Beijing's Liangma and Ba rivers set for scenic revival

Chaoyang district plans landscaping and commercial construction to boost landmark routes

An ambitious project to develop a world-class waterfront economic zone, known as the "two rivers and one belt", was revealed at this year's Chaoyang cultural and tourism high-quality development conference held in March.

The initiative is centered around Chaoyang district's Liangma River and Ba River and the Liangma River cultural and economic belt. It will help connect the two rivers and enable residents and tourists to travel by boat from Jiuxianqiao Road to the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center, according to local officials.

"The goal of constructing a world-class riverside economic zone is to elevate the prominence of the Liangma and Ba rivers as key players, facilitating integrated development and the enhancement of quality in the surrounding areas," said Wang Chengzhi, director of the district's water affairs bureau.

One focus is to enhance the reputation and appeal of the two rivers, with a vision to transform the Liangma into a globally recognized waterway and mold the Ba River into a renowned part of the Beijing section of the Grand Canal.

To enhance the Liangma, a comprehensive 4.8-kilometer renovation project along the river, stretching from the Fourth Ring Road to the Ba River, is set to commence and create a 22-km cruise route. Upon completion, this endeavor will achieve total management and landscape enhancement of the Liangma, benefiting residents around Jiuxianqiao, Dongfeng, and Jiangtai roads.

The renovation will also amplify the influence of the Liangma, making it a must-see tourist destination in Beijing.

In fact, the Liangma River has evolved into an increasingly beautiful place. It is now recognized as an "international water-based reception hall" in the city. Over the past three years, it has played host to the New Journey of Liangma River event, enticing people from all walks of life to embark on boat rides and revel in the spring scenery.

Moreover, for two consecutive years, the Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Festival has graced the riverbanks, welcoming foreign diplomats and journalists to partake in tastings and conversations. Also, during the Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival, which has drawn more than 12 million visitors in total, the Liangma dazzles with winter illuminations.

"Whenever I have friends visiting Beijing, I bring them to the Liangma River near my home," said a local woman surnamed Liu. Like her, more Chaoyang residents now recommend the river as a must-visit spot to their relatives and friends both at home and abroad.

Andres Gebauer Millas, the commercial counselor of the embassy of Chile in China, expressed awe during a boat ride along the Liangma, saying he was amazed by the scenery the first time he visited.

The counselor also emphasized that such projects not only provide enjoyment through water activities but contribute to the preservation of water resources.

To better enhance visitors' experiences, Chaoyang is committed to enhancing the boating experience on the river. A third phase of the Liangma River route project, covering a 3-km stretch from Solana Wharf to Nanhu Lake in Chaoyang Park, is to be implemented.

The district is also expediting the development of the Ba River waterfront, with a focus on creating a picturesque and vibrant riverside destination. Plans include the opening of a 2.3-km stretch from Jiuxianqiao Road to Langyuan Station, offering a blend of ecological, cultural, tourism, and recreational amenities.

The waterfront is now emerging as a must-visit landmark in Chaoyang, attracting a flow of locals and tourists who enjoy cycling, running, and capturing picturesque moments.

Across various social media platforms, netizens have been showering likes upon the Ba River's scenery. One wrote: "Chaoyang is truly cutting-edge. The Liangma River exudes international flair, and the recently revamped Ba River banks are equally striking."

Looking ahead, a 3.6-km renovation project from Langyuan Station to Xingba Road is scheduled, along with the completion of a 6.7-km landscaping project at the Ba River's flood detention and storage area by year-end.

Additionally, a new 15-km boat route along the Ba River, commencing from Jiuxianqiao Road, will be developed, providing residents and tourists with a unique and scenic mode of travel to the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center.

By creating this boat route, Chaoyang aims to promote tourism, leisure activities, and water-based transport while showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.

The construction of the Liangma River cultural and economic belt has also received much attention. In phase one, the focus was on commercial upgrading from the Zuojiazhuang area to Solana Wharf. The opening and operation of areas such as the Liangma Courtyard and a double-deck platform have been realized, providing more diverse consumption venues for the belt.

Based on first-phase construction, Chaoyang district plans to accelerate the urban renewal of the section from Chaoyang Park to Honglingjin Wharf, and promote the high-quality operation of commercial projects in Chaoyang Park, such as the Weibo IN Cross-dimension Gravitational Field and the Apailang Creativity Land.

Also, the district will work on the Liuliwan project, connecting commercial hubs like Sanlitun, Yansha, and Solana malls. This aims to create a new brand of waterfront cultural commerce and tourism, fostering a diverse and multifunctional business environment.

For second-phase construction of the cultural and economic belt, Chaoyang district plans to develop nine major sections around Chaoyang Park, featuring commercial, leisure, and ecological woodland areas.

This phase will involve the digital upgrade of various venues such as the Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning and the Shell Theater located on the central island of Chaoyang Park, enhancing the district's cultural and economic landscape.

With its ambitious development plan for the "two rivers and one belt" world-class waterfront economic zone, Chaoyang is poised to inject new vitality and momentum into the zone's economic, cultural, and tourism development through careful design and planning, officials said.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn