“What whispers cross the North Grand Canal Bridge on the wind?”
Today, we are standing before the North Grand Canal Bridge. It is a structure of considerable importance in Beijing. Let me share its story.
The North Grand Canal is a vital waterway. It flows through Beijing’s eastern suburbs and Tianjin. This river is a branch of the Hai River system. Its main stream, from Tongzhou to Tianjin, forms the northern section of the Grand Canal.
The North Grand Canal was once known by several names. These include the Bai River, Zhui River and Wende River. It is Beijing’s only perennial river. The river originates in the areas south of the Yanshan Mountains. About 39 tributaries converge to form the North Grand Canal.
These tributaries merge into the North, East and South Sha Rivers. They converge in Changping District’s Sha River Town. After this convergence, the river is called the Wende River. It flows through Shunyi, Chaoyang and Tongzhou Districts.
Along its course, it gathers water from several other rivers. These include the Lazi River, Qing River, Ba River and Liangshui River. After flowing past Beiguan in Tongzhou District, it officially becomes the North Grand Canal.
In June 2015, a significant designation occurred. The confluence of five rivers in Tongzhou District became the northern starting point of the Grand Canal. The North Grand Canal then flows through Xianghe County in Hebei Province. It continues through Wuqing District in Tianjin. Finally, it merges into the Hai River at Dagang Bridge in Tianjin. The river stretches for 142.7 kilometers. Its drainage area covers 6,166 square kilometers.
The North Grand Canal holds strategic importance. It once flourished as a vital transportation artery.
A key part of the North Grand Canal is the Beiguan Flood Diversion Project. This includes the Beiguan Interception Sluice and the Beiguan Diversion Sluice. These control water flow. The project also features granaries and wetlands. This system can divert water from the North Grand Canal. It can redirect it into the Grand Canal tide and reduce discharges into the Bai River. This manages a drainage area of over 4,000 square kilometers.
The Beiguan Interception Sluice began construction in March 2007. It was completed in December 2008. The structure is designed to withstand significant floods. It mimics the design of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge in the Summer Palace. The sluice gates are hidden beneath the bridge.
The Beiguan Diversion Sluice sits near the Interception Sluice. It features nine arches. Construction started in September 2007. It concluded in July 2009.
After the 1980s, pollution became a major issue. Domestic sewage and industrial wastewater flowed into the North Grand Canal. At its worst, the water quality was very poor. The water authorities have since implemented comprehensive management plans. These efforts improved the water quality significantly.
The Beijing government aims to develop the Tongzhou section of the North Grand Canal. It wants to turn it into a national 5A-level tourist attraction.
As of June 2021, the Tongzhou section of the North Grand Canal is open for navigation. Tourists can enjoy cruises along designated routes. These routes vary in length and duration.
The North Grand Canal stands as a testament to Beijing’s history. It is a reminder of the city’s commitment to preserving its waterways. It also shows the importance of integrating historical landmarks. This creates modern attractions for all to appreciate.