Protecting urban heritage and revitalizing the center of the ancient city of Qixian

Qixian was once a flourishing trade city on the ancient tea road. The remarkable urban heritage in the historic center of Zhaoyu earned the city its classification as a “famous historical and cultural city” from national authorities. However, failure to protect this heritage has caused it to deteriorate. None of the buildings are shown in their best light and the city therefore attracts very few tourists. The city center’s 5,600 inhabitants live in historic but dilapidated housing.

With support from AFD, the local government has initiated a project to protect and showcase the city’s cultural heritage while also improving the living conditions of residents in the historic center of Zhaoyu.

The project will restore traditional buildings and old housing, create green spaces and recreational areas, renovate roads and renew urban infrastructure, including urban heating, public lighting, sanitation, access to drinking water and stormwater treatment.

The project helps preserve and enhance the urban heritage of Qixian’s old city while improving residents’ living conditions. It includes the restoration of traditional buildings and historic homes, the creation of green and recreational spaces, and upgrades to roads and urban infrastructure, including district heating, street lighting, sanitation, drinking water supply, and stormwater management. All utility networks and roads in the old city are being renovated in a way that respects the site’s historic character.

The project is based on strategic planning for the old city and the surrounding area, with a comprehensive approach that goes beyond preserving the built environment. It includes a diverse range of tourism offerings and combines the promotion of local economic and social activities with heritage conservation and enhancement.

Expertise from several French organizations and consulting firms (École de Chaillot, Inca, Burgéap, In Extenso, and Urbanis) was mobilized to support local authorities in designing the project.

• Preservation, enhancement and revitalization of Qixian’s cultural heritage;
• Greater urban attractiveness with the development of a vibrant and innovative old city center;
• Improvement of basic services for residents and renovation of social housing, benefiting the most vulnerable residents;
• Creation of direct and indirect jobs through tourism development, with specific support aimed at benefiting local residents.