荒野中的明灯 · 宜兴窑湖镇青鱼湖公园丨Change Studio

Firm： Change Studio

Type： Landscape + Planning › Public Park Waterway/Wetland

STATUS： Built

YEAR： 2022

SIZE： 1,000,000 +

BUDGET： $100M +

Photos： Wang Ning (49)

Nestled in the Yixing Yangxian Eco-tourism Resort, Qingyuhu Park in Yaohu Town offers a serene retreat amidst lush bamboo forests and rolling tea fields. The park spans 200 acres and is designed to immerse visitors in nature, combining ecological preservation with a relaxed, sustainable lifestyle. Known for its abundant negative oxygen ions and pristine environment, this park serves as a perfect destination for leisure and spiritual rejuvenation.

The design focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the landscape to speak for itself while enhancing its natural beauty. The park is centered around three distinct water systems: expansive lakes, scattered pools, and hidden wetlands. At the heart of the park is Sunny Rainy Lake, a small, mirror-like reservoir that reflects the surrounding bamboo forest. The lake’s quiet, reflective nature invites visitors to pause and connect with their surroundings, offering a space for calm reflection.

Key to the park’s design is the Sunny Rainy Tower, a restored water tower that now serves as a modern observation point. This tower, which has witnessed the passage of time, offers panoramic views of the lake, bamboo groves, and the surrounding landscape. Its design blends old and new, symbolizing the fusion of history and modernity, and provides visitors with an elevated perspective on the natural beauty of the park.

The design approach emphasizes an intuitive circulation system. Visitors can explore the park along a series of interconnected paths that weave through bamboo groves, seasonal forests, and open spaces. A main trail leads visitors along the lake’s edge, where they can walk freely between the water and surrounding vegetation. Along this path, small viewing platforms and rest areas invite people to stop and take in the scenery. The walking routes are designed to be flexible and accessible, guiding visitors from one scenic spot to the next, while also encouraging spontaneous exploration.

The park integrates local materials, such as Yixing ceramics and stones, into its infrastructure. These materials are used in the construction of walkways, retaining walls, and the embankments, adding texture and warmth to the site while reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.

Completed in 2022, the project has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a harmonious blend of nature, history, and modern design. It fosters a sense of community, invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature, and serves as a living testament to the beauty and resilience of this unique landscape.