“Swan Geese Rest.” Does the name Yanqi sound peaceful? This area and town in Beijing’s Huairou District carries that evocative name because of the Yanqi River. Today we will delve into a spot within this area known as Yanzikou.
Yanzikou is translated as Swallow Nest. It is a natural rock formation that might resemble a swallow’s nest.
Yanqi’s story stretches back centuries. Once, it was divided into two townships Badaohe and Fangezhuang. Imagine farmers tending fields in these areas. They lived under the Qing Dynasty. Their land belonged to different counties. Badaohe was part of Luanping County. Fangezhuang was part of Huairou County.
Over time administrations changed. In the mid-20th century both areas became districts within Huairou County. They were briefly separate townships. Then they became part of a commune. Eventually Badaohe and Fangezhuang merged to form Yanqi Town.
Today Yanqi oversees many subdivisions. These include communities like Xincun and Boquan. Villages include Leyuanzhuang and Chengezhuang. Consider the lives of the people in these communities. They live amidst Beijing’s sprawling landscape.
Yanqi is more than just history and administration. The area has natural beauty. The Yanqi River flows through it. Picturesque sights dot the landscape near Jiaojiehe Village. The Red Bull Beijing Factory stands in the east. Shentangyu Village offers its own charm.
The area’s history is layered. From Qing Dynasty farmlands to modern factories, Yanqi has transformed. It has retained its connection to the Yanqi River. This place called “Swan Geese Rest” is a blend of nature and development. As you stand here at Yanzikou think about the passage of time.