“A river’s curve tells a story.” This is especially true for the Turning River. It is called “Zhuan He” in Chinese. We are now standing at a point overlooking this unique waterway in Beijing.
The Turning River is no ordinary river. Its path was deliberately altered. This change created its distinctive shape.
Originally, the Gao Liang River flowed straight east. It connected directly to the western end of the North Moat River. Then came the Jingzhang Railway project in 1905. Zhan Tianyou rerouted the river. He was the project’s engineer. The West Railway Station was built outside Xizhimen. This necessitated the change. The river east of the Gao Liang Bridge was redirected northward. It detoured around the station for about a kilometer. Then it turned south. It rejoined the North Moat River. This formed a “zigzag” shape. It is also known as a “L” shape. Hence, it earned the name Turning River.
Fast forward to February 1977. The upper reaches of the North Moat River underwent management. The Turning River was covered. It became an underground channel.
But the story does not end there. In March 2002, Beijing started the Turning River renovation project. The river was re-excavated. Sluices and bridges were built. Dark channels and wharfs were added. The Turning River saw daylight again.
The restoration project cost 626 million yuan. Half of this sum went to relocation expenses. On September 30, 2003, the Beijing urban water system’s Turning River management project finished. The Turning River regained its navigation capabilities. Tourists could travel by boat. They could go from Deshengmen to the Beijing Zoo and the Summer Palace.
Six waterscape sights were built along the river. They include the Long River Relic Dream, the Ecological Park, and the rockery. There is also a riverside promenade. A waterside garden and a green waterway can be visited.
Today, the Turning River is more than just a river. It is a testament to Beijing’s history. It shows the city’s adaptation to change. It offers a blend of historical significance and recreational opportunities. Take a moment to appreciate the curves of the Turning River. See how it reflects Beijing’s past and present.