Shenzhen's recently released implementation plan for three-dimensional urban greening has sparked significant public interest, with many speculating about its applicability to home balcony gardening.
However, the city's urban management authority clarified that the plan primarily targets qualified investors engaged in three-dimensional greening construction projects. This means that balcony gardening, though popular, does not fall under the scope of the subsidy program.
Three-dimensional greening encompasses all forms of greening beyond traditional ground-level planting, including wall greening and roof greening.
According to the plan, urban three-dimensional greening projects invested in and constructed by social organizations, enterprises, or individuals can be provided with financial subsidies as rewards.
The plan outlines specific subsidy standards: garden-style roof greening qualifies for a subsidy of 300 yuan (US$41.46) per square meter, while simple roof greening and other forms of three-dimensional greening are eligible for 180 yuan and 150 yuan per square meter, respectively.
Despite household balcony gardening not being eligible for subsidies, Shenzhen hosts an annual competition to select the city's "most beautiful family balcony."