Changping and the History of the Grand Canal

In the wider region around Changping, the story of the Baifu Spring and the waterways of the Yuan dynasty stretches from temple relics to landscaped parkland. Those interested in water engineering, grain transport and religious remembrance will find different perspectives on the history of the Grand Canal here.

Baifu Spring and Canal History

During the Yuan dynasty, Baifu Spring supplied water to the Tonghui section of the Grand Canal. It was also the source of the Grand Canal between Beijing and Hangzhou. The Baifu Spring Ruins were designated a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in 2013 and are part of a water-supply project for shipping in the Yuan capital, Dadu. The spring, waterway and transport history are thus connected in a specific historical context.

The Grand Canal Source Ruins Park preserves the memory of the water supply for grain transport at the northern end of the Grand Canal during the Yuan dynasty. In Changping District, the park was linked with the Riverside Forest Park in Changping New Town to create a landscape shaped by mountains and water. The park also recreates the historic scene “龙泉漱玉” at the northern source of the canal.

Several named features give the park its distinct themes: “运河源” refers to the canal’s source, “引水台” to the water-intake platform, “聆泉处” to a place for listening to the spring, and “读泉圃” to a spring-themed reading garden. The Baifu Spring’s Kowloon Pool also illustrates water engineering: the rectangular basin collects spring water, and dragon-shaped stone spouts are set into its walls, with nine dragon mouths. The scene “龙泉漱玉,” depicting water flowing from nine dragon heads, has been recreated at the pool.

The park project also included events: a Longshan walk for the Longtaitou Festival, the Baifu Spring Water Culture Festival and a blessing festival at the Dulongwang Temple were held there. These different themes—waterworks, landscape design and community events—highlight various aspects of the region’s history.

Temples, Steles and Murals

The Dulongwang Temple was built on Longshan in the mid-Yuan period to protect the water source and stabilize grain transport. It is considered Beijing’s only imperially built Dragon King temple whose Chinese name begins with the character “都”. Behind the temple are a stele bearing the name “龙泉岛” and six memorial steles from the Ming and Qing dynasties. They record temple repairs and prayers for rain. The murals depict people searching for water during a drought, when wells had dried up. They are thought to date approximately from the end of the Qing dynasty to the beginning of the Republic of China, and have been restored.

The Longquan Chan Temple offers another perspective on canal history. It was rebuilt in the 1980s on the site of the former temple, retaining the original layout and building arrangement. A restoration project repaired the Front Hall, Main Hall, and the north and south side halls. A 2024 report describes an exhibition on the historical culture of the Grand Canal inside the temple, comprising three main rooms. It presents Guo Shoujing’s water supply for grain transport through interactive question-and-answer features, holographic projections and multimedia interactive screens. The report also mentions an art exhibition in the north and south side rooms and a classroom for study programs at Longshan Academy. Check current visitor access before visiting.

Which focus suits your trip?

The regional themes differ considerably: at Kowloon Pool, the focus is on the basin’s form and water flow; at Dulongwang Temple, it is on temple history, prayers for rain and murals. The exhibition at Longquan Chan Temple presents canal history through multimedia, while the Grand Canal Source Ruins Park connects it with named features and a designed landscape. This comparison can help you organize your interests for the trip without combining the different places into a single itinerary.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Changping, first decide whether water and canal history, temple relics or landscape design appeals most to you. You can then take your specific sightseeing plans into account when choosing accommodation.

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