At the end of 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the inaugural list of pilot sites for immersive smart tourism experiences across the country. Among them, the Liangma River International Customs Waterfront in Beijing's Chaoyang District was on the list.

Originally known as  Nanba River during the Ming Dynasty, the Liangma River earned its new name due to its association with the royal horse ranch, as horses were often bathed and grazed by itsriverbanks. Today, the Liangma River International Waterfront,with a six-kilometer length, positions itself as the river for Beijing, China, and the World, offering unique boat tour programs.

In September 2022, the Liangma River International Customs Waterfront achieved a significant milestone with a six-kilometer tourism route from the Sanhuan Lu (Third Ring Road) to the Honglingjin Lake, featuring "One River, Two Lakes, Twenty-Four Bridges, and Eighteen Scenic Spots," showcasing a harmonious blend of aquatic charm and interconnected business districts. The initial phase of the route connects ten innovative landmarks such as the Haoyun Bridge and the Shell Theater, combining boat tours with thematic light shows. Among them, the captivating light-and-shadow starry sky and the 360° ship lock under the Haoyun Bridge have become must-see attractions for visitors.

As dusk falls, the Liangma River comes alive thanks tothe dazzling light shows, which adds a touch of poetic beauty. As the boat sets out, a grand spectacle of sound and light unfolds. The first stop of the cruise is the Youyi Bridge, where a colorful scene is presented on the screen made up of ropes, narrates the journey of a single droplet fromtne Liangma Rivertraversing the globe. Subsequently, as the cruise passes through landmarks such as the Bogong Ship Lock, Maijia Bridge, Haoyun Bridge, and Lanmeng Bridge, the aquatic charm of Beijing will be presented within 45 minutes. Beneath the Lanmeng Bridge, the enchanting light interactionconnectsthe bridge architecture, illumination, and bridge. Technological element about robot is also added into the play, highlighting the theme of High-tech Chaoyang Disctrict.

The Liangma River International Customs Waterfront is a flagship project to leverage new technologies to create innovative sites and stimulate new forms fo consumption. It has revamped the overall waterfront space byintegrating technological elements, thus offering visitors novel technological and fashionable experiences.The project epitomizes the concept of scene innovation through technological advancement.

Since its inception, the project has become a leading destination for technology-driven immersive night cruises in China. Along the Liangma River, shimmering lights create a mesmerizing urban panorama, attracting an increasing number of visitors to experience the leisurely charm of night cruising on the Liangma River and experience the river's past and present, as well as the legacy of the Grand Canal culture.

On March 17th, the Liangma River International Customs Waterfront sets out its inaugural voyage of 2024. Against the backdrop of rippling blue waters and budding willows, the riverbank was adorned with luminous lanterns, illuminating the evening. At 7 p.m., the cruise embarked on its first journey of the year.

Departing from the Yansha Pier near Dong 3 Huan Lu (the East Third Ring Road), the cruise meandered through bustling urban landscapes before reaching the SOLONA Pier, 2 kilometers downstream. Continuing its course, passengers could immerse themselves in 4 kilometers of  natural scenery, and finally end their journey at the Honglingjin Lake.

Meanwhile, the Guochao (China Chic) Cultural Festival was going on  along the riverside. At the Kaiyuan Square in front of the Kempinski Hotel, over 30 Chinese-styled fashion and culinary brands converged, including the Wanliu Thousand Lanterns crafts, Panjiayuan Culturederivables, thematic fish lanterns symbolizing the Spring Awakening Voyage. Against the backdrop of the glowing light, the intangibkle heritage Fish Lantern, which boasts 600 years history, made its debut. There were also the celebrated Zigong Colored Lanterns, which were well received on the Wenyu Lantern Festival.

Along the Liangma River, there are  multiple embassies, commercial hubs, parks, and companies, including the Yansha Friendship Shopping Mall, Kempinski Hotel, Phoenix Center, and Century Theater. The Guochao Cultural Festival set apart a zone for brand exhibition, allowing high-quality businesses along the riverbank to display their  brands and unique products, which also offers consumers a diverse array of choices.

The Special Promotion for the Liangma River Spring Cruise will last until March 31st.Visitors could purchase Early-bird tickets of various specifications,which are valid from the first day of the cruise in 2024 to April 15th and available Monday through Sunday (please refer to the official announcements on the WeChat public account for open hours).

Address: SALANA, No. 6 Chaoyang Park Lu (Rd), Chaoyang District, Beijing.