The layout of North Jiading Country Park, which is slated to open to the public in September. [Photo/WeChat account: jiadingfabu]

A new country park, located in the northwest of Jiading district, Shanghai, is set to start operation in September, the Shanghai Planning and Land Resources Management Bureau announced on June 23.

The park, named North Jiading Country Park, covers an area of 14 square kilometers and the construction is being carried out over two stages. The first section, which covers an area of 7.39 square kilometers, is the part that is set to open in September.

The park has been designed with a natural rural landscape and long winding paths stretching 6,300 meters alongside vineyards, kiwi orchards, a 90 mu (60 hectares) bamboo forest, and a 65 mu flower field. There are also 17 carefully designed landscape bridges that visitors will be able to cross. Many of the paths are flanked by red maples and cedars and one of the highlights of the park is an 800 meter wisteria corridor that is expected to be a unique Shanghai attraction.

There are also specially designed sections of the new country park including a bird area, a children focused recreation area, a relaxation haven, an entertainment area, and a space to promote ecological protection. Visitors will be able to enjoy water sports and trips to nearby historical sites such as ancient villages and temples.

The new park is the first of seven new country parks planned by the Shanghai Municipal Government. The project aims to protect Shanghai's ecological environment, give residents additional green spaces, and also promote the city's tourism industry.

The term 'country park' originated in the United Kingdom in the 1970s and was a means of offering ordinary people the chance to experience natural, rural landscapes drastically different from urban environments. With 70 percent of China's population forecasted to be living in cities by 2025, the need for expansive and immersive green spaces in China is more important than ever.