The revitalization project of the historic and cultural block of Dongshan Xinhepu in Guangzhou wins the 2019 Asian Townscape Award in Fukuoka, Japan on Nov 29. [Photo by Li Shanheng/southcn.com]

The revitalization project of the historic and cultural block of Dongshan Xinhepu in Guangzhou won the 2019 Asian Townscape Award in Fukuoka, Japan on Nov 29.

The Asian Townscape Award was jointly set up by four international organizations, including the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and Asian Habitant Society, in 2010. It is the top prize for urban landscape areas in Asia.

Guangzhou's project, together with another 11 projects, was selected from 69 projects from 15 countries and regions.

Xinhepu, which epitomizes China's modern and contemporary history, clusters many garden houses with red brick walls and granitic plasters that typify the Dongshan style. The area was listed among the first batch of historic and cultural preservation sites in Guangzhou in 2000. 

Starting from 2007, the Yuexiu district government has been devoting continuous efforts in the revitalization in areas spanning the protection of historical buildings, the upgrading of living  environments, as well as the implementation of cultural and arts facilities.

Currently, Xinhepu historical block is home to a variety of cultural institutions, spanning small clubs, galleries, small restaurants, cafes, and cultural creative exhibition areas, mixing western and Chinese culture.

Luo Yun, director of the Yuexiu commercial bureau, said that Yuexiu district has invested 206.61 million yuan ($29.28 million) this year in the further upgrading of Dongshan, expecting to turn the district into a demonstration area for the innovative development of boosting urban vitality.

Xinhepu, which epitomizes China's modern and contemporary history, clusters many garden houses with red brick walls and granitic plasters that typify Dongshan style. [Photo by Li Shanheng/southcn.com]