QINGPU watertown plans to build a ring-shape recreational area connecting its four major waterways.

The outskirt town’s aim is to create recreational sites for its residents and tourism destinations for downtown visitors, officials said yesterday.

Qingpu District government plans to dredge and connect the four major waterways — Shangda, Youdungang, Dianpu and Xidayinggang rivers — into a 21-kilometer-long waterway.

Four major parks will be built along each riverside, incorporating the district’s renowned tourism attractions, an official with the district government said. The total land areas for the parks will reach 800,000 square meters. Vacant and abandoned land near the riverbanks will be brought into play.

“The project aims to create a new tourism brand of the ‘Qingpu watertown’ to attract people from both downtown and outside the city,” the official said.

The western district is well known for its abundant water resources, including Dianshan Lake and many rivers.

Jinze Reservoir, which supplies water to some 6.7 million residents in the city’s suburban districts, is also in Qingpu.

According to the blueprints, the four planned parks will be themed on “ecologic water scenery,” “history and culture,” “recreation and tourism,” and “sports and exercises.”

An ancient Buddhism pagoda built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) will be included in one of the parks along Dianpu River, according to the plan. Buildings in China’s traditional architectural style and gardens will be erected around the pagoda to boost sightseeing and tourism.

An existing archeological museum — Shanghai Songze Historical Relics Museum — will also be part of the parks with new exhibitions arranged nearby to display the Songze Culture (3,900-3,200 BC), one of the city’s earliest cultures, according to the district government.

Twelve service stations will be built to enable tourists to rest, drink and eat. Walking and cycling lanes are planned along the waterways. Parking areas will be built at the entrances to the parks.

Venues for tennis, basketball, badminton and skating have also been planned.

Docks for sightseeing cruises will also be built.

A night sightseeing route is planned to let tourists view the district’s river scenery by night, the government said.