Immerse in Millennia-old Charm by the Grand Canal

The canal wharf rekindles historical memories, where intangible cultural heritage collides with creativity, igniting sparks of culture. The old industrial zone transforms into a vast green heart, embellishing the forest city with the charm of the twenty-four solar terms. Three major architectural wonders combine technology and art, brightening the cultural brand "Beijing Premiere"... The 2023 Beijing Culture Forum opened in Beijing on the morning of the 14th. In the afternoon, the Chinese and foreign guests attending the forum visited Tongzhou Grand Canal, the Central Green Forest Park, and the Beijing Art Center.

By the side of the Grand Canal, experiencing a millennia-old charm, the history of the Grand Canal in the Beijing area can be traced back to the Yongji Canal excavated in the fourth year of Emperor Yang Guang（the second emperor in Sui dynasty）in 608 AD. During the Yuan Dynasty，Guo Shoujing implemented the Tonghui River water source and waterway projects, achieving a direct connection from Hangzhou to Dadu (present-day Beijing) in the The Beijing-Hangzhou Canal. Although the Grand Canal has ceased transportation today, it remains a significant eco-cultural tourism resource due to its rich historical and cultural value and picturesque ecological environment.

The first stop of this visit was Tongzhou Grand Canal. Under a clear sky and with the crisp autumn air, the Grand Canal shimmered as it flowed gently forward. Accompanied by the calls of the boatmen at the Tongzhou Canal, the guests set off on a red-columned and yellow-roofed sightseeing boat, experiencing the vastness of the canal and gaining insights into the rich cultural heritage on both sides. They listened to local opera performers singing folk songs and appreciated the unique local culture.

"I've heard that the Grand Canal is an extraordinary ancient project in China, unparalleled in the world. It's my first time here today, and I'm amazed by the beautiful scenery," said Dr. Bertrand Beaufine, the Resident Representative of the Hungarian National Museum in China. He expressed that despite frequent visits to Beijing, he rarely encounters such an ecological large-scale forest park within the city.

The Central Green Forest Park: A Glimpse of the Thousand-year Hui Forest

Situated by the Grand Canal, the Central Green Forest Park was once the site of old factories like Oriental Chemical. Now, innovatively regenerated, it has become the most vibrant "green landmark" in Beijing's urban sub-center. The park integrates the culture of the twenty-four solar terms, regional culture, forest culture, and ecological culture, collectively forming thirty-six scenic spots, establishing the urban "green lungs" with "one core, two rings, three belts, and five zones."

Guests traveled through the "Millennium City Watch Forest" - the Millennium Huilin, via sightseeing cars, visiting the unique twenty-four solar terms landscapes. Here, they got close to nature and experienced the greenery. Dr. Conner Kamat, a specially-appointed foreign professor at the History and Culture College of Shaanxi Normal University, said, "It's very interesting to build a park on industrial land, and the unique design of the twenty-four solar terms landscape is a concept from ancient China that should be better known. These ideas are great!"

Cultural Granary: Witnessing an Artistic Feast

In the northwest corner of the Central Green Forest Park, along the northern bank of the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal, the construction of the gray-white Beijing Art Center is nearing completion. Bathing in sunlight and arriving at the circularly designed indoor theater, guests walked past the outdoor theater becoming the "first group of audience" here.

"Traditionally, theaters are usually located within the city. Italy has many theaters in Roman style. But the Beijing Art Center is built in a green park, where there is music, leisurely time, charming scenery... It's very creative to build an art center in such a place," said Paolo Giulierini, director of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale.

The Beijing Art Center is known as the "granary of culture" and is an important part of the National Centre for the Performing Arts's "one institute, three sites" plan. The spark of art is about to take root and bloom here. Masahiko Baba, associate professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, is looking forward to it and hopes that relevant parties can invite artists from various countries to perform. He hopes that this place can provide more opportunities for people in Beijing and other regions to appreciate art.