Known for its vibrant arts scene, Hangzhou’s Xihu District will soon welcome a new cultural hub: the Zhuantang Art & Life Block. The construction bid for the block’s public space enhancement project has been finalized, and construction work is set to begin shortly.

Located in the Huanmeiyuan of Zhuantang Subdistrict, the project will transform the core area encompassing Meiyuan North and South Streets and Xiangshan Road into a new city landmark. The renovated area will host art exhibitions, cultural experiences, and lifestyle amenities. The construction will include upgrades to 40,000 square meters of green landscaping within the Huanmeiyuan Block, along with hardscaping, tunnel renovations, and the installation of decorative murals up to 1.8 meters high.

In addition to the overall public space transformation, individual sections within the Zhuantang Arts & Life Block are also making significant progress.

For example, Boundless Realm Art Community, aiming to create an open arts community and enrich local residents’ lives with artistic experiences, is currently 65% complete and has secured 21 letters of intent from potential investors. The BAC Art Community, envisioned as a vibrant cultural and artistic hub, has nearly finished its façade renovations and already secured leases for 60% of its commercial spaces.

“We place great importance on the role of art in urban development. We are committed to enhancing the aesthetic appeal, cultural richness, and artistic vibrancy of our urban spaces, and striving to set a new benchmark for urban aesthetics,” stated an official of the Zhuantang Subdistrict. The Zhuantang Art & Life Block 1.0 is slated to officially open in late December 2024. By leveraging the resources of the China Academy of Art and the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, this project aims to create a vibrant art-centric lifestyle hub. It will attract established and emerging artists, offering a diverse range of experiences, including music, sports, art, dining, entertainment, shopping, and leisure. By promoting collaboration between businesses, academic institutions, and research organizations, the project will revitalize the subdistrict and elevate the image of the city.