Tonghui River flows through Chaoyang District in Beijing, winding near the city’s eastern edge like a silk ribbon. It’s easy to reach by subway—jump off at Yusong Station (Line 10) or Shanguang Road Station (Line 14) and walk 10 minutes. If you’re coming from the historic Houhai or Shichahai area (the river’s northern endpoint), you can stroll along the waterside paths. For cyclists, there’s a dedicated bike lane that connects to Beijing’s broader greenway network.

Natural Scenery

The river itself isn’t flashy—no roaring waterfalls or towering cliffs—but its charm lies in simplicity. In spring and summer, willow trees drape over the water, and lotus flowers bloom near the banks. At sunset, the golden light reflects on the calm surface, perfect for photo ops. Winter turns the river quieter, with occasional ducks paddling through thin ice. The best part? It’s less crowded than Beijing’s famous lakes, so you can relax without fighting crowds.

History & Culture

This river isn’t just scenery—it’s a time capsule! Back in 1292, a genius engineer named Guo Shoujing (during the Yuan Dynasty) designed Tonghui River to transport grain from the south to Beijing. Imagine: 1,000-year-old boats once sailed here, making it a lifeline for the capital. The river links to Shichahai and Houhai, which were the bustling “end of the Grand Canal” where traders gathered. Even today, you’ll spot old stone bridges and temples whispering stories of the past.

Things to Do

Boat Rides

Hop on a small boat at Longtan Lake Park (near the river’s start) or rent a paddleboat at Xiaoyunli Bridge. A 30-minute ride lets you see herons diving for fish and locals fishing by the shore.

Walking & Cycling

The Tonghui River Trail is a hidden gem. Walk or bike along the 8-kilometer path, passing gardens, traditional hutongs (alleys), and markets. Stop by Gaochengli Embroidery Museum to see colorful silk art, or grab tea at a riverside cafe.

Photo Spots

At night, Yuhong Bridge lights up like a rainbow, while daytime offers clear shots of dragon-shaped bridge railings and reflections in the water. For a classic post, stand under the red arches of Xiaoyunli Bridge—it’s Instagram gold!

Food & Facilities

After exploring, refuel at nearby spots. Try jianbing (savory crepes) at street stalls or sit down for Peking duck at Da Dong (a 15-minute taxi ride). There are clean restrooms and picnic areas along the trail, but bring cash for some vendors. Rental bikes are cheap (~$2/hour) and available via apps like Bluego.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Tonghui River feels like a secret escape from Beijing’s hustle. You get history, nature, and local life all in one. Unlike the super-touristy Great Wall or Forbidden City, here you’ll meet retirees dancing tai chi, families flying kites, and maybe even spot a monk from nearby Yonghe Temple walking by. It’s the real Beijing—slow, simple, and surprisingly beautiful.

Pro tip: Pair your visit with a trip to 798 Art Zone (20 minutes away) or CBD’s skyscrapers for a contrast of old vs. new Beijing!