Chengdu's Longxing Temple Urban Renewal Project has claimed the Popular Choice Award at the 2025 Architizer A+Awards, cementing its status as a global benchmark for heritage-conscious urban development. The Beijing Institute of Architectural Design transformed a neglected neighborhood into a harmonious blend of 16th-century Sichuan architecture and cutting-edge innovation, employing AI monitoring and prefabricated steel structures to preserve historical authenticity.
As a national pilot project, the temple complex demonstrates China's evolving urban renewal strategy that prioritizes cultural preservation alongside technological advancement. Construction leader China State Construction Third Engineering Bureau utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) to recreate intricate traditional designs with millimeter precision, while modern courtyards now host cultural events attracting both residents and international tourists.
This recognition highlights Asia's growing influence in sustainable urban solutions, offering insights for architects, investors, and policymakers seeking to balance economic growth with cultural stewardship. The project's success underscores Chengdu's emergence as a hub for heritage-tech integration, with implications for urban development models across the continent.
