[Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

The West Bund Nature Art Park in Shanghai's Xuhui district has emerged as a favourite destination for families, with visitor numbers surpassing 20,000 in a single day during the Qingming Festival, according to the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Greenery and City Appearance.

The park, part of the first phase of the urban ecological park belt (Xuhui section), is located west of Longwu Road in Huajing town and covers an area of approximately 20 hectares. Embracing the concept of a park city and child-friendly space, the park seamlessly integrates urban habitat, experiences for all ages, and a natural classroom.

Within the core area, the park has constructed a three-hectare child-friendly space called the "Insects' Forest Adventure". Themed around "What's beneath the forest?", the area features nine children's play facilities, such as swings inspired by bamboo insects, seats arranged in the shape of a centipede, cocoon-like slides, and bridges styled after moth cocoons, all designed in the likeness of native insects. These installations aim to help children connect with nature and stimulate their spirit of exploration and imagination, according to the city's greenery authority.

Additionally, the park is dedicated to enhancing biodiversity by introducing bird habitats and nectar plants to create environments for amphibians, forest birds, and pollinating insects. Educational stations on insects, plants, and birds have been set up along a path called "the ecological path", to encourage forest learning that integrates scientific exploration, nature education, and interactive parent-child activities.

The park also established a multi-dimensional greenway system composed of 2.7 kilometres of ground-level walkways, pedestrian bridges, and a 500-meter elevated walkway, offering visitors a rich recreational experience.

While preserving the original basketball court on the south side of Old Huajing Road, the park has added ping-pong tables, various fitness equipment, and interactive experience facilities, creating a more dynamic and attractive sports space.

To strengthen the ecological foundation, the park collaborated with a research team from the Shanghai Botanical Garden to conduct an ecological base survey and assessment during the park's design phase. The children's play area and sports fields have been designed in conjunction with the preserved landscape tree species to create recreational facilities under the forest canopy. Through sorting, relocation, and replanting, the park aims to ensure flowering in three seasons and scenic beauty throughout the year.

By the end of the year, more facilities in the park, such as the Hedge School and Woodworking School, will also be put into operation, offering more creative and vibrant park experiences.

Source: "shanghaifabu" WeChat account