Kunming project honored at World Landscape Architecture Awards

Efforts to restore two lakes in Kunming, Yunnan province, have been rewarded at the 2024 World Landscape Architecture Awards.

This year, the prestigious event, hosted annually by the World Landscape Network, selected 40 projects out of 250 entries from over 40 countries for recognition, including 14 from China.

The Demonstration Area of Water Environment Improvement and Ecological Construction for Fanchun and Muchun lakes in the Chenggong district of Kunming won an Honour Award at the event.

Initiated in 2022, the Chenggong project aims to enhance water quality, restore ecological balance and improve the living environment on and around the lakes.

Key features include a low-maintenance, self-sustaining water ecological microenvironment achieved through the construction of an "underwater forest system," an efficient biological filter, and artificial wetlands. The use of native Kunming vegetation helps rebuild a diverse plant community and restore the local habitat.

To cater to public needs, the project incorporates participatory landscape spaces, making the park an inviting place for residents to connect with nature and enjoy themselves on the water.

Additionally, the project emphasizes the importance of Muchun and Fanchun lakes in protecting and managing Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan. The once-polluted reservoirs have been transformed into vibrant ecological parks, with the first phase opening to the public on January 1.

The water quality in the lakes has been significantly improved, with the water bodies now only requiring replenishment during the dry season, reducing reliance on upstream water diversion and conserving resources. The project also aids in managing surface runoff and upstream water during the flood and rainy seasons, thus alleviating pressure on downstream flood controls.