Miaojing River: From a Hidden Treasure to Ecological Infrastructure

Miaojing River Water Corridor Bird’s Eye West Section Toward East. The central river with twin bridges is the Miaojing River. The protection canals at both sides were built for the aqueduct purpose in the past. Kunshan & Miaojing River 20 km northwest of Shanghai lies Kunshan City. With a rich history as a watertown, Kunshan is woven together by its waterways resulting in 8,000 hectares of Kunshan being covered by water. This extensive infrastructure of canals has driven the development of the city from years of irrigated farming to an economy now that produces 70% of its GDP from innovative industries. Kunshan West has been a growing region between the natural preserved area of Kuilei Lake and the old town city center. An existing North-South core axis links major public open space amenities that include a large retail center at Central Lake, Forest Park, as well as sports and commerce centers to the south. Yangcheng Lake East Ecological Corridor runs West to East at the north of Forest Park, connecting Kueilai Lake Reservoir to the central old town. Part of the large ecological connection, Miaojing River Central Water Corridor worked as the aqueduct, serving the municipal water to the majority of the population in Kunshan. Two water channels were formed at both sides of the Miaojing River to protect it from the adjacent runoffs and trees were densely planted as the buffer, resulting in this unique and large green area in the heart of the already developed urban setting. Overall Urban Framework of Kunshan West Bird’s Eye of Miaojing River before the construction toward East, with Tinglin Park and Central Old Town in the background, 2017 Strategy Miaojing River encountered the opportunity to become an open space for the public after the city implemented the piping system to replace the function of aqueduct. However, the isolation of this corridor had produced a variety of issues. Highly dense forests with linear belts of single species of trees compete for resources resulting in low diversity and a lack of accessibility into the understory. An unhealthy riparian habitat can additionally be observed as a result of steep slopes on the banks of each channel. The overall design objective focuses on turning this hidden treasure into a public ecological “spine” of the Kunshan West District, while preserving its existing natural, untouched, and poetic character. Miaojing River Central Corridor Bird's Eye Toward West. It connects Kuilei Lake, Forest Park (Lower Left), and the north, south neighborhoods. Entries with parking, bike rental, cafe kiosks, and resting areas are introduced at key intersections to connect north, and south neighborhoods. The continuous trail system connects Kuilei Lake Area to Forest Park, while keeping its distance to the central waterway, to minimize the impact to the existing vegetation. Bridges are designed as part of the trail system. Tunnels and Underpath are placed for areas being cut-off by the city's street grid. All the surfaces are designed to be permeable, and elevated at the possible areas. Overall Design Diagram Accessibility Strategy Twin Bridges: New Bridge was built by this project for connecting bike trails. The old bridge in the back was used when Miaojing River was an irrigation canal for farming. It was then abandoned during the aqueduct stage. Forest Boardwalk Concept Rendering Forest Boardwalk The under-path connecting the trails through vehicular streets Diverse ecological zones are created in this almost mono-cultured forest. To create healthier forest ecology, multi-layered vegetation is introduced along the trails, and in areas where the existing densely planted trees are thinned out. Variety of grasses are seeded at the open fields to create wet prairie. Selected water edges are re-graded for a gentler slope for additional wetland planting. Bioswales are implemented along both sides of the trails as part of the overall low-impact stormwater management strategy. The overall elevated ecological services improve the resilience of the city and mitigates the urbanization of this region. Reforestation Ecological Strategy Metasequoia Forest and the re-established under-canopy vegetation. Various of herbaceous groundcover was introduced to the open field between the forests. The mono-cultured forest was recreated for a diverse, and multi-layered forest biocoenosis Forest Education Platform was designed as a full spectrum of the habitat from wet-prairie, and transition to riparian. Wetland Bird-Watching Platform The transition between dense riparian, grassland, and wetland ecological areas. Miaojing River Corridor is designed not only for improving ecological health, but also envisions a culturally and socially vibrant public space. Program areas are placed according to the adjacent land uses. Play Areas, Picnic Lawns, Ecological Education Center are designed for nearby residential neighborhoods. They are accompanied with supportive amenities like restrooms and bike racks. Forest Amphitheater and Park Cafe along with elevated, hidden viewing platforms provide gathering and strolling opportunities for the education and research institutions nearby. Ｗaterfront forest amphitheater Community Lawn and the Wetland Resting Platform Places with various scales with amenities serve all uses for everyone. Elevated metal grate platform, metal mesh railing, with integrated environmental education signages are part of the “minimum intervention strategy”. After its completion and opened to the public in early 2022, it has become a popular, and well-utilized public space in Kunshan. Community concerts, events, daily strolling, jogging and biking are taking place both weekdays and weekends. This hidden treasure is now being embraced and shared with the public, serving the community ecologically, and culturally. Running at Miaojing River in the mornings. Community fitness in the ecology.