Parks breathe new life to key city

CHONGQING — In late spring, when the flowers are in full bloom, the lush greenery of the parks in Chongqing attracts crowds of people eager to enjoy the scenery.

Parks lie scattered around Chongqing, greening the former industrial city. In recent years, several distinctive parks have been opened, not only enhancing the urban environment of the city but also injecting vitality into its economic growth.

Langchao Park, with its undulating ground paved with pump tracks, has become a new sports and leisure destination. Skateboarders, scooter riders and other sports enthusiasts can zoom around its slopes, sharp turns and other challenging obstacles, and the newly opened park has received praise from residents.

"This pump track is impressive, with its vibrant colors and innovative designs. Children have a lot of fun playing here," says resident Zhang Jianping.

The park stands out for its focus on sports and features children's pump-track arenas, parkour playgrounds, skateboard parks and children's development training camps. The tracks are built in green areas, integrating well with nature and offering a unique experience for users of different ages and skill levels.

Such "pocket parks" — so named because of their small scale — can be found throughout Dadukou district of the city. According to the district's urban management bureau, it has renovated many mini squares and small parks in different corners of the city, providing residents with spaces to connect with nature, rest, exercise and to promote travel.

The recently renovated Love Park has become a popular spot for young people on social media. Visitors can stroll through its pink and purple landscapes past trees trimmed into heart shapes to symbolize the park's name. Besides enjoying spring scenery, nearby residents also use the park for exercise and other activities.

"After the renovation, a square was built, and we come here every day to exercise and dance. It's convenient because it's not far from home," says Guo Huizhen, a 56-year-old resident.

The park's romantic theme also attracts couples who come to take wedding photos. To capitalize on the opportunity, park management worked with the Civil Affairs Bureau to set up a marriage registration office, as a convenience for couples seeking to marry there.

Additionally, they organize events like blind dates on special occasions, creating a means for young unmarried people to make connections.

The park's renovation has not only improved the surrounding environment but also created economic benefits.

Dadukou district has recently started promoting the "park plus business" model to stimulate consumption and economic development.

Dadukou Park, the first fullsize park in the district, has undergone renovation, including its transformation into open park by removing its former walls, cleaning bodies of water, and adding fitness equipment and children's entertainment facilities. The park has also introduced commercial establishments like bars, teahouses and cafes.

"Dadukou Park is located adjacent to the Jiugongmiao business area. Since the reconstruction and upgrade, it has attracted a large flow of people, making it an ideal location for us to operate," says Zhang Jin, who is in charge of the park's amusement area.

These convenient, user-friendly services have not only revitalized park assets but also increased its popularity.