Chongqing's idle bridge spaces transformed into recreation areas

A roughly 10-kilometer riverside rainbow cycling path from Hongbin Road to Beibin Road in Jiangbei district of Chongqing provides the opportunity to enjoy scenic river views while taking a leisurely bike ride. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)

Chongqing's practice of transforming idle spaces under bridges into leisure spaces has won praise from the public.

Largely built on mountains and surrounded by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is often called the "city of mountains" or "city of rivers". It is also known by the moniker "city of bridges".

According to the Chongqing Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the city has more than 20,000 bridges — the largest number in the country.

In recent years, the densely populated metropolis has figured out a modern solution to utilize the tremendous amount of space under its bridges by converting them into pocket parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, commercial spaces, pedestrian trails, and parking lots.

One example is the roughly 10-kilometer riverside rainbow cycling path from Hongbin Road to Beibin Road in the city's Jiangbei district, which provides the opportunity to enjoy scenic river views while taking a leisurely bike ride.

Many more underutilized spaces under bridges are set to undergo a transformation through urban renewal.

The government work report released on Sunday during this year's ongoing two sessions in Chongqing emphasized the municipality's dedication to addressing the pressing issues and concerns of the people. It said that Chongqing will continue to prioritize implementing 15 key livelihood projects, including the construction of 100 pocket parks.

A space under a bridge on Hongbin Road in Jiangbei district of Chongqing has been transformed into a vibrant campsite. Regular outdoor night concerts have turned it into a popular gathering spot. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)

Residents play basketball on a court built underneath a bridge on Hongbin Road in Jiangbei district of Chongqing. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)

Under the pier of a bridge in Jiulongpo district of Chongqing, fishers choose their preferred spots for night fishing. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)

A man works out in the early morning under a bridge in Nan'an district of Chongqing. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)

A group of senior models, with an average age of over 60, practice their runway walk under a bridge in Nan'an district of Chongqing. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)

The space under a bridge in Shapingba district of Chongqing, equipped with diving boards, has become the city's hottest diving spot. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)

Following urban renewal, a riverside park under a bridge in Jiangbei district of Chongqing has become a popular spot for tourists and residents to enjoy the night view. A toy vendor selling popular frog toys poses for a photo. (Photo by Li Ye/For chinadaily.com.cn)