On 23 April, the “Rippling Along the Waterfront, Embracing a Vibrant Lifestyle” Qinwang Water Street Press Conference and the launch of the Fuyang Life Festival were successfully held.
Representing the team, Qin Pang, Director and Head of Benoy Shanghai, joined distinguished guests to unveil the masterplan and architectural design for both Qinwang Water Street and Jinmao Star Bund, developed by Benoy.
Situated at the heart of the Qinwang “City Eye” development in Fuyang, Jinmao Star Bund is a landmark urban project. With a total GFA of 1.2 million square metres and an investment exceeding RMB 30 billion, it stands as the largest and most complex project in Fuyang’s urban development history. Recognised as a flagship initiative within Zhejiang Province’s Greater Bay Area strategy, the development reflects the region’s bold vision for future living.
As a key component of this initiative, Qinwang Water Street spans 45,000 square metres over 430 metres in length. Rooted in human-centric design, the scheme blends contemporary urban lifestyle with local culture. The waterfront retail street offers a seamless extension of Fuyang’s public realm — a place where refined everyday life and a relaxed riverside atmosphere come together in harmony.
Benoy’s design draws inspiration from the 14th-century Chinese landscape masterpiece Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, reimagining its poetic naturalism through a contemporary architectural lens. It also references the unique synergy between rivers, bridges, and traditional dwellings found in the water towns of Jiangnan.
Traditional elements such as timber tones, brick walls, and sloped rooftops are interwoven with modern design to create a vibrant, 24-hour cultural and lifestyle destination. Shallow reflecting pools and cantilevered terraces draw people closer to the water, while dynamic seasonal and festival-driven themes will ensure the street remains fresh and engaging all year round.
At the launch, Qin Pang shared:
“Qinwang Water Street uses water as its central thread, integrating design elements such as flowers, nightscapes, and spring river motifs to create a living, three-dimensional version of Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.
We moved beyond conventional commercial formats to offer greater flexibility for tenant expression. The architecture becomes a soft backdrop — much like the ink-washed landscapes of the original painting — while the tenants become the true protagonists.
Layered pedestrian pathways, outdoor seating areas, and art installations create a step-by-step immersive journey. The project also links adjacent commercial districts and the main city plaza, generating a dual magnetic field that flows between the urban centre and the riverfront.
Looking ahead, Qinwang Water Street will break through single-use models by layering experiential scenes such as pop-up activations, curated exhibitions, and community events. Together, these will redefine the boundaries between retail and social connection, and cultivate a relaxed, cosmopolitan lifestyle.”
As the lead designer, Teri Tsang, Director and Hong Kong Studio Lead at Benoy, shared in a statement:
“Our vision for Jinmao Star Bund is to establish a new benchmark for integrated mixed-use developments.
We envision a compact, connected micro-city — one that leverages robust transport networks including metro and bus systems to create seamless links between urban districts and natural landscapes.
At its heart, Lanxiu City Plaza is designed to be a future-facing retail and lifestyle destination, offering a diverse mix of experiences through thoughtful, people-centric design that fuses commerce with everyday life.
Ultimately, we aim to shape an intelligent, sustainable, and livable urban environment — a forward-looking city defined by vibrant public spaces, ecological awareness, and a balance between living and working.”
As the pilot development of Jinmao Star Bund, Qinwang Water Street builds on China Jinmao’s positioning as a “city operator,” blending rich cultural heritage with modern design aesthetics to create a landmark waterfront destination that integrates cultural experiences, ecological landscapes, and leisure-oriented retail.
In the future, the combined TOD hub of Qinwang Water Street and Jinmao Lanxiu City Plaza is expected to become a new commercial landmark within Hangzhou’s metropolitan “30-minute lifestyle circle,” supported by vibrant riverfront scenes and a diverse mix of programmes.
Qinwang Water Street is scheduled to open ahead of China’s National Day celebrations in October 2025.
