On August 27th, reporters learned from the Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development that to advance urban renewal in designated areas, Anhui has adopted an innovative model by establishing a "district + project" mechanism. This explores new pathways such as activating existing assets, upgrading functional industries and formats, and promoting integrated industrial-urban development. Across the province, a total of 214 renewal districts (for 2025-2028) and 519 projects have been planned.

In recent years, Changfeng County has accelerated its implementation of urban renewal, planning and executing the Hefei "North Wonderland City" Art Center project. It innovatively employed a model combining "holistic district renewal with the revitalization of industrial heritage," achieving remarkable results and becoming a typical case study for the entire province.

To comprehensively enhance the quality and functionality of the North City area, Changfeng County conducted master planning and unified development for over a thousand mu of land. Rejecting traditional single-purpose development models, the Hefei "North Wonderland City" Art Center innovatively integrates modern functions with preserved industrial relics, positioning itself as a new cultural and artistic landmark and a destination for urban micro-vacations and cultural tourism. 

In terms of planning, the project encompasses a cultural and creative park with an artistic flair, a futuristic children's theme park, a mixed-use commercial complex integrating culture, shopping, and tourism, locally distinctive specialty streets, urban parks, and future residential areas. It will also incorporate core cultural facilities such as libraries, art galleries, and cultural centers, aiming to create a super arts and cultural hub.

The project's most prominent highlight is its creative preservation and revitalization of industrial relics. The district's plan includes venues like an Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall, an Intangible Cultural Heritage Display Center, an immersive art museum, a Youth Arts Practice Center, and an Intelligent Manufacturing Science & Technology Showcase Center. Upon completion, it will become China's first matrix-style cultural park transformed from disused cement silos.

The project also revolves around functional zones including "Culture & Arts," "Parent-Child Entertainment," "Green Leisure Spaces," "Specialty Commerce," and "Dynamic Residential Areas." Targeting Gen Z consumers, it centers on new digital business formats, novel consumption patterns, innovative scenarios, and unique experiences. Its goal is to become a nationally leading, benchmark cultural tourism destination in Anhui. Currently, the project is being implemented in phases.

To advance urban renewal across designated areas, Anhui has pioneered an innovative model by establishing a "District + Project" mechanism. Province-wide, a total of 214 renewal districts (planned for 2025-2028) and 519 projects have been mapped out. Among these, construction has commenced in 51 districts and 196 projects are underway.

Anhui will use these pilot areas to drive broader progress through demonstration and leadership. Focusing on typical district cases, it will further optimize and improve aspects such as plan formulation and design, convergence of resource factors, platform matching and connection services, introduction of economic business formats, and comprehensive benefit assessment. The aim is to rapidly develop replicable and scalable experiences and practices.

Source: Hefei Evening News