2022: Post-Pandemic, Your Trip to Tongzhou Universal Awaits
Beijing has countless fun spots, but this time I'm putting pen to paper for Tongzhou. Don’t be fooled by its simple name; don’t think of it as that overcrowded migrant-worker hub from over a decade ago; don’t assume there’s nothing to enjoy here; and don’t believe all the historic sites, delicious food, and scenic beauty are only within the Second Ring Road. To me, Tongzhou has always been the kind of place where good wine needs no bush.
Along its ten-mile-long avenues, ambitious skyscrapers rise one after another. Compared with the Tianjin Grand Canal, Tongzhou’s Grand Canal appears to lack only a Tianjin Eye and the accompanying crowds. If the Tianjin Eye is like royalty, then Tongzhou’s Grand Canal is a lost pearl, lying quietly for centuries, waiting to be discovered. The width of the river reveals the wisdom of ancient people; it facilitated countless imperial journeys and later bustling trade.
Tongzhou’s Ximeizi, Liyuan Theme Park, Grand Canal Forest Park – there are too many to count, offering a tranquility and elegance you’ve never seen. In summer, boating on these vast lakes rivals any experience at Beihai Park. The Eastern Suburb Wetland Park sits at the junction of Tongzhou, Shunyi, and Chaoyang districts; to its south lies the new Tongzhou city center, to the north it connects with Capital Airport, the airport industrial zone, and Shunyi’s modern manufacturing base. With a planned area of 89,000 mu (about 5,933 hectares), its sheer scale lifts your spirits at a glance.
Art lovers should definitely stop in Tongzhou and spend time at the famous Songzhuang Art Museum. Works by both foreign friends and Chinese elites often gather here. I visited an exhibition last year, and it changed me deeply. Life isn’t always rosy, but you need eyes to discover beauty in order not to let life down—that’s the impact art had on me.
As a foodie, I never tire of Tongzhou’s delicacies. Unlike the grand restaurants within the Fifth Ring Road, who says old Beijing’s flavors are only tucked away in hutongs? Tongzhou’s culinary treasures hide in its own alleys and lanes. The No.1 treasure is Dashunzhai Sugar Cake, No.2 is Xiaolou Braised Catfish, and No.3 is Wantong Fermented Tofu. The sugar cake was born 380 years ago, created by a southerner nicknamed Dashun. He came to Tongzhou by boat in middle age, used his southern pastry skills to open a shop selling fired cakes and oil pancakes, and later founded the famous Dashunzhai. The second treasure is Xiaolou’s braised catfish, a meat dish. The flavors at Xiaolou are consistently good; an elderly Hui lady from Tongzhou who considers herself a cooking expert often proudly recommends Xiaolou’s catfish, kung pao shrimp, and meat-filled shaobing. The third treasure is Wantong fermented tofu, a pickle. In northern specialties, pickled vegetables seem to be the star; Baoding’s famous trio includes iron balls, sweet bean sauce, and chunbulao—the latter two are essentially pickles. Wantong fermented tofu dates back a century. Back then, Wantong sourced tofu base from Shaoxing, Zhejiang, shipping it along the Grand Canal to Tongzhou. The long canal journey allowed the tofu to fully absorb seasonings and ferment, resulting in a smooth, aromatic, bright red product. And do you know the new “Four Treasures of Tongzhou”? Xihaizi Xiyuan shaobing with meat, Linju brand farmhouse dishes, winter-only gezhihe crispy snacks, and the art of eating and drinking in Songzhuang Xiaobao Village—always save room for a nearby eatery. I’ll keep exploring more food spots and share them with you.
Eat well, and when you come to Tongzhou you must also stay well. I highly recommend a hotel with great value and superb service. Even its name has a strong Beijing flavor—"Yingxiangcheng Hotel". I truly have a deep impression of this hotel. It’s a rising chain; I stayed at their Wangfujing branch and it was excellent. So Yingxiangcheng is naturally my top choice for Tongzhou. Search on Ctrip and you’ll see their sky-high ratings—proof I’m not exaggerating. Location is perfect: right beside Luhe Hospital, next to Tongzhou Wanda, and very close to the Grand Canal. It’s an ideal base for eating, strolling, and fun. Public transportation is convenient, and taxis are easy to hail. Rooms feature simple stylish decor, and the mattress comfort goes without saying—comparable to a Hilton Garden Inn. Service, I’d say, even surpasses Atour. Many thoughtful touches genuinely warmed my heart. I’m not a fan of stiff service, and this hotel’s warmth and sincerity earn a perfect score from me. The small fish pond in the lobby adds to the coziness. If you’re traveling on a budget but still want quality, this is the place to stay. Best of all, it’s very close to Universal Studios Beijing; if you drive, you can even park for free. One more time: the hotel is "Yingxiangcheng Tongzhou Wanda Branch" at No. 77 Xinhua South Road, Beiyuan, Tongzhou—come experience it!
Life is meant to be lived with flair. We have dreams, we must have hope. The body may not have moved, but the heart has already traveled far. Either your body or your dreams should be on the road. I’ve already taken action; the next one is you. Cross mountains and seas, but don’t miss Tongzhou’s culture and scenery. It’s worth a stop—it will bring you unexpected beauty~
