A "slow-down" landscape passage will soon be added to Small Hengqin Mt providing ecological protection, leisure sightseeing, cultural experience, and urban images.

The Zhuhai Public Resource Trading Center recently posted a notice seeking bids on the first phase of the 16.4-km (10.2-mile) trail. It consists of an 8.5-km (5.3-mile) raised boardwalk and 7.9-km (4.9-mile) wood promenade. Support facilities will provide barrier-free accessibility, services, resting places, and parking.

Planning and design are underway for construction of the first phase beginning by the end of this year and to be completed by late 2022. It will connect to an existing 14.6-km (9-mile) greenway. In all, greenways and trails will wind 31 km (19 miles) upon the mountain.

Small Hengqin Mt greenway with plank promenade

One of the first demonstration projects under Hengqin New Area's Sponge City development, the greenway comprises four distinct sections.

A 2.8-km section (1.7-mile) from Xiangyang Village in the southern foothills of Small Hengqin Mt to Sumlodol Camping Town off North Huandao Road is the most recommended. During the 1.5-hour walk visitors will take in trees with interlocking trunks, a pinewood rest station, sightseeing platforms, creeks, and mangrove forests. 

Running east-west between North Huandao and Gang'ao avenues on Hengqin Island, Small Hengqin Mt is moderate in height and grade and has tree-lined crests. From the mountain visitors will experience the natural beauty of peaks and seas and also view the cityscapes of Hengqin and Macao.

The greenway-trail is being developed by Zhuhai Da Heng Qin and financed by the Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee. Planned are 15 viewing platforms, sightseeing bridges, and vertical elevators at six scenic spots, while the pathway winds by nearby tourist attractions, villages, commercial complexes, and civic centers to complement local tourism.

Small Hengqin Mt raised boardwalk [Photos provided by Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Co to Guanhai App]