Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

The restoration of Xianglu Bay Beach in Zhuhai won the Example Prize of the China Human Settlements & Environment Awards on Oct 31.

The signature Xiangzhou landscape between the Fisher Maiden in Jida and Yeli Island was one of four projects in Guangdong Province to be awarded by the Ministry of Housing & Urban-Rural Development.

Example and Comprehensive prizes are the two categories under the award set up in 2000 to attract more attention to projects which focus on harmonious, healthy, and environmentally-friendly human life. 

Xianglu Bay Beach [Photo courtesy southcn.com]

Urban and rural construction and management as well as urban living environment projects are evaluated based on criteria such as environmental protection, ecology, atmosphere, water quality, greening, and transportation.

In 2013, studies and measurement of ocean currents, hydrology, and submarine topography got underway before overall planning on the Xianglu Bay Beach began.

Gree Real Estate commenced construction work in July 2015 and reopened the beach on Jan 1, 2016, though improved service facilities and landscape engineering to add more greenery were not completely finished until October of that year.

Experts agree that the project's methodology provided sound instruction for protection of urban ecological environments in China, and inspired art of furthering scientific development in accordance with the laws of nature.

Droves of tourists have been attracted to the leisure site, along with flocks of egrets – a scene not seen for several years and evidence of a better ecological environment.