The Grand Canal
The history of the Canal in Suqian can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period. The ancient Grand Canal, which wound across borders, is 112 kilometers long. The Bianhe River, the old course of the Yellow River and Zhong Canal in the territory were successively used to be important major waterways for water transportation of grain from Sui to Yuan, Yuan to Qing, and after Qing dynasties. They have witnessed the prosperity and decline of the navigation years and have left a long history of humanities. Culture of water, wine, emperors, food, and other fields, which flourished by the river, are connected to form a splendid cultural corridor in Suqian. Riding a cruise on the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery on both sides of the river. While looking back at the ancient bridge, listening to the sound of the oaring under the shadow of lights, you will find that the long history and the modern urban landscape subtly merge into a magnificent picture of this city.
Longwang (Dragon King) Temple Palace
Dragon King Temple Palace was built in the period of Emperor Shunshi (1638-1661) of the Qing Dynasty. It was a worship building constructed for the emperors of the Qing Dynasty to pray for the Dragon King to “calm waves and eliminate floods”. As the “first temple beside the canal in a thousand miles”, the imposing Dragon King Temple Palace has been lying on the banks of the ancient canal for more than 300 years, demonstrating the ups and downs of the canal. There are three courtyards in the Temple Palace. From south to north, the entire palace is decorated with red walls, dark tiles, carved beams and painted buildings in the Ancient Theatre Stage, Heqing and Haiyan memorial archways, Imperial Monument Pavilion, Bell and Drum Tower, Dragon King Hall, east and west side halls, the Palace of Yu the Great, east and west imperial gardens and so on. In the southernmost ancient theater building, classical music and folk tunes are played regularly every day, and the major event of worshiping God of Rain in Suqian is held every year as scheduled.
Hometown of Xiang Yu
Suqian is also related to the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, Xiang Yu, a military strategist who had astonished Chinese history. When you enter the hometown of King Xiang, the opening ceremony leads you steps into a journey of time through a thousand years. Gorgeous costume in Western Chu, and brilliant and incredibly graceful beauties of the Western Chu State danced in Chu-style clothing, dressed in silk woven garments with patterns of Chinese dragons, phoenixes, and vivid birds and beasts, provide a romantic, elegant, and lively atmosphere. The most eye-catching item is the old locust tree in the courtyard, which is said to be planted by King Xiang himself. Although it has gone through two thousand years of wind and rain, it is still lush and luxuriant. Performance of Hongmen Yan (Feast at Swan Goose Gate) shows lively scenes of a banquet, dance and music but conceals murderous intent. It is exciting to explore the family, dynasty, and life of this history-shocking hero, and enter the war-torn world.
