“Exit 1.” That’s what the sign reads for Laiguangying Bridge on the 5th Ring Road. But there is so much more to this bridge than just an exit number. Laiguangying Bridge is more than just a way to get from one place to another. It is a landmark.
Laiguangying itself has a rich history. The area was once a barrack for the Plain Blue Banner troops of the Qing Dynasty. Back then it was known as Lanying which means Blue Barrack. Over time the name changed to Laiying. The first written record of it as Laiguangying was in 1908.
The Wanghe Bridge is labelled as Exit 1 on the 4th Ring Road. This is because of its connection with the Jingcheng Expressway. Taiyanggong Bridge on the 3rd Ring Road also shares Exit 1 for the same reason. This interconnectedness highlights how these bridges facilitate travel in and around Beijing.
Laiguangying is an area and township in the northern part of Chaoyang District. In 2020, it had a population of 163,970. The area covers 20.93 square kilometers. This bridge connects this bustling area to the wider city.
Laiguangying has undergone many changes. In 1316, it was known as Beihuqu and was part of Changping County. By 1949, it was divided between the 17th District of Beijiao District and Changping County. In 1953, four townships were created here. These included Laiguangying, Anjiafen, Wuhecun and Nanhuqu. The area became a township in 1983. In 2003 it gained area status while still being a township.
The Wanghe Bridge, which plays a role in accessing Laiguangying, has also evolved. It was expanded in the early 2000s. This allowed the CityRail Line 13 to pass through. The CityRail tracks were placed where a previous railway line used to be. Another expansion in 2002 resulted in the bridge we see today.
Until September 28, 2004, Wanghe Bridge was the starting point of the Jingcheng Expressway. This expressway led towards Laiguangying and ultimately Chengde in Hebei province. Now, the expressway starts at Taiyanggong on the 3rd Ring Road.
Wanghe Bridge consists of three layers. The first layer is an underpass for vehicles on the 4th Ring Road. The second layer is the Jingcheng Expressway running over the 4th Ring Road. Finally, flyover bridges form a more irregular third layer, connecting various routes.
So, as you cross Laiguangying Bridge remember that you are travelling through an area with a long and fascinating past. This bridge is not just a route but a link to the history and development of Beijing. It connects communities and facilitates the flow of life in this dynamic city.