Over the past eight years, 17 parks have been added in Beijing's Huilongguan-Tiantongyuan region in the city's Changping district, bringing the total number of parks in this major residential region to 28, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform.
The area of parks in this region has increased by 408.18 hectares, bringing its total size to over 670 hectares.
This achievement has been attributed to an action plan initiated by the Chinese capital in 2018, which was designed to improve public services in the area, including transportation and the environment.
After the first phase of the action plan from 2018 to 2020 was completed, Beijing planned the Aobei Forest Park, a central park in this region during the second round of implementation from 2021 to 2025.
So far, three phases of work on the Aobei Forest Park have been completed. The park has become a key node in the northern ecological wedge of Beijing and a major ecological landmark along the extended northern section of Beijing Central Axis, offering residents easy access to nature.
The central park is the epitome of Beijing's efforts in increasing urban green space. Guided by the action plan, Beijing has completed a number of park projects, developing small green spaces and pocket parks to provide accessible greenery close to residents.
Many of the parks here are equipped with sports facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields, meeting the public's growing demand for fitness and recreation.
Compared with the period before the implementation of the action plan, the 500-meter service radius coverage of parks and green spaces in the Huilongguan-Tiantongyuan region has increased to 96.3%, surpassing the citywide average.
While filling the gaps in the city's green space network, Beijing has also completed a 42-kilometer greenway that runs through the Huilongguan-Tiantongyuan region. Lined with several well-known tourist attractions, the greenway has become a popular spot for cycling, jogging, and family outings.
At present, Beijing is formulating the third phase of the action plan to further improve public services in the region.