Beijing's sub-center in Tongzhou district has opened 30 renovated parks featuring museums, dining, recreation and sports facilities, sparking a new wave of cultural tourism. The revitalization efforts generated over 100 million yuan in annual revenue from these sites.

The recently opened Lu County Ancient City Ruins Park & Lu County Ancient City Ruins Museum has recently drawn a stream of visitors. The site blends archaeology, museum exhibits and parkland, allowing visitors to explore cultural displays in garden settings.

"Look at the beautiful new museum right by our home! Check out these wells and kiln sites from the Western Han dynasty — this is how our ancestors lived!" exclaimed local resident Mr. Chen during a video call with his mother to showcase the park.

The park blends natural landscapes with cultural spots and has rebuilt 15 Han dynasty structures, including pottery workshops, taverns and tea houses, showcasing the social landscape of that time.

Alongside the Grand Canal in Tongzhou district, a newly opened illuminated basketball court offers a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

"It's amazing to have such a fantastic basketball court right at my doorstep!" said local resident Mr. Ge. "You can work out while enjoying the night view of the canal."

Adjacent to the Grand Canal area is a large urban park that spans 80,000 square meters and features more than 200 activities, including rock climbing, rope descents and obstacle courses, catering to visitors of all ages.

The revitalization efforts are proving to be a financial success. Cheng Haomiao, deputy head of the Tongzhou District Forestry and Parks Bureau, said that the 30 projects in the core area generated over 100 million yuan in 2024. He added that 13 more projects in surrounding townships, which utilize under-forest spaces for recreation, are expected to generate over 78 million yuan annually.

The sub-center plans to continue expanding park improvements with several new projects slated for this year.