Old Beijing Bus is a public children’s space with a bus theme on the streets of Changping that offers a thoughtful example of how memory, play, and urban renewal can coexist within a contemporary public park. Located in Sanjiaodi Park, Changping District, the project by XISUI Design transforms a familiar piece of local history into a lively destination for families.
Sanjiaodi Park once marked the terminus of Bus Route 345, the only route linking Changping with central Beijing. As part of a wider renovation led by the Changping District Government, XISUI Design was invited to reimagine the park’s children’s area, situated on the former site of the 1984 Xiguan Garden playground. The result is a playful installation inspired by the BK640; China’s first domestically manufactured bus and a long-serving presence on Route 345.
Rather than replicating the vehicle, the designers deconstructed its form, extracting recognisable elements and recombining them with contemporary play equipment. The playground is organised into two distinct zones, corresponding to the front and rear of a simulated bus, divided by a pedestrian route that links the park with the surrounding streets.
The front section is designed with younger children in mind. Here, climbing structures, small slides, steering wheels, and gear-inspired turntables support physical development while encouraging imaginative play. Sandboxes, blackboards, and interactive walls invite creativity, while bus-style seating and simple exercise equipment allow parents to stay close and engaged.
The rear area caters to a broader age range, offering more dynamic experiences that encourage shared play between children and adults. Ladders, climbing ropes, double slides, swings, trampolines, and seesaws create a varied landscape for movement, complemented by cognitive games and simple ground markings such as hopscotch.
Safety has been carefully considered, particularly given the site’s proximity to the street. A single controlled opening ensures easy access and clear supervision, while the entrance zone functions as a calm transition space rather than an active play area.
Material choices balance durability, maintenance, and environmental responsibility. Galvanised steel with fluorocarbon paint forms the main structure, while outdoor carbonised bamboo introduces warmth and resilience. Through these choices, and through its playful narrative, the project preserves a shared memory of Changping’s transport history while delivering a contemporary public space that supports everyday family life.
Old Beijing Bus Photography, Hu Yihao, courtesy v2com.
