URBANISM / Chengdu
Urban walks & green getaways
Despite being one of China’s largest and most populous cities, Chengdu stands out for its abundance of green spaces, both inside the city’s perimeter and on its outskirts. Unusually for such a large city, more than 40 per cent of the downtown area is green space, while more than a third of the entire municipality is covered by forests. Whether you want to explore a different side to the city at a slower pace or you fancy a day away from the buzz, Chengdu’s parks are perfect places in which to lie back and enjoy immersing yourself in nature. This is only one of the factors making it one of China’s most liveable cities.
1.
Qingcheng mountain:
Cradle of philosophy
About 68km away from Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng is your best bet for a hiking escape outside the city. Known as one of the four Taoist mountains in China, it’s listed as a World Heritage Site. Take the Front Mountain route for a cultural hike along caves and palaces or the Back Mountain route to be surrounded by wilderness.
2.
Qinglong Lake Wetland Park:
Greenery in the city
The largest space of its kind in urban Chengdu, Qinglong Lake Wetland Park covers a total area of about 2,000 lush hectares. It serves as “the green lung of the city” and its 3.3km smart jogging path around the lake is designed to leverage IoT, big data, AI and other technologies to allow running enthusiasts to utilise their movement data in real time.
3.
Joy Park:
For a happy hour
A visit to Tianfu Hibiscus Joy park will definitely make you happy. This ecological theme park on the side of the Ring Expressway is part of the Jincheng Greenway. The 100-hectare grounds count 300 different species of plants, as well as a comely assortment of colourful hibiscus flowers. Come here in June or July to see the scenic sunflower fields in all their splendour.
