BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The city of Beijing on Friday began construction of a forest park that will transform a dysfunctional landfill into a supplier of fresh air and clean water.
The 120-hectare Baihe Urban Forest Park, in Beijing's northeastern suburb, is expected to complete construction in August 2019, said the government of Beijing's Miyun District.
Zhang Peng, the chief designer of the park, said as the park sits on the old site of a landfill, they will have to restitute hills damaged by the garbage-disposing facility to their original, natural state and create a favorable environment for fauna and flora to take over.
"The forest park will have nearly 200 plant species, including those that can attract birds and insects to form a stable eco-system," Zhang said, highlighting the park's forest coverage of over 90 percent.
The park will also serve as a protector of the Baihe River, one water source of the metropolis, as well as a place for Beijing citizens to enjoy fresh air, according to the authorities.
