A Stunning Sunrise Spot in the Small Town

🌍Famous far and wide, welcome to visit! — A Deep Travel Guide to the Millennium Ancient City of Daming 📍 Ancient City Highlights Daming County, this millennium-old city located in southeastern Hebei, was twice a capital and seven times a secondary capital, earning the title "China's First Government City." Strolling through it, you’ll find the Song Dynasty’s ancient charm intertwined with canal civilization, the legends of Water Margin colliding with intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship—every brick echoes history. 🏯 Must-Visit Landmarks and Activities 1. Daming City Wall - Climb the Tower for a Grand View: Ascend the Ming Dynasty ancient city wall to overlook the orderly blue-tiled roofs inside and the green fields outside. The "Hongjing Pavilion" on the wall lights up every night from 19:00 to 24:00 on the hour, with light and shadow outlining the silhouette of the "Little Nanjing of the North." - Night Tour Surprise: During the National Day holiday (9.27-10.7), the North Gate hosts a naked-eye 3D light show, vividly bringing the heroes of Water Margin to life on the city wall. 2. Stone Carving Museum - Treasures of the Museum: See the true forms of China’s largest ancient stele, the "Five Rites Stele," and the "Epitaph of He Hongjing," feeling the grandeur of Tang Dynasty calligraphy and the elegance of Song and Yuan literati. - Rubbing Experience: Participate in making rubbings (50 RMB per session), personally replicating millennium-old inscriptions and taking home a unique cultural memory. 3. Grand Canal Museum - Immersive Performance: Watch the nation’s first Water Margin-themed live-action drama "Famous Far and Wide," where sound, light, and electric technology recreate the prosperous scene of Northern Song’s Daming Prefecture. Actors interact with the audience offstage; sitting in the first two rows is recommended to feel the heroic spirit of the "Liangshan Heroes." - Canal Exploration: Learn how the Grand Canal nourished this "Pearl of the Canal" through artifacts and multimedia displays. 4. D6 District - New Digital Cultural Tourism Experience: In the district transformed from the original Diliu Distillery site, enjoy a role-playing game at the digital government museum, redeem food coupons upon completion; at night, admire naked-eye 3D projections and witness the splendid transformation of industrial heritage. 🍴 Taste of Daming Prefecture - The Three Delicacies of 258: - Ermao Roast Chicken: Bright red color, tender meat, vacuum-packed as a perfect souvenir. - Wubai Ju Sausage: A mix of lean and fat, rich in wine aroma, recommended with local baked flatbread. - Guo Ba Fire-Baked Bread: Crispy outside, tender inside, stuffed with donkey meat or cold noodles, a classic breakfast staple. - Street Snacks: - Nanguan Helu: Chewy noodles with bone broth, sprinkled with chive flowers and chili oil, warming body and stomach. - Sesame Crispy Baked Flatbread: Freshly baked with a toasted aroma, stuffed with egg or pork tenderloin, known as the "Northern Meat Sandwich." - Food Map: - Daming Collection: A gathering of local snacks and creative trendy foods, perfect for one-stop tasting. - Nanguan Flavor Street: A street full of local life and flavor, where you can eat to your fill for about 15 RMB per person. 🎭 Cultural Decoding and Intangible Heritage Experience 1. Water Margin Heroes Gathering - Participate in the "Water Margin-themed Challenge" in D6 District, wear Hanfu and interact with NPCs, collect stamps to exchange for souvenirs, and experience the chivalrous spirit of "Justice under Heaven." 2. Intangible Heritage Workshops - Yushan Straw Weaving: Experience the national intangible heritage straw weaving craft, personally weave storage baskets or ornaments (80 RMB/2 hours), embodying millennia of wisdom in simple craftsmanship. - Diliu Liquor Brewing: Visit a century-old wine cellar, taste the pure grain-brewed "Diliu Liquor," and learn about traditional northern Chinese liquor craftsmanship. 3. Song Street Night Tour - Lanterns hang high at night; stroll the "Great Song Market" in Hanfu, enjoy ancient-style games like touhu (pitch-pot) and archery, as if traveling back to the bustling life recorded in "Dreams of Splendor in the Eastern Capital." 📌 Practical Tips and Transportation Advice 1. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Take the Daguang Expressway, exit at Daming, 10 minutes to the ancient city; free parking at the scenic area (arrive early during holidays recommended). - High-speed Rail + Shuttle: Take high-speed rail to Handan East Station, then transfer to a free shuttle bus for 1 hour to Daming (valid with out-of-town ID or ticket). - Scenic Area Loop: Free shuttle buses run every 30 minutes within the ancient city, connecting the city wall, Song Street, D6 District, and other core attractions. 2. Accommodation Recommendations - High-end Choice: Vienna Hotel (Ancient City Branch), with smart room control system and free Hanfu rental, 5-minute walk to the city wall. - Cost-effective Choice: All Seasons Hotel (County Government Branch), minimalist design and free late-night snacks, suitable for family travel. 3. Tickets and Reservations - The Grand Canal Museum’s "Famous Far and Wide" performance requires booking 3 days in advance via the official WeChat account (120 RMB per person). - Stone Carving Museum and city wall are free to enter; avoid peak hours from 10:00 to 16:00 during holidays. 4. Best Travel Time - Spring and Autumn (April-May / September-October): Pleasant climate, ideal for strolling the ancient city; National Day period (9.27-10.7) features dense activities and the strongest atmosphere. - Summer: Experience the cool water system of Qinglong Ancient Street in Jin Tan Town or camp at Wulu Fragrant Scenic Area to escape the heat. ✨ Conclusion The charm of Daming lies in the weathered bricks of the ancient city wall, hidden in the warp and weft of straw weaving workshops, and blended in the rich aroma of Ermao Roast Chicken. This city, written into history by "Water Margin," sincerely invites every traveler to slow down, savor the stories of China’s past amid the lively atmosphere by the canal. (Note: Some activities such as light shows and straw weaving experiences require advance booking. It is recommended to check the "Daming Cultural Tourism" WeChat official account for the latest information before traveling.)