Nanhaizi can be positioned as a “parlor” to receive visitors from home and abroad who wishto experience Chinese culture, said Zhang Baoxiu, professor with the College of Arts and Sciences of Beijing Union University, at the first Nanhaizi Culture Forum in Beijing on Dec 8.

Nanhaizi is a “key node” and a “bright pearl”on the Xishan Mountain and Yongding River Cultural Belt, said Zhang, emphasizing its importance.

Nanhaizi used to belong to the basin of the Yongding River, the “Mother River” of Beijingthat has cultivatedthe history and culture of the area.

Nanhaizi used to be home to wetlands and lakes and offered good ecology for plants and animals. Historically it was also an important functional area.

A group of emperors dealt with governmental affairs there and there were hunting grounds and farms supplying meat, vegetables and fruit to the royal families and residents in the imperial capital city.

In addition, the ecology, history as well as the mix of traditional and modern elements has brought a great deal ofcharm to Nanhaizi.

Nanhaizi once hosted the chieftain of Tibet and held military parades and martial performancesin history. The Tuanhe Xinggong (temporary dwelling place of an emperor) can be developed into a high-end venue for hosting events involving state affairs, Zhang said.

She said that upon completion of the Beijing Daxing International Airport the area willbecome a new gateway for the city.