WDK's Qing Dynasty Train Station Will Be Saved From Demolition

原创 Charles L. theBeijinger

A Beijing train station that once belonged to China's earliest engineering feats of the modern era has been saved from the wrecking ball, making it one of the few survivors of an ongoing citywide urban rejuvenation campaign that has demolished hundreds of buildings.

Local authorities have decided to preserve the century-old Qinghuayuan Railway Station as a local museum and community center as part of a future park named Wenchuan Gardens, reported Beijing Daily.

As decided by the cultural affairs board of the district cultural committee, Tsinghua University's architectural department will take a part in restoring the Qing Dynasty-era structure to its original appearance.

Located just south of Tsinghua University to the west of the Wudaokou subway station, the railway station was built in 1910 as part of China's first railroad that was fully self-engineered, built and operated.

Famously known as "Father of China's Railroad," Zhan Tianyou proved his detractors wrong by building a 200-kilometer-long railway that wasn't just under budget and on schedule but also pioneered a number of engineering techniques such as a "switchback" to help conquer the steep mountains that surround Beijing. Unfortunately, after being dismantled in the '50s and moved 0.8 kilometers southeast, the line was closed in 2016, leaving only the Tsinghua University station as its only remaining local remnant.

And while the station has escaped demolition, age and poor maintenance has reduced the station to dilapidation. After being damaged in World War II, the north end of the building was finally demolished in the '80s, leaving a space that has been encroached upon by a neighboring apartment. Having lost its purpose long ago, the train station has been used by several residents who have altered its structure to fit their needs.

The building was deemed a historical structure in 2012, a nominal gesture that doesn't ensure its safety from redevelopment.

Qinghuayuan Station faced an uncertain fate last April when plans were announced to build a new apartment block upon its land just as other buildings in the vicinity were targeted for demolition by Beijing's ongoing crackdown on old and illegal buildings.

However, although neighboring demolitions totaled 580 square meters last year and took another 115 square meters last month, this news means Qinghuayuan has been spared the unlucky fate that has befallen hundred-year-old local laozihao restaurants and one of Beijing's last remaining dry foodstuffs stores.

Images: Weibo.com

Top Stories This Week