Parks are public

For many people, parks hold treasured moments of their personal lives, while for a city, parks serve as public spaces, reflecting the distinct characteristics of the city.

When Huang first arrived in Shenzhen 10 years ago, she initially viewed Shenzhen as a moneymaking hub, but then she was surprised to discover its lesser-known side — a city of a thousand parks.

According to local government data, as of the end of 2022, Shenzhen boasts 1,260 parks.

Huang then set a target for herself — the "Shenzhen Thousand Parks Challenge". Starting in the spring of 2021, she has visited nearly 100 parks, documenting her experiences through vlogs, with over 20 parks featured so far. "This project is a long-term commitment for me. It's also a way for me to observe this city and connect with it," she said.

She noted that Shenzhen is a young city with a large population of young people, which is why many of its parks feature plentiful smart fitness facilities and children's play areas.

Shenzhen, nestled between mountains and sea, boasts its own unique charm. A few months ago, Huang found herself at a park at Shenzhen Bay that resembled an outdoor theater, waiting for the sunrise.

"The vast lawn slopes gently eastward, with the sea serving as a majestic stage and the sunrise its star performer. That was the most breathtaking moment I've experienced in a park," she said.

Cheng believes that people can deepen their interaction with parks even further, by fostering a sense of ownership.

She recalls her experiences of visiting parks in Japan. She noticed that many benches in the parks were donated by local residents, with the donors' nameplates affixed to them. Also, many parks have their own guidebooks, detailing the history, geography, and blooming schedules of the park's flora.

Cheng plans to encourage park enthusiasts within her Douban group to do the same. "I hope this group shows more social responsibilities. Each of us can become a guardian and contributor to the parks and our own city," she said.