This has been but a brief appetizer into the wealth of waterways to explore in and around Beijing.

Top left on these pages you'll find the index menu to the all too few, which I have had time to explore and subsequently document. I have photographed many more but they will only appear here as and when time will allow.

At first are the all essential waterways of the Baifu Canal and Tonghui Canal established in the 13th century during the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). Also, Ba River is covered here. Without these waterways there could never have been a major capital at Beijing. This was true then, as it is painfully true today in the 22nd Century.

Ba River served as an overspill waterway to prevent flooding and also as an alternative waterway for smaller barges back in the 13th Century. The entire flow of Bahe is covered under the Yuan dynasty entry.

Nowadays Bahe has by and large lost its water volume and glory. In some parts it has a foul smell and is heavily polluted from local, illegal dumping. Instead, Qing River, originating where the Baifu Canal arrives at Kunming Lake at the (new) Summer Palace, has assumed the role of overspill waterway for the capital.

Qinghe is no majestic river and it has little lure for people who wish to enjoy a leisurely walk in a tranquil environment. But it serves Beijing's population well without fanfare. You can see its flow here.

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