Revitalizing Tsui Ping River is a one-kilometer-long urban design project, transforming a drab and musty Kwun Tong nullah into an ecologically sustainable Tsui Ping River in Hong Kong. The Kwun Tong Nullah has been channeling water for the adjacent residential, industrial, and commercial communities for over 50 years. As Kwun Tong gradually developed into an industrial district, improper discharge into the nullah had caused ecological and environmental problems, making the neighbourhood an unpleasant urban space.

The project seeks to transform the Kwun Tong nullah into a vibrant river park through ecological, landscaping, and environmental upgrading works. At the center of transformation is the concept “Rivers in the City.” This is achieved by strengthening flood protection and enhancing connectivity, bringing Tsui Ping River closer to people and communities in a safe, fun, and dynamic manner.

Strengthening flood protection through smart systems

To strengthen flood protection, Tsui Ping River is equipped with early rainfall notification through artificial intelligence analysis, which uses real-time rainfall data and water levels to predict future rainfall to prevent the rapid rise of water. A Water Gate is installed in Tsui Ping River, which rises and falls with the tides to prevent the water from drying up. Three Dry Weather Flow Interceptors are installed at Shui Wo Street, Wai Yip Street, and Wai Fat Road to intercept polluted dry flow and divert it to the sewage system. These equipments help to alleviate water pollution and improve odour issues.

Enhancing connectivity through building pedestrian walkways, pontoon, and landscaped decks

In addition to strengthening flood protection, a key feature of the project is to enhance connectivity of the Kwun Tong business area and the nearby residential areas to create a “Walkable Kowloon East.” Six pedestrian walkways along the rivers are built to facilitate river crossings, with one floating pontoon to promote water friendliness. In addition, six landscaped decks spanning across the river are constructed to provide recreational space for the public. The Wetland Pavilion, for example, provides shaded seating and gathering space, which is especially essential for elderly living in the neighborhood. It also serves as an exhibition space that allows the installation of exhibition panels for educational purposes. The Tsui Ping River connects Tsui Ping (South) Estate and the Victoria Harbour in Kwun Tong, crossing residential, commercial, industrial area and promenade, the new footbridges not only enhance convenience, they also welcome the public viewing the river in a new perspective.

Bringing people closer to water

The urban design prioritizes smooth circulation with plenty of public seatings, creating a welcoming environment for people and communities while bringing them closer to the water. Balustrades are designed with the goal to enhance transparency of the river, minimizing visual barriers by using thin rods and glass. Gentle stepping is also added to smooth out the level difference between pedestrian walkways and the water, bringing people closer to the river. Various pocket spaces with public seatings are designed along the pedestrian walkways to offer people a space to pause before carrying on their journey.

Cultivating natural habitat in the city

Bird perches, rock pools, tidal pools, and aquatic plants are introduced to cultivate an ecologically diverse habitat in Tsui Ping River, which will also help clean the water with nature’s power.

Creating a vibrant and energetic neighborhood through architectural designs, colors, and art installations

The pedestrian paving made use of bricks with colors that match with the new branding elements, such as green and purple, to create a holistic experience while differentiating different zonings. The path tiles on both sides of the river are in gradient colors, organized in subtle wavy form to echo with water waves. Curves are also used in different architectural features, such as planters and railings, to outline water-like curves and to create subtle visual surprises from afar.

The architectural design team worked closely with the branding design team to feature Tsui Ping River’s new colorful identity on various architectural elements, such as signage, partitions, and manholes, offering a holistic experience between visual identity and public facilities.

Lighting art installation is also designed to create a vibrant and dynamic neighbourhoood. The Wander Rings at Tsui Ping River, for example, blend art, nature, and technology. Responsive to viewers’ movement, they unveil the symbol of infinity, evoking limitless possibilities. After sunset, the ambient light show and flowing water create a captivating dance, casting mesmerizing hues upon the river—an enchanting convergence of innovation and artistic expression.

Offering a meditating space for those who want to slow down

Ripple Yard is designed along Tsui Ping River to help people slow down through meditation. In the form of a labyrinth with a path that leads to the center, the Ripple Yard is a unique spot that encourages people to pause and reflect, bringing people closer to their true self amidst the hustle and bustle of city lives. Public workshops, such as garden walk meditation and river walk meditation, are organized from time to time at the Ripple Yard.

To conclude, the Revitalization of Tsui Ping River transformed an underused urban space into a vibrant, ecological, water-friendly river park with plenty of recreational public facilities and natural habitats for people and communities. It also enhances the urban connectivity and walkability between the Kwun Tong residential area, Kwun Tong Business Area, and Kwun Tong Promenades, breathing new life and energy into the Kwun Tong area. Together with the completed Tsui Ping River Garden, Kwun Tong Promenade and Cha Kwo Ling Promenade, Tsui Ping River has enhanced vitality and diversity of Kowloon East.