Shanghai to enhance more rivers and lakes

More than 300 kilometers of major rivers and lakes in Shanghai are undergoing comprehensive treatment during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period as part of efforts to create more eco-friendly water areas for residents, local officials said on Monday, ahead of World Cities Day, which falls on Oct 31.

Ruan Renliang, deputy head of the city's water authority, said that apart from the well-known Suzhou Creek, which underwent treatment for over two decades, Shanghai has over 47,000 rivers and lakes.

"We will now extend the efforts made to Suzhou creek to the larger water environment in the whole city," said Ruan.

The overall plan includes building more high-quality water areas in Dianshanhu, Yuandang and Jinhuigang, rebuilding some of the waterlines and opening more riverside areas.

Shanghai has over the past two decades undertaken major efforts to improve the water quality and riversides of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek. The latest achievement is the construction of the 42-kilometer pedestrian path and greenway along the banks of the Suzhou Creek in the city's downtown area.

Cruise tours on the Suzhou Creek were also recently launched, and the routes that pass through the river in downtown areas allow visitors to enjoy the architecture, bridges and greenery from a different perspective, according to the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.