While Beijing's skyline symbolizes China's rapid modernization, a quiet transformation is unfolding at ground level. Nadim Diab of CGTN Digital recently documented how the city's green spaces – from revitalized imperial gardens to innovative rooftop forests – are redefining urban life for 21 million residents.
The summer crowds at Temple of Heaven Park illustrate this shift. Office workers practice tai chi beneath ancient cypress trees, while students study near the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. 'These spaces bridge our history and future,' says landscape architect Mei Lin, who helped design three new waterfront parks along the Liangma River.
This greening initiative reflects broader environmental strategies across Asia. Beijing plans to increase urban forest coverage to 45% by 2035, creating wildlife corridors that connect major parks – an approach attracting interest from urban planners in Seoul and Jakarta.
For business travelers and cultural explorers alike, these oases offer fresh perspectives on China's development model. The recently opened Xiangshan Forest Trails now feature augmented reality guides explaining local ecology, blending technology with environmental education.
As dusk settles over Beihai Park, groups of residents gather for evening fan dances beside the centuries-old White Dagoba. This harmonious coexistence of heritage and habitat preservation signals a new chapter in sustainable urban development – one increasingly mirrored across Asian megacities.
