The West Coast New Area in Qingdao accelerates its urban renewal and development initiative over the past three years, focusing on park-centric urban spaces. [Photo by Tang Jiajun/Qingdao Daily]

The West Coast New Area in Qingdao has accelerated its urban renewal and development initiative over the past three years, focusing on park-centric urban spaces.

The Nandao Town Pocket Park, unveiled recently, spans 1,730 square meters and blends nostalgic colors, patterns, and botanical elements to create a contemporary landscape with a poetic charm.

"A 'Pocket Park' is a small, publicly accessible green space designed for recreational activities. In line with the local government's vision of "greenery within 300 meters and a park within a 500-meter range," the West Coast New Area has completed high-standard upgrades to 189 projects, adding approximately 89,000 square meters of green space in 2023 alone.

Innovative construction models have also been introduced, combining parks with amenities such as parking lots, corridors, and amusement parks. This approach caters to residents' leisure, fitness, socialization, and cultural needs.

Meticulous designs centered on integrating parks and greenery into urban spaces encompass expanded forest areas, pedestrian walkways, and recreational facilities. Each hillside park embodies distinctive cultural themes and bears considerable developmental significance.

Xushan Cultural Park in Qingdao West Coast New Area, for instance, tells the story of the historical dominance of the Qi State during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960) period.

As visitors enter through the southern gate, they are greeted with a Great Wall silhouette on the left and a depiction of Guan Zhong's dialogue with Duke Huan of the Qi state on the right, enriching people's experiences at the park.