“Resumption of production” reads a headline from April 2020. That was when the Chaobai River Grand Bridge of the Beijing-Shenyang high-speed railway was being built. Today we stand before this impressive structure, the Chaobai River Grand Bridge.
The Chaobai River itself is significant. It is one of the four major rivers in the Haihe River system. It ranks as the second largest river in Beijing. The main channel stretches 83.5 kilometers within Beijing. Its drainage area covers 5,688 square kilometers.
Historically, the Chaobai River presented challenges. It was a wandering river prone to overflowing. This caused frequent floods and droughts. After 1949, efforts were made to control the river. Reservoirs were built upstream. These included Huairou Reservoir and Miyun Reservoir. Miyun Reservoir controlled 82% of the Chaobai River’s drainage area. This greatly reduced flood pressure downstream.
Today, the Chaobai River boasts clear water and a winding channel. Micro-topographic embankments line both sides. These create shallow pond wetlands. Vegetation has been restored through planting and natural recovery. Some sections feature water-friendly facilities. These include playgrounds and waterfront parks.
The Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park sits on the banks of the Chaobai River. It hosted rowing, canoeing, and swimming events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The water surface spans 635,000 square meters. Green areas cover 580,000 square meters.
Also along the Chaobai River lies Shunyi New City Riverside Forest Park. It stretches 12.8 kilometers. The park includes six landscape areas. There is a Waterfront Style Park for fishing. A Wetland Exhibition Park showcases wetland landscapes. The Riverside Culture Park integrates ecology, fitness, and culture. The Forest Recreation Park offers a quiet natural space. The Fun Sports Park provides activity areas for all ages.
The Chaobai River Grand Bridge is more than just a crossing. It represents engineering and resilience. It symbolizes efforts to tame nature. It also provides spaces for recreation and enjoyment.