Press kit no. 2696-05

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Press kit - Press release - Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape

Press Kit | no. 2696-05

Press release only in English

Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park

Henan, China

Turenscape

Beijing, China, 2025-07-10 - 

The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park project harnesses the natural topology of the area to engineer a water-resilient landscape. Utilizing the concept of a sponge city, the project aims to alleviate flooding risks in the ancient city and purify contaminated waters. Crater-shaped islands emerge as multifunctional spaces to serve the community's diverse needs, while drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese cosmological symbols and the Eight Trigrams. These elements form a unique pattern language throughout the park, blending ecological sustainability with rich cultural narratives and social engagement.


Context and challenges

Located in Huaiyang, in Henan Province, this site boasts a storied past, tracing back to China's first mythical emperor some 6,500 years ago. Fuxi, a pivotal figure in Chinese mythology, is celebrated for his invention of Bagua, or Eight Trigrams, that has deeply influenced the philosophical thought. Historically buffeted by the Yellow River's floods, Huaiyang's landscape, particularly Dragon Lake, embodies centuries of adaptive resilience. However, recent urban expansion has compromised this balance, encroaching on the lake's capacity to manage flood risks and diminishing the area's cultural heritage integrity. In response, a transformative vision was set forth to reclaim a 43-hectare site from encroachment, envisioning a public park that enhances flood resilience, meets community needs, and celebrates the area's rich historical tapestry.


Design strategies and solutions

Addressing the multifaceted challenges, the design strategy introduced innovative solutions, including the creation of a water-resilient sponge landscape. Utilizing on-site cut and fill, 860,000 cubic meters of dirt and debris were recycled to create a landscape comprising numerous islands adorned with flood-resistant vegetation that can regulate 1.0 million cubic meters of stormwater. Inspired by the intricate designs of ancient celestial constellation maps, this layout reflects the universe's intricate beauty and pays homage to Fuxi's role in developing the Bagua.


Innovative pocket gardens with thematic craters were also created among the myriad of simple verdant isles, where 27 distinct islands have been meticulously crafted into themed craters. Each hosts a variety of programs and activities, such as a children’s playground, an amphitheater, a basketball court, a tranquil water garden, a fountain, or an art installation, enriching each park with an array of exploratory and interactive experiences. Winter transforms the landscape into a picturesque arena for skiing and ice skating.


An expansive network of boardwalks
A comprehensive system of boardwalks weaves through the park, connecting the celestial isles and offering an enchanting journey into the oasis, occasionally threading through craters via tunnels or gates. Water depth by the boardwalks is kept at a safe level per regulations, eliminating the need for handrails.


An advanced water purification system

Addressing the challenge of lake and urban runoff pollution, a bio-water treatment system has been implemented. This system channels water from the lake and urban areas through a constructed wetland for purification, before reintroducing it into Lake. The design of the water purification routes is meticulously integrated with the layout of a matrix of islands and connecting boardwalks, and is capable of purifying approximately 11,500 tons of water daily. Solar panels on the roof supply energy for the bio-water purification process.


Native trees echoing ancient folklore

The selection of flora for the park draws inspiration from ancient folk songs, particularly "The Book of Songs: Chen Feng", which dates back over two millennia. Poplar and willow trees, frequently celebrated in these songs, dominate the landscape, creating a living homage to cultural heritage and fostering a deep connection with historical traditions and the natural world.


This project not only addresses environmental and social needs, but also serves as a conduit for cultural dialogue, connecting past, present, and future in a living landscape.

Technical sheet
Project Location: China Zhoukou, Henan
Project Scale: 43 Hectares
Design Time: December 2021
Build Time: June 2023
Client: Zhoukou Huaiyang Housing and Urban Rural Development Bureau
Award List: 2025 AZ Awards, Landscape Architecture

About Turenscape

Established in 1998 by the esteemed Dr. Kongjian Yu (Harvard GSD), a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, laureate, the Oberlander Prize, and recipient of the IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award, Turenscape is acknowledged as a pioneering, government-accredited first-level design institute. With a dynamic team of over 500 experts, they specialize in architecture, landscape architecture, and urbanism, and are committed to delivering exceptional and holistic design solutions.


Guided by the visionary leadership of Dr. Yu for more than 25 years, Turenscape has profoundly shaped the landscape of over 1,000 projects in upwards of 250 cities globally. Their dedication to innovation, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship has earned them a distinguished collection of over 100 international accolades. Recognition highlights include 16 ASLA Excellence and Honor Awards, 9 WAF Awards, 6 AZ Awards, the Holcim Awards, ULI Excellence Award, and the esteemed Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.


Turenscape's design philosophy, encapsulated by the mantra "Nature, Man, and Spirits as One", advocates for a harmonious integration of land (Tu) and humanity (Ren). This principle aims to cultivate sustainable environments through a deep-rooted connection between earth and society, ensuring a balanced coexistence for future generations.


