Beijing’s ecological conservation area has become a veritable “giant oxygen bar” and “giant garden.” The photo shows citizens and tourists strolling and sightseeing in Qinhu Park, Pinggu District.

Unfolding a map of Beijing, a vibrant stretch of green runs from the southwest to the northeast. The ecological conservation area, composed of the districts of Mentougou, Pinggu, Huairou, Miyun, Yanqing, and the mountainous areas of Fangshan and Changping, accounts for over half of Beijing’s land area and is a true “giant oxygen bar” and “giant garden.”

Over the past five years, this “giant oxygen bar” has become fresher and the “giant garden” more beautiful, with the ecological conservation area (five districts) adding over 100,000 mu of greenery. At the same time, clear waters and green mountains are being transformed into economic value, green momentum is rapidly gathering, and infrastructure and public services vital to people’s livelihoods are being improved in quality.

Sharing Greenery with Citizens: Greenways Connect the Beautiful Beijing Suburbs

In early spring, sunlight glitters on the Guishui River, and the air carries a moist, earthy scent as plants along the banks begin to “awaken.” While temperatures are still a bit low, more residents are coming out for morning exercise, working out along the waterfront promenade while enjoying the scenery.

“I’ve calculated it; it’s exactly 5,000 steps from my home to Xiadu Park,” said a Ms. Guo, a resident living by the Guishui River, who exercises along the path for an hour every day. In October last year, the Guishui River Waterfront Fitness Trail was completed, stretching over 21 kilometers, connecting four major urban parks, and eliminating 10 previous breaks in the path.

As a waterfront trail, special attention was paid to “water-friendly” features. Under safe conditions, the waterfront sections were designed to bring people as close to the water as possible. Some areas have water-access steps suitable for viewing, while other embankments use gentle slopes and planted grass instead of retaining walls, creating a more natural shoreline.

The ecological conservation area is Beijing’s natural oxygen bar. Over the past five years, it has added over 100,000 mu of forest and green space, with its forest coverage rate increasing from 66% to 66.69%.

With more greenery, it’s even more important to share it with citizens. Greenways are “green corridors” that make it easy for people to get close to nature. A relevant official stated that in recent years, the city has promoted the construction of forest trails such as the Xishan Mountain trails for panoramic views, the colorful Nanshan trails in Miyun, and the Great Wall viewing trails in Yanqing. Regarding opening up waterfront spaces for shared use, besides the completion of the Guishui River Waterfront Fitness Trail system, Mentougou District has also completed the greening of 125,000 square meters along the Yongding River and the renovation of three pocket parks.

Calculating the Clear Account: Ensuring Protectors Are Not Shortchanged

Just after the Spring Festival, Yanqing District’s GEP-R management platform was updated, allowing all 18 of its subdistricts and towns to precisely identify areas with potential for GEP-R improvement through the platform.

Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) is the total monetary value of all ecosystem products within a certain region during an accounting period. Among its components, Ecosystem Regulation Service Value (GEP-R) represents the benefit value provided by ecosystems for maintaining or improving the human living environment, including ten indicators such as water conservation and climate regulation. Planting a tree, sowing a patch of grass, or cleaning a body of water can all contribute to an increase in GEP-R.

A plot of land near the Jingxin Expressway caught everyone’s attention. “Through system patch comparison, there are signs of vegetation degradation here,” explained the person in charge of GEP-R work. On the platform’s latest base map, this plot is classified as a “quality improvement” patch, requiring increased greenery to enhance vegetation quality. A rough estimate suggests that after quality improvement, this patch’s GEP-R could increase by tens of thousands of yuan.

Last year, Yanqing District took the lead nationally in launching a “One Map” platform for GEP-R management. By comparing ecosystem classification maps, the platform precisely identifies three types of patches across the district: “quality improvement” patches focus on restoring degraded ecological vegetation

Qinhu Park

Qinhu Park is a scenic public park located in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China, renowned for its beautiful water lilies and tranquil waterways. It was originally part of the ancient Qinhu Lake system, with a history of over 800 years, and is closely associated with the famous Qing Dynasty scholar and painter Zheng Banqiao, who once lived nearby. Today, it serves as a popular cultural and ecological attraction, celebrating the region’s artistic heritage and natural beauty.

Guishui River

The Guishui River is a historically significant waterway in Beijing’s Yanqing District, known for its scenic beauty and ecological importance. It was a crucial part of the ancient water conservancy and transportation systems in the region, supporting local agriculture and settlements for centuries. Today, it is a central feature of the Guishui River Park, a protected wetland area that serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds and a popular recreational site.

Xiadu Park

Xiadu Park is a large public park located in Beijing, China, built on the historical site of the Lower Capital (Xiadu) of the Liao Dynasty (907–1125). It preserves remnants of the ancient city walls and serves as a significant green space that blends historical heritage with modern recreation. The park offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s role as a secondary capital over a thousand years ago.

Xishan Mountain trails

The Xishan Mountain trails are a scenic network of paths on the western outskirts of Beijing, historically known as the “Western Hills.” For centuries, these trails have led to ancient temples, imperial retreats, and pavilions, offering panoramic views that were favored by Chinese emperors and literati. Today, they remain a popular hiking destination where visitors can explore a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Nanshan trails in Miyun

The Nanshan trails are a network of scenic hiking paths located in the Miyun District of Beijing, near the Miyun Reservoir. Historically, the area is part of the Yan Mountains and has long been valued for its natural beauty and ecological importance, with the reservoir itself being a key water source for the capital. Today, the well-maintained trails offer visitors panoramic views of forests and water, serving as a popular recreational escape from the city.

Great Wall viewing trails in Yanqing

The Great Wall viewing trails in Yanqing, part of the Beijing municipality, offer access to several unrestored, rugged sections of the wall, such as Badaling’s “Wild Wall” and the steep Shuiguan Pass. These trails showcase Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) fortifications built to defend the capital from northern invasions, characterized by their original stonework and dramatic mountain scenery. Today, they provide a more authentic and less crowded hiking experience compared to the fully restored tourist sections.

Yongding River

The Yongding River is a major waterway in northern China, historically known as the “River of Eternal Stability” after its name was changed in the 18th century to reflect flood control hopes. It flows through Beijing and Tianjin, serving as a crucial water source and playing a significant role in the region’s agricultural and urban development. Its history is deeply intertwined with efforts to manage its unpredictable flooding, which shaped both infrastructure and settlement patterns around the capital.

Jingxin Expressway

The Jingxin Expressway is a major highway in China connecting Beijing and Urumqi, Xinjiang. It is one of the longest expressways in the world, with its construction beginning in the late 1990s and being completed in sections over the following decades to enhance national connectivity and economic development across northern China.