Two days ago, I made a solo long-distance drive from my hometown Hangzhou all the way up north to Beijing which I call my second hometown where I once lived consecutively for 20 years. And now I still stay on and off in Beijing with strong nostalgic feeling for this great city.
This time I made it in one day, or specifically starting from 5 pm early morning from my Hangzhou home and got to my residential area in Beijing at 9 pm. The 1275km drive was of course not a breeze for me, but it was not that hard as it looks to be since first, I luckily had fine weather for the whole trip. (for several times I met extremely low visibility weather, especially the foggy weather in later autumn）.
Second, the most awesome are the expressway service stops or centers offering whatever service you need on an expressway, not just toilets and benches for people taking a break or dog areas as I did my self-drive in the States for over ten thousand km. Here you get gas stations, restaurants (snacks, buffets, a la carter and more), drink water (hot and cold), rooms for showers or bath), and more.
Of course, the fastness largely attributed to my eagerness to see Beijing after the three years’ Pandemic, hence the three years’ separation.
This morning I got up at 5 am as usual for morning excises – brisk walk and jogging no matter where I stay or live. Today my flavourist is the walk path along the south city moat, not far from where I live in Beijing.
The 35-km greenway alongside the former old city moats circling the Second Ring Road, which are most runner-friendly waling routes in the city heart of Beijing.
The 35-km greenway is mainly divided into two sections – the North City Moat Bank Road and the South City Moat Road. I walk along the south city moat road.
This greenway along Beijing’s city moat reminds me of my walking on the pathways of Colonel By Drive along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada. Canadians are very active in summer after 5 months’ coldness. The people in Ottawa are very proud of the Rideau Canal which will be turned into the longest skating ring in the world in winter.
Beijing is now catching up with the West in stressing the importance of blue sky, clean water and beautiful environment. The city centers’ 35 km greenway is a perfect example of Beijing’s government’s efforts in making Beijing a clean and liveable city.
When having got down to the southern city moat walk trail, at a distance I saw a green-color train was leaving Beijing Railway Station, passing over the Dongbianmen Rail Bridge over the city moat, going for somewhere I didn’t know for I couldn’t discern the destination signs on the train.
A moving train, a flying plane and fast-driving car often give me much space for imagination, encouraging me to go somewhere, or anywhere, leaving what I live for a while, for a change and the new discovery of myself.
On the city moat trail, I found quite a few early risers had already been there, running, jogging, walking and even fishing! This morning exercise group comprise people from all age and all walk of life. Most of the anglers are seniors who start their new day with angling.
It is a well-maintained trail lined with willow trees and neatly cut bushes of different layers. The brick pathway goes side by side with the red rubber walkway. But some parts of the red rubber walkway is starting cracking and chipping away.
The willow trees were draping down to the water surface of the city moat, presenting a picture of a poetic and fresh morning world. Everything here was calm and peaceful.
Finishing my 5 km brisk walk along the city moat green belt trail, I walked up along the bank steps to the road edging the city-moat. Suddenly at the far distance, the tallest building in Beijing – the CITIC Tower (China Zun) appeared before me. What beautiful early morning picture! The man was drawing a mesmerizing picture and he himself was also in the picture as well this street cleaner riding a tricycle. Very often we ourselves don’t know what a beautiful life we have simply because we are in it.
Returning home, I deliberately passed over the Giangqumen Bridge where I saw today’s sunrise glow. The new day is coming.
The busy commuters and hard-working students were here and there buying their breakfast at the various windows providing a multiple choice of delicious breakfast with unique flavors and tastes.
Beijing looks calm and down to the earth going according to its own life circle.
Daniel Li
September 19, 2023.