Protecting the site and the sights

The Shanghai government plans to complete construction on a transparent flood-prevention wall on the south Bund before the Labor Day holiday on May 1, a local official told the Global Times Sunday.

The glass-topped wall aims to protect the area from encroaching water while maintaining the Bund's view of the Huangpu River and Pudong New Area skyline for passers-by, said Gu Wei, an official from the construction department of Shanghai Levee Management Office.

"The upper part of the wall is transparent, so everyone can enjoy a panoramic view of Huangpu River from up close," he told the Global Times.

The wall is the centerpiece of a pilot program to replace levees built some 50 years ago along the Huangpu River to protect the area from flooding.

Flood season in Shanghai usually lasts from June until September.　　

Built near the No.3 warehouse in the Cool Docks commercial park in Huangpu district, the 109-meter-long wall has a concrete base topped with glass. It has hydraulic steel panels that can turn up during flood season to keep out the water. On days when water levels are normal, the panels can be turned down to function as a walkway.　

An online survey of 200 Internet users found that 70 percent of respondents had some concern about the safety of the glass part of the wall. However, Gu said there was nothing to worry about - the double-layered glass panels can withstand immense pressure and trauma.

"It will take time, but when the masses accept the wall, we consider expanding it to other parts of the Bund," he said.