Makeover plans for Pudong watertown
Hengmian town
Shanghai plans to develop a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) watertown in the Pudong New Area into a destination for leisure, cultural entertainment and ecological living.
The Hengmian Old Street in Kangqiao Town, 2 kilometers from the Shanghai Disney Resort, will be preserved to showcase its historical glory as a prosperous watertown supported by trade and shipping, the city’s urban planning body announced.
The future Hengmian historical and cultural project, covering 630,000 square meters, is tipped to become a key part in the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone.
All of the area’s historical buildings, streets, waterways and ancient trees will be strictly protected during development, the Shanghai Planning, Land and Resources Administration said. The administration publicized the blueprint on its official website and is soliciting public opinion on the plans through June 26.
The Hengmian town was formed in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and expanded in the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) as one of the 18 towns of Pudong. It was known for its extended waterways which attracted a large number of businessmen and shippers. The Mianqing Village, located within the town, was listed in China’s first batch of “traditional villages” in 2013.
The historical street will become the core of the development project, flanked by two nearby rivers: the Yanchuangang, literally “salt boat port,” and the Outer Ring Road Canal.
The project will be divided into three sections — the ancient town, a living community and commercial facilities. About 8,800 inhabitants will live in the area.
A total of 541,200 square meters of new construction will be built within the town, about 40 percent of which will be commercial facilities and office space. The remaining area will be used for residential purposes.
The structures will also be printed in black, blue-grey, brown and white in accordance with the town’s historical colorings, according to the administration.
Historic buildings within the core area of the town will be repaired and reused. Mianqing Village will be completely preserved. The streets and rivers will also be granted protected status, according to the administration.
