Despite the arrival of autumn, the summer heat has not yet subsided. To avoid the outdoor blazing sun at this time of year, it's most appropriate to appreciate the night view, enjoy boat rides and search for coolness along leisurely waterfronts after sunset. Why not grab the end of the dog days and come to these places for cool night enjoyment!
Shichahai
Known as the "Water Town of the North", the Shichahai coastline boasts the largest and best-protected historic district in Beijing, offering a charming resort for the joint companion of folklore, history and fashion.
When the setting sun gilds the lake with a layer of gold, the city is undoubtedly added with another unique and gentle scene. As night falls, the streetlights flicker on along the Shichahai coastline, enveloping everything including the bridges, streams and dwellings in the hue of tranquility.
In Shichahai, you can not only savor the peace under the fast pace of the city, but also feel the coexistence of trendy fashion and heavy history, as well as the harmony between human and nature.
If you feel like immersing yourself in the charm of the ancient capital, please don't miss the Shichahai night sailing, the earliest water project to provide night sailing in Beijing, whose opening hours are from 18:00 to 24:00. When taking the boat and enjoying the fascinating night view of Shichahai on the clear water, you may feel free to admire the moon with your friends, sip tea and feast your ears on melodious music. After the start of autumn, it's especially recommendable to take a relaxing boat ride here in the fresh night breeze of Shichahai.
Address: Qianhai Xijie (St), Xicheng District, Beijing.
Qinghezhizhou
Qinghe Waterfront Green Corridor "Qinghezhizhou" is located in Qinghe River, which lies in the central part of Haidian District and enjoys the reputation of "the Golden Belt of Haidian". As you walk into "Qinghezhizhou", scenes are everchanging with the movement of every step, yet lush greenery is perceivable everywhere. It is interspersed with 18 inviting landscapes, including "Shucunzhaying","Yunzhoufangshu", "Yuexuanfangfei", "Shuimuchangge" and others, as if inlaying this golden belt with jade pendants.
When the night falls, "Qinghezhizhou" will take on a different look. Ridding itself of the hustle and bustle of the daytime, it is shrouded in complete tranquility, and the tranquil beauty appears even more fascinating against the dim lights in the darkness of night.
Stroll along the banks of the Qinghe River, and the endless fun can be more strongly felt in the shadow of lights. With the application of beam lights and other ambient equipment, a dynamic projection landscape combining diverse elements like goldfish, flowers, snowflakes can be encountered along the way unexpectedly. The lights along the waterfront walkway meander forward, leaving reflections on the water and turning the river into a silver silk lace.
In the "Xishanchangyuan" scenic area, you can view the Qinghe River to the east, Yuanmingyuan Park to the south, and the Summer Palace and Xishan to the west. It provides you with an opportunity to experience the culture of the three mountains and five gardens to your heart's content and enjoy the leisurely companion of water.
Address: No. A4 Shucun Jie (St), Haidian District, Beijing.
Liangma River International Customs Waterfront
A Liangma River demonstrates a dynamic city. In the rippling blue waves, urban residents are gathering here for leisure and fun; in the flowing light, the trendy activities held from time to time showcase international flavor; and in the mingling of drinks, the restaurants along the river add to the exuberance and vitality of the human world.
Liangma River International Customs Waterfront is one of the first series of national night-time culture and tourism consumption gathering zones, a fashionable cultural landmark in Chaoyang District, and a "golden card" for international tourism consumption in the capital. It is a 6-kilometer waterway connecting the Sanlitun and SOLANA business districts, where the waterfront and river are closely connected with green space and buildings. The long stretch of Liangma river strings up 24 bridges with different styles, creating a beautiful picture scroll.
When night falls, Liangma River looks splendid in the contrast of light. This year, Liangma River has created the first domestic water ultra-high definition naked eye 3D dynamic art experience space. Sailing through the locks by boat, you may feast your eyes on the 12-minute 3D naked-eye show in the Platinum Palace Water Viewing Hall. The Phoenix element introduced from the Classic of Mountains and Seas provides a unique perspective to interpret the changes of the Grand Canal and Liangma River and to narrate the story of Beijing and China.
Address: SOLANA, Chaoyang Garden Lu (Rd), Chaoyang District, Beijing.
Grand Canal Cultural and Tourism Scenic Area
Located in Tongzhou District, the Grand Canal Cultural and Tourism Scenic Area is divided into three parts: the North Zone, the Central Zone and the South Zone, with numerous photogenic spots stretching more than 12 kilometers from north to south, namely "one river, two banks, six gardens and eighteen scenic spots". In the North Zone, you can visit the Randeng Pagoda, explore the surrounding ancient architectural complexes, and immerse yourself in the charm of historical culture. A stroll through the Central Zone leads you to the Tongzhou Grand Canal Park, which integrates leisure, entertainment, education, sports competitions, fitness as well as water-based recreational activities sightseeing. Located in the South Zone, the Grand Canal Forest Park is also a wonderful destination for enjoying the scenery and taking the kids out for fun on weekends, where the six attractions, including Yuedaowenying, Yinfengqiushi, Mingjingyizhou and others are must-visit spots. Taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and capturing photos from the observation platform will definitely offer you an unforgettable weekend experience.
The night sailings of the Grand Canal Cultural and Tourism Scenic Area depart at 19:10, 19:50 and 20:30 from Pier No. 2, passing Dongguan Bridge and Yuntong Bridge, and return to Pier No. 2, which take a 25-minute voyage of about 6 kilometers. With the bridges as the points, the shore as the link and nightscape lightning as the technical support, the canal-based night voyage fully displays the profound history of Tongzhou and the riverfront landscape.
This year, more than 300 merchants in the Moon River Art Town near the Qianhexielu Bridge has jointly contributed to a lively "weekend bazaar", with 7 thematic areas combined into one, namely food bazaar, music bazaar, children's bazaar, graffiti bazaar, trunk bazaar, games bazaar and handmade bazaar. A whole variety of inviting food, fun stuff and visual enjoyment awaits your exploration.
At night, flickering colorful lights will illuminate the exquisite blocks, where changing sights are encountered with the movement of your every pace. Artistic handicrafts, distinctive cultural and creative products, Chinese style jewelry, and all sorts of other goodies together with classic gourmet food are set up in about 400 stalls. The bazaar opens after 16:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and there are also opportunities to come across band performance.
Address: Both sides of the North Canal of Tongzhou New Town, Tongzhou District, Beijing.
