万泉庄桥

From beneath the bustling city of Beijing, the Wanquan River emerges. It begins its journey at Wanquan Village in Haidian District. The Wanquan River, a tributary of the Wenyu River, flows into the Qing River. The river stretches for 10.5 kilometers. Its surface covers an impressive 26 square kilometers. Imagine standing here, near Wanquan Bridge, feeling the subtle pulse of this vital waterway. The Wanquan River has a long history. It once served as the sole water source for the Summer Palace. It nurtured the grounds where emperors strolled and contemplated. Can you picture the royal barges gliding on its surface? The river flows past renowned institutions like Peking University, Yuanmingyuan Park, and Tsinghua University. It continues northward, crossing under the Jingbao Railway, before merging with the Qing River near the Fifth Ring Road’s Jianling Bridge. Wanquan Bridge stands as a testament to the river’s enduring presence in this vibrant city. Sadly, the Wanquan River’s story includes a period of decline. In the 1950s, its springs dried up due to excessive groundwater extraction. Although water was reintroduced from the Jingmi Diversion Canal in 1983, pollution remained a persistent challenge. By the year 2000, the river had tragically run dry once more. Yet, hope springs eternal, just like the river itself. In April 2016, the Qing River Regeneration Water Plant started replenishing the Wanquan River. Now, as you stand near Wanquan Bridge, you’re witnessing a chapter of renewal.