Shanghai strives to become city of parks

Shanghai is fast becoming a city of parks, as the government tackles unlocking previously enclosed green spaces to the public and opening parks 24 hours a day, according to core initiatives.

The city has launched a campaign to open to the public previously enclosed green spaces affiliated with enterprises and institutions. By late last year, it had already unlocked 86 such spaces spanning over 600,000 square meters.

Another 40 green spaces will be opened this year, with qualified venues upgraded into public parks. By the end of next year, Shanghai aims to unlock over 100 such locations, exceeding 1 million sq m in total, according to the plan.

The city is also developing pocket parks by activating underutilized lots and repurposing public green spaces.

As of December, Shanghai's park network has expanded to 477 urban parks, 265 pocket parks, 89 rural parks and a theme park.

Parks in Shanghai have lengthened their operating hours to provide round-the-clock access for residents.

By late 2022, 255 of the city's 438 registered urban parks had been extended to all-day operation. Extended hours are now mandatory for all new urban parks.

Over 60 percent of Shanghai's urban parks have achieved 24-hour accessibility as of last year. This year, another 30 parks across nine districts, including Huangpu and Pudong, will be open around the clock.

"Our vision goes beyond simply building parks within the city, but transforming Shanghai into one grand park integrating green spaces seamlessly into the urban landscape," said Gong Zheng, mayor of the city.