Tongzhou, the burgeoning eastern district of Beijing, has recently unveiled a new cultural landmark, the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing. This museum, dedicated to the Beijing section of the Grand Canal, a UNESCO world heritage site, forms part of a trio of architectural wonders, including a new library and art center. These structures symbolize the city’s ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment and the integrated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision.
Hu Jiulong, the deputy director of Beijing’s Sub-center Management Committee, emphasized that the inauguration of these three major buildings significantly enhances the cultural allure and urban vitality of Tongzhou. These landmarks are not only key to promoting Beijing as a national cultural center but also cater to the high-quality cultural needs of residents in the eastern part of the city and its surrounding areas.
The Grand Canal Museum, located in the northwest corner of the “Green Heart” Forest Park, began its construction in October 2019. It hosts a variety of exhibitions, including basic, thematic, temporary, and open displays. Tan Xiaoling, deputy director of the Capital Museum, announced an upcoming Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development exhibition scheduled for May 2024.
Functioning as an eastern branch of the Capital Museum, the Grand Canal Museum has transported a portion of its collections to this new site. Collaborations with over 30 museums outside Beijing have enriched the museum’s offerings, including items donated by individuals.
One of the museum’s notable features is its advanced seismic protective measures. With 242 orange rubber mats and colossal seismic isolators, the museum is well-equipped to protect its ancient relics from potential earthquake damage. Zhao Yazhuo, the museum’s exhibition department curator, explained that these measures reduce seismic waves by 60 to 80 percent, considering the impact of the subway beneath the museum.
Adjacent to the museum is the newly opened Beijing Library, an expansion of the Capital Library of China. Spanning 75,000 square meters, it features the largest outdoor reading area for children and a professional art literature hall, distinguished by its impressive self-supporting glass facade. Cheng Dan, a local resident, expressed excitement about the library, particularly its outdoor space for children, which she believes is ideal for lifelong learning.
The library kicked off its opening with a range of immersive activities, including concerts and workshops. It aims to host over 1,000 events annually to foster a culture of lifelong learning.
Complementing these cultural spaces is the newly unveiled Beijing Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), which, along with the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), forms the world’s largest art complex within a single city. Wang Ning, head of the NCPA, shared plans for the BPAC to host numerous performances and art activities, including an international canal art festival and a musical art festival.
The opening of these cultural landmarks in Tongzhou marks a significant milestone in Beijing’s cultural evolution, offering residents and visitors alike a rich tapestry of artistic and educational experiences.
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