Li Qian
Pudong has unveiled China's first district-level standards for child-friendly parks, setting out guidelines designed to make public green spaces more accessible and engaging for children of all ages.
The guidelines were released at Shanghai Wild Animal Park on May 31, ahead of International Children's Day. Covering everything from park design and facilities to management and operations, they draw on Pudong's network of country parks, urban parks and neighborhood green spaces.
A key feature is the focus on children who are often overlooked in public-space planning. The standards include dedicated requirements for barrier-free recreation, multi-sensory play areas and spaces designed to support emotional well-being, extending to children with disabilities and special needs.
The launch was accompanied by the release of the Pudong Child-Friendly Parks Map 2026, highlighting family-oriented attractions across the district. These include camping areas at Binjiang Forest Park, waterside sand-play zones at Century Park and community parks equipped with nature-learning facilities and playgrounds.
Shanghai Wild Animal Park also announced a new support program for vulnerable children. During China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, the park will provide free dedicated visits each year for 100 families facing hardship, including families with children on the autism spectrum.
