Yichang opens 47 ‘pocket parks,’ more to come

Yichang has built 47 “pocket parks” and small green spaces so far this year. The areas function as mini parks with some containing fitness centers, science eduction centers and city cultural display areas.

Melody Garden (pictured here) near Yichang Three Gorges Radio and Television Station is equipped with pavilions, wooden benches, public restrooms, 76 parking spots, and a wide variety of plant species. The plants, such as beech, hackberry trees, and semperflorens, help the park stay green year-round. More pocket parks are expected to open in Yichang by the end of this year.

China aims to build more green areas in its cities so that all urban residents can have a green space within 300 meters of their home and a pocket park within 500 meters. According to data from this past August, the country has already built nearly 30,000 such spaces.