Changning is a high-density mature built-up area that takes the lead in carrying out biodiversity friendly practices, containing numerous “habitats plus functions.” 

Here, surrounded by forest corridors and interwoven with blue and green. Here, open the window to see the green, go out and enter the garden. Here, life and ecology are deeply integrated, and humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

The ecological greenway in the Outer Ring forest belt covers about 55 hectares, with a total length of 6.25 kilometers. It is adjacent to the Waihuanxi River, starting from Suzhou Creek in the north, and reaching the west side of Huqingping Highway in the south. 

The dense and lush ecological greenway has built a natural barrier for the high-density urban area of Changning, and habitat management has created superior conditions for the reproduction and habitat of plants and wild animals here.

There are 31 watercourses in Changning, with a total length of 46.67 kilometers, forming “two vertical and seven horizontal” veins.

Ecological buffer zones and revetments were built through the watercourses, forming a hydrophilic space where forests and water are interdependent and blends. 

The habitat ladder from water to land forms riverine ecological wetlands, creating good living conditions and greatly enriching the biodiversity of plants and birds in the riverine zones.

Parks and green spaces are important habitats that support urban biodiversity. In Changning, the per capita public green area is 7.70 square meters per person, with a green coverage rate of 33.23 percent. 

In recent years, large public green spaces such as Zhongshan Park and Hongqiao Park, urban greenways, and pocket parks within the jurisdiction have been continuously added and improved. 

Green ecological spaces have been continuously expanded, and unique local species have been effectively protected. The living environment such as biological habitats has become increasingly abundant.

In 2019, Changning took the lead in carrying out “habitat garden” construction in local communities, allowing small ecological spaces that integrate “habitat” and “garden” to play an important role as “ecological stepping stones” in the city. 

In the construction, people’s democracy was deeply practiced throughout the entire process, creating immersive greenery for residents. At present, Changning owns 16 habitat gardens with vastly different styles, significantly improving the quality and function of urban ecological spaces.

A densely woven ecosystem and biodiversity network will eventually cover the entire Changning.

Edited by Shanghai Daily