Waterfront locations: Tongyun Bridge, Xiaotaihou He Cultural Center, Xiaotaihou He Park, wan Wetland Park
The Xiaotaihou He is located in the southeast of Beijing, flowing from west to east through the Chaoyang and Tongzhou districts. Its original starting point was at the East Gate—Yingchun Gate—of the Liao Dynasty's capital, Nanjing, near the Xicheng District's Banbuxiao and Pingyuanli areas. Today, we can see the He's starting point at the intersection of Xidawang Lu(Rd) and Hongyan Lu(Rd). The He meanders southeast, passing through the Dong 4 Huan Lu (E 4 Ring Road) and eventually connecting with the Liangshui He at Zhangjiawan.
Among Beijing's waterways, the Xiaotaihou He is unique in being named after a person. According to folklore, when Empress Xiao led her troops to battle against the Northern Song Dynasty, she camped near present Beijing and faced a water shortage. She sent people to search for water and eventually discovered an unknown He with clear and sweet water. Overjoyed, she asked for the He's name, and upon learning it had none, she decreed that it be named Xiaotaihou He. In reality, the He has little connection to Empress Xiao herself. Historical records indicate that the He was excavated during the ninth year of the Taiping era (1029), which was exactly 20 years after Empress Xiao's death. The He's primary purpose was to supply grain and resources to the capital of the Liao Dynasty (modern-day Xicheng District).
As one of Beijing's earliest artificial canals, the Xiaotaihou He laid the foundation for later canal construction and grain transportation.It was 280 years earlier than the Bahe He for grain transport in the Yuan Dynasty and more than 300 years earlier than the Tonghui He for grain transport in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is still one of the main Hes in eastern Beijing.
The Xiaotaihou He has also faced pollution in the past. With ongoing restoration efforts, including the installation of sewage treatment pipelines and the relocation of industrial facilities, ample space has been created for the construction of green recreational corridors along the He. Today, the Xiaotaihou He has regained its overall appearance of "clear water, green banks, beautiful scenery, and rich ecology."
Tongyun Bridge, located in Zhangjiawan Town, Tongzhou District, Beijing, is also commonly known as Xiaotaihou Qiao(Bridge). Originally a wooden bridge, it was rebuilt in stone during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty. The bridge runs north-south and features stone railings made of uniform green sandstone. Each side has 22 intricately carved lion pillars, all with different expressions, and 21 relief panels depicting vases, each with distinct patterns.
On both the east and west sides of Tongyun Qiao(Bridge), stone platforms were built for passengers to disembark, marking the site of the famous Zhangjiawan passenger terminal. In Dream of the Red Chamber, Lin Daiyu, who traveled north from Yangzhou, disembarked here and eventually made her way to the Jia family mansion. Nearby, the Caojia Grave near Zhangjiawan is believed to be the ancestral burial site of Cao Xueqin, the author of Dream of the Red Chamber.
The Xiaotaihou He Cultural Center is located in the Shuangyifa Cultural and Creative Park in Taihu Town, Tongzhou District. Its three-story design provides a detailed and exquisite introduction to the historical and contemporary significance of the Xiaotaihou He. Within the area dedicated to the history of the Liao Dynasty's Nanjing, there is a model of the imperial city of Liao Nanjing, restored based on records from texts such as the History of Liao, offering a vivid representation of the city's layout and prosperity during its prime.
Xiaotaihou He Park is situated along the section of the He in Zhangwan Town. The park features open-air platforms, waterfront docks, and preserves an ancient bridge from the Liao Dynasty that spans the tranquil Xiaotaihou He. Nearby, an old city wall adds to the scenic beauty, creating a picturesque landscape in the southwestern suburbs.
Additionally, there is the wan Wetland Park, which extends along both banks of the Xiaotaihou He. The area is lush with trees and interspersed with several arch bridges connecting the two sides. The He is dotted with small islands linked by walkways, allowing visitors to stroll as if walking on water. Adjacent to the walkways are expansive reed fields, evoking the charm of the southern water towns of Jiangnan. In the mornings, people breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the beautiful scenery; in the afternoons, children ride their bikes in the shade, finding joy in the greenery; and in the evenings, busy individuals gather to watch the colorful sunsets and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Not far away is the Jinfu Wetland Fishing and Barbecue Workshop, located in Hujiafa Village, Taihu Town, Tongzhou District. This is the first fish-themed park in Beijing, covering 680 acres and featuring various functional areas, including scenic fish ponds, an edible museum (Fish Path), a celebration hall, a fish farming workshop, ecological wetlands, and fishing and barbecue areas. Inside, there are five fish ponds of varying sizes where visitors can fish for carp, grass carp, silver carp, sturgeon, crabs, and ornamental koi. On either side of the ponds, dozens of open-plan rooms accommodate up to 400 diners for self-service barbecues, allowing guests to cook and enjoy their catch on-site. A notable specialty here is the whole roasted lamb, which combined with grilled fish truly represents the essence of freshness!
The Xiaotaihou He is a valuable heritage left by history. Strolling along its banks, one can enjoy the clear waters and blue skies while experiencing the flowing culture of this millennium-old canal.
