Utilizing underused spaces

A chic riverside restaurant bar recently emerged from a once-neglected space beneath an overpass in Chongqing, captivating locals and tourists alike. The space's metamorphosis stands as another innovative example of the city's forward-thinking urban renewal endeavors.

As the venue's name suggests, Under Joy, the restaurant bar is nestled under a bridge in Chongqing's Ciyun Temple section of Nanbin Road, Nan'an district, radiating joy for customers.

Designed with modern flair, the venue boasts an energetic ambience with a misting system that descends from above, creating a dreamlike atmosphere complemented by perfectly appointed lighting. It also offers a stunning view of Chaotianmen Gate, where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. It is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, especially at sunset.

Largely built on mountains and surrounded by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is often referred to as the "city of mountains" or "city of rivers". It is also known by the moniker "city of bridges".

According to the Chongqing Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the city has more than 20,000 bridges — more than any other city in the country.

In recent years, the densely populated metropolis has discovered a modern solution in utilizing the tremendous amount of space under its bridges by converting them into pocket parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, commercial spaces, pedestrian trails, cycling paths, and parking lots.

One example is the nearly 14-kilometer-long riverside rainbow cycling path from Hongbin Road to Beibin Road in the city's Jiangbei district, which offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenic river views while taking a leisurely bike ride.

"I'm confident that our restaurant bar will be a hit," says Peng Jixiang, the general manager of Under Joy. "It truly is one of a kind."

Since its soft launch earlier in July, the approximately 1,800-square-meter venue has drawn an increasing stream of customers.

Peng, a 26-year-old entrepreneur with a background in the traditional catering industry, envisioned utilizing the cost-effective extra spaces and leveraging the location's geographical advantages to create a secluded yet vibrant corner with the perfect ambience for a diverse clientele, particularly the younger crowd.

The upscale oasis offers a mixed menu featuring American barbecue, Thai cuisine and craft beer, catering to a variety of palates. With the capacity to accommodate up to 500 customers simultaneously, the establishment is a source of great pride for Peng and his 32-year-old friend Wang Xingchen, the project director.

"We have helped in addressing the issue of underutilized spaces in the city," says Wang.

The project, conceived in May last year and approved by the local government in January, required an investment of over 6 million yuan ($834,888) and half a year to complete.

"The most challenging part of the construction involved manually removing a substantial volume of silt and weeds, as the area was inaccessible to large equipment, resulting in high costs and extra time," he notes.

They also had to ensure that the bridge's piers remained untouched to preserve its structural integrity while achieving the desired outcome. To enhance the ambience, they installed lights on the ground, in the greenery, and on the railings.

As the restaurant bar's menu continues to expand, efforts are underway to recruit staff proficient in English to cater to international clients.

Live performances in the evenings add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Notably, along the outermost part of the venue, a complimentary bench area is arranged for people to relax. This spot is favored by locals, including fishing enthusiasts, sanitation workers, and walkers, who unwind free of charge.

Many more underutilized spaces beneath the city's bridges will undergo a transformation through urban renewal.