Waterway aims to revitalize Beijing's urban rivers

A new 15-kilometer boat route connecting Beijing's Chaoyang district with the city's municipal administrative center in Tongzhou opened on a trial basis on Wednesday, marking a step toward revitalizing the capital's urban waterways.

The journey begins at INDIGO Harbor, a riverside spot beside a popular shopping mall on the Bahe River, and continues to the Wenyu River in Tongzhou. The route features scenic river views that showcase the changing colors of the seasons. It aims to become a dynamic waterfront corridor where flowers, trees, and landscapes transform throughout the year.

Beyond sightseeing, officials expect the boat line to stimulate local business and tourism. The route links several hubs of commerce and culture along the riverbanks, including Taikoo Place Beijing, Langyuan Station, and the 798·751 Art District.

An official from Chaoyang district's water bureau said the district plans to expand waterway connectivity during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). The goal is to achieve full linkage along a 43.4-kilometer waterfront corridor, connecting the Bahe River to the Beihucheng River upstream and the Qinghe-Wenyu River and Beiyun River systems downstream.

The plan also envisions integrating waterways, greenways, and walking paths by linking the riverside routes with nearby parks and municipal road networks to create a seamless web of blue, green, and urban infrastructure across eastern Beijing.