Dongguan Garden Residences awarded for conservation by UNESCO

The Dongguan Garden Residences project in Yangzhou has successfully revitalized the city's ancient garden-making tradition from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. 

The Dongguan Garden Residences project wins the 2023 award of distinction for cultural heritage conservation of UNESCO. [Photo/Twitter: @Gojiangsu]

Focused on restoring historic gardens along Dongguan Street, the restoration project integrates traditional craftsmanship with contemporary landscape design, setting a benchmark for classical Chinese gardens' conservation work. 

Various gardens of different scales and building typologies are part of this sensitive consolidation. The project's success can be partially attributed to the establishment of associations led by garden historians, community enthusiasts, and local government support. 

Financial incentives further drive community-driven revival for private courtyard houses. The revived gardens showcase the project's impactful methodology. Its community-oriented approach not only preserves historical and environmental heritage but also aligns with broader socio-economic objectives, contributing to the revitalization of Yangzhou's urban setting and cultural landscape. 

The Dongguan Garden Residences project serves as a model for the fusion of tradition and contemporary design, creating a cultural and historical renaissance in Yangzhou.