Recently, the 2024 Asian Townscape Award ceremony was successfully held in Fukuoka, Japan. A total of 10 projects were awarded this year, including the "Zhonglou Historical District Regeneration Project, Taiyuan".
The "Asian Townscape Award" was established in 2010 to recognize and reward outstanding urban landscape practices across Asia that have made significant contributions and had a far-reaching impact. The "Zhonglou Historical District Regeneration Project, Taiyuan," winning this prestigious award, is not only a testament to its design and innovation but also a high acknowledgment of the successful integration of historical and modern elements in the transformation of Zhonglou Street, a historic and cultural district.
Zhonglou Street is a century-old street within the city walls of Taiyuan, dating back to the Song Dynasty. It thrived during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and flourished in the Republic of China period. With its rich history and abundant heritage, Zhonglou Street became a cultural landmark of Taiyuan, the provincial capital, after the founding of the People's Republic of China. It soon developed into one of the city's most bustling and prosperous commercial districts, carrying the profound historical memories of the city.
In the Zhonglou Street renovation project, Yingze District adhered to the principle of "preserve, restore, and revitalize," with Eastern aesthetics at its core. The project involved restoring cultural heritage buildings and 25 historic streets, preserving the district's historic character while seamlessly integrating modern elements and functional needs into the design. A series of humanistic landmarks, such as the Zhonglou (Bell Tower), were created, presenting a contemporary aesthetic landscape that blends a long history, profound heritage, and unique charm.
Since its reopening in September 2021, Zhonglou Street has welcomed 42 million visitors. In the future, Yingze District will continue to promote the construction, preservation, and development of the district, striving to establish Zhonglou Street as an international urban living room and a new cultural card.
Source: Yingze Fabu