How does the Bird's Nest stadium reuse rainwater?

The Bird's Nest stadium uses a network of tubes to collect rainwater, which is then filtered and stored for use in flushing toilets, watering lawns, and cleaning.

What is China's 'sponge city' concept?

China's 'sponge city' concept is an urban planning strategy that uses green spaces, wetlands, and permeable surfaces to manage water, mitigating flood risks and droughts.

How large is China's rainwater harvesting industry?

In 2023, China's urban rainwater harvesting industry, including equipment and systems, was valued at 126 billion yuan.

Home / Environment / China's Ancient Secret: Harvesting Rain for Modern Cities

China's Ancient Secret: Harvesting Rain for Modern Cities

16 Jan

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Summary

Beijing's National Stadium recycles 50% of its water needs from collected rainwater.
China's 'sponge city' concept revitalizes ancient water systems for modern use.
The URWH industry in China reached 126 billion yuan in 2023.

China's Ancient Secret: Harvesting Rain for Modern Cities

China is modernizing ancient practices to tackle water scarcity through urban rainwater harvesting (URWH). Iconic venues like Beijing's National Stadium, the Bird's Nest, exemplify this by recycling rainwater to meet over half their water demands. This system channels precipitation into underground tanks for filtration and reuse.

The nation's embrace of URWH is intrinsically linked to the 'sponge city' concept, a strategy inspired by historical water management. This approach uses natural and engineered systems to mitigate floods and droughts, particularly crucial for China's arid northern regions.

URWH is now a fundamental part of China's national planning, with a target for 70% of rainfall in sponge cities to be reused. The industry supporting this, including storage and filtration, was valued at 126 billion yuan in 2023, indicating its substantial economic impact and future growth potential.