If you look out from a bridge, you may find that the Liangma River ripples gently in the autumn wind. Office buildings, business districts, as well as quiet embassy zones, stand on both sides of the river. Above them, one may capture the magnificent skyline of Beijing's CBD.

The Liangma River, a tributary of the Bahe River, stretches for a mere 10 kilometers. In comparison to internationally renowned rivers such as France's Seine and the UK's Thames, it may appear small for Beijing, an international metropolis. Over ten years ago, the Liangma River was only a brook with poor water quality. Its concrete banks were steep and deep with office buildings nearby. However, the gates of these buildings faced away from the river. Not so many people were interested in roaming around.

In recent years, the Liangma River has continuously amazed people with a series of changes.

The first change happened in 2019. A total of 22 entities situated along the riverside joined hands to contribute to the renovation. The messy fences and illegal parking lots were removed. Later, the Liangma River International Waterfront, covering an area of 800,000 square meters, was built along the waterfront space. This transformation turned the Liangma River into a spacious park, gaining popularity among nearby residents and employees of surrounding enterprises.

The second change took place in 2021. People were able to sail boats along a two-kilometer stretch of the river, starting from Beijing Lufthansa Center and reaching SOLANA during that autumn. Subsequently, the route further extended downstream for an additional 4 kilometers, showcasing the natural charm of the area as reed beds became home to birds such as little egrets and wild ducks.

The Liangma River has become a premier international cultural tourism destination and has emerged as one of the most popular City Walk routes for all tourists exploring Beijing. The growing popularity of the Liangma River now almost bears comparison with that of renowned rivers such as the Seine.

River restoration not only drives urban renewal but also gives us a new opportunity to rediscover the Liangma River. Here, a harmonious blend of water and riverbanks, nature and urban landscapes, river and business districts, as well as public spaces and modern lifestyles can be experienced. The Liangma River boasts more than just picturesque scenery. It records the wonderful changes regarding its evolution into a thriving economic belt and a bustling waterfront destination.

(Source: Beijing Daily)