Jinan Ribbon Park

People walking and sitting on benches in Jinan Ribbon Park.
  • Client Jinan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning (济南市自然资源和规划局)
  • Expertise Landscape + Ecology
  • Location Jinan, Shandong, China

Inspired by the rich variety of landscapes that surround the city of Jinan, a central park and series of open spaces connect a new business district to the region’s ecosystem.

Project Facts
  • Status Construction Complete
  • Completion Year 2022
  • Design Finish Year 2019
  • Size Site Area: 22.60 hectares
  • Embodied Carbon 1 co2e/ft2
  • Awards 2022, PRO+ Award, ASSC 上海市建筑学会
Project Facts
  • Status Construction Complete
  • Completion Year 2022
  • Design Finish Year 2019
  • Size Site Area: 22.60 hectares
  • Embodied Carbon 1 co2e/ft2
  • Awards 2022, PRO+ Award, ASSC 上海市建筑学会

Design inspired by regional landscapes

Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province on China’s eastern coast, is known for its rich variety of natural landscapes — its springs, Daming Lake, and the nearby Mount Tai and Yellow River. As the master planner, architect, and landscape designer for Jinan’s new central business district, SOM took inspiration from these natural characteristics at every scale: the plan for the district, the architecture of its landmark tower, and the design of a network of open spaces.

Jinan Ribbon Park
© SOM

Our design for Jinan Ribbon Park creates a world-class ecological park system at the heart of the newly established CBD and contains a series of signature open spaces designed to embrace the natural and cultural heritage of Jinan. The park connects to the region’s landscape ecologies, integrates water elements that evoke the historic springs of Jinan, and provides a rich collection of attractions for residents and visitors of all ages and interest.

Woman looks up at skyscrapers from inside Jinan Ribbon Park
© Traceimage

Strategies for a thriving ecology

After researching the local topography, water flow, and soil types, we reintroduced regional plantings that thrive in Jinan’s climate. Willow trees and lotus are signature elements of the landscape design.

With a rich layering of vegetation and plantings that actively remove damaging airborne particulates, the park provides comfort and improves air quality. Building on the “sponge city” concept—using landscape design to assist in the management of stormwater during the flood season—we integrated a network of cleansing wetlands, bio-filtration, and aeration fountains. All of these strategies support a healthier natural environment and, in turn, a more livable city for residents, workers, and visitors to Jinan.

Aerial view of purple flowers and pavilions in Jinan RIbbon Park
© Traceimage
Man and child on tricycle walk along path in Jinan Ribbon Park.
© Traceimage

Strategies for a thriving ecology

At Jinan Ribbon Park, water flows from south to north through a series of five distinct landscapes. Our design weaves a pedestrian promenade throughout each of these landscape zones, allowing visitors to experience what makes each one distinct.

Landscaped rock wall in Jinan Ribbon Park.
© Traceimage
People visit the lotus pond in Jinan Ribbon Park.
© Traceimage
  • Mountains: Characterized by thick forests and rocky outcroppings
  • Creeks: Rocky, dry creek beds for much of the year, which transform into flowing streams in rain and flood seasons
  • Lakes: Reservoirs created by the region’s signature springs
  • Delta: Flooding marshlands and mud flats that support amphibians and birdlife as well as the migratory flocks of the Australasian Flyway
  • Islands: Wooded hillocks in the lower reaches of the streambed, at the transition area to a delta ecology
Ferns and greenery in Jinan Ribbon Park
© Traceimage

A central park, where the city and nature meet

Humans look to nature for inspiration and meaning; this is a recurring theme of Chinese landscape paintings, with the flow of water and winds through mountainous landscapes. The scheme for Jinan Ribbon Park celebrates these natural ecologies and brings the mountain landscape of rolling hills, rocky creek beds and lush riverside wetland marshes into the city.

At its center, a transit hub, a multi-purpose lawn with sculpture gardens, and a “willow leaf” pavilion are framed by five landmark towers. The park highlights the beauty and colors of every season–pink and white blossoms in the spring, green lawns in the summer, dry golden hues in autumn, and the white grays in winter. A central Lotus Lake, with boardwalks and rocky cascades, provides opportunities for people to interact with nature.

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