Under Dr. Yu's leadership, Turenscape has redefined the fields of landscape architecture and urbanism, emphasizing the discipline as a vital "art of survival". That approach addresses contemporary challenges such as urban expansion, environmental degradation, and climate change through inventive practices. Their strategies, such as "negative planning", the "sponge city" initiative, "Big Foot Aesthetics", and "Deep Form", are testaments to Dr. Yu's pioneering ideas, which prioritize ecological sustainability and functionality.


As Turenscape forges ahead, they remain dedicated to crafting enduring designs that foster a profound and lasting connection between communities and their environments, championing a future where both flourish in harmony.

- 30 -

For more information

  1. www.turenscape.com/en/home/index.html

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Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park

Video credit: Turenscape
Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - Before - Photo credit: Turenscape
Before
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Very High-resolution image : 19.31 x 7.92 @ 300dpi ~ 7.4 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Aerial transformation: From 2021's landscape to 2023's vibrant Fuxi Cultural Park</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Aerial transformation: From 2021's landscape to 2023's vibrant Fuxi Cultural Park

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Very High-resolution image : 18.21 x 10.4 @ 300dpi ~ 8.4 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Site plan</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Site plan

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Very High-resolution image : 40.15 x 23.28 @ 300dpi ~ 31 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - The site's evolution into a rich, water resilient sponge park - Photo credit: Turenscape
The site's evolution into a rich, water resilient sponge park
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High-resolution image : 16.94 x 9.12 @ 300dpi ~ 12 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Park's design inspired by celestial constellations, adding unique visual language. The flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' can regulate 1M m³ stormwater</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Park's design inspired by celestial constellations, adding unique visual language. The flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' can regulate 1M m³ stormwater

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Very High-resolution image : 26.85 x 15.09 @ 300dpi ~ 30 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class=""> Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity

Photo credit: Turenscape
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Very High-resolution image : 17.64 x 11.76 @ 300dpi ~ 16 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture -  <p class="">Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity</p>  - Photo credit: Turenscape

Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

High-resolution image : 13.3 x 6.02 @ 300dpi ~ 6.3 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 18.24 x 10.26 @ 300dpi ~ 11 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities </p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities

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Very High-resolution image : 21.96 x 8.8 @ 300dpi ~ 14 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities </p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 18.0 x 10.12 @ 300dpi ~ 9 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities </p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities

Photo credit: Turenscape
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Very High-resolution image : 17.39 x 9.78 @ 300dpi ~ 9.3 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails

Photo credit: Turenscape
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Very High-resolution image : 19.2 x 12.8 @ 300dpi ~ 15 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 17.57 x 9.87 @ 300dpi ~ 12 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 18.24 x 10.26 @ 300dpi ~ 12 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 18.9 x 12.6 @ 300dpi ~ 16 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">The bio-water purification system is intricately woven into the landscape, with roof-mounted solar panels providing the necessary energy</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

The bio-water purification system is intricately woven into the landscape, with roof-mounted solar panels providing the necessary energy

Photo credit: Turenscape
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Medium-resolution image : 9.39 x 4.62 @ 300dpi ~ 3.5 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">The bio-water purification system is intricately woven into the landscape, with roof-mounted solar panels providing the necessary energy</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

The bio-water purification system is intricately woven into the landscape, with roof-mounted solar panels providing the necessary energy

Photo credit: Turenscape
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High-resolution image : 14.48 x 9.64 @ 300dpi ~ 7.6 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">The bio-water purification system is intricately woven into the landscape, with roof-mounted solar panels providing the necessary energy</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

The bio-water purification system is intricately woven into the landscape, with roof-mounted solar panels providing the necessary energy

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

High-resolution image : 13.15 x 9.87 @ 300dpi ~ 10 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm

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High-resolution image : 12.77 x 7.17 @ 300dpi ~ 6.1 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 18.24 x 12.16 @ 300dpi ~ 17 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 17.87 x 9.0 @ 300dpi ~ 13 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm

Photo credit: Turenscape
Download

Very High-resolution image : 18.24 x 12.16 @ 300dpi ~ 20 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class=""> Trampoline-filled crater becomes a vibrant community gathering spot</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Trampoline-filled crater becomes a vibrant community gathering spot

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Very High-resolution image : 18.24 x 10.26 @ 300dpi ~ 14 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Sports facilities meld with natural topography, enriching the crater's landscape, blending nature sports with fun </p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Sports facilities meld with natural topography, enriching the crater's landscape, blending nature sports with fun

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Very High-resolution image : 18.24 x 12.16 @ 300dpi ~ 12 MB

Press kit | 2696-05 - Press release | Sponge Synergy: The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park - Turenscape - Landscape Architecture - <p class="">Winter transforms the crater island landscape into a picturesque arena for skiing and ice skating</p> - Photo credit: Turenscape

Winter transforms the crater island landscape into a picturesque arena for skiing and ice skating

Photo credit: Turenscape
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Medium-resolution image : 8.53 x 4.8 @ 300dpi ~ 4.1 MB

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