Switching to a new track

Thanks to the environment of encouraging creativity, Zuo Long, an enthusiast of free diving, opened Hidive in Lang Yuan Station. This form of diving, which relies on holding one's breath rather than using scuba equipment, has become a trend among urban residents in China in recent years. In the park, Zuo has found a potential market.

"It's still popular in a small circle," Zuo says. "But it fits modern young people's socialization process, which focuses on their hobbies."

Nonetheless, even for a veteran diver like Zuo, building a diving pool in a city is a challenge. The 16-meter deep diving pool of Hidive is among the deepest facility of its kind in China.

"Both I and the managers of Lang Yuan Station had little experience," he recalls. "We keep learning, trying, and pushing our program to advance. A more tolerant atmosphere here finally enables us to grow. An urban renewal program can usher more people in to find opportunities in new industries with many possibilities."

According to Guo Chen, manager of the park, only new forms of industries fitting the ethos of creativity will be given the green light to settle there. Some maverick businesses failed here within a short space of time, but many new ones will follow them. In his eyes, it also demonstrates the park's "vitality".

"We've spent much energy to select and incubate new brands," Guo Chen says. "Consumers will surely prefer wandering in a shopping mall near their home if the brands are similar, so we have to give stores here some special characteristics."

Lang Yuan Station has annually organized about 300 cultural events since 2019, despite the effects of COVID-19. The dynamic environment has also led to a boom in business; the park is becoming the country's most important hubs for film post-production.

Who knows? Walking through the construction sites, which represent future horizons and enjoying a cup of coffee later while chewing on a sense of nostalgia, the park could offer much inspiration for filmmakers.