Woods Bagot was selected as the winner for the concept master planning of the Xixi Wetland international tourism region design competition. The stunning region of rural parkland, located within the heart of Hangzhou and close to the famous Westlake, will be adapted into an epicentre for cultural and eco tourism, including hospitality facilities, public space and a vast expanse of wetlands. In keeping with the innate character of the historic region, the development will preserve the natural beauty of the territory while setting a new standard for ecological landscaping and urban design.
After a competition stage for the high profile project, the Hangzhou Planning Bureau selected the Woods Bagot scheme for innovative planning and urban design for the regional development. As well as the creation of a low carbon community with revolutionary standards for ecological efficiency, the development of the wetlands region will transform it into one of China's leading cultural centres and a global tourist destination, redefining the city of Hangzhou itself.
The masterplanning and urban design for the Xixi region by Woods Bagot is characterised by its super-green features. A major factor in the creation of this low carbon community is the introduction of a major sustainable transportation system. An extensive network for walking and cycling across the district allows for a significant reduction in the use of heavily carbon-emitting forms of transport. This green infrastructure will combine with major renewal sites and wetland ecology schemes to lower water demands and reduce reenhouse gas emissions.
With a total site area of just over 35 square kilometres, the Xixi Wetland International Tourism region will be dominated by 13 square kilometres of wetlands. The area planned by Woods Bagot comprises over 7 square kilometres of residential space and nearly five square kilometres of public and civil facilities, supported by a sophisticated network of roads.
The Xixi wetland park region has been identified as key catalyst of development as part of the city's urban planning directive and reinforcing Hangzhou's ambition to further develop the tourism industry. Careful conservation and ecological strategies are required to protect XiXi Wetland Park and protect the local culture whilst sustaining further economic development in the region.
Given these complexities the Hangzhou Xixi Park region needs a new strategic plan, underpinned by a visionary approach and focused on sustainability. Addressing the following;
1. The region should drive tourism and leisure opportunities.
2. The requirement of an overall framework of the area, in developing a vision and urban strategy to consolidate all these sites.
3. Strategic transportation to connect all the blocks.
4. The region requires urban design guidelines for distribution, number and scale of development with favourable outcomes for all the stakeholders; land owners; public, industry, government and environment.
5. The market research performed by the planning bureau has identified a need for a variety of quality hotels for diverse users. Quality, sustainable, cultural and multi-functional service.
6. Adhere to the city planning of Hangzhou of "Harmony Hangzhou demonstration zone", to plan a "world class" Xixi complex conceptual plan. And deal with the relationship between complex and university, Science Park and tourism, to build up the brand of "living in Hangzhou, travel in Hangzhou, learn in Hangzhou and business in Hangzhou".
With sustained investment in the city's infrastructure and green industries promoting Hangzhou's financial growth, it is set to become a major player in the global economy. The development of the Xixi Wetland International Tourism region has the opportunity to be a catalyst for the regeneration of the city, further amplifying its appeal as an exceptional tourist destination.
