It took three years from 2008 to 2011 to fully complete the eco-salvage of the Futian River, including planning and all civil engineering work.

Stage one: Work started along 3.1 km of the main artery of the river to reinforce the capability of flood control. Lakes were created for flood discharge. Culverts and tunnels are built to divert floodwater.

Stage two: To increase efficiency in wastewater collection, 6.78 km of sluiceways and a 20,000 cubic-meter catchment reservoir were built. With this system in place, rainfall, as well as 135,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day in the dry season are collected, then diverted to treatment plants for recycling.

Stage three: Pipes are laid to facilitate the discharge of 40,000 cubic meters of recycled, cleaned water into the river system. Additional filtering takes place through the recreated wetlands along the river. Water purity reaches category II.

Stage four: The river environment is enhanced through the planting of trees and landscaping. Flood discharge reservoirs are transformed into three lakes sitting in two large parks, creating 62,000 square meters of parkland.

Stage five: River, parks and residential areas are integrated into an organic whole by barrier-free passageways, including 6.8 km of green paths along the riverbanks. The paths run underneath 4 cross-sections of trunk roads, linking 18 km of park paths. Eight bridges are built across the river and 11 scenic spots created, making it a green, visitor-friendly environment which has become a magnet for local residents.