People stroll through a new green space that replaced some abandoned walls in a community in Liangjiang New Area in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn] |
Liangjiang New Area initiated a campaign last year to remove old and unused walls and create more green space for residents. A total of 56.7 kilometers of abandoned walls have been pulled down thus far, and 370,000 square meters of green space have been created.
In Nanji Fenglin community, walls built a decade ago have been replaced by a playground packed with recreational facilities.
The playground is divided into two sections. In the north section, the original vegetation and walking paths have been preserved and recreational platforms for physical fitness have been installed to meet people's various needs.
In the south section, the terrain has been reshaped to connect several urban roads. Plants on the playground can absorb rain – part of the "sponge city" concept.
The Liangjiang government plans to further optimize the area's spatial layout and urban functions to make it a more hospitable place.
John Edwards, the UK trade commissioner for China, praised Chongqing over its rise as a burgeoning center in intelligent manufacturing.