Near Beijing's North 5th Ring Road, the riverside paths along the Qing River and the Wenyu River are gradually being connected to form a continuous route. The 34-kilometer section of the Qing-Wenyu Riverside Greenway, stretching from Xiaqinghe Sluice (下清河闸) to Shaziying Sluice (沙子营闸) and Jingmi Road (京密路), has recently opened to the public.

The entire 46-kilometer riverside greenway, running along both banks of the Qing River, is scheduled to be fully connected by the end of this year. Once completed, it will become the longest riverside greenway in Beijing's urban area. The greenway will link the "Three Hills and Five Gardens", Beijing Olympic Forest Park and Beijing Wenyuhe Park, forming a connected network of three major park clusters. Beijing also plans to host riverside marathons along this greenway.

The 34-kilometer section now open to the public comprises approximately 29 kilometers along the Qing River, including sub-sections from Shaziying Sluice to Beijing-Xizang Expressway Bridge along the south bank and to Xiaqinghe Sluice along the north bank. Another 5 kilometers or so runs from the Qing River's estuary on the right embankment road of the Wenyu River to Jingmi Road. Starting from the Qing River, you can cycle all the way to the Wenyu River and enter Beijing Wenyuhe Park, known as the "green lung" of the city, before continuing to Jingmi Road. Along the way, lush vegetation, scenic views of overpasses and a variety of riverside landscapes await you. You might also spot waterbirds such as wild ducks and egrets here.

With the greenway now in use, plans for riverside marathons are also on the way.

The first half marathon is scheduled to take place in November. The race will start near Beijing Olympic Forest Park, follow the riverside greenway along the Qing River, and finish at Beijing Wenyuhe Park. Once the entire 46-kilometer riverside greenway of the Qing River is completed, it will also have the capability of hosting full marathons.

It should be noted that as the planned municipal roads around the Qing River have not been fully completed, some sections of its riverside greenway are open to motor vehicles only during certain designated time periods. Please pay attention to your own safety when using the greenway.

In the future, the Qing-Wenyu Riverside Greenway will be extended further both northwards and southwards. Starting from the Qing River, visitors will be able to cycle along the Wenyu River all the way to the Beijing section of the Grand Canal in Tongzhou.

Come for a ride!

(Source: Beijing Daily)