Southern culture runs deep in district’s veins

Jiang Weihui, a researcher with the housing and urban-rural development bureau of Liwan district, where Enning Road is located, states that preservation efforts began in 2006.

"Our renovation projects focus on historical and cultural preservation, including the Liwan water system, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum and broader district development," he says.

The official preservation plan for Enning Road was launched in 2018. Jiang emphasizes the team's sensitive approach to preserving traditional Lingnan (southern China) architectural elements and minimizing demolition.

"It's a painstaking process," Jiang says. "We reinforce existing structures and preserve their original appearance." preservation efforts began in 2006.

"Our renovation projects focus on historical and cultural preservation, including the Liwan water system, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum and broader district development," he says.

The official preservation plan for Enning Road was launched in 2018. Jiang emphasizes the team's sensitive approach to preserving traditional Lingnan (southern China) architectural elements and minimizing demolition.

"It's a painstaking process," Jiang says. "We reinforce existing structures and preserve their original appearance."

Enning Road was once one of Guangzhou's aging neighborhoods. Today, it is a vibrant hub for young people, with trendy stores and coffee shops lining the streets.

In 2020, Yongqing Fang became home to Guangzhou's first intangible cultural heritage-themed area and opened studios for masters of heritage.

"We introduced heritage studios with favorable rent policies as a platform for masters to display their work," Jiang says. "This initiative connects young people with intangible heritage while encouraging the adaptation of products for modern tastes."

In August, Enning Road was recognized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development for its exemplary preservation practices. Jiang believes the district's pilot projects offer valuable lessons for other historical areas in Guangzhou.

Plans are also in place to create a pedestrian system connecting Enning Road with neighboring districts using the nearby river to preserve and revitalize the area's streets and paths, Jiang says.