As a pioneering city in reform and innovation, Shenzhen was the first to build an ecological belt. Mapped out by river chief and implemented by the Water Authority of Shenzhen Municipality, the plan was deployed for the ecological belt construction instruction. Shenzhen launched construction and implementation projects in all drainage basins across the city. By taking production, living and ecology into account, it forged ahead drainage basin comprehensive remediation with water at its core, developed ecological corridors, improved living environment, spurred surrounding industrial development, and achieved innovative and sustainable regional socioeconomic development.

We intended to build the ecological belt as “a belt that carries breathtaking views along the river.” For one, under the prerequisite of guaranteeing water safety, the plan remediated water bodies, restored water ecology, beautified the scenery, and presented an ecological and cultural view of a crystal-clear river running along verdant banks with fish swimming through aquatic plants and rows of egrets flying above the water, attracting people to enjoy the water and thus providing a dynamic corridor for them. For another, by largely facilitating the access to waterfront areas, the plan linked functional systems on each side of the river and demonstrated the charm of ecology, industries, culture and features, and eventually activated and released the value of drainage basins.

To give better suggestions for the construction, we put forward Shenzhen Ecological Belt Pilot Construction Plan and came up with five major functions of the ecological belt: discharging flood, protecting eco-system, providing leisure activities, boosting industrial development and showcasing local culture. The plan formed eight systems relating to safety, ecology, strolling, service, signs, transportation, water-land interconnection and culture, giving detailed instructions on how to plan and design the project based on the specific elements of the systems.

By taking production, living and ecology into account, it forged ahead drainage basin comprehensive remediation with water at its core, developed ecological corridors, improved living environment, spurred surrounding industrial development, and achieved innovative and sustainable regional socioeconomic development.