Residents of Longhua will have the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing boat trips along the Guanlan River by 2025, following the completion of an urban renovation project on the river’s main stream, scheduled to be finished by next June.

The project will feature a 2.7-kilometer sightseeing cruise route along the river with six piers, showcasing major historic and cultural landmarks in the district.

A pavilion is seen along the Guanlan River greenway in Longhua District. Longhua Government Online

Renovation of the 12.9-kilometer main stream of the Guanlan River began in 2022, with a total investment of 8.21 billion yuan. After a year of restoration efforts, the water quality of the river’s main stream has achieved the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s Class II surface water standard. This standard ensures water quality suitable for treated drinking water sources, habitats for rare aquatic organisms, and fish and shrimp spawning grounds.

In 2024, the river was recognized as an exemplary model for water body treatment and conservation by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment.

The project aims to transform the main stream of the Guanlan River into a flood discharge channel, an ecological corridor, a leisure pathway, a distinctive cultural trail, and an environmentally friendly industrial corridor. Approximately 13.4 kilometers of river embankments will be renovated to meet advanced flood control standards.

A computer-generated image of the main stream of Guanlan River after face-lifting. File photo

Upon completion, the project will establish 15 water culture attractions and a high-quality pedestrian network linking three major greenways in the district. It will also feature a 2.7-kilometer sightseeing cruise route, an 860-meter dragon boat racecourse and a 600-meter canoeing leisure course.