The Changpu River, unfamiliar to most Beijingers, is a small age-old river hidden behind the Red Wall, part of the extension of the Tian'anmen Tower. In the last several-dozen years, it all but disappeared from people's sight as well as memory.
The river, also known as the Exterior Jinshui River, used to be an important body of water inside the imperial city wall. It originated from Lake Zhonghai in the west of old Beijing and ran eastward along the northern side of the southern wall of the Forbidden City to the Imperial River. Water transport on the river did not stop until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Thanks to the river, the imperial magnificence of the Forbidden City and the bustling commercial atmosphere of Wangfujing were highlighted to the utmost.
In the 1960s and the 1970s though, in an attempt to store the equipment and articles used in festive celebrations, people covered the section of the Changpu River between the Cultural Palace of the Working People and Nanheyan Street with wood boards. They even set up contemporary warehouses; and the river became a well-kept secret.
As the new century drew near, Beijing sped up the development of urban construction and the perfection of its city planning. And so today, the Changpu River has shaken off the dust of history and has regained its past glory.
The construction of the Changpu River Park began on April 12, 2002. It is of great significance to the improvement of Beijing's ecological environment and the protection of its historical heritage, following the construction of the Huangchenggen Relics Park. The project has recently been completed; and the river now stretches 510 meters from the eastern wall of the Cultural Palace of the Working People in the west to Nanheyan Street in the east. It is 9 meters wide and 1.5 to 2 meters deep. Sweet flags (calamus) are planted on both sides of the river, and willows line the banks. Four classical-style bridges span the water. The entire park covers an area of 38,000 square meters, including 25,000 square meters of water area; and 65 percent of the park is covered with trees and grass. The park is divided into four parts, displaying different motifs: Meditating on the Past by the Red Wall, Changpu Welcoming Spring, Small Structures, and Heavenly Light and Cloud Shadow.
The Changpu River is a part of Beijing's history that adds a special touch to its modern cityscapes. It has become an integral part of a historical and cultural area that encompasses the Forbidden City, the Red Wall, and the Cultural Palace of the Working People.
(China Pictorial December 9, 2002)
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