Yangliuqing, an ancient town with a history of over a thousand years, is a famous cultural heritage town in northern China. It was named a "Chinese Charming Heritage Town" by CCTV in 2005. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Yangliuqing was the cultural hub of folk art in northern China. In addition, the township is the birthplace of the Yangliuqing New Year Painting, one of the four top woodblock New Year paintings in China, which had been named after the town. Famed for its outstanding folk crafts such as the Yangliuqing kites and paper-cutting, the township also offers fascinating cultural displays such as Yangliuqing brick carvings and folk flower shows etc. The township enjoys a rich and colorful folk culture. In ancient times, the opera house, archway and Wenchang Pavilion were known as the three treasures of Yangliuqing. Only the Wenchang Pavilion remains standing today. During the Qing Dynasty, Yangliuqing had accommodated more than 40 of Tianjin’s famous classical academies and ancient monasteries. Visitors can still visit the ruins of Liang Pagoda, Bao’en Temple and White Sandalwood Temple etc. Located in the middle of Yangliuqing is the Shi Family Grand Courtyard, which had been constructed during the late Qing Dynasty. The Shi Courtyard is celebrated for its impressive size and beautiful architecture. Together with the quaint Qing Dynasty street plaques, Sihe Courtyard and the scenery of the ancient canal, these cultural relics capture the simplicity and purity of Yangliuqing. Yangliuqing Town is located in the most prosperous part of Xiqing District, in Tianjin. The township hosts an annual folk cultural festival on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, which includes a fireworks show and a large-scale lantern display. Visitors in the vicinity of the Shi Family Grand Courtyard and Yangliuqing Square can enjoy a visual treat of a wide myriad of floor-to-ceiling lanterns along the streets. Themes of lantern designs include Yangliuqing New Year Paintings, the 24 classical filial piety representations, cartoon characters and auspicious characters etc. The creativity on display is endless and the designs change every year.