On the evening of May 20, Changxin Habitat Garden, New Hongqiao Central Garden, and Shanghai Zoo in Changning appeared on the first national TV program focusing on urban biodiversity conservation, “My Neighbor in the City.”

“My Neighbor in the City” takes the observation perspective of Shanghai actor Chen Long, following nature enthusiasts and biodiversity experts, using images to record the fluttering birds in urban parks, the agile small animals in the dark night, the stubborn moss growing in the cracks between bricks and stones, and the hidden insect kingdom deep in fallen leaves.

Changning District is an early pioneer in exploring the restoration of urban biodiversity.

There was an abandoned pumping station adjacent to Lujiabin in the southwest corner of Jinhongyuan neighborhood. Due to its concealed space and lack of human disturbance, many birds often appear. Eventually, the Changxin Habitat Garden with the first bird watching platform was built.

The New Hongqiao Central Garden is located in the Hongqiao Economic Development Zone of Shanghai, covering an area of approximately 130,000 square meters, with a central lake water area of 10,000 square meters. 

The park has abundant greenery, with a reasonable proportion of trees, shrubs, lawns, ground cover, and aquatic plants. The winding paths connect the slopes, streams, and the lake, reflecting the theme of harmony between humans and nature.

And this is also the home of many creatures in the city. At present, the identified terrestrial species in the New Hongqiao Central Garden include 19 moss plants, 208 vascular plants, nine large fungi, 57 insects, three mammals, 29 birds, and two amphibian reptiles.

In the forest humus layer of Shanghai Zoo, scientists have discovered several unique insects: the Xijiao Park hairy horned ant beetle, the Hongqiao laena, and the large eyed broad leaved moss beetle. 

Here, the native humus layer and diverse vegetation are preserved, providing a stable home for these rare insects and many other organisms, and continuing to play an important ecological role in preserving local habitats.

The entire Changning participates in and practices the important concept of people’s democracy throughout the entire process of ecological environment construction and biodiversity conservation work, which will systematically improve the ecological environment quality of the district and build an international community of excellence where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

Editor: Li Xinran