At the former site of the Italian concession in Tianjin, visitors can take in Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque architecture while dining at restaurants inspired by Italian, French, German, and other European cuisines. The mix of historical buildings and modern commerce reflects a distinctive approach to preservation and renewal in recent years.

This district, now known as the Italian Style Town, sits along the Haihe River and has a history spanning more than a century.

"Tianjin once hosted concessions from nine countries, but among them, the Italian concession established in 1902 stands out for its cohesive planning and exquisite layout," says Zheng Ying, an associate professor at the School of Architecture of Tianjin University.

In recent years, this area has adopted a specialized preservation mechanism under the "one building, one solution, one archive" principle, developing tailored plans to protect, restore, and reuse all 137 historical structures.

One notable example is the Sacred Heart Church on Jianguo Road, which had been abandoned for years and fallen into disrepair, becoming structurally unsafe.

After meticulous restoration and development, it has now been transformed into an art center, hosting exhibitions and theater performances and includes a cafe for visitors, says Zhao Qianqian, deputy director of the Tianjin Italian Style Town Management Committee.

"To date, we've organized concerts, exhibitions like the Graduation Season Carnival, and events featuring R&B and jazz music, all of which have proven very popular with young people," she says.

Guo Xintian, deputy inspector of the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, says the city's historical districts are key to its cultural identity, reflecting a blend of Eastern and Western influences as well as old and new.

"In practice, we assess the architectural structures, the surrounding spatial environment, and the significance of each building in terms of cultural heritage and adaptive reuse before implementing preservation plans," Guo explains.

In terms of preservation, the Italian Style Town adheres to the principles of minimal intervention and reversibility. Preventive measures, including digital monitoring and structural assessments, are applied to all historical buildings. On the restoration side, professional teams employ traditional techniques and materials to authentically preserve every brick and tile, Zhao says.

"Our goal is to ensure these heritage assets remain safe while integrating their cultural and social value into contemporary use," she says.

"For instance, in the case of Marco Polo Square, we have emphasized not only the restoration of its historical setting but also the integration of modern visitor experiences," Zhao adds.

Starting in the winter of 2024, an outdoor ice rink was introduced, inspired by the Tianjin Ice Skating Club that existed a century ago. This initiative gives citizens an opportunity to engage in winter sports while cheering for Chinese athletes competing in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

In addition, performances held at the opera teahouse in Marco Polo Square allow visitors to enjoy authentic, high-quality art while immersing themselves in the unique historical and cultural charm of this venue, enhancing their overall experience.

In 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism included the Italian Style Town in Hebei district on its list of the second batch of National Tourism and Leisure Districts.

In October last year, the Italian Style Town urban renewal project was recognized as one of the "Top 10 Urban Renewal Cases" at the Ninth China Urban Regeneration Conference, making it the only project from Tianjin to receive this honor.

Zhao says the district aims to preserve heritage while revitalizing industry, repurposing historical buildings for new uses and creating higher-end consumer experiences.

At the end of last year, Capella Hotel Group, in partnership with the Tianjin Hebei Industrial Development Group, opened the first Patina Hotel in China.

The 625 million yuan ($91 million) project integrates natural surroundings with architectural design while retaining the original character of the buildings. Seventeen historical structures were restored and converted into a hotel with 143 rooms, each offering views framed by Italian-style design elements.

"This year, we plan to revitalize an additional 17,000 square meters of assets. By building upon the brand of villa culture, we aim to further integrate business, travel, and culture, transforming Tianjin Italian Style Town into a unique urban living room and a cultural and consumer destination," Zhao says.

Chen Yijun contributed to this story.