Pingyang River Park

Pingyang River Park

Covering an area of 36.32 hectares, including a water surface of 13 hectares, Pingyang River Park is a linear open riverside green space integrating flood control, landscaping, and recreation, with a total investment of 40 million yuan. Since 1991, the municipal Party committee and government have been determined to renovate the Pingyang River. A comprehensive management project was carried out in accordance with the requirements of beautification, sanitation, safety, disaster prevention, and environmental protection. The river channel was widened from the original 25 meters to 40–50 meters, with 5,200 meters of embankments 3.2 meters high constructed, five rubber dams installed, and 3,200 meters of river course treated, achieving a flood prevention standard for a 20-year flood event. To enhance the greening function along both banks, 50-meter and 10-meter-wide green belts were developed on the east and west sides of the river respectively. These were divided by urban roads into functional zones such as amusement parks, the main scenic area, a dry fountain square, and an artificial lake scenic area. The children’s playground features facilities such as paddle boats, airplanes, and cannons. The main scenic area centers around the stainless steel sculpture “Rapid Changes,” complemented by sun-and-moon flower stands and curved trellises. Distorted hedges, streamlined flower stands, and dynamic sculpture bases all contribute to a landscape that is simple, bright, rhythmic, and contemporary. The dry fountain square has a uniquely designed fountain, with an elegant horn-shaped pavilion and pool that echo the magnolia pavilion on the west bank. In 2004, over one million yuan was invested to install more than 5,000 meters of modern energy-saving LED multicolor light strips along the walls on both sides of the Pingyang River. Management buildings and trellises were outlined with LED lights, willow trees along the river were illuminated with ground recessed spotlights, and large decorative lights such as “Chinese Knots,” “Night Pearls,” “Oriental Pearls,” and “Olympic Lights” were selectively installed, creating a vibrant and colorful reflection on the water. In 2005, as an extension of the children’s playground, the poplar forest to its north was transformed through sand filling, pathway installation, and metasequoia replanting. With its numerous attractions, well-developed facilities, and beautiful environment, Pingyang River Park has become a favorite leisure and recreation destination for residents. In March 1999, it was awarded the title of “Top Ten Civilized Scenic Spots” in Tai’an City, and in 2000, it was rated as a provincial-level civilized park.