The 2023 Beijing Xishan-Yongding River Cultural Festival opened recently. Over the next two months, a variety of cultural activities will invite citizens to immerse themselves in the green mountains and clear water, delve into history, and preserve and innovate cultural heritage.
Xishan-Yongding River has nurtured Beijing and embodies its rich historical and cultural heritage. This cultural belt encompasses the Zhoukoudian Site with a human history dating back 700,000 years, the Liulihe Site confirming Beijing's 3,000-year history of city construction, and the Zhongdu (central capital) Site of Jin dynasty witnessing Beijing's status as the capital for 870 years. This year marks new progress in the preservation of these three sites.
The new version of the "Protection Plan of Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site" has been implemented, and the Zhoukoudian National Archaeological Site Park has commenced construction. Currently, the site has undergone four phases of monitoring and protection projects of the site itself, focusing on three exhibition themes: human origins, biological evolution, and geological changes. Utilizing dozens of display methods and establishing five functional areas, the aim is to bring ancient history into the modern era. In coordination with the construction of the archaeological site park, the Zhoukoudian Site Museum will also enhance its displays. The latest archaeological research findings are expected to be showcased, and a digital experience center will be established on the south side of the museum, enriching multimedia interactive displays.
The site near Liulihe Township, which was the capital of the ancient State of Yan during the Western Zhou dynasty, has yielded numerous valuable cultural relics. Among them are the Jinding (bronze) and Bojuge (bronze), which are both treasures of the Capital Museum and significant symbols of Beijing's rich historical heritage. In the past two years, thanks to the efforts of archaeologists, historical artifacts such as the bronze (vessel) with the inscription "Taibao Yongyan," bronze ornaments in the shape of animal faces, and carbonized plant seeds have been continuously discovered. The outline of Beijing as the "source of the city" is becoming clearer, and a national-level archaeological site park is being developed to bring the dormant site coming to life after 3000 years. The construction plan for the Liulihe National Archaeological Site Park has received approval from the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and the first phase of the archaeological site park is currently under construction. A series of archaeological research achievements is expected to be revealed to the public in the near future.
This year marks the 870th anniversary of Beijing as the national capital. In the Lize Financial Business District of Fengtai District, construction of the site park of Zhongdu (central capital) of Jin dynasty, covering an area of approximately 15 hectares, will commence and is expected to be completed in one year. The park will focus on the City Wall Site of Zhongdu and the excavation area and become a themed urban park that showcases history and integrates with nature.
Recently, the Xishan-Yongding River Cultural Festival kicked off at NO.3 Blast Furnace of Shougang Park, where an original immersive "symphonic audio-visual performance" took place under dazzling lights. The Shougang Park is transforming from an industrial area to a neighborhood, revitalizing its former industrial relics and becoming a popular destination for visitors.
The government of Shijingshan District has compiled a protection list for the Shougang Industrial Relics and formulated a plan for the preservation and restoration of ancient architectural complexes. It aims to showcase exemplary utilization of the NO.3 Blast Furnace and promote the sustainable use of the Shougang Industrial Relics and Winter Olympics heritage. The Beijing Winter Olympic Park, centered around the Shougang Industrial Relics Park, will be established, creating a memorial site for the capital's modern iron and steel industry history and a post-industrial cultural, sports, and creative base, thus inspiring new cultural value related to the Winter Olympics.
Furthermore, the cultural belt witnesses the fusion and revitalization of more distinctive Beijing culture. In Mentougou's Liuli Canal Village, a once-abandoned old factory area has been transformed into the Jinyu Liuli Culture and Creative Industrial Park, making its debut to the public this year and currently in the trial operation phase. After its official opening, the park will not only host exhibitions on the history and culture of Liuli (colored glaze), display Liuli handicrafts, and offer interactive experiences related to Liuli craftsmanship, but it will also revive the traditional firing techniques using eco-friendly methods, rekindling the vibrant brilliance of the ancient Liuli official kiln that existed 760 years ago.
