Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, Aug 5
advertisement
Beijing is a happening city! Don't miss a thing with our weekend roundup of the latest news.
Xiaoqinghe Bridge Collapses Under Pressure Due to Rainfall
Beijing's Xiaoqinghe Bridge, situated west of the iconic Lugou Bridge, succumbed to the city's most severe rainfall in 140 years, reports Yicai. This extraordinary rainfall created flood levels beyond the bridge's designed capacity. The deluge swelled the Yongding River and was worsened by the release of upstream floodgates, resulting in a pier of the Xiaoqinghe Bridge disintegrating and five vehicles plunging into the river, according to Beijing's Fengtai district flood control authority.
The 160-meter Xiaoqinghe Bridge, crossing the intermittent Xiaoqing River, had recently undergone substantial renovations including steel reinforcements and pavement relaying. Luan Qinghua, a professor at Hohai University, suggested the bridge's recent overhaul was unrelated to its failure. Rather, the unprecedented flood levels, surpassing the bridge's design parameters, were primarily to blame. Following the torrential rain, the Yongding River's water levels surged to 3,750 cubic meters per second, as reported by the Beijing Water Authority.
advertisement
Beijing's Tourism Surge Leads to Crowd Management and Enhanced Experiences
Beijing is experiencing a significant tourism boom, with a 50 percent increase in visitors compared to 2019, reports BRTV. Over the past ten days, an average of 1.1 million visitors per day have been recorded at 221 scenic spots across the city. The city's group tours are proving particularly popular, attracting over 5,000 visitors and 130,000 tourists daily. More than 800 three-star and above hotels in the city report an average occupancy rate exceeding 80 percent, with six districts reaching 90 percent.
In response to the surge, Beijing has implemented measures to enhance the visitor experience. The city has adjusted the online reservation times for popular attractions like the National Museum, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven, extending opening hours to manage crowds and facilitate visits during cooler hours.
New Library in Tongzhou Slated to Open in 2024
Slated for a 2024 opening, the Beijing City Library in Tongzhou district, the brainchild of Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta, aims to revolutionize the concept of libraries by infusing modern tech and innovative design, reports Parametric Architecture. The library, a homage to Beijing's cultural diversity, promises to be a vibrant hub for learning, cultural exchange, and open dialogue. The library's design pays tribute to Beijing's rich cultural history, with columns running throughout the interior to represent a ginkgo forest canopy. The Beijing City Library aims to set a benchmark in building technology and aspires to influence future library design globally.
READ MORE
Events and Happenings in the 'Jing This Weekend (Aug 4-6)
Images: Irene Li, Unsplash
advertisement
Warnings Lifted for Largest Rainfall in 140 Years |
Go to IKEA — But Not Only for the Furniture |