The art of urban renewal

He explained that the academy removed both physical and psychological barriers. Teaching spaces were embedded throughout the district, including studios on upper floors and transparent classrooms at street level.

"People can see how artists are trained, encouraging interaction and creating a two-way exchange between the institution and the community," he said.

Behind this vision is Tianjin's plan to integrate preservation and utilization as outlined in the Tianjin Historical and Cultural City Protection Plan (2021-35). During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, Tianjin explored urban renewal strategies deeply tied to preservation. From the Quanyechang Market to the Italian Style Town, each project follows a tailored path.

"Our priority is to connect preservation with community development," noted Zhou Changlin, Party secretary and chairman of the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute. But planning alone is not enough, Tianjin needs viable commercial projects that can ensure a balanced approach between protection and development, he added.

Tianmei Art District stands out as a working example of that balance. Wang noted that it is the city's first renewal project to achieve financial sustainability through cultural and creative industries.

Through coordinated planning, Hebei district revitalized 17,000 square meters of unused buildings and 1.8 hectares of fragmented land parcels. Not only were key municipal issues like fuel and drainage for five surrounding old neighborhoods addressed, but projects like Tianmei Night School brought art education seamlessly into everyday life.

About 4 kilometers south in Heping district, along the banks of the Haihe River, Quanyechang Market is another model of this balance. "We follow three principles: preservation as the foundation, integration as the essence, and vitality as the goal," said Chen Kai, an official of Quanyechang subdistrict in Heping district.

Quanyechang once laid the groundwork for China's first-ever shopping center — predating Southdale Center, the United States' first recognized fully enclosed shopping mall that opened in Minnesota in 1956 — by three decades.

Today, as a century-old building and a recipient of China's national demonstration project for heritage preservation, Quanyechang Mall is undergoing restorative enhancement and is set to reopen by the end of this year.

The restoration process has revived its 1928 atrium and domed ceiling while solving numerous challenges of adapting historical buildings for modern use.

"We are introducing new businesses that cater to young audiences, such as VR and robotics experiences, while integrating them with the planning of both main and side streets," Chen said.

In 2024, the district established itself as the City of Coffee, founding the Coffee Alliance. This year, further development will incorporate the gaming industry, introducing trendy attractions like early 20th century-themed cosplay elements into the urban fabric.

"Tianjin's experience is replicable," Zhou said. "It shows that cultural heritage, when managed thoughtfully, can become a powerful engine for high-quality urban development."

Liu Zhenyi contributed to this story.