The government of Chengdu has made solid gains in its endeavour to become a park city, expanding green spaces and opening up new opportunities for tourism and leisure, resulting in it topping the list of China's happiest cities for the past 13 years.

 

The concept of "park city" was first introduced in 2018 and aimed to sustainably improve the city's urban layout, environmental protection, and industrial development.

 

The Jinjiang River that flows through Chengdu has been turned into a vibrant tourism and leisure destination following an extensive project to revamp the area. During this year's Lantern Festival, the city's Jinjiang riverside area teemed with people strolling the banks as sightseeing boats ferrying people along the river from one scenic spot to another.

 

Chengdu's strong connection with the Jinjiang River dates back to as early as Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties.

 

 

The strengthened and improved ecological management of the river forms part of the Chengdu government's ambitious plan of building the Tianfu Greenway－a huge connected expanse of green areas capable of being used for multiple functions, including various economic models such as markets, catering, exhibitions, shows, celebrations and accommodation.

 

So far this year, river cruise ships and routes and interactive performances have all been upgraded, according to the government.

 

At a length of 5 kilometres along the Jinjiang River, the cruise route connects multiple scenic spots in Chengdu, including the Chengdu 339, a new business area for the modern service industry, and Hejiang Pavilion, a popular tourist attraction.

 

 

By the end of 2021, a total of 5,188 km of the Tianfu greenway had been built. The greenway is aimed to help the city realize ecological protection and offer spaces for leisure tourism and sports. While providing residents with a better life experience helps the whole city form a green way of development and lifestyle.

 

Chengdu Longquan Mountain Urban Forest Park is taking shape in the city's east. In the middle of Chengdu, Jinjiang Park runs 48 km from north to south, with the Jinjiang River intersecting it.

 

The ecological park around the city spans more than ten districts and involves 133 square kilometres of ecological land, becoming a name card of Chengdu to the world. The Giant Panda National Park consolidates its ecological preservation and strengthens biodiversity protection in the city's west.

 

 

Last year, Chengdu built 30 new parks. And the remaining space has been transformed into small gardens and playgrounds, providing more opportunities for people to embrace a leisurely lifestyle.

 

 

Edited by Zhu Haiyue

Image Source: Jiang Renke

Source: China Daily