China: Beijing's revitalized historic waterway becomes lifestyle destination.

Once plagued by water quality problems, the Liangma River in Beijing has been transformed into a vibrant urban space where people connect with nature and leisure. Years of ecological protection efforts along the historic waterway have notably improved the quality of life in this part of the Chinese capital. It's amazing to think how much work has gone into changing this from apparently a smelly backwater into something really beautiful. The Liangma River's transformation stands as a testament to Beijing's broader urban ecological efforts, turning a once-neglected waterway into a thriving community space and a symbol of the city's green evolution. Shotlist: Beijing, China - Recent: 1. Various of Liangma River, man paddleboarding; 2. Catamaran; 3. Various of people resting, talking; river bank; 4. Various of paddleboards, man paddleboarding; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Alex McCutcheon, CGTN reporter (partially overlaid with shot 6): "It's amazing to think how much work has gone into changing this from apparently a smelly backwater into something really beautiful. (Tianran He, CGTN reporter: "It's crazy.") "Yeah. And you can tell that's the emphasis on quality of life. Not just people making money, but having a nice place to go." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 6. Worker salvaging grasses from river [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 7. Various of ducks swimming on river. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]