Imagine calami swaying gently in the breeze. These plants give Changpuhe Park its name. The Chinese word for calamus is “Changpu”. Welcome to Changpuhe Park. It is a green oasis near Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
Changpuhe Park’s story stretches back to the Ming Dynasty from 1403 to 1422. It was part of the Dongyuan. Dongyuan was the east imperial garden. The area was known for its beauty. It was also known for its natural environment.
Sadly, the Changpu River became polluted with waste. Its beauty faded in modern times. But Beijing’s government began a rehabilitation project in 2002. They wanted to restore the river. They created a public green space. It featured the river’s natural scenery. The park connects to Donghuangcheng Relic Park. Together, they form a green space along the imperial walls.
The water in Changpu River comes from the Xiyuan Zhonghai lake. This lake was part of the old Imperial City. The river flows east. It flows into the Yuhe River. This happens along the south wall of the Imperial City. It is in front of Tiananmen Gate.
In the late 1960s, the Outer Golden River was covered. Warehouses were built over it. These warehouses stored decorations for Tiananmen Square events.
Thankfully, things changed. People became more concerned about Beijing’s environment. They also wanted to preserve its history. The government decided to revive the outer river. They created Changpuhe Park.
Construction began in autumn 2002. The park opened in spring 2003. Changpuhe Park is small by Chinese standards. It stretches only 510 meters. But it is exquisitely beautiful.
The park has many trees and flowers. You can see artworks, rocks, pavilions, and bridges. Traditional courtyards are another highlight. Buildings stand on all four sides. They are on the park’s north side.
These courtyards house the Imperial City Art Museum. The museum covers 2,500 square meters. It features exhibits about life in the Imperial City. You can see cultural relics, paintings, photos, and written materials. The museum’s interior is modern. It meets the standards of a top national museum.
Walking here lets you experience the river views. You can appreciate the historical culture. The park’s afforestation coverage reaches 65%. Trees and flowers are scattered throughout. This makes the park full of life.
Changpuhe Park offers a peaceful escape. It blends history and nature. Take a stroll and imagine the emperors of old. Feel the beauty that has been revived. This is a park where history whispers on the breeze.