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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Regeneration of Xinmalu, Ningbo

During field trips to Ningbo and its heritage areas,
including the case study site, it became evident that the
city is struggling to find an adequate model for integrating
the remaining fragments of its past into its modern urban
structure. This case reveals a strong conflict between urban
development and historic heritage, as well as the dynamic
evolution of the meaning of heritage. The relentless urban
Figure 2. An image of Ningbo City from the early 1980s, documenting growth that Ningbo has witnessed in the past four decades
its activities as an important port. Source: Ningbo Urban Planning and has been widely viewed as detrimental to many of its urban
Design Institute.
heritage sites. The once-historical river city has seen much
of its old urban structures replaced by new developments,
scraping not only its irreplaceable architectural monuments
but also its rich repertoire of narratives, stories, and values.
4.1. The case of Xinmalu historical district
Given the extensive geographical and demographic scope
Figure 3. Ningbo City over a span of four decades, culminating in 2018, of Ningbo City, a focused analysis of a specific case was
illustrating continuous urban development. Source: Ningbo Urban deemed a more productive approach for evaluating the
Planning and Design Institute.
heritage conservation and rehabilitation process. This
focused approach is expected to generate more tangible
major components of Ningbo’s modern economy (Zhu results and provide context-based insights that can inform
& He, 2013). The historic city of Ningbo, located in the similar projects across the city. The Xinmalu Historical
coastal province of Zhejiang, exemplifies a city working District, located in the center of Jiangbei District, spans a
to resolve the inherent conflicts between upgrading older total area of 22 ha. The district’s history dates to the late
urban areas and conserving cultural heritage. Addressing Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911), a period marked by foreign
these challenges in one of the city’s heritage neighborhoods powers forcing China into trading concessions after
provides valuable insights at both national and regional the First Opium War (1839 – 1842). Xinmalu’s central
levels. Ningbo’s growth has resulted in remarkable land location, with rich heritage assets, and a proximity to the
use changes, with the urban boundary expanding tenfold river enhance its historical significance (Figure 4). Situated
from 213 sqkm in 1990 to 2,163 sqkm in 2015 (Liu & adjacent to the Old Bund on Jiang Bei An, the north
Feng, 2016). However, as Liu and Borthwick (2011) have bank of the Yong and Yuyao Rivers, Xinmalu Historical
argued, rapid urban development and the housing boom District was a key area where foreign merchants settled
have threatened the city’s natural landscape and cultural and established trading posts (Figure 5). By the late 1900s,
attractions. Jiang Bei had advanced into a significant commercial hub,

Using sustainable neighborhood planning, hosting numerous thriving national and international
Cheshmehzangi et al. (2021) have suggested that within the financial, commercial, and shipping enterprises. The
broader context of sustainable urbanism, China is adopting British, French, German, and Dutch influences in Ningbo
strategies for planners, developers, and policymakers. are still evident in the district’s urban fabric, characterized
For a sustainable future, it is important to analyze the by estates, warehouses, and other facilities built in an
historic setting of the Xinmalu District in Ningbo within eclectic European architectural style. However, much of
the parameters of heritage conservation in China. In the the historic architecture, urban fabric, and infrastructure in
absence of a long-term vision to protect its natural and the Xinmalu Historical District are in need of restoration,
cultural heritage, the Xinmalu Historic District has lost its renovation, and rehabilitation (Figure 4).
waterways, which were gradually converted into vehicular
streets. Another critical challenge has been mobilizing city 4.2. The main phases of the site’s evolution and
officials to consider the significance of creating a more historical significance
holistic and inclusive approach to developing the historical To understand the historical value of the site, several
core. Governance and public policy play critical roles in methods were used, including historical references,
aligning development with the preservation of the historic architectural history analysis, and interviews with elderly
environment. Officials, leading planners, and decision- community members. These approaches have helped to
makers in the district are committed to moving forward identify the following key phases in the development of
with stewardship and responsibility. this special context:

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2623