Early winter is a great time to take a leisurely stroll along Beijing's waterfronts and discover the simple yet precious beauty of everyday life.

Along the Liangma River

In early winter, the banks of the Liangma River take on a softer, more relaxed charm.

1. Chaoyang Park and POP LAND

Most of the redwood trees beside Fangzhou Lake have turned a splendid shade of red, creating a picturesque scene with their vibrant foliage reflected in the water. From the lakeside, you can also see stunning panoramic views of POP LAND's castle. In the park, visitors can snap photos in front of MOLLY's Castle and say hi to the beloved "Twinkle Twinkle" characters.

2. SOLANA

A popular destination for families and tourists, SOLANA offers more than just romantic photo spots. There's something for everyone, from fashionable lifestyle stores and trendy restaurants to children's play areas.

3. Liangma Courtyard and Chill Yard

Liangma Courtyard blends the aromas of coffee, wine and flowers, providing a haven for both lively and relaxing moments. Chill Yard, meanwhile, is an inviting spot to unwind, where you can catch up with friends or enjoy a laid-back evening over a drink.

4. Liangma River International Waterfront

As night falls, the lights of SOLANA gradually illuminate the waterfront. The bridges, each with its own elegant design, sparkle against the night sky, creating a dazzling riverside scene.

Along the Bahe River

The Bahe River flows eastward from the northeastern section of Beijing's moat system before joining the Wenyu River at Shawo, Jinzhan Township. Early winter is a wonderful time to explore its banks. Whether you are walking or cycling, a tourist or a shopper, the river and its surroundings won't disappoint.

1. Bahe River's Waterfront Promenade (Jiangtai Section)

Stretching approximately 2.3 kilometers from Jiuxianqiao Road to Langyuan in the Jiangtai area, this peaceful and relaxing section features covered pergolas, tree-lined paths and other landscaped facilities. From here, you can easily reach the Taikoo Place, the Lido commercial area, the 798 Art District and 751 D·PARK. First, enjoy the riverside scenery, then explore the surrounding shopping, dining and cultural destinations.

2. Langyuan Station

The red-brick buildings beside the river create a distinctive ambiance, while independent bookstores, artsy boutiques, restaurants and leisure venues offer plenty to explore. Take a seat in a café with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views, and spend the afternoon gazing down on the river and the surrounding greenery.

3. Dongba Riverside Park

With smooth, well-maintained paths, the park is ideal for cycling. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting beautiful patterns of light and shadow along the way.

4. Jinzhan Lake

Clusters of reed plumes sway gently in the breeze across the wetland here. A stroll along the wooden boardwalk offers a wonderful opportunity to take in the vast, open scenery that makes early winter so special.

Along the Tongzhou Section of the Grand Canal

Stroll along the riverside paths and watch sunlight dance across the water. From the confluence of five rivers to the Canal Business District, you can discover the unique charm of Tongzhou, where the ancient Grand Canal meets the modern urban landscape.

1. BIG Aegean Place

Home to a wide selection of popular restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, this is an ideal place to catch up with friends over a meal or enjoy a weekend of shopping and dining.

2. Xihaizi Park

The park's pampas grass is now at its best, with layers of feathery plumes creating a soft, soothing scene in the sunlight. The crystal-clear waters of Hulu Lake reflect Randeng Pagoda and the trees along the shore, making it a truly captivating sight.

3. West Bank Waterfront District

With its spacious, well-maintained waterfront promenade, this area features a series of distinctive rest stops and mobile flower carts along the way. There's plenty to discover here, including coffee, light bites, local delicacies, trendy finds and creative souvenirs. The moon-shaped swings set against the shimmering waters of the Grand Canal make for a picture-perfect photo spot.

4. "Sailing Along the Canal" Waterfront Performance Project

This project combines light and visual art, real-life riverside settings and immersive live performances, bringing the water, boats, bridges and riverbanks together in one spectacular experience.

As night falls, the buildings along the river are transformed into giant, illuminated screens, bringing scenes from history vividly back to life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Grand Canal's rich cultural heritage spanning more than 1,000 years.

Ticket Information:

In person: Tickets are available at the ticket booth located on the Canal West Bank Pier.

Online: Online registration is available via the official WeChat mini-program of the Beijing Grand Canal Cultural Scenic Area (北京通州大运河文化旅游景区), or by scanning the QR code below.

Yongding River's Waterfront Promenade

Spanning approximately 1.6 kilometers, the waterfront promenade forms a continuous, integrated link between the riverfront zones developed in Phases I and II of the Yong Ding He Ji (Yongding River Market). Its southern terminus is anchored by the New Shougang Bridge, and its northern boundary extends to Shijing Mountain—thereby framing a unified riverside landscape characterized by sweeping mountain vistas and serene, mirror-like water surfaces.

1. Yong Ding He Ji (Phase I)

Eleven shops sit here at the foot of Shijing Mountain, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of both the Yongding River and Shijing Mountain at the same time.

2. Yong Ding He Ji (Phase II)

Extending southward, the Phase II area follows the curves of the riverbank. Here, shops are arranged along the winding waterfront towards the New Shougang Bridge. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade and immerse yourself in the romantic scenery of the meandering river. The area offers a variety of places to stop and explore, including artistic cafés, waterfront dining spots, traditional Beijing hot pot restaurants and nature-based educational spaces.

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)