Photo and Written by Ruqin
August 30, 2026

Sunrise: 5:38 am
Temperature: 20–32°C

Yesterday morning, as usual, I got up about ten minutes before sunrise. By 5:38, I was already outside, walking along the city moat near Guangqumen and heading toward Dongbianmen.

People Jogging and Fishing along the City Moat at Dongbianmen

The Southeast Corner Tower soon appeared ahead of me, an old landmark beside the Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park.

At this hour, the paths along both sides of the moat were already busy. Some people were walking or jogging, young and old, getting their morning exercise before the heat of the day. Others had come for a quieter reason.

The Southeast Corner Tower, a Morning Train Passing, and Seniors Fishing and Walking Along the Moat

They were mostly retired seniors, sitting along the water with their fishing rods.

I often see them here. Rain or shine, there always seem to be a few fishermen along the moat. Some sit alone. Others gather in small groups, watching their floats and chatting from time to time.

I often see them here. Rain or shine, there always seem to be a few fishermen along the moat

The fish here are mostly small crucian carp, along with loaches. Fishing seems to be partly about catching something for the table, but mostly it is a way to spend the morning.

There is no hurry.

Many fishermen leave without catching anything. A lucky few go home with several small fish. Either way, they have spent a few hours beside the water, under the trees, while the city slowly wakes up around them.

Beijing’s old moat system around the Second Ring Road stretches for more than 20 kilometers. The southern moat runs from Xibianmen in the west to Dongbianmen in the east, where it meets the Tonghui River.

Today, much of the moat is lined with trees and walking paths. There are benches, small pavilions, public toilets and places to rest along the way. In the early morning, it feels less like a tourist sight and more like part of the neighborhood.

People walk. People jog. Old men fish.

And another ordinary Beijing morning begins.

If you are visiting Beijing and have some free time, take a walk along the city moat early in the morning. You may not see anything famous, but you will see something just as interesting — how local people begin their day.

Keep Exploring Beijing

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Beijing Ming City Wall Relics Park Morning Walk | Beijing Photo Walks by Ruqin
Beijing Second Ring Road Moat Greenway Walk — From Guangqumen Bridge to Zuo’anmen Bridge
Where to Run in Beijing: Best Routes, Parks & Running Tips