SPONGE CITY PILOTS
WUHAN / CHONGQING
China
China’s Sponge City program, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD), the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), selects pilot cities like Wuhan and Chongqing to mimic natural water absorption, aiming for 70% rainwater retention through infiltration, storage, purification, and drainage. These pilots address urban flooding from rapid urbanisation, with Wuhan (14 million residents at the Yangtze-Han rivers) and Chongqing targeting 20% built-up area compliance by 2020 and 80% by 2030.
Initiated post-2012 Beijing floods, the programme funds pilots (400-600 million RMB/year for three years) for nature-based solutions like permeable pavements, rain gardens, wetlands, and green roofs. Wuhan invested CNY 11 billion in two demonstration areas with 288 projects across roads, green spaces, and residences, absorbing 60-85% annual rainfall and resisting 50-year storms. Chongqing completed 281 drainage zones (421 km², 24.2% built-up by 2020), now expanding to 45% by 2025 via regional “mountain sponges” and water systems.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Restores wetlands, reduces runoff/erosion, improves lake/river quality, and boosts biodiversity via parks and green belts, minimizing ecological impact from urbanization. Achieves cleaner discharge through natural purification.
Smart City
Integrates smart monitoring for stormwater, bio-retention systems, and modular storage with pipe networks mimicking capillaries for layered filtration. Pilots use permeable infrastructure and sensors for real-time flood control and water quality.
Human-Centric
Enhances liveability with resilient, green spaces that prevent waterlogging, eliminate black/odorous water, and create comfortable urban water harmony for residents. Supports economic benefits like lower flood costs and higher property values.
Interesting Links
Links to external websites and video features available for cities and developments that apply and are accepted as Official Participants: click here to apply