Peeking out from Shunyi District, we find Liqiao Town. The story of Liqiao is closely tied to its people and their history. Let’s uncover some of the secrets of this special place.
Liqiao’s history stretches back quite a ways. Once known as Lijiaqiao it earned its name from the many Li families residing here. Lijiaqiao translates to Li Family’s Bridge.
Over the years Liqiao has transformed. In 1949, the area was divided with the railway serving as a boundary. The east side fell under the Fifth District of Shunyi County. Villages to the west became part of the Tenth District.
A big change came in 1956. The districts were dissolved. The township was established with Lijiaqiao at its heart. The area then became a commune in 1958. Later in 1961, the Yanhe People’s Commune was established.
More changes came. In 1966, Yanhe People’s Commune was absorbed into Lijiaqiao People’s Commune. But in 1975, Yanhe People’s Commune was revived. Lijiaqiao People’s Commune was reduced to just 12 production teams.
In 1983, the commune became a township. Then in 1989, Lijiaqiao Township officially became Lijiaqiao Town. A significant merger occurred in 1998 when Yanhe Township joined Liqiao Town.
Liqiao sits in the alluvial plain of the Chaobai River. The land is slightly higher in the north and slopes gently to the south. The altitude varies between 27 and 32 meters.
Water is abundant here. The Chaobai River system flows through Liqiao. You’ll find the Chaobai River itself plus the Yinhe River Yueya River and Xiaozhong River.
In 2020, the population reached 97059. That makes for a density of about 1300 people per square kilometer.
Economically Liqiao has seen growth. In 2011 the town’s total industrial output value reached 7.76 billion Yuan. That was a 44.8% increase from the previous year.
Liqiao is also developing culturally. Back in 2011, it had eleven cultural and art groups. There were 32 digital cinemas and 31 village-level cultural rooms. Sports are popular too. Most villages have sports equipment and many residents actively participate in sports.
Liqiao has invested in education. In 2011, there were kindergartens primary schools and junior middle schools. The enrollment rates were impressive with nearly full attendance for school-age children.
Liqiao has transformed from a collection of villages to a modern town. As we leave Liqiao reflect on the town’s journey and the spirit of its people. Their story is woven into every street and building we see today.