Yitong River Scenic Belt

Yitong River Scenic Belt

The Yitong River Scenic Belt stretches from the South Ring Expressway in the south to the Sihua River Sluice in the north. It includes the floodplains beyond both riverbanks and a 50-meter-wide protective forest belt within the embankments, spanning a total length of 18.75 kilometers and covering an area of 1,414 hectares. This area comprises 495 hectares of water surface, 553 hectares of floodplain, and 366 hectares of protective forest. The project started in May 2005, and to date, 25 scenic gardens have been completed between the South Third Ring Bridge and the Sihua River Sluice as planned. The greening work for the connecting sections between these 24 scenic gardens has also been finished. A total of 235.2 hectares have been greened, with a total investment of 340 million yuan.

[Scenic Features]

The layout structure of the Yitong River Scenic Belt is: “Three Belts Traverse the Spring City, Five Routes Unfold a Tapestry of Beauty.”

Three Belts: Referring to one blue belt and two green belts, highlighting the structural characteristics of the Yitong River scenic area. The blue belt is the river channel, with a total flood control length of 18.75 kilometers, a width of 100–260 meters, and a total area of 495 hectares, mainly featuring water activities and water scenery. The green belts are the river floodplains, covering a total area of 531 hectares, primarily consisting of open lawns and plazas interspersed with small clusters of trees, suitable for various sports activities.

Five Routes: Including the flood control and security line, the natural ecology line, the cultural charm line, the leisure and fitness line, and the sightseeing tour line, highlighting the functional characteristics of the Yitong River Scenic Belt.

Based on the characteristics of the river channel and flood control requirements, and on the basis of general greening, the urban scenic belt of the Yitong River is divided into five zones and twenty-six gardens.

Five Zones: Namely the Urban Forest Zone, Cultural Landscape Zone, Leisure and Fitness Zone, Recreation Activity Zone, and Natural Wilderness Zone.

Twenty-Six Gardens: A total of 26 scenic gardens have been constructed according to island distribution, historical relics, transportation nodes, and their relation to residential areas. These include 6 islands: Green Field Breeze Island, Yitong River Memory Island, Health Island, Hope Island (not yet completed), Flower and Bird Garden, and Joy Island; and 20 floodplain gardens: Jingjing Garden, Satellite Garden, Changyou Garden, Huoshui Garden, Shui zhi Yun Square, Minfeng Garden, Urban Charm Garden, Arboretum, Lotus Fragrance Garden, Wetland Garden, Yishui Garden, Tongle Garden, Yingjun Garden, Hedong Garden, Songtao Garden, Yongning Square, Waterfront Sports Park, Wilderness Garden, Legeng Garden, and Seedling Cultivation and Viewing Garden. These gardens occupy 32.6% of the total scenic belt area (excluding water surfaces).

[Functional Role]

After nearly a decade of construction, transforming the once run-down “urban backyard” of the Yitong River into a picturesque “urban living room” that citizens take pride in is a major project that benefits the present and future generations—a glorious chapter in the history of Changchun’s urban development.

The management and transformation of the Yitong River are closely tied to urban development.

Ecological Role. The Yitong River Scenic Belt runs through the entire urban area, forming the city’s largest open space system, covering a total area of 1,392 hectares. It further increases green coverage, balances the distribution of green spaces, meets the ecological needs of the city, and serves as an important practice and guarantee for Changchun to achieve sustainable development.

Cultural Role. Using the Yitong River as a link, by establishing various types of scenic areas and gardens, the project reflects the historical and cultural development of Changchun and looks forward to the city’s grand future blueprint. It plays an irreplaceable role in cultural revival, fostering civic pride in their hometown, elevating the city’s stature, and more.

Landscape Role. With the construction of the Yitong River Scenic Belt, a unique natural ecological axis has been formed in Changchun, creating an ecologically vibrant corridor and an ideal living environment in the modern metropolis. It embodies a human-centered and eco-friendly approach to urban development.

Recreational Role. Utilizing the wide floodplains and areas with favorable vegetation, a variety of recreational activities can be carried out. Leveraging the local climate and water resources, water and ice-based activities can also be offered to meet the diverse needs of residents and tourists for sightseeing, relaxation, fitness, and entertainment—showcasing the vitality and contemporary spirit of Changchun.

Economic Role. The development of the Yitong River Scenic Belt has created a multifunctional, open space that integrates landscape, nature, and culture. With multiple functions including flood control, ecology, landscaping, leisure, and activity, it not only ensures the safety and stability of the surrounding areas but also accelerates the renovation of old urban districts along both banks and the construction of new areas, promoting urban economic growth.

Source: Changchun Municipal Tourism Bureau