{"id":53530,"date":"2025-03-23T13:35:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T13:35:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/how-the-integration-of-culture-nature-and-innovation-is-redefining-tongzhou\/"},"modified":"2025-03-23T12:42:25","modified_gmt":"2025-03-23T12:42:25","slug":"how-the-integration-of-culture-nature-and-innovation-is-redefining-tongzhou","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/how-the-integration-of-culture-nature-and-innovation-is-redefining-tongzhou\/","title":{"rendered":"How the integration of culture, nature, and innovation is redefining Tongzhou District of Beijing (Photos)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Located in the southeast of Beijing, Tongzhou is often referred to as the eastern gateway to the Chinese capital. With its strategic location at the northern end of the Grand Canal and the easternmost point of Chang\u2019an Avenue, this district has transformed into a hub of administration, culture, and cutting-edge technology.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84114 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/a_lot_is_constantly_changing_but_a_few_elements_of_traditional_chinese_culture_are_still_preserved.jpg\" alt=\"A lot is constantly changing, but a few elements of traditional Chinese culture are still preserved.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>At the center of Tongzhou\u2019s transformation stands the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMAC), proof of the city&#8217;s vision for sustainability and green development.<\/p>\n<p>This contemporary complex represents Beijing&#8217;s attempts to decentralize and ease traffic in its historic center. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84115 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/as_you_walk_through_this_area_you_ll_encounter_many_signs_of_technological_progress_but_you_can_still_see_elements_of_traditional_chinese_culture_carefully_preserved_amidst_the_modern_development.jpg\" alt=\"As you walk through this area, you\u2019ll encounter many signs of technological progress, but you can still see elements of traditional Chinese culture, carefully preserved amidst the modern development.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>As I strolled through the administrative center, I was astounded by how well it integrated eco-friendly architecture and cutting-edge urban planning with its surroundings. <\/p>\n<p>The exhibits within the building narrate the remarkable story of Beijing\u2019s growth, showcasing decades of urban evolution while staying rooted in its cultural identity.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84123 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/the_picture_shows_the_entrance_to_the_new_headquarters_of_the_beijing_municipal_administrative_center_bmac_.jpg\" alt=\"The picture shows the entrance to the new headquarters of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMAC).\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{Drifting through history on the Grand Canal}}<\/p>\n<p>Leaving the administrative center, I set off for a boat ride on the Grand Canal, a moment that turned out to be both educational and deeply immersive. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84117 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/every_day_a_variety_of_visitors_come_to_learn_and_understand_the_history_of_this_ancient_waterway_the_grand_canal.jpg\" alt=\"Every day, a variety of visitors come to learn and understand the history of this ancient waterway, the Grand Canal.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>As I sat on the upper deck, a chill from the air bit through my t-shirt, but I hardly noticed. The guide\u2019s narration transported me centuries back to when this marvel of engineering was constructed. <\/p>\n<p>Built over 1,400 years ago, the Grand Canal is the longest and oldest canal in the world, stretching over 1,700 kilometers and connecting Beijing to Hangzhou. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84120 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/the_grand_canal_has_been_preserved_while_also_being_modernized.jpg\" alt=\"The Grand Canal has been preserved while also being modernized.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>This waterway, once a lifeline for trade and cultural exchange, passes through different municipalities and provinces, facilitating the movement of goods and people for generations.<\/p>\n<p>Listening to its history while gliding over its waters was an amazing experience.<\/p>\n<p>{{A library like no other}}<\/p>\n<p>From history to innovation, my next stop was the Beijing Library, a structure that left me fascinated the moment I walked in. Its stunning architecture, which was designed to mimic a mountain, is an example of how science and nature can coexist. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84125 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/this_is_the_front_of_the_unique_beijing_library_one_of_the_most_prominent_libraries_in_china_housing_over_eight_million_books.jpg\" alt=\"This is the front side of the unique Beijing Library, one of the most prominent libraries in China, housing over eight million books.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Stepping inside, I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale of its collection. Home to over 8 million books, including works by President Xi Jinping, the library attracts 10,000 visitors on weekdays and twice that number on weekends. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84116 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/beijing_library_is_home_to_over_eight_million_books_making_it_a_central_hub_for_learning_and_knowledge.jpg\" alt=\"Beijing Library is home to over eight million books, making it a central hub for learning and knowledge.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>What fascinated me the most was the technology embedded within the facility. From AI-powered book-sorting robots to immersive digital reading experiences, the library represents the future of learning. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84121 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/readers_can_access_e-books_and_utilize_various_tech_features_that_allow_them_to_explore_a_wealth_of_information_digitally.jpg\" alt=\"Readers can access e-books and use various tech features that allow them to explore a wealth of information digitally.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84119 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/in_beijing_library_even_your_coffee_is_served_by_a_robot_in_just_70_seconds.jpg\" alt=\"In the Beijing Library, even your coffee is served by a robot in just 70 seconds.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>If it weren\u2019t for my tight schedule, I would have spent an entire day exploring its many wonders.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84118 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/in_this_library_technology_is_incorporated_to_enhance_the_reading_experience.jpg\" alt=\"In this library, technology is integrated to enhance the reading experience.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84122 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/the_library_is_designed_to_make_visitors_feel_connected_to_nature_with_the_architecture_and_layout_reflecting_environmental_considerations.jpg\" alt=\"The library is designed to make visitors feel connected to nature, with the architecture and layout reflecting environmental considerations.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{The innovation hub of tomorrow}}<\/p>\n<p>Beyond its cultural and historical sites, Tongzhou is fast becoming a hub for technology and new energy enterprises. Companies like Colorfulead, Bor Ewin Technology Co Ltd and Wisson are leading the way in green innovations and robotics. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84126 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/tongzhou_is_also_home_to_industries_involved_in_robotics.jpg\" alt=\"Tongzhou is also home to industries involved in robotics.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>As my day in Tongzhou came to an end, I reflected on what makes this district so unique. It is a place where history, nature, and technology intertwine to create something extraordinary.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-84127 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/this_machine_located_in_one_of_the_companies_in_the_area_is_used_to_recharge_electric_vehicles__it_operates_autonomously_requiring_no_human_intervention.jpg\" alt=\"This machine, located in one of the companies in the area, is used to recharge electric vehicles. It operates autonomously, requiring no human intervention.\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beijing is renowned for its long history, rapid industrialization, and cultural diversity. But behind its famed Forbidden City and bustling business districts lies Tongzhou, a city where the past and the future converge in remarkable ways.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000084129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[75],"byline":[3188],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-53530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-culture","tag-homenews","byline-mugisha-christian"],"bylines":[{"id":3188,"name":"Mugisha Christian","slug":"mugisha-christian","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"contributors":[{"id":3188,"name":"Mugisha Christian","slug":"mugisha-christian","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"featured_image":{"id":2000084129,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/mixcollage-23-mar-2025-12-40-pm-3891.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/mixcollage-23-mar-2025-12-40-pm-3891.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/mixcollage-23-mar-2025-12-40-pm-3891.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/mixcollage-23-mar-2025-12-40-pm-3891.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/mixcollage-23-mar-2025-12-40-pm-3891.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/mixcollage-23-mar-2025-12-40-pm-3891.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53530"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53530\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000084129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53530"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=53530"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=53530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}