LOCATION: Gongshu & Shangcheng district, Hangzhou 

TYPE: Landscape 

SCALE: 1630000 sq.m. 

DESIGN/ BUILT: 2021 / 2022 

PHOTOGRAPHY:  Liang Junhao

The Hangzhou Grand Canal winds through the main city, passing through Gongchen Bridge, Xiangji Temple, Wulin Gate, Gaotang, Qianjiang New Town and other city landmarks, linking Hangzhou's past with its future. In 2021, as a part of urban renewal initiative ahead of the 19th Asian Games, Hangzhou launched the Grand Canal regeneration project.

ALYA became one of final schematic design teams. Using the concept of urban acupuncture, the project studied a new model of organic renewal of the city's waterfront through field study, public opinion research and municipal workshops. We made moderate renovations and enhancements to the spatial nodes of the site, such as the riverfront greenway, the historical district, the commercial plaza, and the water bus terminals, to create an urban waterfront space that suits the culture of the site.