Liangmahe Leisure: Your Guide to a Dip in Beijing’s Urban Waterway
Beijing’s Liangmahe is not only a visually appealing addition to the Beijing cityscape. Following 2020 upgrades to its walkways, lighting system, and outdoor pavilions, Liangmahe is an ideal urban oasis for a variety of water-based activities. Liangmahe is fed by the Bahe River, which forms an ancient canal system constructed 800 years ago to prevent flooding of the imperial city. Liangmahe and Bahe fell into disrepair over the years, growing increasingly polluted with garbage and agricultural waste. The Beijing government has turned its attention to cleaning up the waterway over the last few decades. Last renovated prior to the 2008 Olympics, Liangmahe these days is home to regular swimmers, boaters, and amateur fishermen.
As with any good watering hole, Liangmahe has attracted a number of regulars. The elderly “swimming club” has been using the canal daily as their personal lap pool for the past 40 years. This intrepid squad will swim well into December and January, undeterred by increasingly frigid temperatures. Some of their number even claim that the canal is their secret to long-lasting strength and health.
Ready to brave Liangmahe? Here are some tips and tricks to maximize your experience:
- DON’T DRINK THE WATER. Both commonsense, a quick visual assessment, and the advice of the old timer swimming crew says unequivocally that you should NOT drink the water in Liangma River if at all avoidable. While the water is relatively clean (or at least won’t make all your skin fall off), drinking the water will likely mean an unpleasant evening.
- Bring your own water for a little DIY shower. Several of the regulars will bring a bucket or repurposed jug for a DIY shower to clean up after their river experience. Add some soap and a towel, and you’ve practically made Liangma River your own personal spa.
- Bring other toys. To enhance your Liangmahe fun, add a fishing pole, small inflatable raft, goggles, or preferred rubber duckies. Add a few toys to make your Liangmahe trip truly hours of fun!
- Go early. The regular crowd will tell you that going early is preferred, both to beat the noise and avoid pollution later in the day. While the northern areas of Liangmahe are bustling during early morning, they will often clear out over the lunch hour and early afternoon.
- Go upstream. While the waterway has been cleaned up considerably, it is still not the freshest nor cleanest swimming option. To avoid the odd floating trash, leaves, or unidentifiable object, upstream is prime real estate and the preferred destination.
READ: Walking the City: A Guide to Exploring Beijing by Foot
Image: Hannah Feldshuh
