China is steadily reshaping its cities by bringing nature closer to everyday life, as the development of “park cities” gains momentum across the country.   From neighbourhood pocket parks to long, tree-lined greenways, urban spaces are becoming greener, more welcoming and more functional. Nationwide, green coverage in built-up areas has risen to over 43 percent, while per capita park green space now averages 15.9 square metres, an increase of 1.1 square metres compared to 2020.   In the past year alone, thousands of new pocket parks and kilometres of greenways have opened, giving residents easier access to outdoor spaces just steps from their homes. These parks are no longer just for strolling: many now support night running, fitness activities and even camping. Lawns are being opened to the public, and parks are increasingly equipped with sports facilities, from table tennis tables to multi-use fitness areas.   As Li Rusheng of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture noted, park cities help deliver “inclusive and equitable ecological benefits”, allowing people to better connect with nature and enjoy a higher quality of urban life.   Source: China Central Television