CHONGQING QIANJIANG GORGE PARK

How do we erase the division to the city brought about by this natural phenomenon, turning it from a division line into a connecting line, infusing it with a new vitality?

Through careful design, complications of culture and geographic conditions can be resolved. A revitalized Gorge Park which is named Mysterious “balahu” welcomes young and old, residents and tourists, buddhists and minority ethnic groups; all are invited to experience this feature in their own way. It is a showcase of inclusiveness, the glue that binds the city together.

Based on scientific survey and calculations, development conditions are accessed: high-risk areas require in-depth analysis and protection, low-risk areas face the choice of development site selection. Through landscape design, Qianjiang gorge will awaken to a new life.

Embossed of Siddhartha Guatama.
Photography: Ramboll. Studio Dreiseitl

COMBINING NATURAL RESOURCES TO BUILD A CANYON GARDEN

Peaceful and harmonious coexistence of city and nature. The rich natural resources provide the cities with the location advantages of the eco-tourism development, and the recreational green space for urban residents at the suburb of the city. Gorge Park is located at the junction of the old town and the two metros, it is a green heart of this region, in addition to tourism function, and carries regulating urban climate, maintaining the regional ecological diversity and important ecological functions.

The Qianjiang area is rich in ecological diversity and is known for the variety of plants and animal species, an indicator of a balanced ecological environment.

A rich biodiversity offers the material basis for nature education. Hands on contact with nature, education boards around the site, and tours through the gorge inspire travelers to understand the ecosystems and to protect the natural resources.

A rich biodiversity offers amazing attraction for tourists. The rich plant and animal species variety as well as the retaining of the origi- nal gorge ecosystems are significant tourism resources, attracting various tourists (nature photographers / those wishing to experience nature / scholars and professionals, etc.), and add vitality and attraction all year-round.

A rainwater collection system was implemented.
Photography: Ramboll. Studio Dreiseitl

RELYING ON BUDDHIST CULTURE, SETTING LOTUS SQUARE

In Qianjiang Canyon, you are confronted by the magical power of nature and cannot help but admire the mysterious and unique ethnic Tujia culture that sprang from such a source. This mysterious geographical feature supports biodiverse habitats, and is named “balahu” by the Tujia people.

Tujia people are practicing Buddhists, the remote conditions of their home protect their faith from foreign influences, giving rise to rich traditions that endure till today.

The central portion of the gorge is imbued with a rich Buddhist atmosphere; a temple sits opposite the Kun Lam carving. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist teachings. The Lotus Plaza, embodying elements from Buddhist teachings, serves as the forecourt to the temple, as well as a connection to the natural environment.

Landmark bridge
Photography: Ramboll. Studio Dreiseitl

CONNECTING CITIES ON BOTH SIDES, CREATING A LANDMARK BRIDGE

The Bridge is a connection to the city’s cross-strait space corridor and an important node for the Gorge. As a media as well as Viewing Platforms to get an overview and in touch with the dimensions of the gorge itself.

Vista del acantilado / View of the cliff Fotografía / Photography: Ramboll. Studio Dreiseitl

View of the cliff
Photography: Ramboll. Studio Dreiseitl

DESIGN ANALYSIS BASED ON CULTURAL TOURISM POLICY

Qianjiang Gorge Park is located in the center of surrounding tourist area, as well as starting point of tourism planning line, it has played an important role to drive the surrounding rich tourism development and bound to play a demonstration role in the surrounding scenic sports development with the integration of city and natural eco landscape in the cutting edge of design theory.

After the overall design, we made the city Gorge Park to be distinct from the other surrounding area in the following factors: Modern ecological city culture, biodiversity, canyon scenery, local customs of ethnic minorities with a strong overall competitiveness in surrounding scenic spots. Become a unique landmark and destination of local and even Asia, forming an important tourism image for the city.