In the hustle and bustle of life, I have often found myself scurrying to distant landscapes, only to overlook the rich history and scenic beauty that lies within the vicinity of my hometown. This time, however, I embark on a solo journey through the ‘Four Provinces of Mountains and Rivers,’ choosing to traverse each city at a leisurely pace on a regular train, allowing myself to deeply immerse in their profound histories and the warmth of daily life.
My first destination is Dingzhou, a city that is undoubtedly underestimated. It was once the capital of Zhongshan Kingdom during the Warring States Period and remained a significant settlement throughout the Han Dynasty. It is also noteworthy as the place where Su Dongpo, the renowned poet and calligrapher, was exiled and served his term. Dingzhou Museum, rated five stars, is a national second-level museum that boasts over 50,000 cultural relics, including three national treasures, 107 first-grade relics, 214 second-grade relics, and 644 third-grade relics. Its collection surpasses even some provincial museums, making it a highly recommended attraction. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 17:00, with free guided tours at 10:00 and 15:00. Among its prized possessions are the Jade Dragon with a Ring and Valley Pattern, the Jade Screen with Relief Carvings of Fairy Tales, and the Ding Kiln White-glazed Carved Dragon-headed Ewer. However, my personal favorite is the string of glazed grapes.
Dingzhou Confucian Temple, rated three stars, is another noteworthy attraction. With a ticket price of 10 yuan per person, it is the largest and most intact Confucian temple preserved in Hebei Province. It was originally built in the Tang Dynasty and serves as a place to commemorate Confucius. The entrance is flanked by two pagoda trees planted by Su Dongpo himself, adding a touch of historical charm. Dingzhou Contributory Hall, rated four stars, with a ticket price of 20 yuan per person, is another highlight. Constructed during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, it is a well-preserved examination hall in northern China that accommodated both literary and martial candidates. Its main buildings consist of examination cells and a tower, and an interesting feature is the ancient cheat sheets, a testament to the enduring nature of human ingenuity.
Dingzhou Kaiyuan Temple, rated three stars, with a ticket price of 10 yuan per person and an additional 30 yuan for climbing the tower, is another must-visit. Entry is through the south gate, leading to the tallest brick and wooden pagoda in China. It was built for the purpose of surveying the military situation of the Liao Dynasty from afar, hence its alternative name, the ‘Enemy Observation Tower’. As for culinary delights, Dingzhou offers a range of scrumptious dishes such as beef-covered pancake, Dingzhou stewed pork, and buns filled with vegetables.
The ancient city of Dingzhou, though compact, offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions that can be fully explored in a day. Its proximity and beauty make it a perfect weekend getaway. So, if you’re looking for a weekend adventure close to home, Hebei Province, and Dingzhou in particular, are definitely worth a visit! #LifeExplorer #Inspiration #FourProvincesOfMountainsAndRivers #AncientArchitecture #DingzhouMuseum #DingzhouConfucianTemple #DingzhouContributoryHall #DingzhouCuisine #DingzhouKaiyuanPagoda #OneDayTrip #HebeiTravelGuide #WeekendAdventure
