This photo taken on June 18, 2020 shows a view of the Seine River and a cityscape of Paris, France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
This photo taken on July 8, 2023 shows a view of the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- During scorching summer days, the riverbanks in cities serve as the perfect urban "living room". Flowing between buildings and turning at street corners, rivers offer a rare and welcome coolness amidst the urban heat island.
Paris and Beijing, two cities vastly different in many ways, have a lot in common in terms of summer lifestyle on their riverbanks: strolling, camping, boating, drinking, and more.
People take part in "Paris Plages," a beach festival by the Seine River in Paris, France, July 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
People enjoy an evening picnic by the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Our photographers are going to show you how rivers contribute to quality waterfront living in both cities.
This photo taken on June 18, 2020 shows a view of the Seine River and a cityscape of Paris, France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
The Seine River, the second largest river in France, meanders through the heart of Paris. Flowing from west to east, it divides the city into the iconic "Left Bank" and "Right Bank". The Left Bank is defined by an artistic ambiance, adorned with cafes, theaters, and bookstores, creating a haven for the literary circle and a cultural paradise. On the other hand, the Right Bank houses prestigious landmarks such as the Louvre, the former royal palace, and the Elysee Palace, the current presidential residence, establishing itself as the political center of Paris.
A tourist boat sails along the Seine River in Paris, France, July 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A couple from China pose for wedding photos by the Seine River in Paris, France, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
Earnest Hemingway once wrote: "I would walk along the quais [on the Seine] when I had finished work or when I was trying to think something out."
People take part in "Paris Plages," a beach festival by the Seine River in Paris, France, July 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A biker passes by the Seine River in Paris, France, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A man takes a rest by the Seine River as a tourist boat passes by him in Paris, France, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A marriage proposal takes place by the Seine River in Paris, France, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
The people of Paris cannot live without the Seine River. The literati find inspiration here, loving couples walk along the riverbank and have heart-to-heart talks, tourists wander between the historic buildings on both banks, whereas locals can pass the day in a riverside cafe. The flowing waters of the Seine River are indeed a mirror of the artistic temperament of Paris.
A customer reads a newspaper at a cafe by the Seine River in Paris, France, June 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A couple take a rest by the Seine River in Paris, France, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A fashion show is held by the Seine River in Paris, France, July 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
Meanwhile, Beijing's Liangma River used to be a place where caravans would cleanse and refresh their horses before entering the city. Originating from the moat of Beijing, it flows from west to east, eventually merging into the Ba River. The Liangma River traverses diverse areas, including foreign embassies, international hotels, department stores, and trendy commercial streets, connecting various international business districts in Beijing.
Tourists take an evening boat tour along the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)
In 2019, the city's Chaoyang District embarked on a waterfront project along the Liangma River. After two years of development and environmental improvements, the Liangma River has transformed from a mere waterway into a captivating aquatic landscape, which consists of "one river, two lakes, 24 bridges, and 18 scenic spots". It has now become a must-visit destination in Beijing.
This photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows a view of the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
This photo taken on June 20, 2023 shows SOLANA, a shopping complex by the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
The urbanites of the Chinese capital find "wild fun" and relaxation along the Liangma River, by engaging themselves in fishing, paddleboarding, camping, and other activities.
People enjoy paddleboarding on the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
People enjoy paddleboarding on the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
An 18-kilometer riverside greenway and diverse waterfront spaces offer more possibilities for life.
A European oil painting exhibition is held along a section of the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
People play soccer by the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)
People watch an evening performance by the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
In the course of a day, the scenery of the Liangma River changes, meeting the recreational needs of different groups and adding a cool green touch to the urban jungle of concrete.
This photo taken on June 21, 2023 shows the Youyi (Friendship) Bridge over the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
A tourist boat passes by the Haoyun (Good Luck) Bridge over the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
Be it Paris or Beijing, rivers bring vitality and change to a city, refreshing its temperament while recording the vicissitudes of time. The fusion of cultures is quietly taking place along both the Seine and the Liangma River. After all, through the waterside living scenes along both rivers, a shared pursuit of quality life in Nature's embrace is reflected.
A couple from China pose for wedding photos by the Seine River in Paris, France, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A biker rides past a western restaurant named "La Seine" by the Liangma River in Beijing, capital of China, June 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)
Planners: Wang Jianhua, Tu Ming & Yan Ming
Coordinators: Wu Wei, Zhang Weige, Wang Qingqin & Li Dexin
Photographers: Gao Jing, Ju Huanzong & Chen Zhonghao
Visual designer: Zhang Ziyu
Editors: Wang Haiyan, Sun Ruibo, Zou Guangping & Li Muzi
English editors: Xie Ziyi, Li Mangmang, Wang Siwei, Jin Haoyuan, Wang Haijing■
