Yan Garden Heritage Park

Yan Garden Heritage Park

Yan Garden Heritage Park is a significant cultural and architectural preservation project spanning 30,873 square meters of open space and greenery in Dongguan, China, representing a rare surviving architectural complex from southern China's rapid development period following the Chinese Reform and Opening Up. This creative park seamlessly integrates three distinct components: a revitalized 1979 hotel converted into art studios, a preserved 1996 mansion serving as a community hub with family exhibitions, and a newly constructed museum dedicated to educational entertainment. The park, completed in 2020 after a comprehensive three-phase development process, stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural preservation and cultural heritage management, earning recognition with a Bronze A' Design Award in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design category. The project's innovative approach to sustainable design incorporates microclimate considerations and natural ventilation systems to reduce carbon emissions, while its landscaping features 150 local plant species, contributing to regional biodiversity and creating a natural habitat that attracts indigenous wildlife. The park's design carefully balances preservation with modern functionality, implementing barrier-free access modifications while maintaining historical integrity, particularly in the Yanling Guesthouse's façade and exterior materials. Operating on a reservation-based system to manage visitor flow and minimize traffic impact, the facility can accommodate 300 to 500 guests daily, offering a controlled environment for cultural engagement and artistic expression through its resident artist program, while strict conservation protocols protect the historical structures from potential damage.

heritage preservation, sustainable architecture, cultural park, urban greenspace, artistic community hub, educational tourism

— Adam Dawson