Urban renewal breathes new life into century-old foreign-style buildings

A batch of centuryold foreignstyle mansions in Tianjin's Heping District are being reintegrated into urban life through urban renewal and revitalization. Taking Gu Weijun's former residence as an example, this old building, which was originally built in 1921, has changed from a oncevacant property into a cultural and tourism space that combines exhibitions, experiences, and consumption functions, attracting visitors to tour, drink coffee, and take part in costume phototaking activities. Reports show that the operating team reorganized the space around the historical story of Gu Weijun and his family, combining their life experiences with business format design, while also enhancing the visiting experience through ideological and political education classes, situational performances, and other methods. So far this year, the former residence has also been selected as an excellent case of Tianjin's cultural relic building protection and utilization for its protection and utilization efforts. In addition to Gu Weijun's former residence, old buildings such as Zhang Garden and the former Kailuan Mining Bureau Building in Tianjin's Five Avenues area have also been given new functions. Zhang Garden has introduced immersive performances, while the former Kailuan Mining Bureau Building has been transformed into a financial exhibition and service center. Relevant departments in Tianjin said that the city is promoting the revitalization of historical buildings through approaches such as "one building, one policy," continuing the urban cultural context while protecting the buildings themselves.