A new riverside public park covering 116,000 square meters will complete construction in Qingpu District by the end of 2026, offering residents a scenic waterfront space with nearly 3 kilometers of continuous shoreline in the core of Xicen Science and Innovation Center in the Yangtze River Delta Ecology and Greenery Integration Demonstration Zone.

The Xicen Water Town Park (Phase I) blends traditional Jiangnan water town aesthetics with modern ecological design. It features pavilions, wetlands and lawns alongside cruise waterways, creating an immersive natural landscape accessible to the public.

Designers integrated 10 signature scenic spots known as "Xicen Ten Views" throughout the park's trails. Visitors can experience rain sounds under covered bridges, lush wetland habitats for birds, magnolia lined waterfront walkways and open grass zones for children's activities. The design reinterprets classic Jiangnan architectural elements into modern daily leisure spaces.

Xu Feng, planning and construction director at Yangtze River Delta Investment (Shanghai) Co Ltd, said the park aims to serve as a cultural public living room rather than a mere scenic site.

Open lawns, waterfront viewing platforms, modern arch bridges inspired by ancient water town architecture and winding poetic corridors create versatile spaces for family recreation, social gatherings and cultural exhibitions.

The park adopts an innovative flood-resilient design replacing rigid traditional embankments. Multi-level submersible zones adjust to fluctuating water levels and rainfall. These areas function as gentle grass slopes and pedestrian paths in dry weather and absorb floodwater during rainy seasons with a total storage capacity of 314,000 cubic meters.

"We designed the park as a breathable landscape that adapts to natural water changes," Xu said. "It eliminates barriers between people and water, allowing safe wading and water interaction."

Sponge city facilities including sunken green spaces, rain gardens and grass ditches ensure walkable conditions in light rain and zero waterlogging during heavy downpours while providing ecological buffers for surrounding developments.

A self-purifying underwater forest ecosystem sustains the park's water quality. Submerged plants such as dwarf and spiny eelgrass and hydrilla form a balanced food chain with microbes, silver carp, bighead carp and shellfish. The system absorbs nitrogen and phosphorus and restrains cyanobacterial growth.

The lake maintains Class II surface water quality year-round with a transparency depth of 2.3 meters in deep water areas. Clear water, swaying aquatic plants and swimming fish recreate the classic Jiangnan scenery of clean shores and lively aquatic life.

A long-term water maintenance mechanism will preserve ecological stability. Operators deploy multi-layer interception and purification systems at water inlets, trim and replant aquatic vegetation regularly, adjust aquatic species populations and conduct real-time water quality monitoring.

The park bridges urban development and natural ecology for the emerging science and innovation town. Visitors can enjoy waterfront views and take water buses across the lake. Featured landscapes include floating green islets and light-and-shadow tunnels on sprawling grass terraces.

Open to citizens and nearby tech industry workers, the space will serve as an ideal destination for after-work walks and weekend mini vacations.

Final improvements on park signs, docks and pedestrian trails will finish by December.