The Riverside Scenic Belt has adopted a new water purification strategy which consists of three parts: water introduction from the Wusong River, water purification in ecological wetland areas and returning purified water to the rivers. The new water purification strategy combines physical and biological ecosystem functions. The ecological functions, such as filtering, absorption, sedimentation and microbial decomposition, purifies water and consequently improves the water quality of the Wusong River.

To date, the water gate, which connects the Riverside Scenic Belt to the Jimingtang River, has been put into use. With the application of water pumps in the northern side of Riverside Park, the eco-purification of water in Riverside Scenic Park is now possible. The water gate can control the water level in the Riverside Scenic Belt effectively. During flood season, the water level of riverside wetland can be lowered by drawing water out using water pumps.

Meanwhile, floating islands composed of water plants have been introduced into the Riverside Scenic Belt. Those plants can not only purify water but also provide living habitats for fish and birds, which is of great importance in creating a strong ecological cycle. So far, plants such as canna, lythrum salicaria and yellow flag have already been cultivated along the riverside, beautifying the Riverside Scenic Belt.

Edited by Lin Hong, Lei Jiawen and Michael Thai