Imagine a city embracing nature. That’s the vision behind Chengdu’s ambitious Park City plan. We are standing at 95km/5km. This marker hints at the scale of Chengdu’s green ambitions.
Chengdu, a city of over 20 million, is not just building parks. It is crafting a city within a park. The plan involves a vast system of interconnected parks and greenways. Think of it as a green revolution on a massive scale.
The Longquan Mountain Urban Forest Park showcases this vision. It will span 1,275 square kilometers. This will make it one of the world’s largest urban park areas. The Tianfu Greenway is another key element. It will eventually stretch 17,000 kilometers. This will become the world’s largest green path network.
This Park City initiative aims to improve the quality of life for Chengdu residents. Green spaces boost mental health. They also mitigate climate change impacts. Chengdu has long valued harmony between urbanization and nature. An ancient irrigation system has supported agriculture for centuries.
In 2018, President Xi Jinping called for ecologically conscious planning. He introduced the term “Park City.” Chengdu’s plans aim to provide a model for metropolises worldwide. The goal is to show that environmental improvement can drive economic growth.
Urban planners prioritize greenspace within 300 meters of every resident. This means mini-gardens and pocket parks. Even private green spaces at hotels may open to the public. Buildings and bridges will be adorned with plants and flowers.
The Guixi ecological park is part of a 5-kilometer cluster of green spaces. Some compare it to Chengdu’s version of Central Park. Parks offer lakes, walking paths and playgrounds. Free WiFi is available in some greenways. People can even play interactive games on their phones.
Chengdu’s Park City plan has garnered international attention. UN-Habitat recognizes Chengdu’s commitment to sustainable development. The city monitors its progress using a Park City Indicator System. This system assesses the project’s impact on people, place, planet, prosperity and participation.
The International Horticultural Exhibition in Chengdu highlights the Park City concept. This event showcases the latest achievements in horticulture. Chengdu’s Park City vision sets a new standard for urban development. It shows that cities can thrive in harmony with nature. We at 95km/5km are witnessing the future of urban living.