Since 2022, Shenzhen has advanced the high-quality development of a green and livable city through its “Mountain-Sea Connection” initiative, promoting the integration of mountains, coastline, urban space, and public parks. Located along the Qianhai Bay waterfront, Shuangjie River Park serves as a key node within this vision, transforming fragmented coastal green space into a resilient and vibrant public landscape.

Design Concept and Spatial Strategy

The project adopts “Borderless Coexistence” as its core design concept, redefining the relationship between ecology, infrastructure, and urban life. Breaking away from conventional park boundaries, the design establishes a 4-kilometer smart slow-mobility system that connects major scenic nodes along Qianhai Bay. Cycling routes, pedestrian paths, nature education areas, commercial art spaces, and waterfront activity zones are integrated into a continuous landscape framework, creating an open and accessible public realm.

Ecological Restoration and Climate Resilience

Ecological restoration forms the foundation of the project. Mangrove habitats and coastal ecological buffers were rehabilitated to improve biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience along the waterfront. Sponge-city strategies, permeable materials, and low-impact landscape techniques were incorporated to enhance stormwater management and ecological performance. Vacant and underused green spaces were transformed into multifunctional activity areas supporting recreation, education, and social interaction.

Bridge Innovation and Waterfront Connectivity

A central feature of the project is the Shuangjie River Pedestrian Bridge, designed under the concept of “A Rainbow Crossing.” The bridge adopts a tensioned box-girder structure with curved variable cross-section high-vanadium D140 cables, creating a lightweight and transparent form. With a main span of 108 meters and a width ranging from 8 to 14 meters, it is the first bridge in China to apply this structural technology over a span exceeding 100 meters. Beyond its engineering innovation, the bridge strengthens connectivity within the waterfront slow-mobility network and establishes a new visual landmark along the Qianhai Bay skyline.

Public Life and Community Participation

The project emphasizes public participation and everyday urban life. Since opening, the park has become one of Shenzhen’s most popular waterfront destinations, widely used for cycling, walking, birdwatching, leisure, and family activities. All-age activity zones include climbing structures, sand play areas, wooden mazes, and interactive nature education facilities that encourage environmental awareness through daily engagement. Accessible pathways, seating areas, and service facilities further support inclusivity, comfort, and long-term public use.

Sustainable Mobility and Urban Impact

As part of Shenzhen’s western coastal cycling corridor, the park connects to a broader 17.6-kilometer cycling network between Xiwang and Taiziwan, supporting low-carbon transportation and healthy lifestyles. The integration of ecological restoration, recreational infrastructure, and smart mobility systems provides a replicable model for resilient waterfront regeneration in high-density coastal cities.

Implementation Challenges and Technical Solutions

Throughout the three-year design and construction process, the project addressed complex challenges including shoreline elevation differences, mangrove restoration, storm-surge resilience, and coordination with existing municipal infrastructure. Innovative solutions such as ecological floating pontoons and low-impact shoreline treatments ensured a balance between engineering performance and environmental sensitivity.

Project Outcomes

Today, Shuangjie River Park demonstrates how ecological restoration, public life, and infrastructure can coexist within a unified landscape system. The project enhances biodiversity and environmental resilience while creating an inclusive and engaging waterfront environment that supports sustainable urban development, low-carbon lifestyles, and community well-being.

Client: Shenzhen Qianhai Construction Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen OCT Hotel Development Co., Ltd. (Project Management)

Landscape Architect: Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou S.P.I Design Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Teamzero Architectural Planning and Design Co., Ltd.

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