My journey followed the path of the Liangma River Cultural and Economic Belt, where water, culture, and daily life come together to reveal a calmer rhythm of the city.
It started at the river itself. I stepped off the bus and onto a boat, one of many that now glide along what used to be a royal site for washing horses. Today, the Liangma River has become a symbol of how old places can find new life.
As the boat moved gently under bridges and past gardens, our guide shared stories of the river. One bridge came alive with glowing images of dragons and phoenixes; another is said to bring good luck to couples who propose there. Listening to these stories while watching the water shimmer in the sunlight gave the whole ride a feeling of quiet wonder.
We soon arrived at Solana Blue Harbour, and walking into its cobbled paths felt like stepping into a small Mediterranean town. With its rooftops, peaceful plazas, and lakeside cafés, Blue Harbour is more than a shopping spotâ€"it's a place to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the moment. Since teaming up with Ant Group in 2024, it's also become easier for international visitors, thanks to multilingual staff and smooth mobile payments.
After a quick ride, I found myself at Pop Mart's Pop Land, a place full of colour, music, and imagination. Pop Mart is known around the world for its designer toys and creative experiences, and this park brings all of that to life.
Everywhere I looked, families and young people were smiling, taking photos with their favourite characters, and exploring themed zones filled with games and surprises. It felt like a space where anyone could reconnect with their inner child or discover something new.
As the sun began to dip, my final stop brought me back in time: Prince Shuncheng Mansion, a Qing Dynasty home now restored beside Chaoyang Park. Compared to the lively energy of the day, this place was calm and grounded.
In the courtyard, soft music floated through the air. Women in traditional hanfu moved gracefully to the rhythm of ancient melodies. A tea master invited guests to taste freshly brewed tea known as oolong, among others, each step part of a quiet ritual. Once a royal residence, the mansion now serves as a space where visitors can step into history, not just read about it.
By the end of the day, I felt like I had walked through different chapters of Beijing, each with its own mood and meaning. In a place often described by traffic and technology, I found something else: a day of connection, reflection, and discovery. And maybe, somewhere along this river, there's a piece of Beijing waiting for everyone.
Christian Mugisha
