Yangquan's City Center Park takes on a fresh, vibrant summer look. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Yangquan – a charming mountain city in North China's Shanxi province – balances its modest size with rich greenery and well-designed parks.

The city's dedication to its eco-friendly development is evident in its lush parks and scenic greenways, creating a comfortable and leisurely environment.

Tourists have a ball rowing boats in the park. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Since earning the title of National Garden City in 2012, Yangquan has continually improved its urban greenery. As of 2023, the city's green space covered 2,428 hectares, with a green space ratio of 40.71 percent and a greening rate of 41.71 percent.

All in all, the city boasts 744.58 hectares of parkland, providing 12.41 square meters of park space per resident. This green space is widely said to amply meet the recreational needs of its citizens.

In 2023, the Yangquan Municipal Landscaping Management Office launched its 12211 project, adding 72,000 sq m of parkland and 16.5 kilometers of greenways.

The initiative included establishing a city greenway, renovating two comprehensive parks and two older parks and creating or upgrading 11 pocket parks. The efforts enhanced the overall urban greenery and boosted the leisure options of its residents.

A riot of summer flowers are now in bloom in the park. [Photo/Yellow River News]