Tongzhou is a district in south-east Beijing. It is an area often known as the gateway to China’s capital city. Located approximately 20 kilometres east of Beijing, the district is home to museums, galleries, ancient pagodas and picturesque parks.
One of the most significant landmarks of Tongzhou is Randengfo Sheli Pagoda. Set in a scenic location and at 49 metres high, it is the tallest structure in the district. The octagonal structure climbs for 13 floors. Each corner of the pagoda is decorated with a Buddha sculpture, each showing a different expression. Walk around the park, enjoying the peace and serenity of this unique location. Visitors interested in exploring Tongzhou’s rich history can do so at Tongzhou Museum. The museum is housed in a traditional Qing Dynasty compound and courtyard. Inside, antiquities and exhibits tell fascinating stories spanning 2,200 years. Grand Canal Culture Park is the perfect place to enjoy a walk by the water’s edge, take a boat trip on the canal or enjoy a picnic. Visitors eager to shop for souvenirs can do so at Xinhua East Street. The area has several department stores and specialty shops. Some of the best restaurants in Tongzhou are on Chezhan Road, where the delicious selection of Sichuan cuisine is second to none.
Tongzhou is easy to navigate once in the district. Visitors travelling from Beijing can do so via the suburban subway Batong Line. The journey takes just over 2.5 hours. Those not wishing to rely on public transport may consider hiring a car. It takes little over 40 minutes to drive from central Beijing to Tongzhou. Bus services operate from Beijing Railway Station. Taxis and Uber are available.
The district of Tongzhou was founded in 195 BC, during the Western Han Dynasty. As the area was an important land and water approach into Beijing city, the town was named Tongzhou, meaning “the place for passing through”. Today, the canal is still an important feature of the district with lovely parks and cafes lining the banks. Visitors eager to learn about the rich heritage of this district are sure to find their answers in the museums, artists colonies and streets of Tongzhou.