Yeli Island now even more-delightful wonderland

One of the most beautiful islands in Zhuhai, Yeli reopened to the public on May 1. This follows a yearlong facelift, additional service facilities, and .25 km (61.8 acres) of landscape architecture in line with its nickname -- City Hill & Sea Scenic Park.

Yeli is situated in Wanzaisha of Xiangzhou off the western coastline on Central Lovers Avenue. It has a wealth of natural splendors including four hills with lush lawns and trees, as well as Zhuhai Opera House, a city landmark.

The engineering project commenced in mid-April last year to enhance the island park's aesthetic effects and increase the comfort level of local residents.

Old Xiangzhou as seen from Yeli Island

Some 8 million yuan ($12.6 million) was spent on four weatherproof corridors, three additional toilets, micro-landscape designs, greenery landscaping, street lamps, safety supervision monitors, square footpaths, and seawall guard bars. 

Also now in place are two service centers -- one near an entrance reserved for visitors. Spreading over floor space of 1,000 sq m (.25 acres) are public restrooms, consultation desk, police office, medical rooms, and other facilities. A viewing deck on the second floor will open in the second half of this year after being handed over to the operator.

New structure on Yeli Island

The 2.45-km (1.5-mile) Haiyu Road circling the rim of the island was paved with asphalt and marked in red to designate a bike-only lane and in green to indicate sidewalk. The changes resonate with the newly added pedestrian walkway near the shore, which is lined with blossoming flowers. In addition, a route was extended from the kite-flying grasslands to allow hill excursions.

Another hiking trail, winding 250 m (820 ft) to the top of the hill, supplements the existing one and comes in the direction of Hi City, a leisure and recreation commercial complex. This will enrich choices for mountaineering enthusiasts and allow a different view of the island. 

Protective corridor

Designers have also distributed protective corridors around the island in anticipation of heavy rains during the hot summer.

The construction followed strict implementation of the Environment Improvement Plan for Zhuhai Xianglu Bay & Yeli Island, according to a project executive surnamed Gu from Zhuhai Urban Construction Group. Improved waterfront landscapes now deliver a more natural transition between the island and the Central Lovers Avenue leisure and tourism belt, which promotes the city's image. More such upgrades will greet visitors in the future, Gu said.

Refreshing environment [Photos by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]