Taipingqiao Park

Taipingqiao Park

Taipingqiao Park is located west of Ji’an Road, east of Huangpi South Road, south of Hubin Road, and north of Zi Zhong Road. It covers an area of 44,054 square meters and is one of the large-scale open parks in central Shanghai. The park features a man-made lake, green spaces, Shikumen buildings, viewing platforms, and Hubin Road.

The site of Taipingqiao Park was originally a densely populated area of old-style alleyway residences. To create an ecological environment for the Taipingqiao commercial-residential district, in October 2000, the Shanghai municipal government and the Luwan District government jointly decided to first construct a man-made lake and green spaces in the area to promote redevelopment through environmental improvement. This project was co-invested in by the municipal and district governments along with Hong Kong’s Shui On Group. On November 10 of the same year, relocation began, completing on December 23—a speed unprecedented for large-scale construction relocations in Shanghai. A total of 3,800 households (20,000 people), 156 businesses, and 87,000 square meters of various structures were removed. Construction started on January 5, 2001; the man-made lake was filled with water on May 20, the project was completed on June 8, and the park officially opened on June 9.

Since the park’s opening, several notable events have been held: On June 12, 2001, General Secretary [redacted] and State Councilor [redacted], both members of the Politburo, visited and toured the park; on June 16, Vice President [redacted] also visited; on September 20, during the Shanghai International Tourism Festival, a cultural performance was held at the viewing platform, and a float parade took place along Hubin Road; on October 5, the Rose Wedding Ceremony, a major event of the Shanghai International Tourism Festival, was held. On May 18, 2002, the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Science and Technology Week took place here, among others.

Man-Made Lake

The lake covers an area of over 12,000 square meters. Near the shore, the water depth is 0.2 meters, sloping at a ratio of 1:4 toward the center, where it reaches a maximum depth of 2.5 meters. The lake contains over 20,000 cubic meters of water, making it the largest man-made lake in central Shanghai. The shoreline is winding, resembling the shape of a gourd. There are two small islands named Magnolia Island and Silk Tree Island, named after their respective thematic plants. To prevent water pollution and mosquito breeding, multiple aeration outlets, a recirculating water supply system, a fountain system, a biochemical system, an overflow prevention system, and a control system have been installed. Additionally, a waterproof membrane made from natural American clay has been laid at the bottom of the lake. Visitors often release frogs, fish, and turtles. In spring and summer, the blue waves and green ripples reflect the blue sky and surrounding buildings, attracting crowds of visitors.

Green Space

The green space spans nearly 32,000 square meters, including 22,630 square meters planted with shrubs and sod. There are 1,250 trees of various species, including more than 30 types of trees and shrubs such as ginkgo, red beech, camphor, magnolia, white magnolia, osmanthus, red maple, koelreuteria, and soapberry. The average age of the trees is 40 years, with one at the viewing platform being a century-old ancient tree. The green space and the small islands are accented with undulating rockeries, landscape ornaments, and lighting features.

Shikumen Buildings

Three Shikumen buildings have been preserved on the western side, covering a built-up area of 1,400 square meters. Their facades, with interlaced red and gray bricks outlined by white mortar lines, blend harmoniously with the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, forming a unique historical and cultural atmosphere.

Viewing Platform

Located between Xingye Road and the lakeside, the viewing platform offers visitors a place to stop and enjoy the scenery, and also serves as a stage for performances during events.

Hubin Road

Stretching approximately 460 meters in length and 20 meters in width, this road runs along the lake. Wide stone steps lead down to the water’s edge, creating a waterside platform. Many visitors descend the steps to dip their hands in the water, enjoying a touch of rural charm in the city.

Underground Garage and Underground Substation Entrance

On the southeast side, there is an underground garage spanning 10,000 square meters with 222 parking spaces. On the eastern side, there is a 110-kilovolt underground substation.