Things to do in Cheng'an

I placed a last-minute order at noon for the afternoon session that same day, and the customer service lady called me instantly to arrange it—so efficient! They even made an exceptional arrangement for Ms. Juanjuan from Quyu Talks; she's incredibly knowledgeable, gave a thorough explanation, and connected the sculptures to other grottoes, styles, and the social and historical context of the time—it was excellent!

A highly recommended museum! Handan boasts a long history, and the museum has four floors. Except for the first floor, which has no exhibition halls, the second to fourth floors showcase history from human ancestors to modern times. It's advisable to check guided tour schedules in advance. The guides are not scripted, making the experience pleasant and engaging! The museum also offers a wide variety of cultural and creative products. If you get tired, there are benches in the corridors where you can rest and enjoy a coffee or milk tea. Unlike museums in other cities, the Handan City Museum closes at 9:00 PM, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals to stroll around!

Guangfu Ancient City is a 5A scenic area in Handan, a rare combination of a water town, an ancient city, and a Tai Chi city in northern China. Entry is free, but separate tickets are required to climb the city walls, visit the government offices, and see the former residences. Key attractions: 1. Ming Dynasty City Wall: Well-preserved, offering panoramic views of the surrounding depressions and waterways, perfect for photos; the South Gate, Yanghe Gate, is a landmark photo spot. 2. Tai Chi Cultural Sites: The former residences of Yang Luchan and Wu Yuxiang, the birthplace of Yang and Wu styles of Tai Chi, where you can see late Qing Dynasty residences and inscriptions on Tai Chi theory. 3. Guangping Government Office: A Ming and Qing Dynasty government office complex, recreating the layout of an ancient government office; often featuring light shows and folk performances at night. 4. Night Cruise on the Moat: Enjoy a boat ride with a strong nighttime atmosphere; iron flower performances are also held on holidays.

On a spring morning, I stepped into Congtai Park in Handan. Climbing the stone steps to Wuling Congtai, the green bricks and gray tiles gleamed softly in the warm sun, and the statue of King Wuling of Zhao, dressed in nomadic attire and riding an cavalry, seemed to still be fluttering in the wind. Turning around and looking down, the lake was like a mirror, and the hexagonal eaves of Wangzhu Pavilion peeked out from the water like an ancient green seal. I passed through the Temple of the Seven Sages, where, nestled among pines and cypresses, the statues of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru stood silently facing each other, evoking the noble sentiment of "bearing thorns to apologize." Willow branches swayed gently by the lake, and the fragrance of lotus blossoms wafted through the air. Elderly people practiced Tai Chi, and children fed koi fish; history and daily life clasped hands here. Climbing to the ruins of the ancient city wall, the buildings of Handan and the distant mountains came into view, and time and space seemed to overlap. Before leaving the park, the setting sun gilded Congtai with a layer of gold. I looked back, and the sound of war drums seemed to echo in my ears, my heart filled with a thousand-year-old heroic spirit.

This is a really nice exhibition hall, perfect for children to learn from. It features many idioms presented in a clear, easy-to-understand way, making them memorable and easy to comprehend. The numerous interactive installations and games create an immersive experience, with fantastic effects. The volunteers are also very helpful. It's a great venue, and it would be even better if admission were free in the future.

I enjoyed a fantastic trip on the first day of National Day, off-peak, during the holiday season! It was my first time at a Fantawild theme park, and I expected it to be just like any other domestic park. I was surprised by how captivating and engaging the show was, showcasing the Chinese culture to its fullest! Nuwa mends the sky, The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, The Charm of the Nine Provinces, The Yellow Millet Dream, Meng Jiangnu, and Crazy Idioms—all excellent shows! Highly recommended! Fantawild National Colors Spring and Autumn was a truly worthwhile experience!

[Scenery] The attractions on Handan Road include Xuebu Bridge, Fujingqingzui and Cixi Palace. Handan is the capital of idioms and allusions. [Fun] There are many snack bars and amusement shops in the block, which is especially suitable for bringing children to play. [Value for money] Handan Road is located in the center of Handan, only more than 1 km away from Handan Railway Station, which is very convenient. There are many fun things around. [Play time] Turn around for an hour, and then go to Congtai Park in front, which is also good.

Li Yu, the teacher from Huayu, gave a fantastic lecture! I benefited greatly from it! I learned a lot, and the three and a half hours were well worth the trip! I wanted more! The exhibition hall was also very well built, and the Henan Province guides' explanations were excellent!

We had a wonderful connection with Ms. Chen Xueyan. She was also the one who gave our lecture at Beixiangtang the day before. She was incredibly kind and her lectures were both informative and engaging. She lectured for about two hours straight, until her voice was hoarse. A fantastic experience! 👍🏻

The North Xiangtang Grottoes, carved by the Gao family of the Northern Qi dynasty, are the highest-ranking grottoes within the Xiangtang system. The Great Buddha Cave features a dome-shaped ceiling and a massive main Buddha statue, traditionally believed to be the burial site of Buddha relics. The sutra pillars, Buddhist reliefs, and the flame and scroll patterns within the caves are all typical of the Northern Qi style. Despite the damage to many stone sculptures over the past millennium, the powerful spirit of the Northern Dynasties remains clearly evident. The South Xiangtang Grottoes, carved at the end of the Northern Qi dynasty, belong to the same Xiangtangshan Grottoes system as the North Xiangtang, but their character is distinctly different. While lacking the grand imperial Buddha of the North Xiangtang, they excel in their intricate and dense cave layout and the stunning preservation of Northern Qi polychrome paintings. The flying apsaras and lotus flowers on the ceiling are depicted with light and graceful lines, and their colors are mottled but still vibrant. The rows of niches, thousand-Buddha reliefs, and jewel-shaped arched lintels on the walls are arranged in layers, depicting Buddhist stories and scenes of music and dance on the rock walls. They are a delicate and romantic model of the grotto art of the late Northern Qi Dynasty.