Historical treasures of Grand Canal saved for next generation

Environment

Beijing is enhancing environmental management, improving the canal ecosystem and developing cultural living areas.

In Xicheng district, Beijing's Shichahai Scenic Area, the starting point of the Tonghui River, saw the construction of a 3-kilometer lakeside walking path and the establishment of a 10.9-hectare Xihai Wetland Park in 2018. This project connects parks, cultural relics, leisure facilities and cultural spots around Shichahai, creating a lakeside scenic belt.

The Three Temples and One Tower scenic area in the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center of Tongzhou is currently the only "Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist" architectural complex in China. After comprehensive repairs and preservation of the cultural relics, the area has been upgraded to the Tongzhou Grand Canal Historical and Cultural Scenic Area.

"The number of museums along the Grand Canal has been increasing in an orderly manner, with gradually enhanced cultural interpretation capabilities. Besides traditional museums, there have also emerged 'museum-like' institutions along the Grand Canal. Since 2020, 26 new registered museums have been added, bringing the total number of registered museums along the Grand Canal in the seven districts of Beijing to 169," Wang said.

Additionally, the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing in Tongzhou has been opened to the public. The museum consists of basic exhibitions, thematic exhibitions, open displays and temporary exhibitions, covering a total area of 33,800 sq m and showcasing 6,000 sets of cultural relics.