Xiaoxi Port is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, close to Taihu Lake. It is an important gateway to the green chain around Taihu Lake in Wuxi Economic Development Zone. It is going to be a tourism destination in the two-hour economic circle of the Yangtze River Delta.
The site is reachable from the Lake Shore Trail, and Huaqing Avenue leads into the city. The Taihu Lake Highway (Tongxi Highway) splits the site in two areas, with a connection through an underpass. The ground has been resculpted, with several ponds where water-loving plants naturally grew.
Fish Wonderland represents the four seasons, including the entrance, five senses garden, and four seasons flower border. Fish Back Bay – holiday parties, such as festivals, gatherings, music festivals, dances, markets and outdoor classes. Fish Scale Stream includes ecological education, such as water lifecycle and water purification. Fun Beach – vibrant and water-friendly for children’s play, science and technology interaction. Healing Path – tranquil walk, enjoying Five Senses Garden, walk under trees, yoga meditation. Fishing Jetty – wetland memory, including ecological conservation, bird watching, sports, lake watching, and fishing festival performances.
Fish Back Bay
Fish Back Bay is a landmark waterfront structure shaped like a leaping fish; its scales reflect sunlight. It is a flexible space that can accomodate events and serves as a citizen’s stage.
Spring Garden
The rainwater purification garden simulates the formation process of the new river ecosystem in the site and becomes a simple and natural popular science aquarium. The purified rainwater flows to the playground, where children can play.
Egret-watching Pavilion
The project maintains the white sails of the Port, restore the ecological environment of Taihu Lake, and provide habitat for egrets. A floating boardwalk and egret-watching pavilion are built for visitors getting close to nature and minimizing the impact on the ecological environment.
The designer included jettys, boardwalks, wetlands, which allow people to be fully close to nature. The design caters for a flood inundated landscape with ecological floating island, heron-watching pavilion, water purification flower pond, which can rise and fall with the change of water level.
The planning of different activities in the design achieves a flowing pedestrian experience and forms an ecological layout of three gradients from north to south. The people are guided through a variety of ecological spaces and whilst conserving the habitat of Taihu Lake.
Water Environment Restoration Project Around Xiaoxi Port in Taihu Lake Basin
Location: Wuxi, China
Landscape Architect: Guangzhou S.P.I Design Co., Ltd
Image Credits: Guangzhou S.P.I Design Co., Ltd
