The "Blue Ring" water environment renovation project is set to finish construction by the end of 2026, opening a 43-kilometer connected waterfront corridor for the public as a highlight of the Yangtze River Delta Ecology and Greenery Integration Demonstration Zone.

The second phase of the comprehensive environment treatment project has reached 65 percent of overall completion. It serves as a key ecological upgrade for the demonstration zone and aims to restore natural water scenery with crystal clear water and vibrant aquatic wildlife.

The project focuses on opening previously inaccessible shorelines across Jinze Town's west area. The region features a rare cluster of interconnected lakes and rivers with a 25 percent water coverage rate in Shanghai. Terrain barriers long prevented public access to most waterfront areas despite its natural beauty.

Once fully completed, the project will connect all 43 kilometers of shoreline and the ongoing second phase extends 8.5 kilometers. Workers are advancing bridges, road, revetment and aquatic ecosystem construction to transform untidy riverbanks into pedestrian friendly trails and green walkways.

Zhu Yini, a construction management official at the Qingpu Water Conservancy Management Office, said the project prioritized ecological restoration to improve both landscape and water quality.

The lake zone already boasts rich biodiversity. Rare species including pheasant-tailed jacanas and reed parrotbills inhabit the waterside wetlands.

"Biodiversity here is remarkably abundant, and the overall water quality surpasses the two major neighboring waterways, the Taipu River and Lanlu Port," Zhu said. To protect the precious aquatic ecosystem, the project adopts an approach prioritizing natural restoration.

Large areas of submerged and emergent vegetation are planted on lakebeds to form layered underwater forests, greatly boosting the water's self-purification capacity and transparency. In the finished section, nearshore water transparency exceeds one meter, showcasing crystal-clear scenes of swaying aquatic plants and swimming fish.

Beyond water treatment, the second phase reshapes local landscape and cultural features under the lake-plus development concept. It creates two themed zones. One of the zones near Cenbu Village retains original fish ponds and ridges to build lotus flower wetlands, bird watching platforms and firefly viewing zones, preserving wild natural scenery and creating immersive rural ecological experiences.

The other area adjacent to ancient Jinze Town maintains original island terrain. It features reed boating routes and landscape spots inspired by local culture. The design blends traditional water town heritage with modern outdoor leisure spaces for walking and cycling.

Continuing the first phase's four-season landscape design, the second phase adds new arbors and shrubs. The greenery creates distinct seasonal views with weeping willows in spring, albizia flowers in summer, ginkgo foliage in autumn and wintersweet blossoms in winter.

Upon full opening at the end of 2026, the "Blue Ring" will connect key landmarks including Huawei Lianqiu Lake Research Center, Qingxi Country Park and Jinze Ancient Town.