SHENZHEN’S parks has once again surprised local residents with the introduction of the newest amenity — intelligent mobile shower rooms. Located near the smart sports equipment site not far from the western entrance of Lianhua Hill Park , two mobile shower rooms cater to people’s needs for a quick rinse after exercising. The all-white interior wall design creates a clean and bright atmosphere. While the easy-to-use shower rooms are not very large, they are spacious enough for a comfortable shower experience. Each room is equipped with handheld showerheads, overhead fixed showerheads, a hairdryer, and a foldable changing stool. According to people who have used the amenity, the hot and cold water flow from the showers is strong. The cost for using a shower room is 15 yuan (US$2.07) for 20 minutes, with additional fees applying for overtime. Each shower room comes with a locker, which will open after a user has paid by following the instructions provided on the machine. Once locked from the inside, the exhaust fan in the shower room will automatically activate, enhancing the overall experience. Please note that neither shower gel or shampoo nor bath towels or slippers are provided in the mobile shower room. However, disposable bath towels and slippers are available for purchase from the self-service machine. The installation of such intelligent mobile shower rooms has been widely applauded by the public, saying that running enthusiasts can freshen up before heading to their office for a day’s work after a morning run. Similar mobile shower rooms have also been equipped in other urban public parks, such as Shenzhen Talents Park and the Haifeng Sports Square of Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan District, Futian Sports Park and Bijia Mountain Sports Park, as well as Luohu Sports and Leisure Park. The emergence of of intelligent mobile shower rooms in public parks has significantly elevated the service standards of Shenzhen’s parks, which already offer numerous free amenities, including fitness facilities, children’s playgrounds, book bars and well-equipped public restrooms, to name a few. Currently the only of its kind, an air-conditioned lounge has been established by the Xili Lake in the first phase of the Xili Lake Greenway in Nanshan. This facility provides outdoor enthusiasts with a cool place to chill after exercising. Opened to the public in April last year, the project garnered the gold prize in the park and open environment category at the 2024 MUSE Design Awards in the United States. Reading has also emerged as a prominent feature that redefines park visits in Shenzhen. Following the inauguration of the Bailupo Book Bar in Shenzhen Bay Park, several similar book bars and park libraries have been built throughout the city. Many locals regard the Bailupo Book Bar as an exceptional example of an ideal place for reading: a bright and cozy pavilion with a good collection of books, set against the backdrop of a blue sea and a green lawn. Lixiang Park in Nanshan even boasts a reading room that is open 24/7. Shenzhen’s parks first gained nationwide fame for their public restrooms, which are said to be “on par with those in a five-star hotel.” These public restrooms are typically surrounded by greenery, making them visually pleasing and well-ventilated. They are fully equipped with tissue paper, hand soap, and hand dryers, and also feature third-gender restrooms and nursing facilities to accommodate diverse needs, alleviating concerns about finding adequate restroom facilities. In addition, many parks in Shenzhen offer outdoor smart gyms that are accessible to the public for free. Sports-themed parks also provide various sports facilities for free reservation. Beyond fitness, the all-age playgrounds in the parks serve as popular recreational spots for locals on weekends. Most parks, large and small, are equipped with dedicated play areas, making these playgrounds treasure spots for local residents to take their children and unwind.(Claudia Wei) | 