“Egret hillside” isn’t just a name. Lake Egret is a testament to Shenzhen’s dedication to nature. It’s a vibrant part of Shenzhen Bay Park.
Shenzhen Bay Park stretches along the coastline. It covers Nanshan and Futian districts. This park is one of the most visited spots in Shenzhen. Millions come here each year to enjoy its beauty. Since opening in 2011, it has become a local favorite.
Lake Egret is part of Shenzhen Bay Park. The park has two main sections. There is the Shenzhen Bay Coastal Leisure Zone. Then there is the Shenzhen Mangrove Coastal Eco-Park. This eco-park is within the Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve. It protects endangered birds and its mangrove forest.
Before the park, this area was a tidal flat. It was reclaimed during the construction of Binhe Boulevards. The government moved the boulevards to protect the mangroves. This created the Shenzhen mangrove coastal eco-park. It opened to the public in 2000. Later, it merged with the Shenzhen Bay Coastal Leisure Zone. Together, they became Shenzhen Bay Park.
Shenzhen Bay Park officially opened in August 2011. This happened just before the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen. The park includes more than ten themed areas. These include Zhongwan Yuehai Plaza and Haiyun Garden. Also, there is Xiaosha Hill and the Universiade Torch Tower. The tower is 26 meters high. It’s a city landmark since the Universiade.
Shenzhen Bay Park is a haven for migratory birds. They travel from Siberia to Australia. This makes the park a prime spot for bird watching. You can see many nationally protected species here. Local organizations host bird watching events. They provide equipment and guidance for enthusiasts.
The Shenzhen Bay Park Nature Education Centre is here. It was established by the Shenzhen Urban Management Bureau. Also, the Shenzhen Park Management Center helped. The Shenzhen Mangrove Wetland Protection Foundation is part of it too. It’s the first nature education center in China. Shenzhen Bay Park connects nature and humanity. It showcases Shenzhen’s commitment to ecology.
The park spans 13 kilometers. It runs along the coast on the north shore of Shenzhen Bay. It starts near the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. It ends at the Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve. Shenzhen Bay Park covers 108.07 hectares.
The park is designed with 14 themed zones. These zones are motor vehicle-free. Walking and cycling trails connect everything. The name Shenzhen means “Deep Drain”. This refers to the deep ditches near the village in the past.
Take a moment to appreciate Lake Egret. It shows how a city can grow. Also, it protects its natural environment. The harmonious blend of urban life and nature is unique.