In the evenings, many residents head to the parks to escape the summer heat.

Recently, as citizens strolled westward along Liuzhou’s Binjiang Road, they were pleasantly surprised to find that this carefully designed riverside green space had become even more comfortable and inviting. Rest areas featuring granite tree surrounds with stone benches now appear along the way, colorful flower slopes along the riverbank have been refreshed, and the dazzling lights create a stunning scene for passersby. Mr. Liu, a resident of Liunan District, praised the transformation, saying, “I came here specially -- it’s truly refreshing and uplifting!”

The wetland in Binjiang Ecological Park is hailed as the “green kidney” of Liuzhou’s riverside, providing residents with a popular place to escape the summer heat. “In 2018, through projects such as “returning the shoreline to wetlands” and “vegetation restoration”, the park created an integrated ecological space that links the “river, shoreline, wetlands, and greenery”, said the park’s director. After years of continuous development, the green space now covers a wider area and successfully connects the scenic views along the river. It not only fulfills the wetland’s role in purifying water and regulating the climate -- the functions of a “green kidney” -- but also offers citizens a welcoming place to enjoy nature and leisure. According to preliminary statistics from the park, about 20,000 visits are made here each day recently by people seeking relief from the summer heat.

Along the tranquil pathways of Binjiang Ecological Park, the shade of green trees and the shimmering river bring refreshing coolness, along with a sense of leisure and vitality. In this small yet beautiful space, citizens enjoy the cool air and seek moments of comfort, filling Binjiang Ecological Park -- the city’s natural “summer living room” -- with the vibrancy of everyday life.

“The shade here is so dense -- it’s much cooler to run than in other places,” said Zhang Cheng, a local resident, after completing several laps along the riverside trail, drenched in sweat.

From the riverside viewing platform, swimming enthusiasts dove energetically into the water.

Around the colorful flower slopes, a gentle breeze sent petals drifting with specks of light. Some people, wearing headphones, strode briskly against the refreshing river breeze; others strolled with friends, sharing stories and laughter; still others carried cameras, capturing the beauty of the scene.