The development directions and formation features of contemporary urban parks in China are investigated by reviewing the current news and information sources as well as scientific publications on the principles of contemporary urban park development in China. The study reveals main trends in the development of contemporary urban parks under the influence of the human factor. Thus, in recent years, city residents have increasingly favoured diversified urban ecological parks. Traditional urban ecological parks no longer correspond to contemporary ideas about the high quality of life, making diversification the only way to meet the needs of residents. In accordance with this trend, the design of contemporary urban ecological parks will develop towards diversification and humanization. Although the number of urban parks in mainland China increased significantly between 1980 and 2020, this number is still insufficient to maintain the necessary level of the physical activity of residents. The low number of parks per 10,000 residents, as compared to the US and Japan urban park systems, can lead to the problem of accessibility of public park services. Concerns about spatial inequality are also evident across provinces, city classes and individual cities. In accordance with the policy of prioritized urbanization, inequality is expected to grow unless preventive measures are taken.