Meet with Culture | Reflecting the Capital: Yuyuantan and Beijing’s Waterways

"Hello everyone, today we are visiting the beautiful Yuyuantan Park, exploring this urban oasis known for its long history and natural beauty."

“今天我们来到美丽的玉渊潭公园，探访这座以悠久历史和自然美景闻名的城市绿洲。”

Yuyuantan Lake has long been one of the key hubs of Beijing’s urban water supply system. Originally a natural lake, it served as a vital water source for the ancient city of Ji and the Jin capital Zhongdu. Fed by underground springs, the lake shimmered with light, surrounded by willows and lotus blossoms, becoming a favorite gathering place for scholars and poets, as well as a leisure spot for emperors. 

Records show that during the Yuan Dynasty, the water surface exceeded ten hectares. In the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the southern drought river was dredged to flow through Yuyuantan, the water surface was expanded, and sluice gates were constructed, turning Yuyuantan into a reservoir for flood control in western Beijing. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Yongding River diversion channel and the Jingmi diversion channel were built; both streams converged at the Luodaozhuang spillway before flowing into Yuyuantan, ensuring water supply for the capital.

玉渊潭湖泊是北京城市河湖供水的重要枢纽之一。玉渊潭初为天然湖泊，是古蓟城和金中都的供水源地。该地涌泉为潭，水光潋滟，柳荫莲香，自古为文人雅士宴游之地，帝王临幸之所。据载，元代时水面10顷有余。清乾隆年间，疏挖南旱河流经玉渊潭，并扩大水面，建出水闸，使玉渊潭成为北京城西部蓄水调洪湖泊。中华人民共和国成立后，修建永定河引水渠和京密引水渠，两水在罗道庄跌水处汇合后，入玉渊潭，以保证京城用水需要。

On the eastern side of the park, we can also see the iconic Central Television Tower. This modern marvel stands tall, overlooking the entire area, and offers spectacular views of both the park and the surrounding city.

在公园的东侧，我们还能看到标志性的中央电视塔。这座现代化的建筑巍然矗立，俯瞰整个区域，能将公园和周边城市的美景尽收眼底。

Rebuilt in 2016, the Zhongdi Bridge increased its drainage capacity to six times the original level, ensuring that floodwaters can pass quickly during the rainy season and preventing damage to the embankments. As an important channel for flood regulation and storage in Beijing, this bridge safeguards the safety of the city.

今天的玉渊潭由东湖和西湖两大水域组成，中堤桥将两者分隔开来。2016年重建的中堤桥排水能力提升至原来的六倍，雨季时能保证洪水迅速通过，避免雨洪对堤岸构成破坏。玉渊潭公园作为北京市调洪蓄洪重要通道，这座桥守护着城市的安全。

"We are now at Zhongdi Bridge, which divides the park’s east and west lakes. Built in 2016, it is not just a bridge but a functional part of the park’s water management system. It’s fascinating how such a beautiful structure also serves a critical environmental purpose."

“现在我们站在中堤桥上，这座桥将公园的东西湖分开。2016年建成的它，不仅是一座桥梁，更是公园防洪系统的重要组成部分。如此美丽的结构，居然还承担着如此重要的环境功能，真是让人惊叹。”

During our visit, the host Laura encountered a group of "Da-Niao (bird-photographing)" photographers by the pond, capturing images of wild birds. Through their lenses, she felt the vitality and charm of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

在我们的探访中，主持人Laura偶遇了一群正在水塘边抓拍野生鸟类的“打鸟”摄影师，通过他们的镜头感受到人与自然和谐相处的生机与趣味。

"As we wrap up our visit, we’ve explored the historic, ecological, and cultural richness of Yuyuantan Park. From its tranquil lakes to its unique flora and fauna, it offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city of Beijing. Yuyuantan Park is truly a gem, combining nature, history, and modernity in a harmonious blend."

“随着我们的参观即将结束，我们已经探索了玉渊潭公园的历史、生态与文化之美。这里有宁静的湖泊和独特的动植物，为繁忙的北京城提供了一处安宁的休憩之地。玉渊潭公园堪称一颗璀璨的明珠，在这里自然、历史与现代和谐交融。”

From a quiet spring-fed lake on the western edge of the old city to a key hub on today’s Yongding River diversion channel, Yuyuantan has always been more than just a scenic spot. For centuries it has stored and regulated water for Beijing, witnessing the ebb and flow along the capital’s banks. Today, its twin lakes and the rebuilt Zhongti Bridge continue this mission — moderating floods, linking green corridors, purifying water and nurturing life. Here history and ecology meet: the waters that once supplied the imperial city now nourish a living network of wetlands, parks and neighborhoods. Reflected on Yuyuantan’s surface is not only Beijing’s past, but also its future

从古都西缘静谧的湖泊，到今天永定河引水渠上的重要枢纽，玉渊潭始终不仅仅是一处风景胜地。几百年来，它为北京蓄水、调水。如今，东西双湖与重建后的中堤桥在新时代延续着这一使命——调蓄洪水、串联绿廊、净化水质、孕育生灵。这里是历史与生态的交汇，映照在玉渊潭水面的，不仅是北京的过去，更是它的未来。

出品人：王晓辉

Executive Producer: Wang Xiaohui

总监制：薛立胜

Chief Supervisor: Xue Lisheng

总策划：蔚力

Chief Planner: Yu Li

制片：张芃芃

Producer: Zhang Pengpeng

策划：张芃芃 丁素云 曹川川 李颖

Creative Planning: Zhang Pengpeng, Ding Suyun, Cao Chuanchuan, Li Ying

导演：龚小磊

Director: Gong Xiaolei

撰稿：张芃芃

Screenwriter: Zhang Pengpeng

主持人：荣希玛 (Chaima El Moujradi) 劳拉 (Laura Ugalde) 德密柰 (Marina Dech)

Hosts: Chaima El Moujradi, Laura Ugalde, Marina Dech

摄像：李春浩 王恺琦

Cinematography: Li Chunhao, Wang Kaiqi

跟机：王俊胜

Camera Assistant: Wang Junsheng

剪辑：王恺琦 顾钧予 刘泽敖

Editing: Wang Kaiqi, Gu Junyu, Liu Zeao

调色：康凯

Color Grading: Kang Kai

混音：康凯

Sound Mixing: Kang Kai

推广：孟超 李昭 姜壹平 苏向东 丁素云 王雁青 葛蕾 秦金月 张静

Promotion: Meng Chao, Li Zhao, Jiang Yiping, Su Xiangdong, Ding Suyun, Wang Yanqing, Ge Lei, Qin Jinyue, Zhang Jing

节目承制：大音

Produced by: NEWSAYING (Shanghai) Consulting and Planning Co., Ltd.