1. Blue-Green Drainage Infrastructure
The Revitalization of Tsui Ping River project adopted the concept of Blue-Green Drainage Infrastructure. "Blue" refers to rivers and water bodies; "Green" refers to landscape greening. Blue-Green Drainage Infrastructure is a modern stormwater management concept of making a city function like a sponge which can not only allow absorption, storage and purification of rainwater during rainy days, but also release the temporarily stored rainwater for utilisation as needed before discharging the excess rainwater into the sea. Embracing the concept of Blue-Green Drainage Infrastructure, this project strives to revitalize the water bodies of Tsui Ping River while actively enhancing the greening along the river. By incorporating green and eco-conservation elements into the project, we hope to beautify the river environment and preserve the river ecosystems, so as to provide a quality living enviroment for the public.
2. Rivers in the City
Serving beyond the sole purpose of flood prevention, the project aimed to transform the existing King Yip Street nullah into an urban waterscape teeming with life. Apart from beautifying the environment, rivers can promote ecological conservation and provide shared space for the community. In response to the 2019 Policy Address initiative to develop and take forward the concept of “Rivers in the City”, the DSD has been implementing river revitalization projects and introducing, when planning new development areas, waterbody rejuvenation facilities such as artificial flood attenuation lakes and river parks, thereby providing the public with quality river facilities and enhancing the environmental and social values of rivers.
3. Feature Highlights
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Engineered Wetland Situated near Kwun Tong Swimming Pool, the engineered wetland is designed as an outdoor classroom for the public. Over 20 no. species of mangrove, including water lily, yellow iris and umbrella sedge, were planted in this 200m2 engineered wetland to simulate the natural wetland ecosystem. Part of the river water is diverted into the wetland for simple filtration and natural purification before releasing back to the river. Through this wetland, we hope to promulgate to the members of the public the importance of wetland ecosystem. At the same time, we hope to convey the message that the concerted efforts of the community would be required to avoid discharging pollutants into the drainage system, thereby improving and protecting Tsui Ping River together. |
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Landscaped Decks Six landscaped decks were constructed by the project to create quality riverside open spaces for enjoyment by the public. Branding elements that represent the unqiue character of Tsui Ping River were incorporated into the design, such as mascots and two-way signages. Greening and seating areas were also provided within the limited spaces as far as possible. We hope to create a precious riverine green corridor that allows for the exploration of the co-existence between human and nature within an urban setting. |
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Cross-river Walkways Prior to the revitalization works, the lack of footbridges restricted the pedestrian movement across the existing King Yip Street nullah. Under the project, six cross-river walkways were constructed along the river at Tsui Ping Road, King Yip Lane, King Yip Street and Tsui Ping Seaside, which greatly shortened the walking distance required for travelling from one side of the river to the other. This not only enhanced the connectivity between the nearby residential, business and recreational areas, but also improved the walkability of Kwun Tong District. |
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Smart Water Gate Installed near the middle reach of the river near King Yip Street, the smart water gate rises and falls in sync with the tidal water, forming a reservoir that stabilizes the river water body. This not only improves the river ecology, but also relieves the odour issue. During daily operation, the smart water gate also creates a stunning waterfall effect. |
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Pontoon The pontoon, a first-of-its-kind installation within a river in Hong Kong, rises and falls with the river water levels. Funnel-shaped planters and sitting beams are provided at the pontoon to enrich the dynamic user experience. It provides members of the public with a 360° near-water viewing platform for appreciating the riverscape, promoting water-friendliness in the local community. |
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Green Corridor The project fully preserved over 50 nos. of 50-year old existing Chinese Banyan trees alongside the river section near King Yip Lane. An artisitic lighting installation, namely "Wander Rings", is installed to embellish the surrounding environment. The newly constructed viewing terraces and the enhanced planter design with seatings, together with the preserved trees formed a pleasant green corridor along the river, promoting the co-existence of human and nature within an urban setting. |
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Ripples Yard Located directly beneath the Kwun Tong Bypass (near Tsui Ping Seaside), the Ripples Yard serves as a rare sanctuary for meditation and mindfulness within a dense urban environment. |
4. Greening and Environmental Enhancements
Enhancements to the green and environment were achieved through the project. Ecological devices such as bird-perching poles, eco-walls, floating vegetative islands and tidal pools provide favourable conditions for the river ecologycal. According to the regular ecological surveys conducted, the no. of natural species observed around Tsui Ping River has increased from 3 no. in Feb 2025 to 27 no. in Feb 2026. A notable improvement in biodiversity was observed.
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5. Architectural and Landscaping Designs
The architectural and landscaping designs of Tsui Ping River adopted a human-oriented approach. Through the place-making concept, we reserved basic utilities including electricity supply and water supply to facilitate the organization of various activities by the public in the future. Each river section was designated with a specific design theme: (1) ecological gateway at the upstream section near Tsui Ping Road, (2) urban treescape at the midstream section near King Yip Lane, (3) festive corridor at the mid-to-downstream section near King Yip Street and (4) contemplative space at the downstream near Tsui Ping Seaside.
Apart from enhancing the drainage capability of the river, the project has redefined Kwun Tong’s urban fabric. The introduction of greening, shaded seating, six landscaped decks, six cross-river walkways, the signature floating pontoon and the mindfulness-themed courtyard has created precious quality riverside open spaces and enhanced the walkability and connectivity of local pedestrian networks. The rhythmic and multi-dimensional architectural vision, together with the unique visual arts blended with the riverside facilities, invited both local residents and visitors to rediscover the river, fostering a deeper community connection and injecting new vibrancy into the local district.
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6. Branding Designs
In collaboration with local designers, the project adopted branding elements for both the construction stage and the completed river facilities. Through visual arts, the branding elements injected vibrancy into the local community and brought the unique identity of Tsui Ping River into being.
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