A Typical River Wetland System in Taihu Basin——Wuxi Changguangxi National Wetland Park

Location: Wuxi, Jiangsu

Client: Wuxi Municipal Urban Planning Bureau

Area: 137hm2

Design: 2008-2009

Completion: 2011

The future Taihu Lake New Town will form a special green structure, “Three vertical strips and one horizontal strip”. Changguangxi Wetland, one of the vertical belts and located in the west of Taihu Lake New Town, is a typical river wetland with regional characteristic. It connects the surrounding mountains with the urban area, and links Taihu Lake with Wulihu Lake. The project is Changguangxi Wetland Park Phase II and its site, 3.5km long, is in the middle part of this strip.

Changguangxi Wetland Park will play a significant ecological effect in future New Town development. We expect to build a healthy wetland system through scientifically analyzing and planning. The measures include (1) establishing wetland water system to demonstrate diversified water purification process; (2) establishing habitats system to attract small animals and birds and enhance biodiversity; (3) establishing vegetation system to create diversified types of vegetation communities and habitats; (4) establishing science education system for people to explore river wetland; (5) establishing recreational system for people’s relaxation and gathering. All of these contribute to making here to be the most attractive wetland park in Wuxi.

Based on the existing conditions, the Wetland Park is designed differently from north to south. North part is an open water area. In this part, we create many islands and build bird islands, habitats and water purification demonstration area (undercurrent wetland). In the middle part, we build two types of wetlands, surface flow wetland and undercurrent wetland, to improve water quality and regulate water level. In the south, based on dense river network and well-growing plants, we propose to build diversified water features and abundant vegetation communities to provide a breeding place for birds and animals. A discovery trail is established for visitors experiencing the natural succession process of wetlands. And at the same time, the seasonal wetland presents different landscape in the rainy season and dry season.

Boardwalks, bird-watching pavilions, water-level observatories and exhibition halls are built in the park for visitors to enjoy the charm of nature. At appropriate sites, we set café and teahouses for visitors to appreciate scenery, and arrange docks, Service Center and other facilities for visitors to get in touch with nature and enrich their visiting experience.