Type: Renovation, Mixed Use
Developer: Shenzhen Vanke Development Co. Ltd.
Owner: 300 individual villagers
Planning and Design Management Consultants: Vanke Urban Research, vaLue
Designers: MVRDV, URBANUS, Neri & Hu, VTN Architects, Atelier FC JZ, Tao, NODE Architecture & Urbanism, BWA, vaLue, fabersociety, FCHA, 11ARCHITECTURE, CM Design, HHDesign, INCLS, TAG, cnS, Return, Filed, INPLUS Design, Nanyue Gujian
Consultant: reLifesyling Real Estate Consultancy (Shanghai) Ltd.
Site Size: 12.08 acres (4.89 ha)
Date Opened: August 23, 2020
Date Completed: September 30, 2021
Buildings: 237,882 square feet (22,100 sq m)
Parking (# of spaces): 132
Open Space: 50,913 square feet (4,730 sq m)
Shenzhen’s Nantou Ancient City project represents a groundbreaking approach to revitalizing China’s historic urban villages in a way that preserves their cultural heritage and community fabric. After China’s government designated Shenzhen as a Special Economic Zone in 1980, the city’s more than 400 urban villages grew rapidly to provide informal housing for an influx of migrant workers. The result: high-density residential areas that maximized rental income but often compromised on fire safety and hygiene standards.
In 2018, the government launched a pilot project at Nantou Ancient City and established a joint venture involving the government, the village committee, and a private sector partner. The goal was to draw on private investment to address the negative effects of rapid urbanization. The first phase, completed in 2021, focused on refurbishing approximately 300 of 992 buildings. Rather than pursuing wholesale redevelopment, the joint venture adopted an incremental approach that revitalized 25 percent of key areas to spark community engagement and inspire local landlords to make improvements on their own.
In renovating office, retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, and hotel rooms and apartments, the joint venture engaged more than 20 architects to make sure that the look and feel of the refurbished structures would be cohesive but varied. This approach maintained architectural unity while respecting the site’s historical context.
Sustainable design features include the creation of rooftop bamboo gardens, the strategic integration of pocket gardens, and the placement of circulation along building exteriors to maximize daylight penetration.
The project also added creative industry professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and performers to the existing mix of residents. Ongoing programs help build community by creating opportunities for all residents to interact. For example, the project pairs volunteer designers with local businesses and supports stay-at-home parents in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
The joint venture’s long-lease strategy avoided lengthy property acquisition processes. The project has increased property values, rental rates, job opportunities with competitive salaries, and tax revenue.
Thousands of developers and government officials across China have visited to try to understand and replicate its approach. Nantou Ancient City offers a replicable approach to prioritizing community preservation while achieving significant economic and social improvements. Its success suggests a promising path forward for similar villages across China and beyond.
To learn more about ULI’s Awards for Excellent or to enter your project for consideration:
- The ULI Americas Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding development projects in North and South America.
- The ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding development projects in the Asia Pacific region.
- The ULI Europe Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding development projects in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Information about how to serve as a juror for the ULI Awards for Excellence:
The ULI Awards Jury Experience: Identifying and Elevating Excellence in Real Estate and Land Use
