Cangzhou

Cangzhou is a coastal city in southeastern Hebei on the Grand Canal, long celebrated as a cradle of Chinese martial arts and acrobatics. Its cast-iron Iron Lion, dating to 953 AD, is one of China's oldest and largest surviving iron sculptures. The economy blends petrochemicals, port trade through Huanghua, pipe manufacturing and the famous winter jujube. Wuqiao County is the acknowledged home of Chinese acrobatics, drawing performers from around the world. High-speed rail on the Beijing-Shanghai line puts Cangzhou barely an hour from the capital. For an international student, it offers authentic north-China culture and low living costs near Beijing and Tianjin.