The lake, known as the Olympic sea, covers 24 hectares. It is home to a variety of ducks, egrets and swans. In the wetland area near the lake, visitors can see sedge meadows and cattails.

In various scenic spots, such as Overlapping Water and the Flower Platform, pedestrians can admire mini waterfalls, winding streams and the blooming lotuses.

The two halves of the park are connected by a wide bridge that spans the Fifth-ring road. This corridor, which is planted with shrubs, flowers and tall trees, also affords a passageway for animals in the park migrating from south to north.

The park also showcases modern environmentally friendly technology and building materials.

For instance, the windows and doors of buildings in the park are constructed from a special metallic material, which can reflect back indoor thermal radiance, and reduce heating costs during the winter months.

Many lampposts in the park employ a new technology that collects and stores natural light during the day, then reemits the light after sunset. This also reduces energy usage.

All of the fences in the park are constructed from a special material that resembles wood. But instead of requiring new lumber for construction, planks are composed of waste materials, such as sawdust, peanut shells, soybean hulls and straw.

A special net made of coconut shell parts is used to reduce erosion from the banks of the lake.

The park was also designed to utilize an advanced and ecologically friendly waste water-treatment system. The wetland, for instance, serves as natural water "purifier," in addition to being a habitat for native birds.

By Xiao Changyan