Guest
Zhang Xifei
Interview Background
This spring, the term "20-minute park effect" became a buzzword in Shanghai, reflecting the city's pursuit of "park freedom". In recent years, Jing'an District has embraced the concept of a people-centered city, prioritizing resources for residents and advancing the creation of a park city. As a result, ecological spaces have improved in both quantity and quality, while the urban landscape continues to be enhanced.
Host:
Hello everyone! Today, we're honored to have the Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and Director of the Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau of Jing'an District as our guest. Welcome, Secretary Zhang!
Zhang Xifei:
Hello, host. Hello, everyone.
Host:
This spring, the term "20-minute park effect" became a buzzword in Shanghai, reflecting the city's pursuit of "park freedom".
Zhang Xifei:
Yes. In recent years, Jing'an District has embraced the concept of a people-centered city, prioritizing resources for residents and advancing the creation of a park city. As a result, ecological spaces have improved in both quantity and quality, while the urban landscape continues to be enhanced.
Host:
Jing'an has seamlessly integrated hundreds of parks into the city, creating green spaces at every turn and earning widespread admiration. This year, Fudeli Park, a scenic waterfall valley adorned with blooming azaleas and intricate rockeries, has become a popular destination in downtown Shanghai. Located at the northwest corner of Middle Yan'an Road and Lao Chengdu Road (North), the park showcases the harmonious blend of Chinese landscape gardens and revolutionary culture. Secretary Zhang, could you introduce Fudeli Park to us?
Zhang Xifei:
Certainly. In 2022, the Bureau initiated renovations of the park. After soliciting opinions and suggestions from all parties, the Bureau developed a design plan to transform the park into a high-quality park themed on revolutionary culture and natural landscapes. During the renovations, the Bureau practiced whole-process people's democracy by promoting public participation in selecting the park's new name. "Fudeli Park" received the most votes among 124 options and was chosen as the new name. The park officially opened to visitors on October 1, 2023, transformed from a community park into a commemorative park that prominently features the revolutionary culture theme of the Second CPC National Congress.
Host:
Yes. A new public toilet has been built at the northwest entrance of the park on Dagu Road. It was rated as Shanghai's "Most Beautiful Toilet" in 2023.
Zhang Xifei:
Yes. The toilet's exterior incorporates garden design concepts, blending seamlessly with the surrounding park landscape. Landscape green plants in the entrance area evoke a modern Chinese courtyard. The toilet is open 24 hours and features facilities accessible to both seniors and children.
Host:
Thank you for your comprehensive introduction. What are our plans?
Zhang Xifei:
The Bureau embraces the concept of a people-centered city, recognizing the development of green spaces as a productivity project that drives regional economic and social development and as a project of the heart that serves and benefits residents. The Bureau focuses on high standards in greening management and maintenance, aiming for exceptional quality, visually appealing landscapes, and strong ecological resources. Through these efforts, Jing'an is positioned as a model district for ecological greening and steadily advances the development of a park city. Green spaces are being transformed into attractive environments, fulfilling people's aspirations and making ecological greenery a defining feature of the city.
Host:
In Jing'an, lush greenery is accessible right at your doorstep—there's no need to travel far to visit parks. Changping Road exemplifies this with its picturesque streetscape.
Zhang Xifei:
In recent years, Shanghai's "Beautiful Neighborhood" initiative has drawn growing attention from residents and the media. The CPC Jing'an District Committee and Jing’an District People’s Government have prioritized public concerns, striving to enhance residents' sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security. Guided by the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau, the Bureau has conducted an all-factor integrated upgrade of Changping Road (Jiangning Road–South Wuning Road).
Zhang Xifei:
The Changping Road "Beautiful Neighborhood" initiative was implemented in phases. Throughout the implementation, the Bureau upheld the philosophy of building a people-centered city, listening to residents' opinions, addressing their needs, and practicing whole-process people's democracy. Of the 138 suggestions collected by NPC deputies from the public, 118 were adopted.
Host:
Secretary Zhang, what are the unique features or highlights of the "Beautiful Neighborhood" initiative on Changping Road?
Zhang Xifei:
The initiative applied the principles of all-factor planning, integrated forces, and removal of disordered facilities. Leveraging the existing green spaces and distinctive goldenrain tree boulevard along Changping Road, the initiative established a greenway featuring elevated greenery and accessible under-tree greenbelts. Small and strip-shaped green areas along the road were transformed into pocket parks, creating Shanghai's first pocket park belt. As a result, residents can enjoy greenery outside their windows, beauty at every corner, and easy access to green spaces.
Host:
What are the next key priorities for Jing'an District's "Beautiful Neighborhood" initiative?
Zhang Xifei:
Jing'an District is advancing its "Beautiful Neighborhood" initiative by drawing on local cultural heritage, urban texture, and distinct features to highlight neighborhood history and culture. Efforts focus on enhancing visual appeal across key areas, creating scenic highlights, and upgrading the overall environment. The goal is to offer residents greater comfort while making the district more livable and visually appealing.
Host:
Secretary Zhang, Jing'an District has topped the citywide household waste sorting performance rankings for three consecutive assessments. What efforts contributed to this achievement?
Zhang Xifei:
Zhang Xifei:
Jing'an's smart collection route, modeled on bus stops, ensures timely, fixed-point, and efficient waste collection. Party and government organs, schools, and parks across the district now offer comprehensive, refined sorting of recyclables. The Jing'an Temple business district has established Shanghai's first model zone for refined sorting of household waste.
Host:
Jing'an has ranked first citywide for three consecutive years in the Social Public Satisfaction Evaluation of Shanghai's City Appearance and Environmental Quality.
Host:
Yes. In recent years, Jing'an has upgraded landscape lighting for buildings along "one creek, one ring, and two elevated roads". The nighttime lighting pattern along the Suzhou Creek waterfront landscape belt and major roads has largely taken shape. The Bureau has upgraded the festival lighting on West Nanjing Road, establishing a "Starry Sky over the Sea" themed installation as a model along the Changde Road–North Shaanxi Road segment. Incorporating new materials and technologies for dynamic displays, these decorations have received widespread praise from residents, tourists, and various sectors of society.
Host:
What are the plans of the Bureau for the future?
Zhang Xifei:
The Bureau will thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Guided by the CPC Jing’an District Committee and Jing’an District People’s Government, the Bureau will apply Xi Jinping Thought on Eco-civilization and the principle of a people-centered city to advance the development of a model district for ecological greening, a landscape lighting signature zone, a sanitation management demonstration zone, and a city appearance and environment model zone. Jing'an District is committed to creating a beautiful environment through joint contributions and shared benefits. The Bureau will write a new chapter in the transformation and upgrading of the greening and city appearance industry, advancing high-quality development in the new era. These initiatives will contribute significantly to Jing'an's efforts to build a model for Chinese modernization.
Host:
Thank you for sharing! That is all for today's interview. Thank you for your time.
Zhang Xifei:
Thank you, everyone! Goodbye!