On May 24, the Beijing Shijingshan Yongding River Half Marathon 2026 kicked off at Shougang Park, Shijingshan District. Stretching 21.0975 kilometers, the trail winds along the Yongding River and passes by landmarks including the Big Air Shougang, linking industrial heritage sites, waterfront landscapes, and landmarks of urban renewal. While running, you can find shimmering riverside scenery on one side, and the imposing view of Shougang's blast furnaces alongside the big air venue on the other. The trail presents unique urban landscapes marked by both rugged strength and gentle grace, merging ancient heritage with modern vitality.
Shougang Park: A Complex Developed for the Summer Olympics and Becoming Nameknown after the Winter Olympics
The start and finish line sits at the intersection of Wuyi Theater South Road and Qunming Lake Street.
As a vital cultural landmark of the old Shougang industrial area, Wuyi Theater once served as the core venue for workers' recreational activities.
With a surface covering 100,000 square meters, Qunming Lake was renovated from a blast furnace's circulating water system. It is now among the most vibrant spots in the park. Black swans have settled here over recent years, with their shadows cast upon the reflections of the distant cooling towers forming a delightful scene.
Shijingshan Road cuts across the northern part of the park from east to west, ending at the iconic east factory gate. The relocated and reconstructed gate retains its original arch and pillar structure, with vintage industrial font still recognizable. Running through this gate, you will find yourself inside Shougang Park. Moving along Chengtong Street, Xingyue Road and Gucheng South Street, you will find the fading traces of old factory life, which are giving way to a brand-new modern urban landscape.
Gucheng South Street: History Embodied in Its Name
The name "Gucheng" is derived from the ancient Gucheng Village. The village is no longer there, yet its name has been passed down for centuries, used to name a street and later a subdistrict. Every step taken here will connect you with the centuries-old local memories.
Old and new styles coexist along the roadside. Red brick walls of the former industrial area stand opposite sleek floor-to-ceiling glass facades of contemporary office buildings, showcasing the encounter of two epochs within a short stretch.
Continue your journey to Renminqu Road, run around 2 kilometers along Yandi Street and cross Shijingshan Road again, then you will find the New Shougang Bridge spanning the river, where the Yongding River comes into full view.
Scenic Shijingshan along the Yongding River
Back in the 1970s, the watercourse here was dried up, and sandstorms occurred frequently. Today, a steady water flow has been maintained all year round, and flocks of water birds have been drawn to the river. In 2022, Shijingshan District was named Beijing's first "National Forest City" within the central urban area.
The trail extends under Shougang Bridge and heads north along the river embankment. Gongbei Pavilion on the hillside stands prominently as a landmark of the district, boasting commanding panoramic views of downtown Shijingshan and the Yongding River.
Standing 183.7 meters above sea level, Shijing Mountain ("Shijingshan" in Chinese) is hailed as the "Top Fairy Mountain of Yan Capital". The district got its name from the mountain.
The Big Air Shougang, the world's first permanently preserved venue of its kind, can be seen in the distance. The steel structure still embodies the passion of the Winter Olympic Games, bringing motivation to all runners.
The route loops back at the northern end of Hedi East Road. From here, you will embark on the return journey for reflection, along which natural spectacles and urban landscapes coexist in harmony.
By Qunming Lake: A Century-Old Power Plant Reborn
The journey now follows Qunminghu West Street. The lake (Qunming Lake) mirrors industrial relics and the big air venue, with Shangri-La Shougang Park (a hotel) standing quietly on the bank. Originally a power plant built in the early 1900s, the venue was reopened to the public as a hotel after renovation in 2021. It preserves original concrete frameworks, turbine units and chimneys, retaining local legacy with a brand-new look.
Further ahead lies Xiu Pond. Reflection of the No.3 Blast Furnace on the water creates one of the most classic photo scenes in Shougang Park. Following the stop of its operation in 2010, the blast furnace has been renovated into an industrial cultural experience venue, setting a fine example for industrial heritage revitalization.
Turning from Xiuchi North Road onto Qunminghu Street leads back to the race's start and finish point.
And now, you have finished more than just a physical challenge—you have completed an urban journey traversing a century of industrial history, full of the charm of Shijingshan.
(Source: Beijing Shijingshan)