Maozhou River has a total length of 31.3 kilometres and a basin area of 388 sq.km.

Since 1980's, there were 433 key pollution source enterprises which made Maozhou River the most polluted "Black River"in the Pearl River Delta. Based on the outline development plan of GBA, an ambitious "10000km Blueway Initiative" has been announced by the Guangdong provincial government to create quality blue spaces in the province. To ensure sustainable restoration strategies can be adopted,1.8km section of Maozhou river in Baoan District has been selected as a pilot project for this important initiative in the GBA.

The significance of this pilot project does not only improve water and environmental quality, it presents invaluable and challenging opportunities to rediscover value of blue belt in the urban design and ecological framework. As such, special landscape ecological strategy was adopted by using ecosystem services approach in the design process. An innovative "Design by Nature" methodology was proven as sustainable alternative in river restoration.

In summary, the successful restoration of Maozhou River project by the design team has made profound contribution to the urban design of GBA with the following achievements;

1. Establish the importance of blue space in urban design framework.

2. Complete the work from design to construction within four months to meet the time requirement for a demonstration project.

3. Disrupt the traditional restoration method, strong emphasis has been placed on ecology, blue spaces and recreational needs of the people.

4. Realise the value of blue space to drive the sustainable development of the surrounding landuse.

5. Setting the sustainable design standard for other river restoration work in the GBA.

6. Provide environmental education experiences to general public.

7. Innovative ‘Design by Nature’ strategies was successfully adopted

8. Transform the river bank into public open space for public enjoyment.