. Looking out the window, the entire ancient town unfolds like a beautiful painting. Here, you can quietly read, reflect, and feel the slow passage of time. City Tower As a landmark building of the ancient town, the City Tower is magnificent and imposing by day, and splendid and dazzling by night. Whether day or night, it exudes a unique charm that attracts visitors to stop and admire. Mingshui Street Mingshui Street is full of lively local atmosphere, with theaters, cloth workshops, fan shops, taverns, and more. Strolling along the street feels like returning to the bustling markets of ancient times, experiencing the lively hustle and bustle. Night Tour Guide: Light Up a Dreamy Night Summer Fireworks Show With the ancient city wall as the backdrop and spring water as the rhythm, fire trees and silver flowers fall into the dreamscape of “Shu Yu Ci,” decorating Jinan’s summer like a dream and bringing Song Dynasty poetry to life. Fireworks Concert The song “The Wind Rises” awakens youthful memories, and fireworks explode in the sky at the chorus climax, instantly reaching a peak atmosphere, immersing everyone in romance and passion. Fireworks Movie Lie on the thousand-year-old city wall watching classic movies, with a gentle breeze in your ears and a sky full of stars above. This unique viewing experience is unforgettable for life. Special Experiences: Feel the Local Life and Poetry Morning Tea Market A morning tea market in the ancient town, full of rich local atmosphere. A dazzling array of delicacies like spring water mutton soup, Longshan tofu pudding, and donkey meat sandwiches lets you taste authentic Zhangqiu flavors. Oar-Pulled Boat Sit in an oar-pulled boat, feeling the poetry and comfort of a northern water town as the boat rocks gently. The babbling creek and swaying willows make you feel as if you are in a Jiangnan water town. Zhangqiu, this seriously underrated northern treasure ancient city, combines the softness of Jiangnan water towns with the depth of northern ancient cities. Take advantage of the weekend and start a poetic journey here!💕