Tsui Ping River Revitalization: Transforming Urban Waterways in Hong Kong

Client Drainage Services Department, Hong Kong

The Tsui Ping River project transformed a 1-kilometer concrete drainage channel in Hong Kong's Kwun Tong District into a vibrant blue-green corridor. Part of the Energizing Kowloon East initiative, this project reimagined urban water infrastructure to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits while maintaining flood management capabilities.

Challenge & Approach

The King Yip Street nullah presented multiple challenges typical of aging urban infrastructure. The concrete drainage channel effectively managed stormwater but created an urban barrier that fragmented neighbourhoods, offered limited ecological value, and contributed to urban heat island effects. The project team faced the complex task of enhancing this single-function infrastructure while working within tight urban constraints and without compromising flood protection in a typhoon-prone city.

The design team developed an integrated approach that recognized the interconnected nature of urban systems. Rather than treating the channel as isolated infrastructure, they envisioned it as a multifunctional corridor that could simultaneously serve hydrological, ecological, social, and urban connectivity purposes. This approach required close collaboration between hydraulic engineers, landscape architects, ecologists, and urban planners to develop solutions that would balance sometimes competing objectives.

Central to the approach was the recognition that even highly modified urban waterways could be rehabilitated to provide ecosystem services while enhancing public space. The design process began with comprehensive analysis of existing conditions, including hydrological modeling, pedestrian movement patterns, and ecological assessments. This foundational understanding informed a framework that divided the river into functional zones, each with tailored interventions responding to specific site conditions and opportunities.

Blue-Green Infrastructure

At the core of the design was the integration of blue-green infrastructure principles to create a sustainable urban river system. The transformation involved resurfacing the concrete channel with natural materials and creating a riverbed with varying depths and flow patterns to mimic natural processes. Engineered wetlands were introduced along the river corridor to filter stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. Smart water gates at the downstream end automatically adjust to tidal conditions, maintaining optimal water levels during dry periods while allowing for flood conveyance during heavy rainfall. Floating pontoons and viewing pavilions were strategically placed to provide opportunities for public engagement with the river environment.

Enhanced Connectivity

A comprehensive network of pedestrian connections was integral to the project's success. Six cross-river walkways were carefully positioned based on pedestrian movement patterns and key destinations, each with a unique character responding to its specific context. Landscape decks function as expanded nodes providing spaces for gathering and viewing. New pedestrianized passages connect the river corridor with adjacent communities, creating a seamless network of walkable spaces. The design approach was guided by the concept of "weaving" - using the river as a thread that connects disparate urban fabric on both sides, transforming what was once a barrier into a connecting element.

Ecological Design

The ecological design created diverse habitats along the river corridor through a zonation strategy. In the upstream zones, freshwater habitats were established with rock pools, floating vegetative islands, and natural boulder substrates creating microhabitat complexity. The middle zone focused on transitional habitats with mangrove plantings, terraced banks, and rock weirs to support a mix of freshwater and brackish species. The downstream zone incorporated tidal pools, enhanced seawalls with textured surfaces, and natural rock bed substrates to create estuarine habitats supporting organisms adapted to fluctuating salinity conditions. Bird perching poles were strategically placed throughout to enhance habitat value for waterbirds.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability was integrated throughout the project with numerous design elements. Solar panels power water quality improvement systems and landscape lighting, while gravity-fed water systems minimize mechanical requirements. Approximately 40% of the existing drainage structure was repurposed, significantly reducing construction waste and embodied carbon. Bioremediation through wetlands and strategic aquatic plantings provides natural water treatment, reducing the need for energy-intensive mechanical systems. Nearly 100 benches and tables were created from reclaimed timber from typhoon-damaged trees, demonstrating a commitment to circular economy principles. Materials with high Solar Reflectance Index values were selected for paving to reduce urban heat island effects.

Results & Impact

The revitalization transformed a utilitarian drainage channel into a multifunctional corridor with significant benefits. The project created a vibrant public realm connecting a network of open spaces and recreational facilities, enhancing the overall livability of the district. Pedestrian connectivity between the business area and residential zones significantly improved walkability. From an ecological perspective, monitoring efforts have documented increases in both the abundance and diversity of plant and animal species. Despite these enhancements, the project maintained and improved the river's flood management capabilities. The sustainable features reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs compared to conventional approaches. Perhaps most importantly, the revitalized river has become a focal point for community activities, fostering a sense of connection to place and to natural processes within the dense urban environment.

The Tsui Ping River project demonstrates how urban drainage infrastructure can be reimagined as multifunctional spaces that benefit communities in multiple ways. This holistic approach to water management provides a model for creating resilient, sustainable urban environments that address climate change, biodiversity loss, and quality of life challenges faced by cities worldwide. The success of this revitalization highlights the potential for similar transformations in dense urban areas, showing that with thoughtful design and innovative engineering, infrastructure can be more than just functional—it can be beautiful, ecological, and socially valuable.