Historical treasures of Grand Canal saved for next generation

Renovation

Meanwhile, the capital has been advancing the repair of historical sites, raising the level of cultural relics protection to new heights.

Wanning Bridge in Xicheng district, a hub of the Beijing Central Axis and the Grand Canal, is a historical and cultural landmark in ancient Beijing.

In 2022, Beijing completed the first phase of its renovation, not only enhancing the protection and monitoring of the relics, but adjusting the green space on the east side of the bridge. Waterside walkways were added and the riverbank was refurbished on the west side of the bridge. In 2023, Beijing continued to remove water pipes and communication cables on the east side of the bridge, ensuring safety and improving its appearance.

Another notable site is the Pingjin sluice in the northwest of Gaobeidian village in Chaoyang district. Dating from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), its head-to-head swan-wing shape, with upper and lower sluices that rise and fall alternately, solved the problem of upstream water transport. Renovation of Pingjin sluice will be completed this year.

In Changping district, the Baifu Spring, known as the water source of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is a popular spot for tourists. The site was listed as a cultural relic protection unit in Beijing in 1990 and as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2013.

In 2017, Changping started clearance and renovation work at Baifu Spring, removing buildings such as hotels, villas and conference rooms that did not meet protection requirements, and repairing and protecting sites such as Donglongwang Temple, Jiulong Pond, and Baifu Spring Stele Pavilion.

In southern Beijing, after five years of major repairs, Wanshou Temple opened in 2022. It forms a large ancient architectural complex integrating a temple, garden and royal palace. Located in front of Wanshou Temple, the Guangyuan sluice is a key hub in Grand Canal cultural belt construction. Now, the newly renovated Wanshou Temple has well-arranged cypress, pine and ginkgo trees, and service facilities.