Beijing's Liangma River becomes summer oasis for paddlers

As scorching heatwaves grip China this summer, Beijing residents are flocking to the Liangma River for relief, turning paddleboarding into a popular urban pastime.

The river winds through the city's Chaoyang district. It has become a cooling hotspot where locals and expats gather to paddle, socialize, and stay active.

"It's refreshing and cool in the summer," said Zhang Yanwu, a regular who brings his board several times a week. "There are definitely more people here. It's clean, beautiful, and now a summer hotspot."

Alan, a 30-year-old British English teacher at an international school, also paddles weekly. "I started last summer when my friend bought a second-hand board," he said. "We come here to cool down, play around, and stay fit. It's a great way to unwind."

Affordable rentals have also boosted participation. Local vendors offer rental services for about 150 yuan ($21), often with no strict time limit.

Wu Gaofeng, an individual vendor, has been renting boards along the river for three years. "This is our busiest summer yet," he said. Wu rents out more than a dozen boards daily, with weekend demand even higher and customers lining up.

Beyond paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and riverside picnicking have also become part of the summer scene. As temperatures climb, the Liangma River is transforming into a vibrant summer escape.