Shanghai 2009
Wednesday, 26 August 2009 02:08
Written by Urban China

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Zhujiajiao is a water town near Dianshan Lake, with a history dating back more than 1,700 years. Long famous throughout southern China as a fabric and rice business center, it later fell into decline due to financial problems and the decay of its position as a land and water transportation hub. In 2000, the town was included within the Shanghai Municipal Government’s ‘One City Nine Town’ campaign and projects to protect and renovate the ancient water town were undertaken.

The initial focus on tourism promotion was gradually called into question, as tensions between this emphasis and the goal of cultural preservation became increasingly stark. A more selective approach, stressing heritage conservation, came to the fore. The future of Zhujiajiao as a ‘New South China Water Town’ was envisaged as a delicate balance between residence, culture and entertainment, preserving old historical buildings and lanes, while creating a modern tourism landmark.

The key concept was based upon a nine-square-kilometer ‘holiday mall’ in the downtown area, re-imagining the traditional water town as an advanced recreation and holiday center rather than a mere tourist spot. Upon completion, a luxurious hotel along the banks of the Caogang River will host meetings and commercial activities as well as catering to the needs of individual visitors. A renovated commercial street will evoke the flavors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with cultural depth reinforced by new exhibition halls and museums while atmospheric restaurants and teahouses add vitality to the overall vision. The townhall will be refashioned as ‘an exhibition area for folk culture’, complete with an impressive book collection, hosting performances of traditional Chinese music and drama.

The redevelopment includes more mundane elements, including the introduction of a modern sewage treatment system and a clean-up of the nearby Dadian Lake. More than 100 dilapidated industrial buildings are under renovation, as bases for post-industrial creative ventures, such as artists’ studios and workshops.

By 2010 Zhujiajiao should be well-positioned to benefit from the Expo influx, with its prospects restored as an environmentally-friendly residential area, international garden city, regional transport hub and tourist magnet.

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