Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province is redefining urban renewal by transforming waterfront industrial remnants into thriving green public spaces, highlighting the country's shift toward sustainable and shared development.
A city built by the water, Wuhan has long been famous for its majestic Yangtze River and the expansive East Lake. For decades, however, booming heavy industry cut off citizens from their own waterfronts.
Qingshan District was once the roaring heart of Wuhan's heavy industry, famously known as the "steel city". In 2013, it spearheaded a comprehensive renovation project to reclaim its 7.5-kilometer shoreline.
"After the renovation here, the original industrial and sand docks were completely cleared out. Following the remediation, it has transformed from an industrial civilization to an ecological civilization. While enjoying leisure and recreation, citizens can still recall the industrial memories of this old dock," said Zheng Yucheng, a tourist guide for the Qingshan Riverside Park.
Now a world-class waterfront, the venue functions as a giant sponge city park that absorbs rainwater and generates 723 tons of carbon sinks annually.
"It is not only beautiful, but we are positively surprised by the green care for nature and the ecological protection around it by the authorities. The Yangtze River is part of world history, and we are glad to experience it today," said Juan Carlos Moraga, president of Human Rights Without Frontiers, a Chilean non-governmental organization, during a recent trip to Wuhan.
The green revival extends seamlessly from the river to the lake. The East Lake, China's largest urban lake, features a 102-kilometer world-class greenway with pedestrian and bicycle paths for walking, jogging, and cycling.
The greenway was recognized by UN-Habitat as a demonstration project for improving urban public spaces.
"The most [I like] is sports courts, because they are everywhere and open to everyone. This is very nice," said Odmaa Munkhzaya, a Mongolian tourist.
For locals, the greenway has become something more personal.
"I think the most beautiful part of the East Lake is the people -- families, couples, children, and the elderly enjoying life together here," one resident said.
China's Wuhan turns industrial waterfronts into green urban paradise
