An “APEC China 2026” floral display along Xiangmei Road in Futian District ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. Photos from WeChat account "幸福福田“

From Australian red-earth landscapes to Thai-style gardens and Russian-inspired sculptures, six new parks have opened along Xiangmei Road in Shenzhen's Futian District, bringing a mix of international styles to the heart of the city.

Together, they form the 2.4-kilometer "Xiangmei Road international friendship park belt," covering approximately 6.3 hectares. The opening comes as Shenzhen prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November.

The parks draw inspiration from the landscapes, architecture and cultural traditions of five continents. With playgrounds, walking paths and places to unwind, they have also caught the attention of local families on social media.

A kangaroo-themed sign marks Red Earth Garden, which draws inspiration from Australia's distinctive landscapes.

A recreational area surrounded by grasses and trees at Red Earth Garden.

Among the highlights is Red Earth Garden, where kangaroo-shaped playground equipment and climbing structures modeled on Australia's Uluru stand amid red-earth landscaping. A spacious lawn offers room for picnics and outdoor activities.

An elephant-themed sign and children's playground at Manduo Garden, which features Southeast Asian-inspired landscaping.

Nearby, Manduo Garden features Thai-style pavilions surrounded by tropical greenery, a flower-decked decorative boat and elephant-shaped play structures.

A lion dance-inspired installation stands at the entrance to Yuefu Garden, one of six newly opened internationally themed parks along Xiangmei Road in Futian District.

A fish-shaped playground structure inspired by traditional Chinese folklore at Yuefu Garden.

Yuefu Garden celebrates the traditions of Lingnan, the region that includes Guangdong Province. Blue-brick lattice windows, traditional gables and decorative ceramics reflect the region's distinctive architecture, while a fish-shaped slide and interactive lion dance drums appeal to younger visitors.

A polar bear-themed sign and a tree-lined walkway bordered by blue mosaic tiles at Flowing Water Garden, inspired by Russia's Volga River region.

Other parks take their cues from farther afield. Flowing Water Garden, inspired by Russia's Volga River region, features meadows, flower-lined paths, mosaic seating and 3D-printed sculptures featuring Russian text.

A colorful mosaic wall at Chavin Garden, which draws inspiration from Peru's Love Park and Barcelona's Park Güell.

A decorative wall featuring Andean-inspired motifs at Chavin Garden.

An eagle-themed sign and a winding, tree-shaded path at Fantasy Fairy-Tale Forest, which features North American-inspired naturalistic landscaping.

Chavin Garden combines colorful mosaics inspired by Barcelona's Park Güell with design elements drawn from Love Park in Lima, Peru. Fantasy Fairy-Tale Forest, meanwhile, uses perennial flowers and ornamental grasses to recreate a naturalistic North American woodland landscape.

A boy walks along a tree-shaded path in the Xiangmihu area of Futian District. The newly opened parks along Xiangmei Road offer nearby residents more places to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.

The project has also turned roadside green spaces into recreational areas for a densely populated neighborhood.

About 191,000 people live in the surrounding area, where residential developments account for more than 80% of land use, according to the Futian District Urban Management and Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau.

The park belt includes three children's play areas covering a combined 1,754 square meters, three fitness areas and a running track. Bilingual signs, shaded benches and accessible walking paths make the spaces easier to use for residents and visitors alike.

The new parks are part of Futian's efforts to improve public spaces and make the district more welcoming ahead of major international events.