Silk Tree International led the redesign of Wanshou Park, a four-hectare park in the Xicheng District of Beijing, a region with an aging demographic. The design team set out to create a park that nurtures the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the surrounding senior population. The plan arose from extensive research, including a site survey, a review of health data, and a survey of park users. The result is a park organized into a variety of zones that stimulate the senses. For example, a zone with horizontal mazes helps test memory, while a zone of fruit and vegetable gardens invokes qualities of sight, smell, and taste. The walking trail that winds throughout the park features gravel paving, designed to give a slight foot massage to visitors engaging in light physical activity. Outdoor exercise equipment stations encourage more intensive strength training, and open plazas provide space for recreational classes like Tai Chi. The park attracts users in all seasons, offering amenities such as heated seating and water stations. A playground and targeted programming bring children and youth into the park, facilitating social interaction and engagement among users of all ages.

Photo courtesy of Silk Tree International

Project: Wanshou Park
Location: Beijing, China
Type: Park redevelopment
Size: 4 hectares
Project Partners:
Design Team: Silk Tree International
Client: Xicheng District Government