Tongzhou's forest park, Beijing Library, Grand Canal Museum are must-see as seasons change

Nearby, the Beijing Grand Canal Museum is one of the area's most popular cultural venues. Its exhibits chronicle the Grand Canal's 2,500-year history, from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) to its expansion under the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. More than a thousand artifacts are found here that highlight the canal's role in shaping cities, trade, and cultural exchange. The Grand Canal was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.