Qingdao in Shandong province is fast becoming a city of parks, as the city started construction of 94 pocket parks in the first half of the year, while 29 of them have already been completed, according to official data.

To date, the city has constructed 4.8 kilometers of greenways in urban areas, established 33 tree-lined corridors and roads, and initiated the construction of 74 vertical greening sites, of which 40 have been completed.

Qingdao in Shandong province becomes a city of parks. [Photo by Liang Xiaopeng/for chinadaily.com.cn]

This year, the city has launched a campaign to build 100 pocket parks in its 10 districts. In comparison to previous years, this year's construction efforts are focused on improving the overall system of pocket parks in the city, standardizing naming conventions, and constructing small but nicely upgraded pocket parks, ensuring they are ecologically sound, beautiful, fully functional and easily accessible.

The project is part of efforts to provide recreational areas for local communities by adding gardens, squares, sculptures and facilities such as fitness equipment and benches to unused land or existing green space.