Liangma River: Beijing’s New Urban Oasis

Move over, Thames and Seine – Beijing has its own liquid charm! Since 2022, the Liangma River has transformed from a quiet waterway into the Chinese capital’s ultimate hangout spot, blending urban energy with nature’s calm. Think midnight cycling sessions, riverside picnics with bubble tea , and sunset yoga crews stretching against glittering skyscrapers.

Locals call it ‘Beijing’s living room’ – where office workers jog past street musicians, food vendors sell spicy lamb skewers, and friends paddle colorful boats under willow trees. International residents rave about its hybrid vibe: “It’s like Central Park meets Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, but with more dumplings!” joked Maria, a Spanish teacher who visits weekly.

Night markets light up the banks every weekend, while pop-up art installations rotate faster than K-pop dance trends. The city’s youth especially love the LED-lit running tracks that make evening workouts feel like a Tron sequel. Pro tip: Visit at golden hour for Instagram-worthy shots of dragon boats slicing through peach-colored waves!

Reference(s):

The Liangma: Life along a Beijing river

cgtn.com