Relics of the City Wall
Entering the park, you will first be attracted by the Relics of the City Wall. The Ming Dynasty city wall, first built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), was said to be as long as 24.9 miles (40 kilometers). Sadly, as time passed, many sections of the wall were torn down. The remaining section between the Southeast Corner Tower and Chongwen Gate measures only 0.9 mile (1.5 kilometers). Once a part of Beijing's inner city wall, it was built during the reign of the Ming Emperor Jiajing (1521-1566). Although the wall is broken and incomplete, you can still glimpse Beijing history through it.

 Southeast Corner Tower
Walking to the east end of the park, you will see the Southeast Corner Tower. It was constructed in 1436. Soldiers used to watch for enemies and shoot arrows from the tower during wars. The double-eave corner tower is about 98 feet (30 meters) high and L-shaped when seen from above. The roof is embellished with green glazed tiles. The ridge of the roof is decorated with sculptures of animals and immortals. The most impressive fact is that there are as many as 144 shooting holes which are evenly distributed on the four sides of the tower. As the largest of all the existing corner towers in China, it was listed as a key historical and cultural relic under state protection in 1982.
 
 Activities
There are about 1,000 plum trees including 50 different species in the park. In spring, the park is filled with the fragrance of plum blossoms. Since the fresh and elegant plum blossoms contrast well with the ancient and solemn city wall, a great number of tourists visit the park to appreciate the beautiful flowers. During the plum blossom period in late March or early April, a series of activities is held, including the teaching of the popular science of plum blossoms, plum blossom photography competitions for teenagers, and indigenous performance by ethnic minorities. All the activities are very interesting and popular.

Brief Intro: Dongcheng District is the heart of Beijing; the cultural, political and commercial center of the city.
Location: eastern of Beijing, southwest of Chaoyang District, north of Chongwen District, east of Xicheng District
Area: 25.38 sq km (about 9.80 sq mi)
Population: 612,000
Administrative Division: 10 Municipal Districts (Dong Hua Men, Jing Shan, Jiao Dao Kou, An Ding Men, Bei Xin Qiao, Dong Si, Chao Yang Men, Jian Guo Men, Dong Zhi Men, He Ping Li)
Postal Code: 100010
Dialing Code: 010

 Attractions

Historical Sites: Ancient Observatory, Bell and Drum Towers, Yonghe Lamasery, Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park, Altar of Earth, Tiananmen Square
Hutongs and Courtyards: Guoxiang Hutong, Ma Huitang Garden, Mao'er Hutong, Shijin Garden, Keyuan Garden, Yu'er Hutong
Old Residences of Famous Chinese People: Mao Zedong's Old Residence, Sun Yat-sen's Old Residence, Lao She's Old Residence, Mao Dun's Old Residence
Temples: Songzhu and Zhizhu Temple, Temple of Confucius, Tongjiao Temple, Dongsi Mosque, Zhihua Temple.

 Tips
Tour Tips
For dining, Quanjude Beijing Roast Duck is a must. On some streets, such as Xin Dong An and Long Fu Si, local snacks are sold, as well as there being various local and western food restaurants. Wangfujing Street is located in this district. Other newly developed commercial areas, such as Dongdan, Dongsi, Hepingli and Beixinqiao, bring tourists more convenient shopping all in one district. For transportation and accommodation, please check our Beijng Transportation and Beijing Accommodation for more information.

The Grand Canal is the longest, largest, and one of the oldest canals in the world. Together with the Great Wall and the Karez Well, it is reputed to be one of the three greatest projects from ancient China. Tongzhou, an important gathering hub by the canal, was once a very busy and prosperous town, with ships coming and going, and granaries, restaurants and hotels scattered here and there. As time passed, the busy town lost its importance.

Fortunately, the Grand Canal survives, and the section in Tongzhou has been renovated, creating the Tongzhou Canal Park, a great place to appreciate the amazing project, learn about the past splendor of Tongzhou, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and become rejuvenated. You can even row a boat to touch the canal and listen to the old legends about it. Also, you can take part in the Strawberry Music Festival, and the Ice and Snow Festival held here. Here are some must-see attractions along the canal.