Amsterdam’s crisscrossing canals form a maze-like labyrinth — stumble upon the hidden attic where Anne Frank once took refuge

Reporter Zhu t?幔?ㄌ獗ǖ技/p>

In the Netherlands, the land of windmills, you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. In this country brimming with freedom, its capital Amsterdam has become a cultural microcosm of the nation. Beyond the stereotypical images of windmills, wooden shoes, and tulips, the city also boasts beautiful, interconnected canals, a variety of museums, and the famous "Anne Frank House" from World War II. Now bustling with visitors, it offers a deeper understanding of history.

▲This free-spirited city, with its intricate network of canals and small lanes, is perfect for cyclists. (Photo/Authorized by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, same for following images)

Amsterdam has 165 canals, dividing the city into over 100 islands, all connected by more than 600 bridges, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North." Its streets are a maze, and along the gently flowing canals, you can admire tulips, hyacinths, and various cheeses. The canals that connect to the North Sea showcase the charm of a Northern European canal city. In this densely waterway-laced district, full of bridges and locks, numerous wild animals also make their homes and forage.

The canals are Amsterdam’s past — and present

▲Beautiful canals illuminated by night create a uniquely enchanting atmosphere in Amsterdam.

Here, canals are both history and the present. To understand Amsterdam, start with its canals. The famous Canal Museum (Museum Het Grachtenhuis) houses over 400 years of Dutch canal history. This museum, housed in a converted riverside townhouse, spans three floors and five exhibition rooms. Upon entry, you’ll receive an audio guide device, with commentary delivered via headphones for an undisturbed experience. The entire tour lasts 35 minutes, covering five exhibition areas, each featuring a 7-minute introduction.

%脑撕硬┪锕菥臀辉诤优吓裕?淙徊淮螅?次逶嗑闳??

The most unique section is No. 4, where walls shaped like canal house silhouettes feature circular cutouts. Peering through them, you can catch a glimpse of the aristocratic life once lived in these riverfront homes. At the center of the room stands a large model house, created using 3D projection technology, displaying scenes of the nobility’s daily activities inside the canal houses. The projected figures are incredibly lifelike, and visitors can even hear the music they played.

%加慰痛魃献灾?祭阑???沤馑担?褂谐D投影，借此深入了解运河的文化与历史，与荷兰息息相关。

Traces of WWII Tragedy — Here, a Jewish Girl Named Anne Hid

If the beauty of the canals isn’t enough to move you, consider visiting one of Amsterdam’s top five museums — the "Anne Frank House." The name might not ring a bell at first, but chances are you’ve heard of the book *The Diary of a Young Girl* or even seen the film. This is the home of that young Jewish girl, Anne Frank, who hid in a secret attic during World War II to escape Nazi persecution.

%悸躺?竺诺慕ㄖ?铮?褪嵌?绞卑材莶啬涞胤健＜/strong>