Shanghai, celebrated as a "city of a thousand parks", has unveiled an ambitious plan to add another 1,000 parks over the next 10 years, according to the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau.

For the year 2026, the city will add 100 new parks, 500 hectares of new green space, 100 kilometers of greenways, and 100,000 square meters of vertical greenery.

Facing limited land resources and high population density, the city cannot rely on urban expansion to create public green spaces, said an official from the bureau.

To meet the challenge, Shanghai will tap into existing resources, including previously enclosed green spaces affiliated to enterprises and institutions. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the city unlocked 187 such green spaces. This year, another 20 will be opened to the public.

Shanghai is also prioritizing quality. This year, it will build 20 child-friendly parks, enhance sports facilities in parks, and continue developing the Shanghai Chenshan National Botanical Garden.

Additionally, 40 new pocket parks will be built or renovated to ensure green spaces are within easy reach for residents.

Source: Shanghai Observer