From 1820 to 1950, the site was a paradise for vendors and a stage for Cantonese opera artists. Its unique and bustling street scenes witnessed the dual prosperity of material and cultural weath.
However, with the rapid urbanization of Guangzhou and the rise of various CBDs, the brilliance of this historical and cultural district was gradually overshadowed. The former glory and bustle vanished, leaving behind only the traces of time and endless nostalgia.
Since 2011, Yongqing Fang has been gradually developed from west to east, becoming a representative of Lingnan culture and a popular tourist destination in Guangzhou. With the reconstruction of the commercial buildings on the east side of Yongqing Fang, the adjacent abandoned areas have also been renovated. The old community, once filled with dilapidated houses, has transformed into a new landmark within Guangzhou’s old district.
The Blend of History and Modernity – The Echoes of Heritage and Lingnan Culture
Lingnan culture, a brilliant result from the interaction of Chinese and Western cultures, vividly demonstrates the pioneering spirit and inclusive openness of the people of Guangzhou. Yongqing Fang has always been praised by locals for its respect for historical records and its appreciation of culture. This reverence for history and culture should be preserved and carried forward.
So, how can we carry on this legacy? The answer might be hidden in the weathered buildings surrounding Jinsheng Square, each bearing the unique charm of different styles of decorative art interwoven with traditional Lingnan architecture.
Jinsheng Square echoes the newly renovated Jinsheng Cinema. Walking northward through the nearly 100-meter-long square, you are greeted by the harmonious coexistence of new and old buildings. The square connects the surrounding buildings, forming a link between history and modernity, leading us to revisit those wonderful bygone days.
A Freely Flowing Modern Atmosphere – Functional Transformation Aligned with Contemporary Life
Jinsheng Square is surrounded by preserved buildings, commercial buildings, cultural institutions, and a mix of old and new residential buildings, creating a unique landscape where history and modernity, tradition and innovation, are interwoven.
Jinsheng Square not only hosts large-scale events and vibrant commercial activities but also offers citizens and tourists a fresh experience every day. As a major commercial anchor, the square blends Lingnan traditional architectural elements with modern design concepts, providing unique visual enjoyment for visitors and locals, and serving as an important window for showcasing Lingnan culture.
In terms of programs and activities, the square will offer a wide range of experiences. In addition to daily commercial and dining activities, the weekend market will feature a variety of specialty goods and handicrafts, allowing citizens and tourists to enjoy a rich cultural atmosphere while shopping. Moreover, the square will regularly host large-scale events, such as music festivals and cultural festivals, providing citizens and visitors with spectacular audio-visual feasts.
The Innovation of the Old and New: Narrating Urban Life and Regional Charm
In exploring the fusion of Lingnan architecture and Art Deco motifs, both strive for beauty in details, expressing a longing for prosperity and care through intricate decorations. This aesthetic philosophy is embodied in the floral patterns on doors and windows of Lingnan architecture, resonating with the linear and polygonal patterns of Art Deco, creating a visual feast.
Cobblestones have been chosen as the paving material for the square, serving not only as a metaphor for a specific historical moment but also as a tribute to traditional culture. Within the Western cultural framework formed by the carpet patterns and cobblestones, Eastern culture is presented on a more subtle scale, allowing Western elements and Eastern details to coexist.
In the square design, some distinctive cobblestone “long carpets” are woven together diagonally, extending from each direction to the main facade of the square, forming a visual connection. Especially notable is the cobblestone carpet on the south side, which serves as a dual directional guide to both the Jinsheng Grand Theater and the reconstructed main facade of the commercial buildings.
The mortise and tenon seats, as well as the origami bird sculptures, cleverly incorporate elements of Lingnan culture. They not only showcase the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design but also evoke people’s fond memories of childhood, deeply touching their emotions.
Continuing the Gene of the Flower City, Recalling the Local Memory
Throughout the square, irregular spaces such as street corners are designed as green spaces to maximize the green space ratio, providing people with comfortable activity spaces with extensive tree shade.
Water features and lush greenery are dotted across the open spaces, not only covering the outdoor resting areas of the buildings, but also adding vitality and dynamism to the otherwise monotonous blank walls.
Low-growing and shade-tolerant plants are cleverly interspersed, adding layers to the resting areas and infusing the space with a rich natural ambiance, as if stepping into a tranquil painting.
In the depths of Rongshi Lane, the ancient walls are covered with lush ivy, resembling a natural green curtain. The ground is paved with weathered old bluestone slabs, interspersed with gravel filling, illuminated by soft lighting at night, creating a serene and warm atmosphere.
The Variation and Inheritance of Yongqing Fang
The old Xiguan city, which once carried countless stories, has now donned a new attire, becoming a blend of past and present, a convergence of East and West in Yongqing Fang.
From the prosperity of Cantonese opera to urban renewal, the “rebirth” of Yongqing Fang is not just an external transformation, but also an internal cultural awakening. It allows people to rediscover the unique charm of this city and cherish the disappearing traditional culture even more.
In this rapidly changing era, designers hope Yongqing Fang can stay true to its original aspiration. Let those ancient buildings, traditional crafts, and simple folk customs continue, becoming the eternal memory of this city.
Location: Liwan District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
Design year: 2022
Year Completed: 2023
