Shenzhen is launching an international competition for the conceptual design of an ecological leisure bridge between Meilin and Yinhu mountains, according to Shenzhen Special Zone Daily.

Meilin and Yinhu mountains are the biggest forest and green land located in the downtown city area. The two mountains have also become major destinations for around 3 million citizens living in nearby areas to get close to nature.

As a result, its ecological and urban services functions are highly important. However, the construction of Meiguan Road in the past has separated the two mountains, fragmenting the ecological landscape. No roads connect the two areas for citizens to walk on, and animal activities are also negatively impacted by this.

A bird’s-eye view of an area separated by Meiguan Road, with Meilin Mountain on the left and Yinhu Mountain on the right.  DT News

In recent years, Shenzhen is prompting the construction of “city of parks” and implemented a plan to connect seas and mountains.

The ecological corridor between Meilin and Yinhu mountains will be a major facility running through the city’s central area. Moreover, the corridor will be the first ecological corridor that includes hiking trails and a lane for wild animal protection, which is also Futian District’s north gate.

According to the design requirement, the project shall combine a bridge above the ground and an underground culvert to form a vertical bridge. An evaluation meeting is expected to be held on Dec. 9 to confirm the winning entries. The first-prize winner will win 700,000 yuan (US$97,580) (tax inclusive).

The competition is hosted by the Futian Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau and co-organized by Futian District’s urban management authority.