Located in China’s Guizhou province, the Qingyan Ancient Town is an ancient military garrison built over 600 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. This still preserved ancient town serves as both a home to local residents, as well as a popular regional tourist destination. Because of its success as a tourist attraction the ancient town faced enormous pressure from outside interests to modernize and redevelop.

Brought in by a client seeking to balance the local interests of historical preservation and those hoping to inject capital into the region in order to generate investments for future economic growth, EDG was asked to create a development plan and business strategy to direct future growth while historically preserving the ancient town.

Comprised of 740 acres (300 hectares), four zones were created adjacent to the four historic gates of the town: the Culture and History District, Nature District, Creativity District, and the Lifestyle District. The lifestyle district includes a major RD&E complex that buffers the axis of the ancient towns main gate. This creates a major focal point where guests and residents can gather together for shows and events including the Evening Lighting Spectacular  – A dramatic light show that’s projected onto the main wall and screen behind it.

Category:

Tourism and Vision Planning, Retail, Dining & Entertainment - RD&E, Hotels and Resorts, Culture Attractions

Start:

2011

Finish:

2011

Size:

741 acres / 300 hectares