Benoy joins the design launch of Ningbo Dream World, a park-led waterfront landmark
Benoy’s masterplan and architectural concept design for Ningbo Dream World was officially unveiled in Ningbo on 14 December. Previously known as the Minghu Mixed-Use Development, the park-led waterfront development in eastern Ningbo is shaped by the Ningbo Eastern New City planning strategy and the ecological setting of Minghu Lake.
Drawing on our global experience in commercial and waterfront developments, Benoy is curating Ningbo Dream World as a new multifaceted landmark that reflects both global design thinking and local context. Qin Pang, Director and Head of the Shanghai Studio at Benoy, represented the lead design team at the milestone event.
Structured around a city – people – nature design approach, Ningbo Dream World brings fashion and lifestyle together in one destination, along with a business and social hub, and a waterfront leisure and resort offering.
Jointly developed by Ningbo Urban Investment, Ningbo Real Estate, and Jiangshan Wanli Property, the project spans approximately 251,200m² and has a total investment value of around RMB 18 billion (approximately £1.9 billion).
At the event, Qin Pang outlined Benoy’s design approach, which centres on ecological integration and the relationship between landscape and architecture:
“We believe design should respond to the needs of the city. Ningbo Dream World is not simply a commercial complex but a public urban space that brings natural character into everyday life. The design respects Minghu Lake’s waterfront setting while drawing inspiration from the stone forests of Hu’ao Island in Ningbo’s Xiangshan area. The rhythm and layering of these natural formations are translated into architectural form.
Through a close dialogue between buildings and landscape, we’ve brought commercial activity, social exchange and ecological experience together, extending Ningbo’s maritime identity and creating a walkable, engaging and liveable environment for the city.”
As a core project within Phase II of Ningbo Eastern New City, the development will contribute to the area’s emerging commercial and public realm, with major public realm works in the Minghu precinct expected to be largely completed by the end of 2026.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to see Ningbo Dream World contribute to Ningbo’s evolving urban landscape within the Yangtze River Delta.
