Changpuhe Park (菖蒲河公园)

Changpuhe Park, situated in the heart of the Dongcheng District, is separated from Tian’anmen Square only by a wall. Changpu River got its name because of the calami (Changpu in Chinese) growing in the river, and is always an important part of the Forbidden City’s water system. Dated back to 1403 – 1422 in Ming Dynasty, it was one of the inland rivers in Dongyuan (east imperial garden), and famed for its surrounding beautiful sceneries and fabulous natural environment; however, in modern times, Changpu River was seriously polluted by wastes and garbage, and its beauty perished.
In 2002 when Beijing municipal government began to make a rehabilitation work to Changpu River, an opening public green space with characteristics of river sceneries was established, and then it was connected with Donghuangcheng Relic Park, forming a complete green relaxation space along the imperial walls. After rehabilitation, Changpu River has recovered its beauty of the old days. Walking along the river and under the willow trees, tourists indulge themselves into the breathtaking sceneries, while experiencing the river course views and historical culture.