'Sponge city'

Several floating islands of aquatic plants were added to clean the water in the river and serve as a natural habitat for birds.

In order to extend the length of the shoreline so that the river can slow down and be "cleaned" by the floating islands, bends were added to the once straight waterway. The sludge and silt excavated from the riverbed were then used to create landscapes such as little hills on the riverside.

The park, which opened to the public in August, is becoming a popular spot with residents of nearby areas because of its unique layout.

Adjacent to the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, whose round-shaped futuristic architecture drew crowds when it opened in July, the park has adopted a coherent design－its hills, playgrounds and facilities are designed to resemble planets that are surrounded by circular and curvy paths.