With an investment of nearly 300 million yuan ($45.09 million), the central park is expected to cover 79 hectares and is designed to connect Qinglong Mountain with the existing two mountain parks on Cipeng Mountain. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]

Construction recently began on Putuo Central Mountain Park in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, local media reported on Nov 4.

With an investment of nearly 300 million yuan, the central park will cover 79 hectares and is designed to connect Qinglong Mountain with the existing two mountain parks on Cipeng Mountain.

The redevelopment work at Qinglong Mountain scenic area will include the renovation of an old meteorological station.

Facilities for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences and astro observation will be added to the former weather station, turning it into a meteorological education and experience center.

The large areas of farmland on Cipeng Mountain will be reconstructed into a botanical garden where visitors can admire flowers and trees, including cherry-apple trees, hibiscus, hollyhock plants, Chinese tallow trees and sequoias.

Renovations on the monument to martyrs and heroes and two extensive grasslands on Qinglong Mountain are also underway and will be completed in two months.

Construction work on Putuo Central Mountain Park is expected to be completed in 20 months.