In recent years, Yangpu has diligently executed the strategic directives from both the municipal and district governments to build a sponge city. By adopting a holistic approach, the district has refined its operational frameworks and streamlined regulatory procedures, bolstering urban resilience and nurturing a healthier ecological landscape.

Transformed with innovative thinking and eco-friendly tech, the 7.35-hectare Xinjiangwancheng Park is now a model of city-nature harmony. Beyond just storing, filtering, and purifying rainwater through sponge city facilities, it has emerged as a dynamic place where locals can truly embrace nature.

Adaptive Ecological Design

The park's renovation follows the "minimum intervention" principle, embedding sponge technology while keeping the original landscape intact. The children's playground features colorful pervious concrete that allows rainwater to seep through quickly and channels excess water into storm drains through a hidden pipe system, ensuring both safety and functionality.

The forest adventure area has an integrated rainwater management setup. It uses open ditches to guide water, bioswales to filter it, and rain gardens to clean it up, keeping the area's water clean and healthy.

Innovative Solutions for a Greener Future

This project features a rainwater system that can store up to 370 cubic meters of water, reducing runoff by 85% and pollution by 60%. In the northern forest garden, the "Woodland Edge Blossom Stream" merges rain gardens with natural settings, enhancing the scenery while offering a space for people to engage with nature.

While easing urban flooding, these designs leverage the synergy between vegetation and water to regulate the local microclimate and bolster the city's resilience.

People-oriented Public Space

The park's redesign thoughtfully merges ecology with public needs. Pervious surfaces and green spaces reduce water accumulation and boost safety. Waterfront zones link up trails, viewing platforms and waterfront spots into a space that blends fun and learning. This mix of blue and green spaces lets people soak up nature while feeling the improved life from sponge city building.

The sponge city upgrade of Xinjiangwancheng Park exemplifies Yangpu's commitment to the people's city concept. Merging tech innovation with ecological insight, it transforms urban infrastructure from mere function to multifaceted value, paving a reproducible way forward for sustainable megacity development.