“Largest community in Asia.” That’s the bold claim associated with Tiantongyuan. Today, let’s explore the story behind the gates of Tiantongyuan.
Tiantongyuan is a massive residential area in Beijing’s Changping District. It falls under the administration of Tiantongyuanbei and Tiantongyuannan Subdistricts. Imagine a suburb so large it houses approximately 700,000 people. That’s about 3% of Beijing’s entire population living within Tiantongyuan.
Construction of Tiantongyuan began in 1999. It was built around a cluster of existing suburban villages. The goal was to create affordable housing. In 1999, the average housing price was 2,650 yuan per square meter. This attracted many low-income earners and families.
Many migrant workers found Tiantongyuan an attractive option. It was a relatively affordable place to live in Beijing. One resident, Wu Yang, rented an apartment there for only 300 yuan per month. He considered it a haven for grass-roots people.
Tiantongyuan is divided into several sections. These include Tiantongxiyuan, Tiantongdongyuan, Tiantongbeiyuan, and Tiantongzhongyuan. Each section is further subdivided into numbered areas. Getting around Tiantongyuan is relatively easy. The Beijing Subway Line 5 has three stations serving the area. These are Tiantongyuan North, Tiantongyuan, and Tiantongyuan South. Line 17 also has a station named Tiantongyuandong.
The area also has two shopping malls. These are Longde Plaza and BHG Mall. Longde Plaza even houses a Carrefour supermarket.
However, Tiantongyuan has faced its share of challenges. Some residents nicknamed it “Sleeper Town”. This was because of a perceived lack of amenities and entertainment. Many only came to Tiantongyuan to sleep. The area also experienced infrastructure problems and traffic congestion.
Interestingly, the area had a different past. During the early decades of the People’s Republic, it was a labor camp for class enemies. Today, Tiantongyuan is undergoing redevelopment to improve living standards. Property prices have increased significantly since its construction. What was once 2,650 yuan per square meter is now around 38,000 yuan.
From labor camp to Asia’s largest community, Tiantongyuan has quite a history. It reflects Beijing’s rapid urban development. It also highlights the challenges of providing affordable housing in a growing city. Next time you pass through Tiantongyuan, remember its story. A story of transformation, affordability, and the lives of hundreds of thousands.