This design proposal is centered on the concept of “composite green urban design,” transforming the formerly decked-over “Mother River” into a vibrant and accessible urban public space that reactivates the structure and daily life of the historic city. Using the river as a green backbone, the scheme extends a branching network of pedestrian greenways into the surrounding urban fabric, forming a “mesh-like green chain” that stitches together fragmented public spaces, historical sites, and commercial districts into a continuous and walkable system.

Drawing inspiration from the region’s distinctive karst peak and cluster landscapes, the riverbanks are reshaped into a zigzagging, terraced ecological park with varied elevations. This approach increases physical and visual access to the water while creating a dynamic, layered waterfront landscape. At the same time, the design reinterprets lost historical elements—such as former bridges and ancient springs—through a process of “cartographic projection,” translating them into a series of memory courtyards embedded along both riverbanks, allowing residents to rediscover the city’s cultural lineage through everyday use.

In terms of development strategy, the project adopts a vertically layered model of ground-level landscape, semi-underground commercial spaces, and underground parking, combined with a phased implementation approach. Beginning with public and cultural events to activate the site, followed by land value enhancement and private-sector participation, the strategy ultimately drives comprehensive urban revitalization. Overall, the design functions like a modern “green jade ribbon,” reconnecting the historic soul of the old city with contemporary urban life.