Haitang River Eco Park: A Tropical Ecotopia at 18°N

Haitang River Eco Park is a visionary masterplan located just inland from Haitang Bay in Sanya, a nationally recognized tourism destination. The project transforms nearly 14 km of former industrial riverfront into a thriving tropical ecological corridor. As Asia’s first urban rewilding initiative, it integrates three core strategies—ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and public engagement. Rich rewilded landscapes now span the riverbanks, offering a replicable model for harmonizing urban expansion with ecological resilience.

To achieve a sustainable balance between nature and human activity, the river and its slopes are approached as one sculptural entity. While nature itself sculpted the site originally, agricultural and urban development had lead to its degradation. The project resculpts the river with respect to natural processes. It is a sculpture that gives space for the river to breathe, for the tides to take space, for the rainwater to flow, the plants to blossom, the animals to thrive, and the people to enjoy this spectacle of nature. The landscape design follows a simple set of rules, based on knowledge of ecology, water management and microclimate. They support the river as a healthy, living system and shape the area into an attractive destination.

Ecological Design & Rewilding Practice

Polluted lands are revitalized through innovative ecological engineering. Native leguminous trees rehabilitate depleted soils through their symbiotic mycorrhizal fungal networks, naturally detoxifying contaminants and replenishing fertility. A 29-hectare rewilding zone employs low density planting and seed broadcasting to establish six indigenous plant communities—Meliaceae groups, tropical fruit forests, coastal plains, flowering woodlands, native figs, and tropical palms—restoring biodiversity while minimizing construction and maintenance costs. By removing invasive mangrove species and reintroducing native ones, the original habitat has been reestablished. These restored mangroves not only enhance flood resilience but also serve as vital nurseries for diverse fish and birds species.

Living Tropical Habitat Museum

Ecological initiatives have fostered rich biodiversity along the river corridor. Over 380 plant species—69 percent native to Hainan—now thrive across a mosaic of wetlands and forests. Endangered and protected species are safeguarded in dedicated conservation zones, where companion plantings ensure robust genetic exchange. Seasonal nectar gardens attract 40+ butterfly species, rejuvenating pollinator networks, while food source plants, comprising 20 percent of the flora, draw insects, birds, and other wildlife. Humid amphibian migration corridors connect fragmented wetlands, ensuring safe passage for frogs and small animals. Additional innovations—frog friendly stormwater inlets, artificial bird nests, and squirrel shelters—further enhance habitat quality. Upon completion, the park is expected to host over 20 amphibian species, 30 small reptile species, 300 invertebrate species, and 120+ bird species, achieving a Shannon Biodiversity Index of 3.08—on par with primary rainforests in Brazil (3.16–4.29).

Tropical Eco Tourism & Public Engagement

Rather than remaining an isolated reserve, the park invites visitors to engage directly in rewilding. 35 hectares of former farmland have been protected and transformed into a composition of terraced fields and winding paths, generating economic returns for local farmers and serving as an ecological buffer. Interactive “eco detective” installations educate guests on biodiversity, while sensory gardens let visitors touch orchid roots, inhale vanilla orchid scents, and sample edible and medicinal plants. Aromatic wellness trails planted with lemongrass and vanilla orchids offer therapeutic respite for seniors. Seasonal events—such as bird watching tours and guided nighttime amphibian walks—deepen visitor engagement. With 67 percent tree canopy coverage, the park provides shade and cooling, linking nearby hotels to the Super Mall and demonstrating how ecological design can drive urban renewal.
This initiative proves tropical cities need not choose between development and conservation: rivers can serve as ecological corridors, cultural links, and economic lifelines when we learn to work harmoniously with nature.

Project credits Haitang River Eco Park II
Landscape design – LOLA Landscape Architects
I.c.w. – Shenzhen Runzhi Urban Construction Management, Guangzhou Pubang Landscape, Handsome Design Consultants, Shenyang Yibang Qicai Enterprise Marketing Planning, Shanghai Zhijie Architectural Design Consulting, Chongqing Tianhua Garden
Client – CR Land
Photography – Yoya, LOLA Landscape Architects

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