The island's laid-back lifestyle attracts people from mainland Shanghai to spend their weekend there. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

The region is a popular weekend getaway destination for those living in mainland Shanghai, and the most common activities include cycling, bird watching, strolling through forest parks and visiting its quaint small towns and villages.

For those who go to the island to get away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Shanghai, news of plans for the region to be developed into a "world-class ecological island" by 2040 must be music to the ears.

According to the general schedule of the master plan, made public in July, wetlands will account for 45 percent of the total space on the silkworm-shaped island, up from the present 38 percent. Forest coverage will rise to 35 percent and the green land per capita will be raised from the current 6.8 sq m to 20 sq m, to become higher than the global average of 32 percent and equivalent to the North America's 34 percent.

But what exactly should a world-class ecologically friendly island look like?

"There is no example in the world for us to learn from but, as I understand it, we will focus on showcasing the uniqueness and progress of Chongming," said Wu Zhaozhong, deputy governor of Chongming district.