TWO Shenzhen parks have been named winners in the 2026 World Urban Parks awards, with Shenzhen Bay Park recognized in the Large Urban Parks category and Bijiashan Sports Park in the New Park Project category.

The two were among nine winners from the Asia-Pacific region announced by World Urban Parks, an international organization representing the parks, open-space and recreation sector.

Covering about 128 hectares, Shenzhen Bay Park stretches 13 kilometers and features 14 themed gardens. It borders the Futian Mangrove National Nature Reserve and faces Hong Kong’s Mai Po wetlands across Shenzhen Bay.

The waterfront has undergone more than two decades of ecological restoration, turning what was once restricted shoreline into a public coastal park that also serves as habitat and a feeding stop for migratory birds.

More than 100,000 migratory birds use the area each year, including black-faced spoonbills, according to park authorities. Open free of charge year-round, the park welcomes more than 20 million visitors annually.

The park pioneered a “lights out for birds” lighting program, which has received widespread public acclaim.

Bijiashan Sports Park in central Shenzhen is a comprehensive park that integrates sports, leisure, and smart technology.

The park adopted a “rail + park” model that efficiently uses space above a Metro station to create sports venues for soccer, basketball, badminton, and table tennis, complemented by a circular track, fitness equipment areas, and a children’s play zone.

As a park without boundaries, the park is free, offering a 20-minute walking service radius that serves a population of more than 500,000.

The park is designed to be age-friendly, welcoming families, sports enthusiasts, seniors, and people with special needs. (SD News)