A sweeping view of the Xiaofu River Wetland Park. [Photo/zbnews.net]
Many residents in the city of Zibo – located in East China's Shandong province – are getting really enthusiastic about the emerging parks in the city, according to a report in the Zibo Daily on Dec 14.
The concept of a "park city" was first proposed in 2019 and it began to be followed through by the municipality in April 2021. Since then, there have been 10 concrete actions undertaken to upgrade the city's environment – including establishing parks in urban and rural areas and building greenways, as well as ecological corridors.
The newly added parks and green areas now cover 687 hectares, equivalent to about 30 urban parks.
One of them is Xiaofu River Wetland Park, which has become one of the favorite places of residents to exercise, or just chill out.
"I never thought that Xiaofu River could be such a beautiful place," said Zheng Qiang, who has lived there for over 60 years. "The government did a great job."
Zheng is not the only one who appreciates the upgrades. Zhao Kai, an undergraduate who came to Zibo in 2020, said the strip park on Zhongrun Dadao – or Zhongrun avenue – is hundreds of meters long, connecting green spaces, communities and business districts.
"It makes it a good place for many citizens to relax and play," Zhao added.
The improved environment is said to be drawing in young people to start up a business in Zibo. To many, the green appeal is obvious. An art space, located on the east side of the Xiaofu River Wetland Park has become a gathering place for young people to start their dreams.
