Jimo district of Qingdao, Shandong province is bursting with vibrant colors — a mesmerizing spectacle. [Photo by Liang Xiaopeng/For chinadaily.com.cn]

With more and more overlooked and unused spaces transforming into lush, well-appointed pocket parks and themed parks, the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province is ramping up efforts to provide its locals with a greener, more accessible and convenient lifestyle.

In 2019, Qingdao launched the micro-renewal campaign, in which it improves the environment of public spaces within old communities, as well as streets and squares.

This year, Qingdao will develop another 100 micro-renewal demonstration projects across the city and make full use of spaces that haven't been fully utilized by the public, including spaces under bridges, underused old neighborhoods, and long-term idle properties and land owned by State-owned enterprises.

According to local authorities, Qingdao thoroughly renovated the spaces beneath 40 bridges in the urban area last year, repurposing 67,000 square meters of space and pioneering a new way to revitalize abandoned spaces. These once hidden corners beneath the bridges are becoming increasingly colorful and vibrant.

Additionally, Qingdao has renovated many such areas into pocket parks, offering the public great spots to enjoy nature and stay active.

In 2023, Qingdao completed 83 pocket parks. This year, Qingdao will perfect the city's pocket park system by constructing 140 small and refined pocket parks, establishing 180 small-scale flower landscapes, and providing guidance and support for the green transformation and enhancement of residential community gardens, aiming to meet people's aspirations for a better life.