Covering less than 2,000 square kilometers, Shenzhen, a megacity of more than 20 million people, is home to more than 6,870 recorded species. Over the past 5 years, 15 new species have been formally described with Shenzhen as their typical habitat, while 29 plant and animal species have been named after places in the city.
To protect its rich biodiversity, Shenzhen has introduced a series of conservation measures. The city has improved habitat connectivity by building eco-bridges such as Kunpeng Trail No. 1 Bridge, where 90 percent of the deck is reserved for wildlife and vegetation. Through the Linking Plan, it has also installed small wildlife–friendly features, including frog ladders and animal climbing nets, to help small animals move safely through urban environments.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian praises Shenzhen's Kunpeng Trail No. 1 Bridge in an X post.
The city has also promoted wildlife-friendly practices. Shenzhen Bay Park avoids high-intensity lighting and prohibits feeding wild birds to protect migratory species. In another widely discussed example, a high school principal responded, with an open letter, to students' proposal to remove bird nests, turning the debate into a lesson in respecting nature.
These efforts are backed by a steadily improving legal framework. Shenzhen has introduced the Limits of Nighttime Environmental Lighting Zones, Bird-friendly Urban Planning and Design Guidelines and the Shenzhen Wild Fauna and Flora Conservation Plan (2025–2035). These efforts are embedding biodiversity conservation in urban governance and offering a "Shenzhen model" for megacities that seek to balance development with ecological protection.
Author | He Fengyu
Photos | OCT Wetland Natural School, Shenzhen Fabu, Yangcheng Evening News, Shenzhen Ecology and Environment, etc.
