Official animal-release ponds in the Song Dynasty: multifaceted development of ancient Chinese urban green spaces

Official animal-release ponds of the Song Dynasty (960–1279) represent a unique form of urban green space, integrating ecological, cultural, and social significances. Despite their historical importance, their multifaceted nature remains insufficiently explored. This study, based on historical records, investigates the foundational characteristics of these ponds and conducts a thorough analysis of their siting, construction, and management processes, which highlights both their achievements and limitations. The findings reveal that Song-era official animal-release ponds were distinguished by period-specific characteristics, diverse spatial forms, and extensive geographic distribution. Their siting strategies effectively integrated ecological conservation, political edification, and recreational functions, while their construction, led by the government, involved active collaboration with Buddhist temples and local communities. Management practices, including legal frameworks and spatial interventions, were designed to ensure their operation. However, the prioritisation of political and ecological objectives over economic benefits led to tensions between the public and authorities, as well as between central and local governments, ultimately undermining the long-term viability of these ponds. This study highlights the complexities inherent in urban green spaces and provides valuable insights for contemporary urban planners to accommodate and address multiplicity in green space planning.