A major step forward in Shenzhen's urban greening efforts was achieved recently with the completion of the main structure of a new ecological footbridge in Shenzhen Central Park in Futian District. It marks the imminent opening of a new pedestrian corridor designed to seamlessly connect natural eco-spaces with bustling commercial areas.

A computer-generated image of the ecological footbridge in Shenzhen Central Park in Futian District.

Located in Area E of Shenzhen Central Park, the ecological footbridge represents a crucial link in Futian’s initiative to construct a three-dimensional landscape corridor connecting UpperHills shopping complex, Bija Hill Park, and Shenzhen Central Park. Once fully integrated with the surrounding greenways, the bridge will complete a continuous, 5-kilometer pedestrian corridor. The infrastructure will allow residents and visitors to navigate effortlessly across the 3.14-square-kilometer expanse of Shenzhen Central Park.

The main structure of the new ecological footbridge is completed in Shenzhen Central Park in Futian.

According to the Futian District Public Works Bureau, the new corridor bridges ecological resources to the west at Bijia Hill Park with major consumer hubs to the east, including the UpperHills commercial complex. Designed to benefit both the community and local businesses, the bridge is projected to serve approximately 30,000 pedestrians daily. By bridging the gap between natural spaces and urban commerce, the project aims to foster mutual growth for the local economy and green initiatives.

As construction in other sections of Shenzhen Central Park enters its final stages, the park will soon offer an integrated, barrier-free green sanctuary perfect for walking and cycling. The opening of the ecological footbridge will provide visitors with a convenient new route to explore both Shenzhen Central Park and Bijia Hill Park.

Exploring Shenzhen Central Park

Spanning 116.8 hectares, Shenzhen Central Park is divided into five distinct zones (Areas A through E). The park caters to a wide range of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, jogging, sports, and picnicking.

The Futian River, a tributary of the Shenzhen River, flows through the park from north to south, offering scenic waterfront views. Purpose-built waterside pathways and stone bridges allow visitors to get closer to nature. Notable attractions within the park include Banyan Square, the 1997 Handover Memorial Square, scenic lakes, the Geometry Playground, and the Fengyuxuan Book Bar. Visitors looking to relax can also enjoy the unique "wave chairs" located along the riverbank in Area E.

Discovering Bijia Hill Park

Situated just north of the city center, Bijia Hill Park is named after its three main peaks—Bijun, Biguan, and Bixiu—which stand side-by-side resembling a traditional Chinese pen holder (bijia).

The park features lush vegetation throughout the year, interspersed with picturesque ponds and lakes. From July to early August, a dedicated 4,000-square-meter conservation area northeast of the Yanhu Pavilion serves as a sanctuary for fireflies, attracting nature enthusiasts.

For sports lovers, the adjacent Bijia Hill Sports Park features approximately 35,000 square meters of athletic facilities. The space includes a 1.6-kilometer synthetic jogging track, public fitness equipment, and dedicated courts for football, basketball, badminton, and table tennis. Visitors looking for dining and shopping options after their workouts can easily access the UpperHills complex via the Xingfu Footbridge directly from the sports park.