Chang Yul Park in Thimphu, Bhutan, is a seven-acre urban green space along the Wangchhu River, developed as a royal initiative by His Majesty The King. The park was designed to blend traditional Bhutanese heritage with modern green infrastructure, emphasizing sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement. It includes diverse features such as expansive meadows, a riverside gallery, a rose garden, an arboretum showcasing over 50 native plant species, and a floating bar constructed using intricate timber techniques.
The park also boasts a community hub with a cafeteria, performance plaza, and underground restrooms, serving as a central gathering place for events and social interaction. Key zones of the park include an adventure play area for children, an outdoor gym, walking paths, jogging tracks, and elevated bridges that offer panoramic river views. Accessibility features include ramps for persons with disabilities and electric vehicle charging stations, integrating the park into Thimphu’s low-emission transport network.
Constructed over 18 months at a cost of over Nu 150 million, Chang Yul Park is part of Thimphu’s broader Green Infrastructure and Open Space Master Plan (2023-2047), aiming to promote environmental sustainability, carbon sequestration, and enhanced urban green spaces. The park is expected to set a benchmark for future urban projects in Bhutan, enhancing the quality of life for residents and serving as a vibrant space for recreation, cultural engagement, and tourism.
