Foshan Lingnan Tiandi Lot 1

Tour Summary:Following its success in Shanghai and a host of other Chinese cities, Hong Kong-based private developer Shui On Land has brought its respected approach to historic preservation and urban development to the southern city of Foshan. In this ancient city, now a hub of industrial manufacturing and innovation, Shui On Land is building out its massive Foshan Lingnan Tiandi, a 128-acre (52 hectares) combination of contemporary residential, retail and office development. Anchoring this ongoing project is Lot 1, a walkable historic district of ancient alleyways and listed historic buildings. Rather than replace the old houses and buildings with reproductions, Shui On Land has restored classic homes in place and maintained the vernacular streetscape of narrow alleyways and courtyards, even exhuming and cleaning original pavers throughout the district. Shui On Land has introduced new retail and dining to the heritage buildings of Lot 1, and purposefully leased stores to traditional Lingnan-style retailers that had moved overseas. The project was honored as a 2019 winner of the ULI Global Awards for Excellence. In 2015, a ULI Advisory Services Panel convened to provide strategic advice on what actions the public and private sector should take to develop an innovative economy in Foshan and to create a vibrant urban core, including the Lingnan Tiandi development.