Waterfront locations: Bahe Changqing Park, Taiyanggong Park, Side Park, Jiangfu Park, INDIGO

Both the East Ba He and the West Ba He are part of the Ba He system. The Ba He originates from the northeastern moat of Dongcheng District and flows eastward into the Wenyu He at the eastern boundary of Chaoyang District, also belonging to the Beiyun He system. Its main tributaries include Beixiao He, Liangma He, and Beitucheng Ditch.

Historically, the Ba He served as a grain transportation route during the Yuan Dynasty but gradually fell into disuse by the end of the Yuan Dynasty and was not utilized again during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Ba He, also known as Futong He, was dredged during the Yuan Dynasty, specifically in the sixteenth year of the Yuan era (1279). It starts from Guangximen in the Yuan capital and extends east to the Wenyu He. The renowned astronomer Guo Shoujing personally designed seven dams along the Futong He—Qianshi Dam, Changqing Dam, Guocun Dam, Xiyang Dam, Zhengcun Dam, Wangcun Dam, and Shengou Dam—collectively known as the "Futong Seven Dams," from which the name "Ba He" is derived.

The rise and fall of grain transportation from the Jin and Yuan dynasties through the Ming and Qing dynasties, along with the trade activities facilitated by the river's geography, have left a rich legacy of temples, graves, stone tablets, and other cultural relics in the Ba He basin.

Today, the Ba He resembles a clear ribbon of water, connecting several unique urban parks in the northeastern part of Beijing, some of which have become trendy check-in spots.

Bahe Changqing Park is located at the triangular intersection of Ba He, Taiyanggong North Street, and the World Shopping Center. This area was once a construction wasteland but has now been transformed into a beautiful urban waterfront park. One of the "Futong Seven Dams" from the Yuan Dynasty, the "Changqing Dam," is situated here. The park features a lovely small forest with varieties like willows, black locusts, and eucommia, while shade-loving flowers such as hostas bloom abundantly beneath the trees, creating a layered, natural aesthetic.

Taiyanggong Park is quite spacious and is adorned with numerous sculptures. Besides the landmark "Sun Plaza," there are ground tiles that resemble the shadows of the sun, integrating solar elements throughout the park. There is also a lake within the park, making lakeside walks a truly enjoyable experience. The most "Instagrammable" spot in Taiyanggong Park is its reputation as the best park in Beijing for flying kites. Strolling along the Ba He, bring your kite and your childhood memories, and seek out that carefree spirit of flying with the wind.

Side Park is located southeast of Siyuan Bridge and is a health-themed park. The name "Side" signifies the hope that friends visiting will gain "fun, exercise, knowledge, and health." However, what you can gain here goes well beyond these four aspects. The park features a well-maintained plastic running track, a romantic lotus pond under the moonlight, enthusiastic square dance teams, and the distant sounds of Kunqu opera drifting from a nearby pavilion. Strolling through Side Park provides a profound sense of happiness. There are also plenty of dining options nearby.

Jiangfu Park is situated on the eastern side of Jiangtai District and is popular for three main attractions: the railway tracks, wild ducks, and February orchid flowers. The park features a segment of abandoned curved railway tracks that were once a freight line connected to the Beijing Textile Warehouse and the Jingbao Railway. Lush trees line both sides of the tracks, and the grassy embankments add to the natural beauty. The slightly rusted rails stretch into the distance, making it a favorite spot for photographers. The ecological environment of the park's wetlands is excellent, and in recent years, many wild ducks and swans have made visits.

The February orchids in Jiangfu Park are extensive and tall, blooming from early April to mid-May with vibrant life. The park also tells the grand legend of King Yan Zhao's ascent to honor his generals, while the Camel House Path narrates the origin of the village name "Tuofangying" and the busy scenes of grain boats traversing the Ba He in the past.

The Blues Dreamland is located in Louzizhuang, Jinzhan Township, Chaoyang District. The expansive fields of lavender and butterfly flowers create a perfect backdrop, complemented by windmills, swings, and fountains that add a touch of life to the setting. In addition to photo opportunities, the manor offers plenty of quiet spaces to relax, where you can savor Provence-style barbecue, sample homemade fruit wines, soak in hot springs, or watch an outdoor movie. How does that sound?

INDIGO is situated east of Jiuxianqiao Lu(Rd), on the north bank of the Ba He. It is said that INDIGO has witnessed the evolution of a quality lifestyle among the "Chaoyang masses." This area has become a trendy leisure destination in northeastern Beijing. Whether you're strolling with kids, shopping, celebrity spotting, or dining, there's always a reason to visit INDIGO.

Take a walk in Beijing, along the Ba He, and through INDIGO, pausing to treat your taste buds. Here, you can enjoy Hunan cuisine at Taichu · Xiangyuan, classic Cantonese dishes at Xiaocheng Zhiwei, delightful Mexican offerings at HFFOUSA TACO, and succulent cheesecake at MES.